Are you looking for a place to experience the authentic and vibrant culture of Vietnam? Do you want to shop for the best deals and quality products in Ho Chi Minh City? Do you want to taste the delicious and diverse cuisine of Vietnam? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should not miss visiting Ben Thanh Market, one of the most popular and iconic attractions in the city.
Ben Thanh Market is a large and lively market that offers everything you need and want, from clothing and accessories, to souvenirs and handicrafts, to food and drinks. It is also a historical and cultural landmark that reflects the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam. Whether you visit the market during the day or at night, you will find something to enjoy and remember.
In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to shopping, eating, and exploring at Ben Thanh Market in 2023.
History and Culture of Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century, when it was originally a small market near the Saigon River. The market was moved several times due to floods, fires, and wars, until it settled in its current location in 1914. The market was designed by the French architect Brossard Mopin, who gave it a distinctive style and structure, such as the four large gates, the clock tower, and the domed roof.
Ben Thanh Market is not only a place for commerce, but also a place for culture and society. The market is a symbol of the city’s resilience and development, as it witnessed and survived many historical events and changes. The market is also a representation of the city’s diversity and harmony, as it showcases the products and cuisines of different regions and ethnic groups of Vietnam. The market is also a destination for tourists and locals alike, as it offers a glimpse of the city’s past and present, as well as a taste of its future.
What to Buy at Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a shopper’s paradise, as it offers a wide range of products for every taste and budget. You can find almost anything you need and want at the market, such as:
Clothing and accessories: You can buy clothes for men, women, and children, from traditional to modern styles, from casual to formal occasions. You can also find accessories, such as hats, scarves, bags, shoes, jewelry, and sunglasses.
Souvenirs and handicrafts: You can buy souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones, such as magnets, keychains, postcards, t-shirts, and mugs. You can also find handicrafts, such as silk, lacquerware, embroidery, pottery, and paintings, that showcase the skills and creativity of the local artisans.
Electronics and gadgets: You can buy electronics and gadgets, such as phones, cameras, laptops, headphones, and chargers, that are either new or second-hand, original or fake, cheap or expensive. You can also find accessories, such as cases, cables, batteries, and memory cards.
And much more: You can also buy other products, such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, toys, games, cosmetics, medicines, and even pets, that cater to your interests and hobbies.
The prices of the products vary depending on the quality, quantity, and location of the stalls. Some stalls have fixed prices, which are usually indicated by signs or stickers, while others have negotiable prices, which are usually determined by the sellers and buyers. Bargaining is a common and expected practice at the market, and it can be fun and rewarding if you know how to do it.
Here are some tips and tricks for bargaining at Ben Thanh Market:
1. Do some research before you go to the market, such as checking the average prices and ranges of the products you want to buy, and setting a budget and a limit for yourself.
2. Compare the prices and quality of the products at different stalls, and look for the best deals and offers.
3. Be polite and friendly with the sellers, and use some Vietnamese words and phrases, such as xin chao (hello), cam on (thank you), and bao nhieu (how much).
4. Start with a low but reasonable offer, and gradually increase it until you reach a mutually acceptable price. You can also use some tactics, such as walking away, pretending to be uninterested, or showing other products, to lower the price.
5. Pay in cash, preferably in small bills, and check the change and the products before you leave.
6. The best time to visit the market for shopping is in the morning, when the market is less crowded and the sellers are more eager to make sales. You can also find fresher and cheaper products in the morning, especially food and flowers. The market is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, but some stalls may close earlier or later depending on the demand and supply.
What to Eat at Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a foodie’s heaven, as it offers a variety of food options for every appetite and palate. You can find almost any cuisine you crave at the market, such as:
Vietnamese cuisine: You can taste the authentic and delicious dishes and drinks of Vietnam, such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), goi cuon (spring rolls), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk), and che (sweet soup).
Asian cuisine: You can sample the flavors and spices of other Asian countries, such as Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, and India, such as pad thai (stir-fried noodles), dim sum (steamed dumplings), sushi (raw fish and rice), bibimbap (mixed rice and vegetables), and curry (spicy sauce and meat or vegetables).
Western cuisine: You can enjoy the familiar and comforting dishes and drinks of the West, such as pizza, pasta, burger, fries, salad, sandwich, cake, ice cream, and soda.
The food at the market is served in different ways, such as:
Food court: You can find a large and spacious food court at the center of the market, where you can sit and eat comfortably. You can choose from a variety of stalls and menus, and order and pay at the counter. You can also find a common area where you can get utensils, napkins, and condiments.
Street food vendors: You can find many street food vendors outside and around the market, where you can stand and eat quickly. You can choose from a variety of snacks and drinks, and order and pay directly to the vendors. You can also find some tables and chairs where you can sit and eat casually.
The prices of the food vary depending on the type, size, and location of the stalls and vendors. Some stalls and vendors have fixed prices, which are usually displayed by signs or menus, while others have negotiable prices, which are usually agreed by the sellers and buyers. Bargaining is not as common and expected for food as it is for products, but you can still try to ask for discounts or freebies if you buy in bulk or in advance.
The best time to visit the market for eating is in the afternoon or evening, when the market is more crowded and the food is more varied and fresh. You can also find more options and specials in the afternoon or evening, especially for street food and drinks. The market is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, but some stalls and vendors may open earlier or later depending on the demand and supply.
Ben Thanh Night Market
Ben Thanh Market is not only a place for shopping and eating, but also a place for entertainment and nightlife. The market transforms into a night market after 6:00 pm, when the main market closes and the surrounding streets become pedestrian-only. The night market offers a different and exciting experience from the day market, such as:
Shopping:
You can still shop for products at the night market, but you will find more variety and novelty, such as clothes, accessories, souvenirs, handicrafts, electronics, and gadgets. You will also find more bargains and discounts, as the sellers are more willing to lower the prices to clear their stocks.
Eating:
You can still eat food at the night market, but you will find more diversity and quality, such as Vietnamese, Asian, and Western cuisines, street food, snacks, drinks, and desserts. You will also find more atmosphere and entertainment, as the food stalls and vendors are more lively and colorful, and some of them have music and performances.
Exploring:
You can also explore the night market and the surrounding areas, and discover the beauty and charm of the city at night. You can see the market and the buildings illuminated by lights, and feel the energy and vibrancy of the people and the traffic. You can also visit some nearby attractions, such as parks, temples, museums, and markets, that are open or more attractive at night.
The night market is open from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, but some stalls and vendors may stay open until midnight or later, depending on the demand and supply.
The night market is a great way to enjoy the market and the city in a different and exciting way, but it also has some drawbacks and challenges, such as:
Shopping: You may encounter some problems or risks when shopping at the night market, such as fake or low-quality products, overpriced or dishonest sellers, pickpockets or thieves, and limited or no warranty or return policy.
Eating: You may face some issues or difficulties when eating at the night market, such as unhygienic or unsafe food, spicy or unfamiliar food, crowded or noisy stalls and vendors, and limited or no seating or utensils.
Exploring: You may experience some troubles or dangers when exploring the night market and the surrounding areas, such as traffic or accidents, scams or frauds, harassment or violence, and limited or no public transportation or services.
To avoid or overcome these drawbacks and challenges, you should follow some tips and tricks for visiting the night market, such as:
Shopping: You should be careful and smart when shopping at the night market, such as checking the products and the prices before buying, bargaining and paying in cash, keeping your valuables and belongings safe, and avoiding or reporting any suspicious or illegal activities.
Eating: You should be adventurous and cautious when eating at the night market, such as trying new and different food, asking for the ingredients and the spiciness, washing your hands and using disposable utensils, and avoiding or treating any food poisoning or allergies.
Exploring: You should be curious and vigilant when exploring the night market and the surrounding areas, such as following the map and the directions, asking for help and advice, staying in groups and avoiding dark or isolated places, and having a backup plan and an emergency contact.
How to Reach Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and it is easy and convenient to reach by various means of transportation, such as:
Bus:
You can take a bus to the market, as there are many bus routes and stops near the market, such as bus number 152 from the airport, bus number 19 from the train station, and bus number 1 from the downtown. The bus fare is around 5,000 VND (0.22 USD) per trip, and you can pay in cash or by card. The bus service is available from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm, but it may be crowded or delayed during peak hours.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi to the market, as there are many taxi companies and drivers in the city, such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, Grab, and Uber. The taxi fare is around 15,000 VND (0.65 USD) per kilometer, and you can pay in cash or by card. The taxi service is available 24/7, but it may be expensive or unavailable during rush hours or holidays.
Motorbike:
You can take a motorbike to the market, as there are many motorbike rental shops and services in the city, such as Tigit, Rentabike, and Xe Om. The motorbike rental fee is around 100,000 VND (4.32 USD) per day, and you can pay in cash or by card. The motorbike service is available 24/7, but you may need a license or a helmet to drive or ride a motorbike in the city.
Bicycle:
You can take a bicycle to the market, as there are many bicycle rental shops and services in the city, such as Saigon Cycles, Bike Life, and Cyclo. The bicycle rental fee is around 50,000 VND (2.16 USD) per day, and you can pay in cash or by card. The bicycle service is available 24/7, but you may need a lock or a chain to secure your bicycle in the city.
The distance and duration from the main areas of the city to the market vary depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic condition, but they are generally short and fast, such as:
From the airport: The distance is around 7 kilometers, and the duration is around 20 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by taxi, 10 minutes by motorbike, and 30 minutes by bicycle.
From the train station: The distance is around 3 kilometers, and the duration is around 10 minutes by bus, 5 minutes by taxi, 5 minutes by motorbike, and 15 minutes by bicycle.
From the downtown: The distance is around 2 kilometers, and the duration is around 5 minutes by bus, 5 minutes by taxi, 5 minutes by motorbike, and 10 minutes by bicycle.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a wonderful and memorable place to visit, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging if you are not prepared and informed. To make your visit to the market more enjoyable and successful, you should follow some tips and tricks, such as:
Dress code and etiquette: You should dress comfortably and modestly when visiting the market, as the weather can be hot and humid, and the culture can be conservative and respectful. You should also follow some etiquette rules, such as greeting and thanking the sellers and the vendors, asking for permission before taking photos or videos, and avoiding any offensive or rude gestures or words.
Safety and security: You should be careful and alert when visiting the market, as there may be some risks or threats, such as pickpockets, thieves, scammers, frauds, harassers, or violence. You should keep your valuables and belongings safe, avoid or report any suspicious or illegal activities, and have a backup plan and an emergency contact in case of any trouble or danger.
Dress code and etiquette: You should dress comfortably and modestly when visiting the market, as the weather can be hot and humid, and the culture can be conservative and respectful. You should also follow some etiquette rules, such as greeting and thanking the sellers and the vendors, asking for permission before taking photos or videos, and avoiding any offensive or rude gestures or words.
Nearby attractions:
You should also explore the nearby attractions when visiting the market, as there are many interesting and beautiful places to see and do around the market, such as:
Reunification Palace: This is a historical and political landmark that was the former residence and office of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. You can see the original and preserved rooms, furniture, and artifacts, and learn about the history and events of the war. The palace is open from 7:30 am to 11:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 40,000 VND (1.73 USD) per person.
War Remnants Museum: This is a museum that displays the effects and consequences of the Vietnam War on the people and the environment. You can see the exhibits, photos, and documents, and learn about the atrocities and tragedies of the war. The museum is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 40,000 VND (1.73 USD) per person.
Notre Dame Cathedral: This is a religious and architectural landmark that was built by the French in the 19th century. You can see the impressive and elegant design and structure, and admire the stained glass windows, the statues, and the bell tower. The cathedral is open from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance is free.
Central Post Office: This is a postal and cultural landmark that was designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in the 19th century. You can see the magnificent and grandiose style and decoration, and admire the paintings, maps, and clocks. You can also send or receive letters, postcards, and parcels, and buy stamps, souvenirs, and books. The post office is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and the entrance is free.
Ben Thanh Market is one of the best and most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of shopping, eating, and exploring. You can find everything you need and want at the market, from products and food, to entertainment and culture. You can also learn about the history and heritage of the market and the city, and enjoy the beauty and charm of the city at night.
We hope that this article has provided you with the ultimate guide to visiting Ben Thanh Market in 2023, and that you have found it informative and helpful. We also hope that you have enjoyed reading it, and that you are excited and ready to visit the market and the city. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans.
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