Ben Thanh Market,Vietnam

• Fresh produce and live seafood section
• Clothing, textiles and tailor services
• Handicrafts, lacquerware and souvenirs
• Street food stalls and small eateries
• Iconic clock tower/main gates
• Evening/night market area around the market

• French-colonial style market hall with large clock tower
• Vibrant bargaining culture—prices are often negotiable
• Wide variety of Vietnamese street food in a single location
• Mixture of local shoppers and international tourists
• Extended night market operating in adjacent streets after dusk

• Sampling classic Vietnamese dishes (phở, bánh mì, gỏi cuốn, cà phê)
• Bargaining for clothing, bags, and souvenirs
• Ordering made-to-measure garments from tailors
• Photographing the clock tower and bustling market alleys
• Shopping for dried seafood, spices, and local produce
• Exploring the night market for evening snacks and souvenirs

Early morning (06:00–09:00) for fresh produce and fewer crowds; evenings (18:00–22:00) for the night market and street food. For comfortable weather, visit in the dry season: November–April.

Tropical climate — hot and humid most of the year. Dry season (Nov–Apr) is cooler and less rainy; wet season (May–Oct) brings heavy afternoon showers and higher humidity.

No entry fee for the market. Typical hours for the main market: approximately 06:00–18:00. The surrounding night market activates from about 18:00 to 22:00–23:00. Individual stall hours vary—many food stalls open later into the evening.

Located centrally in District 1 (Ben Thanh Roundabout). Easily reachable by taxi/Grab, motorbike taxi, and city buses. Nearest major airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) ~6–8 km (30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). The Ben Thanh metro station is a central planned hub—check current metro status before travel. The market is pedestrian-friendly but can be crowded; expect uneven surfaces and narrow aisles.

Plan 1–3 hours: 1 hour for a quick visit/photo and a snack; 2–3 hours to shop, eat and explore thoroughly.

Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a small daypack, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and a compact umbrella during the rainy season. Keep valuables secure and a small amount of local currency (VND) in cash.

Try local foods: phở, bánh mì, bún, gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee). Popular souvenirs: silk and textiles, tailor-made garments, lacquerware, coffee beans, dried seafood, decorative crafts, and non la (conical hat).