Discover Ben Thanh Market’s iconic architecture in Ho Chi Minh City! Explore its design with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours in Saigon. Book your journey now!
Capture the colonial elegance of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic gem (Source: Internet)A Timeless Architectural Gem
Ben Thanh Market, situated at Le Loi Street in Ward 1, is Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural and cultural landmark, captivating over 10,000 daily visitors with its French colonial design. Constructed from 1912 to 1914, its 13,056 sq.m steel-frame structure, iconic clock tower, and intricate tilework reflect Saigon’s colonial past and enduring legacy. Evolving from a 17th-century riverside trading post to a symbol of resilience after surviving a 1870 fire, this market blends functionality with heritage in a 6,772 km² megacity. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, offer a sustainable way to explore its architectural splendor, supporting local communities. Uncover Saigon’s design history—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or sales@legendtravelgroup.com! TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City
Administrative Update
Vietnam recently merged Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, forming a 6,772 km² megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 1 now Ward 1. This reorganization enhances access to Ben Thanh Market with new cycling paths, electric buses, and Metro Line 1, connecting Ward 1’s historic core to Thu Duc’s cultural hubs and Can Gio’s eco-attractions. The political center remains at 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1.
Legend Travel Group, a premier Southeast Asia tour operator, offers curated, eco-conscious tours to explore Ben Thanh Market’s architecture. Our tours use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by experts sharing Saigon’s colonial design stories. Supporting communities in Ward 1, Ward 23, and Thu Duc, we align with the city’s “Green Metropolis” vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and explore sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews
Photograph the architectural allure of Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage (Source: Internet)Located at Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ward 1, 1,730 km south of Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market is a cultural icon in Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical monsoon climate: dry season (December–April, 25–35°C or 77–95°F) and rainy season (May–November, 23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in June–September (150–400 mm). Built from 1912 to 1914, it spans 13,056 sq.m with a French colonial steel-frame “cage” structure, featuring a central clock tower at the South Gate, four main gates, and 12 sub-doors radiating outward. Housing ~1,500 stalls, it blends colonial aesthetics with Vietnamese functionality, serving 10,000 daily visitors. Restored to preserve its tilework and iron framework, it’s a testament to Saigon’s history, accessible via Metro Line 1 and near landmarks like Independence Palace.
Ben Thanh Market’s origins trace to the 17th century as an informal trading post along the Ben Nghe River. In 1859, French colonialists formalized it as Les Halles Centrales near the river, using brick, wood, and thatched roofing. A fire in 1870 destroyed this structure, prompting a rebuild with brick, iron tiles, and four sections: groceries, fish, meat, and food stalls. In 1911, the French relocated the market to a reclaimed swamp at its current site, constructing the modern market from 1912 to March 31, 1914, under colonial architects. The new design featured a steel-frame “cage” structure, a clock tower at the South Gate, and intricate tilework, reflecting French colonial influences and Vietnamese market traditions. Recent renovations have preserved its original framework, ensuring its status as a national architectural monument.
Experience Ho Chi Minh City Tours with sustainable exploration (Source: Internet)Today, Ben Thanh Market’s 13,056 sq.m structure remains a stunning example of French colonial architecture, with its steel lattice “cage” design supporting ~1,500 stalls. Key features include:
Clock Tower: A three-sided tower at the South Gate, overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square, serving as Saigon’s architectural symbol.
Four Main Gates: South (Le Loi Street), North (Le Thanh Ton Street), East (Phan Boi Chau Street), and West (Phan Chu Trinh Street), each with distinct vendor sections.
12 Sub-Doors: Radiating in four directions, enhancing airflow and accessibility.
Interior Design: Intricate tilework, iron framework, and high ceilings create a spacious, ventilated market, ideal for commerce.
Functional Layout: The South Gate focuses on textiles and dried goods, while other sections house fresh produce, food stalls, and handicrafts.
Restored to maintain its 1914 design, the market blends heritage with modern functionality, hosting 10,000 daily visitors and a night market (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) on surrounding streets.
Ben Thanh Market’s central location in Ward 1 ensures easy access:
By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), in Tan Binh Ward, serves 40 million passengers annually via Terminal T3 (Vietnam Airlines domestic) and T1/T2. Round-trip costs:
Hanoi: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).
Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).
Bangkok/Singapore: $200–$500.
Taxis/Grab to Ward 1 (7 km): $5–$8 (120,000–200,000 VND).
By Bus: From Hanoi (30–34 hours, $35–$60 or 875,000–1,500,000 VND), Da Nang (18–22 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND), or Can Tho (3–4 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Local bus #109 to Ward 1: $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).
By Train: Saigon Railway Station in Ward 7 connects to Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND). A high-speed rail is planned for 2030.
Getting to Ben Thanh Market:
Metro Line 1: Ben Thanh Station (across the street), $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), 1-minute walk.
Bus #109: Stops at Quach Thi Trang Square, 2-minute walk, $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).
Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1; use Vinasun or Mai Linh.
Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1’s flat streets.
Walking: 10-minute walk from Independence Palace (700m).
Tip: Use bicycles or Metro Line 1 for eco-friendly travel; book our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70) for guided access.
Learn Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for admiring the clock tower and exploring the market’s exterior. Tet (January–February) features festive decorations but reduced hours, offering a quieter architectural view. The rainy season (May–November) brings cooler temperatures (23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F) and 15–25% tour discounts, with indoor stalls perfect during showers. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) provide clear views of the architecture, while evenings (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) showcase the night market’s vibrant ambiance around the market’s gates.
Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for Tet; visit mornings for unobstructed photos. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Pack these essentials for a comfortable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Comfortable attire for walking.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for outdoor photography.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes for navigating stalls; sandals for warm days; waterproof shoes for rainy season.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, mosquito repellent.
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Maps.me, Grab app, portable charger, camera for photos (non-flash for interior shots).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small purchases.
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, sketchbook for noting architectural details.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food stalls; bring a camera for capturing the clock tower’s details.
Top Architectural Highlights & Nearby Experiences (Source: Internet)Marvel at the three-sided clock tower at the South Gate, a French colonial icon overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).
Walk through the market’s lattice interior, noting the iron framework and tilework.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Guided by our Saigon Heritage Tour ($50–$70).
Observe the North, East, and West gates, each with unique vendor sections and architectural details.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).
Walk 700m to Ward 1’s 1966 palace, showcasing modernist architecture.
Cost: Adults $3.45 (80,000 VND); children $0.85 (20,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Heritage Tour ($50–$70).
Stroll 500m to this 1880 French colonial masterpiece in Ward 1.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).
Market Costs
Souvenirs: $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).
Street Food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Transportation
Metro Line 1: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Bus #109: $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).
Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1.
Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).
Dining (Nearby)
Street Food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Restaurants: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation (Ward 1)
Hostels: $8–$20/night (200,000–500,000 VND).
Hotels: $25–$80/night (625,000–2,000,000 VND).
Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost
Budget: $15–$40 (includes shopping, metro, street food).
Mid-range: $40–$80 (includes tours, Grab, dining).
Luxury: $100–$300 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).
Tip: Carry VND for small purchases; ATMs are widespread in Ward 1.
Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks ahead, especially for Tet.
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Use sunscreen; visit mornings for clear exterior views.
Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); explore indoor architecture.
Photography: Capture the clock tower at sunrise; avoid flash indoors to respect vendors.
Safety: Wear crossbody bags; watch for pickpockets in crowded stalls.
Sustainability: Use reusable bags; support local food vendors for authentic snacks.
Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Ben Thanh Market (Le Loi Street, Ward 1) as a landmark.
Cultural Respect: Bargain politely; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) for good service.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); choose busy food stalls for hygiene.
Our sustainable tours highlight Ben Thanh Market’s architecture and Saigon’s heritage:
Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Basilica. Includes Metro Line 1, guide, lunch.
Saigon Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, War Remnants Museum. Includes bike rentals, guide, snacks.
Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Ben Thanh Market, night market, street food tasting. Includes eco-transfers, guide, meals.
Saigon Historical Escape ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links on this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Ben Thanh Market’s French colonial architecture, from its steel-frame “cage” to its iconic clock tower, is a testament to Saigon’s rich history in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through this architectural masterpiece sustainably, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience alongside nearby cultural gems that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Saigon architectural adventure today!
Ready to marvel at Ben Thanh Market’s historic design? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and uncover Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural legacy!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellersacross Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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