Ben Thanh Market, Saigon/HoChiMinh City (must see)

The Ben Thanh Market is the most vibrant among marketplaces in Ho Chi Minh City. The shops sell a range of merchandise including clothing, leather goods, household items, and livestock.

This market is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. It was first an informal market, created by a gathering of traders near the Saigon River. A formal market, built by the French in 1870, was burned by a fire, and the current structure was built in 1912 as the Central Market Hall. The present market's appearance is the result of a renovation in 1985.

The Ben Thanh Market consists of a neatly arranged network of aisles. The shops are grouped together according to the products they sell. The front part consists of shops selling clothing, leather, and textiles. The food section offers different types of pickled vegetables, duck, crab, rice, rice noodles, tea, coffee and spices. Local cafes and eateries are located at the end of the market where one can sample local cuisine, Vietnamese coffee and a well known Vietnamese dessert called Che. It is also a popular tourist destination because some shops sell souvenirs at lower prices than in other parts of the city.

Why You Should Visit:
Price and quality of goods here are good, plus an excellent place to enjoy local food.

Tip:
Haggling is required to get the best deal and to avoid rip-offs. The regular market is closed around 6 or 7pm, after which the night-time market will be operated outside until midnight.