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Explore Hotels →Saigon’s Iconic Market — History, Guide & Tips
Ben Thanh Market is the beating heart of Saigon — a vibrant, bustling hub where the city’s history, culture, and culinary traditions come alive. From its origins in the 17th century to its iconic 1914 building, this market offers an authentic glimpse into the soul of Ho Chi Minh City.
Curated by Andy Nguyen, Luxury Travel Specialist at Indochine CHIC
Ben Thanh Market is the vibrant heart of Saigon — a place where the city’s past and present converge. From its colonial-era architecture to its bustling stalls and legendary street food, it’s a must-visit destination for every traveler to Ho Chi Minh City.
“Where every visit is a journey through the soul of Saigon.”
A journey through 300 years of Saigon’s most iconic market
Origins (17th Century): The market’s origins date back to the 17th century when a small market was established near the Ben Nghé River, serving traders and locals in the area. The name “Ben Thanh” translates to “River Pier Market” — a reference to its original location.
French Colonial Era (1860s-1914): During the French colonial period, the market was relocated and rebuilt. The current building was constructed in 1914, designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel’s design team. The iconic clock tower became a symbol of Saigon.
During Vietnam War (1954-1975): After the Geneva Accords, Ben Thanh Market remained a central hub of commerce and daily life, evolving with the changing city.
Modern Era (1975-present): Today, Ben Thanh Market is a bustling hub of over 100 stalls, offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It remains one of Saigon’s most visited landmarks and a symbol of the city’s resilience and vitality.

Ben Thanh Market — the iconic heart of Saigon since 1914.
A masterpiece of French colonial design
The market’s most recognizable feature is its central clock tower, which has become a symbol of Saigon. The clock was designed by French engineers and has been keeping time for over a century.
Ben Thanh Market is a fine example of French colonial architecture, featuring a distinctive green-tiled roof, arched windows, and a central dome. The design was influenced by the architectural trends of the early 20th century.
The market has four main entrances, each corresponding to a compass direction. The main entrance faces the south, opening onto the roundabout with the statue of Tran Nguyen Han.
In recent years, Ben Thanh Market has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its architectural heritage while maintaining its functionality as a working market.
Everything you need to know to navigate Saigon’s most iconic market

Ben Thanh Market is organized into different sections. The central area is dominated by food stalls, while the outer sections feature textiles, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The market is divided into four main zones, each with its own specialty.
View Layout →
The food section is the heart of Ben Thanh Market. Here you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, and a variety of prepared foods. It’s a sensory experience that shouldn’t be missed.
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From traditional ao dai and lacquerware to handicrafts and local artwork, Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
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Ben Thanh Market is famous for its textiles, offering a wide range of fabrics, ao dai, and custom-made clothing. Many stalls offer tailor-made suits and dresses.
Explore Textiles →A culinary journey through Saigon’s flavors

Ben Thanh Market is a street food paradise. From the iconic pho and banh mi to fresh spring rolls and local delicacies, the market offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
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Start your day with a steaming bowl of pho — beef or chicken broth with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of meat.

Enjoy a freshly made banh mi with a variety of fillings — from grilled pork to pâté and fresh vegetables.

Light and refreshing, fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce.

A popular Saigon dish, hu tieu is a pork-based noodle soup with a clear broth and a variety of toppings.
The market after dark — a different experience

When the sun goes down, Ben Thanh Market transforms. The streets surrounding the market come alive with food stalls, street performers, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a different, more relaxed experience.
Explore Night Market →
The night market is a paradise for evening street food. Try grilled skewers, seafood, and local specialties, all prepared fresh before your eyes.
Explore Food →How to get the best deals and navigate the market
How Saigon’s iconic market compares to the region’s best
Ben Thanh Market, Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market, Singapore’s Chinatown, and Malaysia’s Central Market each offer a unique experience. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Ben Thanh Market (Saigon) | Chatuchak Market (Bangkok) | Chinatown (Singapore) | Central Market (Kuala Lumpur) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Historic, vibrant, authentic local | Massive, chaotic, weekend vibe | Heritage, organized, modern | Art deco, cultural, mix of old & new |
| Size | Compact (100+ stalls) | Massive (15,000+ stalls) | Moderate (many stalls) | Moderate (many stalls) |
| Specialty | Food, textiles, souvenirs | Everything (art, antiques, pets) | Food, souvenirs, herbs | Handicrafts, art, souvenirs |
| Food Scene | Street food, Vietnamese cuisine | Thai street food | Hawker centers, Chinese cuisine | Malaysian and international |
| Historical Significance | Built 1914, colonial heritage | Modern, established 1980s | Historic, Chinese heritage | Art deco, heritage building |
| Opening Days | Daily (day & night) | Weekends only | Daily | Daily |
| Best For | Foodies, history lovers, culture seekers | Shoppers, bargain hunters | Foodies, families | Art lovers, souvenir hunters |
Ben Thanh Market offers a unique blend of history, local culture, and vibrant street food that cannot be replicated. Its compact size, colonial architecture, and daily operations make it accessible and authentic. Chatuchak is unmatched in sheer size and variety, Singapore’s Chinatown offers a more organized experience, and Central Market is a cultural gem.
For the ultimate market experience: Explore Ben Thanh for authentic Saigon life, Chatuchak for a weekend marathon of shopping, and Chinatown for a modern market experience.
Everything you need to know before visiting
Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM for fresh produce and a relaxed atmosphere.
Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for the night market and street food.
Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends.
Cash is king at Ben Thanh Market. Bring small bills in Vietnamese Dong. US Dollars are sometimes accepted but at a poor exchange rate.
Ben Thanh Market is in the heart of District 1. Easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing (Grab), or private car. The market has its own bus stop.
English is spoken at some stalls, but not all. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will be helpful.
Free Wi-Fi is available at nearby cafes. For reliable internet, buy a local SIM card at the airport.
Ben Thanh Market is safe, but keep an eye on your belongings. Use common sense and avoid displaying expensive items.
Ben Thanh Market was officially opened in 1914 during the French colonial era, though its origins as a market date back to the 17th century near the Ben Nghé River.
The day market is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The night market runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with many street food stalls open later.
Ben Thanh Market is famous for textiles, ao dai, lacquerware, handicrafts, souvenirs, fresh produce, and street food. It’s also a great place to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Yes, bargaining is expected. Start with about 50-70% of the asking price and negotiate from there. It’s part of the market experience.
Yes, Ben Thanh Market is safe for tourists. Use common sense, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid displaying expensive items.
The best time to visit is in the morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) for a relaxed experience, or in the evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) for the night market and street food.
Ben Thanh Market is more compact and historic, with a focus on food and local goods. Chatuchak is massive and offers a wider variety of goods, including antiques and art.
Absolutely. Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for any traveler to Saigon. It offers an authentic glimpse into local life, amazing street food, and unique shopping opportunities.
With deep local knowledge and a passion for authentic experiences, Andy curates bespoke journeys through Saigon’s most iconic markets.
Andy Nguyen is a Southern Vietnam Travel Specialist at Indochine CHIC, with over a decade of experience curating bespoke journeys through the Mekong Delta and the southern coast. His deep local knowledge and passion for authentic experiences ensure every itinerary is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Andy’s personal recommendations are woven throughout this guide, offering a trusted window into the soul of Ben Thanh Market — from its rich history to the vibrant stalls, from the street food to the night market.
Email: andy@indochinechic.com
To begin designing your personalized Saigon journey, get in touch with Andy directly.
Email: andy@indochinechic.com
Meet Andy Nguyen →Ben Thanh Market is more than just a market — it’s the soul of Saigon. From its colonial-era architecture to its vibrant stalls and legendary street food, the market captures the essence of the city’s history, culture, and daily life. Whether you’re bargaining for souvenirs, savoring a bowl of pho, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market offers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
— The Indochine CHIC Team
© 2026 Indochine CHIC — Ben Thanh Market Travel Guide
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