Visit Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant heart! Shop and dine with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours in Saigon. Book your cultural adventure now!
Capture the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural heartA Vibrant Symbol of Saigon’s Spirit
Located at Le Loi Street in Ward 1, Ben Thanh Market is Ho Chi Minh City’s most celebrated destination, attracting over 10,000 visitors daily to its 13,056 sq.m expanse. Dating back to the 17th century as a trading post near the Ben Nghe River, it was rebuilt by French colonialists in 1912–1914, enduring wars to become a cultural icon of Saigon. With ~1,500 stalls offering everything from silk áo dài to fresh phở, this market is a sensory delight for tourists and locals alike. Set in a 6,772 sq.km megacity, its clock tower and bustling night market capture Vietnam’s vibrant essence. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, ensure a safe and sustainable market experience, supporting local vendors. Dive into Saigon’s culture—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 sq.km megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 1 now Ward 1. This reorganization enhances market accessibility with improved cycling paths, electric buses, and Metro Line 1, linking 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 leading Southeast Asia tour operator, offers safe, eco-conscious tours to Ben Thanh Market. Our guided experiences use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, led by local experts who share 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 worry-free visit. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and shop sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews
Start your Ho Chi Minh City Travel with vibrant market vibes (Source: Internet)Situated 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, it spans 13,056 sq.m with a French colonial steel-frame design, featuring a clock tower at the South Gate, four main gates (South, North, East, West), and 12 sub-doors. Its ~1,500 stalls, managed by 6,000 traders, offer textiles, handicrafts, and street food, serving 10,000 daily visitors. The night market (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) transforms Le Loi Street into a culinary hotspot. Accessible via Metro Line 1, Ben Thanh is a cultural must-visit, near landmarks like Independence Palace.
Learn Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)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 photographing the clock tower. Tet (January–February) features festive decorations but reduced stall hours, offering a quieter experience. 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 ideal during showers. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) provide fresh produce and fewer crowds, while the night market (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) buzzes with food and souvenirs.
Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for Tet; visit mornings for a calmer experience. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Capture the authentic charm of Ho Chi Minh City’s culture (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a comfortable and safe 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.
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 haggling; use a crossbody bag to deter pickpockets.
Ben Thanh Market, rooted in the 17th century and rebuilt in 1912–1914, is Saigon’s cultural and commercial epicenter, reflecting over 300 years of Ho Chi Minh City’s history. Evolving from a riverside trading post to a French colonial landmark, it survived a 1870 fire and wars, becoming a symbol of resilience. Its steel-frame architecture, iconic clock tower, and four main gates house ~1,500 stalls with 6,000 traders offering textiles, handicrafts, and street food like bánh xèo and phở. Serving 10,000 daily visitors, it blends local life with tourism, with a night market on Le Loi Street adding culinary vibrancy. A visit to Ben Thanh is essential for immersing in Vietnam’s dynamic culture.
Begin your Ho Chi Minh City Tours with a cultural adventure (Source: Internet)Ben Thanh Market offers a diverse range of goods across its ~1,500 stalls, catering to daily needs and tourist interests:
Textiles and Clothing: Silk áo dài, T-shirts, scarves, and tailored outfits ($5–$50 or 125,000–1,250,000 VND).
Handicrafts and Souvenirs: Lacquerware, conical hats, embroidered bags, and wooden carvings ($1–$20 or 25,000–500,000 VND).
Food and Spices: Fresh produce, dried seafood, spices, coffee, and snacks like candied fruit ($1–$10 or 25,000–250,000 VND).
Street Food: Phở, bánh mì, bánh xèo, spring rolls, and avocado ice cream ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND).
Jewelry and Accessories: Silver earrings, beaded bracelets, and imitation luxury watches ($3–$30 or 75,000–750,000 VND).
Specialty Items: Imported fruits, fresh seafood, and abalone ($5–$50 or 125,000–1,250,000 VND).
Tip: Bargain by starting at 50% of quoted prices; compare multiple stalls for quality and deals.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Ho Chi Minh City Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Bargain for silk scarves, conical hats, or lacquerware, perfect for gifts or keepsakes.
Cost: $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).
Savor dishes like phở, bánh mì, or bánh xèo at food stalls, a culinary highlight.
Cost: $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 curated tastings.
Enjoy outdoor food stalls and souvenirs under vibrant lights on Le Loi Street.
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).
Watch vendors and locals haggle, offering a glimpse into Saigon’s daily culture.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).
Buy tropical fruits, dried seafood, or Vietnamese coffee for authentic flavors.
Cost: $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tip: Guided by our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).
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 transactions; 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; 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 highlight Ben Thanh Market and Saigon’s cultural gems:
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 Gallery. 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 Cultural 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 heart, offers an unparalleled cultural experience with its diverse goods, delicious street food, and lively atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through this iconic landmark, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience that supports local vendors while discovering nearby attractions. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Saigon market adventure today!
Ready to experience Ben Thanh Market’s cultural vibrancy? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic soul!
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.
Sources:
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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