Ben Thanh Market

The place is well kept, and the dry market section is fairly organized with sections for 1-day coat/dress making, shirts, cute souvenirs trinkets, dried fruits & nuts, loose leaf tea and coffee beans. The prices vary but sellers offer huge discount especially when you buy more than 1 item. Just be cautious as some sellers can be very persistent. Despite the crowd, I feel safe walking around because there’s plenty of uniformed officers patrolling, and stationed around the market.

A very busy, bustling market full of food, drinks, merchandise, fabrics for tailoring, shoes, bags, trinkets of all kind. Be prepared to be sold / called out to constantly here so take your time or go in with a plan of what you want. Take the time to chat and you'll find there's some lovely honest vendors but get ready to haggle. They are all up for negotiation, but remember they're doing their job by selling. Busy and hot, so come prepared and quench your thirst with some amazing frozen smoothies or cold coconuts!

One of the most famous markets in Ho chi minh. You can get all types of souvenirs, some local hand crafted stuff, coffee, replica shoes of some famous brands. But but but your bargaining skills should be of top notch. Also please keep in mind that sellers here can really get pushy and aggressive. If you touch some stuff just to check it out then they will start pushing you to buy it. Some sellers really get aggressive if you check stuff and don’t buy, can be quite intimidating. So only if you can handle that behaviour then surely this can be a good place for you to visit and buy the stuff. There are also some small eateries and shops selling fresh juice and coffees. Most of the market closes at around 8 but their are few shops which remain open till 9 so plan your visit accordingly.

Ben Thanh Market, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, is a bustling hub of activity and a cultural landmark. Known for its iconic yellow façade and clock tower, the market is a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, textiles, handicrafts, fresh produce, and street food. The market is divided into sections, each specializing in different items. Visitors can find traditional Vietnamese clothing like Ao Dai, silk garments, and embroidered textiles. Souvenirs such as lacquerware, bamboo products, and handmade jewelry are popular choices. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the selection of Vietnamese coffee beans, dried fruits, spices, and local snacks. Ben Thanh Market is also a great place to experience Vietnamese street food. From comforting bowls of pho to fresh fruit smoothies, the culinary options are diverse and delicious. The market operates from early morning until late at night, making it convenient for visitors to explore at their own pace. While shopping, bargaining is a common practice, and visitors can often secure better deals by negotiating prices. The market's lively atmosphere, combined with its rich history and variety of offerings, makes it a must-visit destination in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs or simply want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Ben Thanh Market has something for everyone.

Glad I planned my trip with HCMC as last destination. We travelled from North to south Vietnam. We kept solid 3 days for shopping and Ben thanh didn't disappoint me. This is crowded place mixed with good and not so okay sellers. Since I had enough time on first day I noted prices of various items from my checklist and shop numbers. Have to agree with other reviewers that you need to bargain a lot and prices are 3x. No AC. I visited other markets like Saigon square and central market too. Found this one cheaper. Tip 1 - Go to this market early morning around 8:45-9 and you will get very good deal as sellers don't want to loose their first lucky customer. Tip 2 - Ha Tam Jewellery store opposite of gate 5 gives you best usd exchange rate if you have new and crisp notes. Go here also early morning to avoid long queues. Tip 3 - Buy in multiples like 3 or more pieces so sellers bring down the prices. Tip 4 - Bargain with patience and smile.

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City generally receives positive reviews for its vibrant atmosphere, wide variety of goods, and food options. However, some reviewers mention that it can get crowded and that vendors can be pushy, especially during peak times. Bargaining is also a common practice at the market. Here's a more detailed look at the reviews: Positives: Variety of goods: Ben Thanh Market offers a wide array of items, including clothing, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. Vibrant atmosphere: Many reviewers appreciate the lively and bustling atmosphere of the market. Food options: The market features a variety of food stalls offering local specialties and street food. Local culture: The market provides a glimpse into Vietnamese culture and daily life. Opportunities for bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice at the market, allowing shoppers to potentially secure lower prices. Negatives: Crowds: The market can become quite crowded, especially in the afternoons, which may be overwhelming for some visitors. Pushy vendors: Some reviewers mention that vendors can be persistent and pushy, making it difficult to browse at your own pace. Overpricing: The initial prices offered by vendors can be high, requiring bargaining to get a fair price. Potential for scams: Some reviewers have cautioned about the possibility of scams, such as inflated prices or misleading sales tactics.

highly do not recommend this market to tourists. It’s the definition of a tourist trap – overpriced, aggressive sellers, and absolutely not worth your time. They literally tried to charge me €20 for a lighter – no joke. It’s honestly embarrassing and feels like a scam. You’re better off exploring the city’s authentic markets or local spots where you’ll get fair prices and a much more genuine experience. Save your time and money – skip this place

Ben Thanh Market is an interesting place to explore, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs or experiencing local culture. Some vendors are friendly, though others can be a bit pushy. Prices are quite high—even after haggling—so you might find better deals at less touristy markets or supermarkets. The market is generally clean and organized, though some alleys are narrow and crowded. Worth a visit for the atmosphere, but shop wisely.