Ben Thanh Market is indeed one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic and historic landmarks! Established in the early 20th century, it has been a bustling hub for trade, culture, and cuisine for over a century. Exploring Ben Thanh Market is a must-do for anyone visiting the city, offering a vibrant mix of traditional goods, local delicacies, and souvenirs.
If you're interested in uncovering the market's unique charm, history, and the treasures it holds, BDATrip's article sounds like a fantastic guide. Dive in and discover why this market continues to capture the hearts of travelers and locals alike!
Ben Thanh Market, situated on Le Loi Street in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, is a landmark that every traveler should experience. Spanning an impressive 13,056 m², this vibrant market is bordered by Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, and Le Thanh Ton streets, with Quach Thi Trang Square adding to its charm. Its prime location across from the Ben Thanh subway stationformerly the Quach Thi Trang construction site makes it a central and easily accessible destination, blending history, culture, and commerce.
Visitors to this market can choose various flexible transportation options such as bus, motorcycle, taxi, Grab service, bicycle, or even walking. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can take bus lines 109, 152, 49, or 119 to reach the market. If departing from Saigon station, it's only about a 15-minute walk, or you can take bus number 1. For those coming from Mien Dong bus station, bus lines 14 or 28 are suitable choices.
Ben Thanh Market is not just an ordinary market but also a historical and cultural relic of Saigon. The market originated in the 17th century, located along the Ben Nghe River, near a river wharf close to Gia Dinh citadel. This wharf, once a landing point for visitors and soldiers entering the city, was named Ben Thanh, hence the market was also named after it.
After multiple relocations, Ben Thanh Market found its permanent home in 1912, showcasing a distinctive French architectural design. The square-shaped structure features four grand entrances, each crowned with a prominent clock. The southern entrance, marked with the words “Ben Thanh Market” in both Latin and Chinese scripts, has become an enduring emblem of Ho Chi Minh City.
For over a century, this market has stood as a silent witness to Saigon's dynamic history and societal evolution. It has become an inseparable part of the city's identity, embodying the spirit and soul of its people. Beyond being a bustling trade center, Ben Thanh Market preserves and celebrates Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, reflecting hospitality, creativity, dynamism, and warmth that define the Vietnamese way of life.
After multiple relocations, Ben Thanh Market found its permanent home in 1912, showcasing a distinctive French architectural design. The square-shaped structure features four grand entrances, each crowned with a prominent clock. The southern entrance, marked with the words “Ben Thanh Market” in both Latin and Chinese scripts, has become an enduring emblem of Ho Chi Minh City.
For over a century, this market has stood as a silent witness to Saigon's dynamic history and societal evolution. It has become an inseparable part of the city's identity, embodying the spirit and soul of its people. Beyond being a bustling trade center, Ben Thanh Market preserves and celebrates Vietnam’s traditional cultural values, reflecting hospitality, creativity, dynamism, and warmth that define the Vietnamese way of life.
If the eastern entrance welcomes guests from the busy adjacent streets, the western entrance opens towards Quach Thi Trang square, equally lively and bustling. Each entrance of the market is adorned with a large clock at the top, along with the market's name in both the Latin and Chinese scripts, representing a blend of tradition and modernity.
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is easily accessible by various means of transport:
- Bus: An economical and environmentally friendly choice. Bus lines 01, 03, 05, 07, 09, 14, 19, 23, 27, 28, 32, 36, 40, 45, 49, 53, 56, 65, 68, 93, 109, 119, 120, 139, 141, 145, 152... are some of the many lines that pass through the market.
- Motorcycle: The most flexible means of transport in Vietnam. Available for rent at airports, stations, bus terminals, hotels, etc., with prices ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 VND per day. A valid driving license and compliance with traffic regulations are required.
- Taxi/Grab: Convenient and quick. Fares range from 10,000 - 20,000 VND per kilometer. Recommended to use reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh, Vinasun.
- Bicycle: An interesting way to explore Saigon. Available for rent from hotels, parks, etc., with prices ranging from 20,000 - 50,000 VND per hour.
- Walking: Ideal for enjoying the atmosphere of Saigon. Possible starting points include the City Theater, Notre Dame Cathedral, or join walking tours.
Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of the harmonious combination of French and Vietnamese architecture, opening up a unique world of art and culture. As you step through the entrances, pay attention to the intricate and sophisticated decorative details on the domes, pillars, and walls of the market. Especially, the main entrance with its prominent clock and the oil painting depicting the market's night scene is an ideal spot for memorable photos.
Inside the market, don't miss the flower stall area. Here, you'll be captivated by the diversity and colors of flowers like roses, orchids, lilies, chrysanthemums, and lotuses. Each flower is not only beautiful in color but also emits a pleasant fragrance, bringing a sense of relaxation and closeness to nature. Visiting this area, you'll appreciate the delicacy in each stall, showcasing the essence of traditional Vietnamese flower arranging art.
At Ben Thanh Market, a rich shopping world awaits you with a variety of goods from traditional to modern. Explore colorful stalls offering food, beverages, household utensils, electronic devices, and a multitude of choices in clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Visitors can find distinctive Vietnamese cultural products like traditional Ao Dai, graceful conical hats, multi-colored checkered scarves, artistic clock paintings, exquisite ceramics, and soft silks. In addition, the market also offers modern fashion items like dynamic T-shirts, stylish jeans, trendy sports shoes, luxurious watches, and a variety of sunglasses.
When shopping here, visitors should inquire about prices and consider bargaining, as vendors often quote prices higher than the actual value. Bargaining not only helps you get goods at a reasonable price but also offers an enjoyable experience in the local shopping culture.
Ben Thanh Market opens up a culinary paradise, gathering distinctive flavors of Saigon and other regions of Vietnam. Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes like flavorful Pho, crispy Banh Mi, spicy Bun Bo Hue, golden Banh Xeo, soft Banh Cuon, fragrant Com Tam, fresh Goi Cuon, and colorful Banh Trang Tron.
Don't miss out on trying unique dishes like flavor-rich stir-fried snails, aromatic Bo La Lot, special crab soup Banh Canh, crispy Banh Khot, light Banh Beo, and delicious grilled Banh Trang. Additionally, the market serves a variety of refreshing and attractive drinks like sweet sugarcane juice, cool coconut water, gently sour Dracontomelon juice, fresh orange juice, multi-flavored smoothies, and delicious bubble tea.
Each dish and drink at the market is not just a blend of ingredients but also a combination of tradition and creativity, providing you with a rich and memorable culinary experience.
The Ben Thanh Night Market offers a smaller but equally lively counterpart to the iconic Ben Thanh Market. Operating from 6 PM to midnight, it transforms Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets into a bustling hub of activity. This evening market unveils a fresh perspective of Saigon, blending shopping, street food, and entertainment into a unique and vibrant experience. Whether you're hunting for souvenirs or savoring local delicacies, the Ben Thanh Night Market is a must-visit destination to explore Saigon's energetic nightlife.
Here, visitors will find a variety of goods ranging from fashionable clothing, unique accessories, diverse souvenirs, modern electronic devices, to various appealing snacks. The Ben Thanh Night Market is not just a shopping venue but also a meeting point for cultural and entertainment activities. You can enjoy street music, lively art performances, or participate in fun games, offering a different experience from the daytime.
The night market is an ideal destination to experience the bustling, colorful, and vibrant nightlife of Saigon, providing a comprehensive and captivating view of the city's affluent urban life.
Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is conveniently close to several tourist attractions such as:
- City Theater: About 500 meters from the market, with French architecture from 1897, hosting art programs like opera, ballet. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. Easily accessible by bus numbers 01, 02, or 03.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: About 700 meters away, with Gothic architecture from 1880, open free from 8 AM to 5 PM. Accessible by walking or bus numbers 01, 02, or 03.
- Independence Palace: About 1.2 km away, with modern architecture from 1966, witnessing important Vietnamese history. Entrance fee 40,000 VND per person. Accessible by bus numbers 01, 02, or 03, or on foot.
If you want to stay near Ben Thanh Market for convenient sightseeing and shopping, you can choose from many hotels in the area such as:
- Silverland Yen Hotel: Only 200 meters from the market. The hotel offers modern and clean rooms with amenities like air conditioning, TV, minibar,... Enjoy a daily free buffet breakfast, and international dishes with prices ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 million VND per night.
- Central Palace Hotel: Approximately 300 meters from the market. The hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms, fully equipped, with prices ranging from 1.2 to 2 million VND per night.
- Nhat Ha 2 Hotel: About 400 meters from the market, offering fully-equipped rooms at prices ranging from 600 thousand to 1 million VND per night.
- Tam Hostel: Approximately 300 meters from the market. The hostel provides clean and cozy rooms with amenities like air conditioning, storage cabinets, and shared bathrooms. It also offers a communal area, kitchen, and laundry service, with prices ranging from 100 to 200 thousand VND per night.
Ben Thanh Market is a distinctive destination when exploring Saigon, not only as a center for shopping and rich cuisine but also as a window into the history, culture, and essence of the city. It also provides opportunities for interactions with both domestic and international tourists, highlighting its role as an indispensable symbol of Saigon. Visit this interesting place today!
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