Ben Thanh Market

You can spend a lot of time in the market and it can be intense and at close quarters with everyone keen to get your business. Prices are very negotiable. Its a great place to eat at a good price. The shopping is the surrounding streets is just as good and more enjoyable. There are some fixed price shops around which probably give a fair price although there can still be a bit of room to move. Generally at the other shops they will start at twice what they want. Of course if you have time it's best to try a few and you will usually get a good offer when you are walking away.

I had high expectations for Ben Thanh Market, but the experience was disappointing. The place is extremely crowded and chaotic, making it hard to enjoy browsing. Many vendors are overly pushy and keep following you, which gets uncomfortable after a while. Prices are heavily inflated, and you really need to bargain hard — otherwise, you’ll end up paying far more than things are worth. The quality of some products also felt questionable. Overall, it felt more like a tourist trap than an authentic shopping experience. Ben Thanh Market was not as enjoyable as I expected. The place is too crowded, and it’s difficult to move around comfortably. Most vendors are quite pushy, and prices seem much higher than normal unless you bargain very hard. The market feels more tourist-focused than authentic, which made the experience underwhelming. My verdict: Ben Thanh market experience is not good, annoying vendors with forced sales, sophisticated inside, high price for tourist and arrogant people

Great place to get your nuts and coffee fix. Affordable prices and remember to negotiate if you’re buying in bulk. Good place to get quality tshirts at an affordable price. Space if a bit warm so be prepared if you’re not uses to heat 😀

Ben Thanh Market: A Return After Three Decades Stepping back into Ben Thanh Market after thirty years feels like entering a vibrant, familiar dream. At its heart, the soul of the market remains wonderfully unchanged. The same labyrinthine aisles buzz with energy, the air is still thick with the scent of fresh herbs, grilled meats, and blooming flowers. Veteran stall owners, now with more grey in their hair, still expertly arrange their wares, and the iconic clock tower stands as a steadfast sentinel over the daily whirlwind of commerce. The most striking changes are found not within the market itself, but on its outside. The surrounding area has been utterly transformed. The chaotic intersections have given way to organized, wide boulevards, and the old, low-rise buildings are now overshadowed by sleek, modern skyscrapers and luxury shopping centers. This upgraded infrastructure creates a fascinating contrast against the timeless, bustling core of the market. For any visitor, bargaining is not just a skill—it's an essential part of the experience. Vendors often quote tourists prices that are significantly inflated. To ensure you get a fair deal, be prepared to negotiate politely but firmly. A good rule of thumb is to start by bargaining down at least 30-50% from the initial asking price. Remember, a smile and a friendly attitude will get you much further than frustration. While the city of Ho Chi Minh has modernized at a breathtaking pace, Ben Thanh Market endures as the vibrant, chaotic, and beloved heart it has always been.

Was a nice casual experience, plenty of places to stop and have an authentic bite to eat or a freshly made coffee, iced drink or smoothie, many many choices at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a restaurant They are very welcoming and the people with the clothing and souvenir stores will bargain with you until they get a sale. If your not interested keep walking and don’t give eye contact. If you are interested you can usually bargain them down 2-3 times.

Good collection of assorted items. Went there to shop for local coffee that can be ground fresh if you wish, and some craft household items. There is a section for food as well inside. Haggle if you can, you'd get the best prices that way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What an experience! Ok — the Bến Thành Market! What an experience! Be prepared for every vendor to command your attention. The lanes are narrow, it gets hot, and the place is huge — there’s even a mezzanine and a second floor! The outer edges of the market have fixed prices (you’ll see signs above showing this), but once you head inside, it’s all about bartering. They expect it and enjoy the process. It’s easiest to bargain in VND. Our food guide the night before gave us a great tip: whatever price they first offer, start at about half and work from there until you meet in the middle — or just walk away if it’s not right. It’s totally fine to say no, even if they get a bit intense! Make sure to check and feel the product before buying, and be ready for an energetic (and slightly chaotic) adventure — you might just end up needing an extra suitcase for all your finds!

Bến Thành Market sits right in the heart of District 1 and is considered one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you can find just about everything – from dried foods, coffee, spices, and local specialties to souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and even delicious street food. The atmosphere here is lively and bustling, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Visitors come not only to shop but also to soak in the vibrant pulse of the city. However, prices at Bến Thành Market are often not fixed. Many stalls tend to quote higher prices, especially to foreign tourists or those unfamiliar with bargaining. To get a fair deal, it’s best to check prices at several stalls, compare, and negotiate comfortably – after all, haggling is part of the authentic Vietnamese market experience! Overall, Bến Thành Market is well worth a visit if you want to catch a glimpse of old Saigon, pick up some local specialties, or find unique souvenirs. Just remember: don’t rush to buy from the first stall you see.