Ben Thanh Market is one of the famous destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors must definitely go to Ben Thanh market because it is not only a place to shop for local products, but also an interesting cultural experience. In this article, we will explore Ben Thanh Market and the interesting things around it.

1. Introduction to Ben Thanh Market

1.1 Origin of the name “Ben Thanh Market”

The name "Bến Thành" originates from the Vietnamese language and refers to a prominent market located in Ho Chi Minh City,  Vietnam. In Vietnamese, "Bến" means "wharf" or "landing stage," while "Thành" can be translated as "citadel" or "fortress." The market's name likely reflects its historical significance as a trading hub and marketplace situated near a river port or landing area welcoming visitor before heading to the Gia Dinh Citadel. The Bến Thành Market is one of the oldest and most iconic markets in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a central location for commerce, shopping, and cultural activities.

1.2 History of Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century and has evolved through various phases of development, reflecting the changes in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Here's a brief overview of its history:

- Early Beginnings: The exact origins of Bến Thành Market are not entirely clear, but it is believed that a marketplace existed in the vicinity of the current market site as early as the 17th century. This area was a bustling trade hub due to its proximity to the Gia Định Citadel and its location along important waterways.

- French Colonial Period: During the French colonial era, which began in the mid-19th century, Saigon underwent significant urban development. Bến Thành Market was officially established as a brick-and-mortar structure in 1870 under the name "Les Halles Centrales." The market was constructed in a neoclassical architectural style and became a central hub for commerce, catering to both locals and foreigners.

- Renaming and Expansion: In 1912, the market was renamed Bến Thành Market. It was a major market where a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, textiles, handicrafts, and more, were sold. Over time, the market expanded its offerings and became an iconic landmark in the city.

- Destruction and Reconstruction: Bến Thành Market suffered damage during World War II, but it was rebuilt after the war. In 1985, the original market building was demolished to make way for a larger, more modern structure. The current market building was completed in 1987.

- Modern Era: The current Bến Thành Market is a bustling commercial complex with a clock tower at its entrance. It features a wide range of stalls and shops, offering everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts, electronics, and traditional Vietnamese food. The market continues to attract both tourists and locals, making it a central hub of activity in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Explore Ben Thanh Market

2.1 Location

Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The official address of the market is Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. Opposite the market is the Quach Thi Trang construction site, now the Ben Thanh subway station. In addition, the market also has 4 main doors leading to busy streets in District 1, convenient for visitors to move.

2.2 How to move to Ben Thanh market

As it is located in the center of District 1, moving to Ben Thanh market is not difficult, you can move by any means you want.

- Motorbikes, cars: If you ride a motorbike or a car, you can easily get to Ben Thanh Market via Le Loi, Phan Chu Trinh, Nguyen Trai... And park your car at parking spots around. market.

- Bus: Bus routes connecting many areas in Ho Chi Minh city have stops at Ben Thanh Market. The stops are usually about 200-500m from the market, you can get off at the station and just a few minutes walk to reach the market.

- Taxi, motorbike taxi: If you are not familiar with the streets of Ho Chi Minh city, it is most convenient to use these vehicles. Because they will take you right in front of the market gate. Maybe on the way you will hear good things about this city.

2.3 Operating hours of Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market is open daily from 6am to 7pm. However, after 7 pm is the operating time of Ben Thanh night market which is extremely busy and crowded.

There are two ideal times for you to visit Ben Thanh market:

From 7:30 to 18:00: Suitable for tourists who want to visit and shop inside the market.

After 7pm: This time is for those who like the lively atmosphere at night with colorful stalls.

For the market area is quite large and thousands of stalls are located close together, it can take nearly 2 hours to fully explore this market. So consider arranging a reasonable time to have the most complete experience.

2.4 Good time to visit Ben Thanh market

Ho Chi Minh city has two distinct rainy and sunny seasons, the rainy season usually lasts from May to November, and the dry season starts from December to the end of April next year. However, the climate in city is not too harsh, if you go in the rainy season, the air will be cooler, but you should choose to go in the morning because there are often sudden rains in the afternoon that will hinder your trip.

If you want to travel in Ho Chi Minh city and explore Ben Thanh market to the fullest, then you should go in the sunny season, at this time the dry weather is convenient for moving and taking pictures.. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a jacket and an umbrella to avoid sunburn.

2.5 Structure of Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market is designed with 4 main doors facing 4 busy streets, each door is arranged with stalls with a variety of items for visitors to easily choose.

- South Gate: Facing Le Loi Street, Quach Thi Trang Square is a place to sell items such as fabrics, clothes and dry food. In particular, the South Gate is the main face of the market, which is designed with a prominent clock tower that has been preserved since its inception, thus attracting many tourists to come here to take pictures.
- North Gate: Facing Le Thanh Ton street,there are many stalls selling fresh food and fruit, which are extremely eye-catching.
- East Gate: Located on Phan Boi Chau street, the product of stalls here are mainly cosmetics and confectionery with a variety of items.
- West Gate: Facing Phan Chu Trinh Street. There are a lot of handicrafts, souvenirs and shoes stalls here. Visitors can stop by to visit as well as buy gifts for family and friends.
In addition to these 4 main doors, Ben Thanh market also has 12 side doors that radiate in 4 directions of the market

3. Traveling to Ben Thanh

3.1 Exploring the architecture of Ben Thanh market

Bến Thành Market is constructed in the architectural style of a pavilion house on an area of 13,056 square meters, making it a prominent and distinctive structure in Ho Chi Minh city. Over the years, the market has undergone several modifications, yet it has retained the ancient charm of its era, particularly evident in the three-faced clock tower at the southern entrance. Built in the French architectural style, the tower bears the inscription "Chợ Bến Thành" (Ben Thanh Market) and serves as a major attraction for tourists seeking the most iconic photo spot within the market area.

3.2 What to buy

Bến Thành is considered the largest-scale retail market in Ho Chi Minh city, where you can find a complete range of products, from the affordable to the luxurious, catering to all needs of visitors.

Prominent products at Bến Thành Market include:

- Conical hats (Nón lá): A traditional Vietnamese item that international tourists always admire.
- Clothing and fashion accessories: Diverse products with various styles and qualities, ranging from branded clothing to handmade items.
- Electronics: A place offering electronic products, computers, and related accessories.

- Handicrafts: Bến Thành Market is a hub for various handicraft products, such as bamboo paintings, woven baskets, pottery, and copperware.
- Fabrics and sewing materials: Visitors can find various fabrics and materials for designing unique clothing items.
- Additionally, Bến Thành Market is also a hub for a wide variety of cakes, preserves, dried seafood, and countless types of fruits and agricultural products from all regions of the country. You don't need to go far; simply visit Bến Thành Market to find the dish or item you love.

3.3 What to eat in Ben Thanh market

Bến Thành Market is also a fantastic destination to indulge in Ho Chi Minh city's distinctive cuisine. Notable and popular dishes to savor when visiting include:

- Bún Riêu (Crab Noodle Soup): A must-try delicacy at Bến Thành Market. This simple dish consists of crab meat, pork blood curd, and tofu in a rich, flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and delicious combination.

- Bánh Bèo Bến Thành (Bến Thành Steamed Rice Cakes): Arguably one of the most famous dishes cherished by many visitors. Priced between 25,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the type, these rice cakes are enhanced with a special sauce, resulting in a savory and irresistible taste.

- Bánh Canh Cua (Thick Crab Noodle Soup): If you're a fan of bánh canh cua, a visit to stall 1301 is a must. Indulge in a bowl of bánh canh cua brimming with fresh toppings and a hearty, steaming broth that will undoubtedly make you happy.

- Chè (Sweet Dessert Soup):At Bến Thành Market, you can't ignore the captivating displays of various chè stalls, each stall offer a diverse range of sweet dessert soups in immaculate glass cases. The most renowned Chè stall in the market is 

- Chè Bé (Stall 1154 - 1130, West Side, Gate 7, Ben Thanh, Phan Chu Trinh, District 1) with over 40 years of history specializing in Southern-style chè. After a long day of shopping and exploring, choose a suitable chè to relish, and the refreshing coolness of the dessert will leave you feeling revitalized.

3.4 Ben Thanh Night market

At night, Bến Thành Market also comes alive with various entertainment and culinary activities. Bến Thành Night Market starts operating at 7:00 PM with over 100 stalls extending along the Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Bội Châu streets next to the market. It features a multitude of handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and a variety of night food stalls offering seafood, grilled dishes, as well as bustling beer and beverage spots.
Every evening, Bến Thành Night Market draws in more than 1000 visitors who come to explore, dine, and shop. This includes both local residents and tourists, immersing themselves in the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the city.

5. Note when visiting Ben Thanh market

When visiting Ben Thanh Market, visitors should note the following points:
- Negotiate the price before buying to avoid being overpriced.
- Keep your property and money safe.
- Take photos and videos only with the seller's permission.
- Do not dress too sexy or messy to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

6. Tourist attractions near Ben Thanh market

In addition to Ben Thanh Market, visitors can also visit other famous tourist attractions in the area such as:

- City Post Office: Discover classical architecture, a characteristic of city.
- Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon: A special architectural work of Ho Chi Minh city.
- Independence Palace: A place to keep the historical, cultural and architectural heritages of Vietnam.
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A place with many entertainment, shopping and culinary activities.

Ben Thanh Market is an interesting destination in the travel itinerary in Ho Chi Minh city. Visitors can explore and experience many interesting activities here, from shopping to dining and exploring the city's distinctive architecture. However, visitors also need to note the important points to have a safe trip and enjoy the full experience at Ben Thanh Market.