Ben Thanh is Saigon's oldest and most famous covered market, built by the French in 1914, its clock tower on Le Loi serving as a de facto landmark for District 1. Inside, narrow aisles under one roof pack in roughly 1,500 stalls selling everything from silk scarves and lacquerware to dried mango, fish sauce, and knockoff sunglasses. Prices are aimed at tourists and are almost always inflated on first quote, so treat the sticker price as an opening offer rather than a real one.
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily (indoor stalls); night market on surrounding streets 6:00 PM - midnight |
|---|---|
| Price | ₫20,000-₫500,000 (~$0.75-$19); bargaining expected |
| Payment | Cash (VND) preferred; limited card acceptance at larger stalls |
| Address | Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City |
Good to know
- Best for
- Souvenirs, quick gifts, dried food, fabric
Location
Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10.7725, 106.6980 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic clock tower entrance on Le Loi
- Dedicated food stall section for quick Vietnamese meals
- Dry goods hall for coffee, cashews, and dried fruit
- Fabric and tailoring stalls for custom ao dai
Tips for visiting
- Go before 9 AM to shop with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
- Start bargaining at 40-50% of the asking price
- Compare prices at two or three stalls before buying the same item
- The surrounding streets turn into a separate, cheaper night market after the indoor market closes
When to visit
Early morning (6-9 AM) for produce and food stalls; evening for the outdoor night market
Accessibility
Main aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs but side aisles are narrow and crowded with hanging merchandise