Ben Thanh Market's clock tower, built in 1914, is one of Saigon's most recognized landmarks and sits above a covered market selling everything from lacquerware, silk, and conical hats to fresh produce, dried seafood, coffee, and a food court of Vietnamese street-food stalls. Bargaining is expected on souvenirs and clothing; food and produce prices are more fixed. During the day the aisles are crowded with a mix of local shoppers and tourists; after 6:00pm the surrounding streets close to traffic and fill with plastic-stool restaurants, seafood grills, and vendors selling the same goods at night-market prices. It is a reliable single stop for souvenirs (lacquer bowls, embroidered items, Vietnamese coffee, cashews) and a good introduction to Vietnamese street food such as banh mi, che, and pho, though food quality and prices are generally better a few blocks away from the tourist-facing stalls.
| Admission | Free to enter |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6:00am-6:00pm (day market); night market on surrounding streets 6:00pm-midnight |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Getting there | Central location in District 1, walkable from most downtown hotels; the clock tower entrance faces the Ben Thanh Market roundabout, also a hub for city bus routes and the Ben Thanh Bus Station |
| Address | Le Loi, Pham Ngu Lao & Le Thanh Ton streets, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City |
Weather through the year in Vietnam
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Vietnam.
Location
Le Loi, Pham Ngu Lao & Le Thanh Ton streets, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10.7725, 106.6980 View on map
Highlights
- 1914 clock tower, one of the most photographed landmarks in the city
- Food court with dozens of Vietnamese street-food stalls under one roof
- Souvenir sections for lacquerware, silk, conical hats, and coffee
- Night market on the surrounding streets after the indoor market closes
Tips for visiting
- Bargain hard on clothing and souvenirs; starting at 40-50% of the asking price is normal
- Food stalls inside the market tend to overcharge tourists; prices are lower one block away
- Watch belongings closely; pickpocketing is a known issue in the crowded aisles
- Visit in the early morning for the freshest produce and fewer crowds
When to visit
Early morning (7:00-9:00am) for the day market, or after 7:00pm for the night market
Accessibility
Ground-level, mostly flat, but narrow and crowded aisles can be difficult for wheelchairs during peak hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is bargaining required at Ben Thanh Market?
Yes, for souvenirs and clothing bargaining is standard practice; food and grocery items are usually sold at fixed prices.
Is the night market the same as the day market?
No, the night market operates on the closed-off streets around the building rather than inside it, with different vendors and mostly food stalls.