Exploring Ben Thanh Market: Saigon’s Vibrant Cultural Hub in Ho Chi Minh City

A Cultural and Historical Icon
Nestled in Saigon’s bustling Ward 1, Ben Thanh Market at Le Loi Street is Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic destination, drawing over 10,000 visitors daily to its 13,056 sq.m expanse. Established in the 17th century near the Ben Nghe River and rebuilt in 1912–1914 by French colonialists, this market has endured wars and transformations, earning its status as a symbol of Saigon’s resilience. With ~1,450 stalls offering textiles, souvenirs, and street food like phở and bánh mì, it’s a sensory feast for travelers and locals. In a 6,772 sq.km megacity, Ben Thanh’s clock tower and vibrant night market embody Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, guide you through this lively hub safely, supporting local vendors sustainably. Start your Saigon adventure—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, creating a 6,772 sq.km megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 1 now Ward 1. This reorganization enhances market accessibility via cycling paths, electric buses, and Metro Line 1, connecting Ward 1’s vibrant 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 safe, eco-conscious cultural tours to Ben Thanh Market. Our tours use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by local experts sharing Saigon’s market traditions. 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 shop sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews

Located at Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ward 1, 1,730 km south of Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market thrives 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, the market spans 13,056 sq.m with a French colonial steel-frame design, featuring a clock tower at the South Gate and four main gates (South, North, East, West) with 12 sub-doors. Its ~1,450 stalls, managed by 6,000 traders, sell textiles, handicrafts, and street food, serving 10,000 daily visitors. The night market (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) transforms surrounding streets into a foodie haven. Accessible via Metro Line 1, Ben Thanh is a cultural must-visit, complemented by nearby landmarks like Independence Palace.

Ben Thanh Market is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City’s transport hub:

• 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 Foodie Tour ($55–$75) for guided market access.

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for daytime shopping and exploring the market’s clock tower. Tet (January–February) brings festive decorations but reduced stall hours, with fewer crowds. The rainy season (May–November) features 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) offer fresh produce and fewer crowds, while the night market (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) buzzes with food stalls and souvenirs.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for Tet; visit mornings for quieter shopping. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable and safe experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Comfortable attire for walking.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• 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 Grab app, Maps.me, portable charger, camera for photos.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small purchases.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Carry small VND notes for bargaining; wear a crossbody bag to deter pickpockets.

Ben Thanh Market, established in the 17th century and rebuilt in 1912–1914, is Saigon’s cultural and economic heartbeat, reflecting over 300 years of Ho Chi Minh City’s history. Originating as an informal trading post near the Ben Nghe River, it was formalized by French colonialists in 1859, surviving a 1870 fire and wars to become a national icon. Its French colonial architecture, with a steel frame, clock tower, and intricate tilework, houses ~1,450 stalls selling textiles, handicrafts, and street food like phở and bánh xèo. Serving 10,000 daily visitors, it’s a microcosm of Vietnamese life, where locals and tourists haggle for goods. The night market transforms Le Loi Street into a foodie paradise, making Ben Thanh a must-visit for cultural immersion.

1. Shop for Souvenirs and Textiles

Browse stalls for silk áo dài, lacquerware, and conical hats, bargaining for deals.

• Cost: Souvenirs $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

2. Savor Street Food

Taste phở, bánh mì, or bánh xèo at food stalls, a highlight of Saigon’s cuisine.

• Cost: Dishes $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; night market 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Tip: Join our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75) for vetted stalls.

3. Experience the Night Market

Explore outdoor food stalls and souvenirs under vibrant lights.

• Cost: Snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

4. Visit Independence Palace

Walk 700m to Ward 1’s 1966 palace, a historical landmark.

• 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).

5. Explore Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Stroll 500m to this 1880 French colonial icon 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 haggling; 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; shop mornings for cooler weather.

  • Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); explore indoor stalls.

• Bargaining: Start at 50% of quoted prices; compare 3–4 stalls for best deals.

• Safety: Wear crossbody bags; watch for pickpockets in crowds; use Grab over street taxis.

• Sustainability: Use reusable bags; support local vendors for authentic goods.

• 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 showcase Ben Thanh Market and Saigon’s cultural treasures:

• Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Ben Thanh Market, night market, street food tasting. Includes eco-transfers, guide, meals.

• 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 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, Saigon’s vibrant cultural and historical hub, offers an unforgettable blend of shopping, dining, and local life in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through this iconic market, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience that supports local vendors while exploring nearby landmarks. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Saigon market adventure today!
Ready to dive into Ben Thanh Market’s bustling charm? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and experience Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural heartbeat!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group to certify content copyright.