Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market
3.5
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
About
This central market is the symbol and soul of Saigon, with over 1,500 booths trading wholesale and retail items ranging from food and apparel to fabric and cosmetics. There are four main gates and 12 entrances—with the main entrance located near the big clock tower. Here, you can spot interesting souvenir picks like embroidered wallets, lacquerware and silk scarves. If you’re a coffee lover, locals would recommend homegrown brands like Trung Nguyen, Metrang, Wakeup and Mr. Viet Coffee. When hungry, treat yourself to a comforting bowl of pho, a dragon fruit smoothie and Hue cake for dessert. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- TwoWasIndianapolis, Indiana901 contributionsNot as bad as reviewers tell you, but lower quality vs Saigon SquareThis is not nearly as bad as some reviewers would have you believe. True, there is no air conditioning. And the sellers in each stall will see what you are wearing and show you that they have similar products. But we did not find them to be overly aggressive. Compared to the Saigon Square market, this one has more t-shirts, polos, and coffee beans. The quality seems to be a bit lower here, but still worth a visit.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- bodge1959Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributionsGood and honestJust want to recommend Binh at shop no. 616. Good quality and reasonably priced. They accidently left out one of the tee shirts and when I questioned it the next, they gave another shirt, no questions. You xant ask for more than that, good people, so support themVisited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 31, 2023
- Alan NSt. Ives, Australia343 contributionsThe market is a great experience.Ben Thanh market is definitely worth a visit but don’t expect to find anything different or unique. You will however find copies of almost every well known luxury brand. Prices are ‘flexible’ starting from almost double of what they would be willing to accept and it is up to the buyer to negotiate (bargain). If you walk away and they don’t call you back, you know that your offer is too low. They obviously know that women are bigger buyers than men because the cry to attract attention is always “madame’. The market is a great experience.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 1, 2023
- kchJJ14 contributionsYour average market experienceIt's your standard Southeast Asian market scene – loud, bustling, and always a bit overcrowded. It’s not particularly unique and imo not a must see spot in the city. The place is a maze, and browsing isn't the easiest, but it's okay if you're up for the chaos. You can find most everything from food and coffee to clothes and souvenirs. Be prepared to bargain hard, otherwise you’re going to get ripped off.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 20, 2023
- IshfaqueSydney, Australia7 contributionsAn shopping at the historical marketA must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic shopping experience. With a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, the market offers a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce to souvenirs. The atmosphere is vibrant and the prices are very competitive. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or just a place to explore, Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place to visit.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 21, 2023
- SingaporeSusan88Singapore, Singapore12 contributionsGET READY FOR PRICES TO BE TRIPLED !!!The market traders here are unrelenting. If you so much show any interest in their products they will chase you until you buy. They also will put the price around 3 times higher in the hope you buy it for double the price and think you got a bargain. My advice for shopping - find the product you want. Get prices from 3 different traders and pick the one who gave you the most fair price and then ask for slightly lower price. I refused to give anyone my money who asked the 3 times the price even if their final price was the lowest. Its called karma. and don't stress about an extra dollar. it means more to them than you. But at the same time, don't pay 3 times the price!!!!!Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 23, 2023
- Donna PSydney, Australia5 contributionsBest Customer ServiceI loved the experience of the markets. Yes be prepared to haggle. the lady at shop 164 is very pleasant and helpful. Gave me very good price for my tommy t shirts checked other shops and she was the cheapest. will defiantly go back when i am there in February.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 11, 2023
- mrc282World9,456 contributionssouvenirs, food, and fierce shop owners3 things to know 1. prices for souvenirs are quoted 5-7x what you should pay. walk away at first price and see how quickly it drops 2. the two gold shops (in)famous for currency exchange are located here: ha tam jewelry store and mai van jewelry store 10.772174569856064, 106.6974940728263 3. if you are only in vietnam for a few days, get your tourist sim card (5GB/day, for 20 days) from malaysia street. it comes preactivated and resold at 100000 vnd for a 50000 vnd face value card. how reliable it is over the long term is unknown, but it was the cheapest i encounter so far. the rest of the prices i see in hcm are just crazy, upwards to 300000 vndVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten December 27, 2023
- Andy KDorset, United Kingdom713 contributionsDon’t be afraid to haggle!You really need to bargain hard and if you’re not used to this you might find it a bit intimidating. After walking around we found a vendor that wasn’t pushy and we ended up buying all our souvenirs from them - they gave us a good price too! One criticism - it’s really hot in there.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 30, 2023
- paulgray1Sale, United Kingdom1,056 contributionsTypical Asian indoor marketIt’s interesting first time but after that it is wearing and you get pestered turning a 5 minute stroll through the market into a 15 minute slog. The price of everything that was quoted was ridiculously high, then they pick up a calculator to start bargain . The prices were so high to begin with I couldn’t be arsed to even start negotiating so unless it’s something you really want then don’t start negotiating as you are going to be there forever.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Arianne R
London, UK35 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Went to this market for souvenirs and it was the most awful part of the holiday to Vietnam. Never expected or experienced anything so bad in my life. Left after just 5 minutes. Firstly, it was so hot i couldnt breathe. The stench of rotting food and meat was in the air, made me feel sick. The vendors are something all together. So rude, obnoxious and pushy. Every stallholder will pester and show you things you do not want or need, then pressure you to buy. Not just one, but the entire family will set on you like a pack of hyenas. They then become rude and aggressive if you show no interest in their goods, then show you something else they think you may be interested in. Every time you pass a stall, 4 or 5 people will shout and scream as you go past. It was horrendous. I am used to vendors trying to make a sale but this experience was the worst ever. Also, get used to male and female vendors touching you, pulling your arms and blocking your path when you try to leave. I warn anyone not to go there. Best fork out a little more for souvenirs in other areas where you dint get pestered, touched or followed about.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KRaut
United Kingdom14 contributions
Dec 2019
Went there a couple of time and every time the place surprised me.... It a very crowded place with almost thousands of stalls where you can get food to T-shirts to souvenir ,coffee beans anything and everything under one roof. Definitely not for the faint hearted. You will be grabbed ,harassed, pulled ......as soon as you enter the market. You can easily spend hours of your time and money if you are a shopaholic. Best time to visit early morning when the market opens or late evening, you will guaranteed get good deals. Do not accept their first offer, keep bargaining .....try to walk away, they will definitely accept your offer,always worked for me.
You will find the good fake (first copy) Gucci , Lacoste , the north face and Adidas. If you are into quality fake products , its a place to visit if not you are not missing anything.
You will find the good fake (first copy) Gucci , Lacoste , the north face and Adidas. If you are into quality fake products , its a place to visit if not you are not missing anything.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
welltravelledteacher
Perth, Australia78 contributions
Jan 2020
It is well worth a visit to this market. It is very large. If you don’t want to barter for prices there is a series of fixed price stores. They have signs hanging from the roof stating this and the women working there currently wear a light blue shirt. You’ll notice it is a bit quieter in these sections and that there are price tags on the garments and products. There is also fresh produce such as seafood on display which is quite interesting to look at. There is also food stalls. At night, this market expands onto the street and becomes bigger.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SS
Hyderabad, India125 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
From spice to clothes, from faux designers bags to fresh off the boat seafood. This place has everything! Ohhh the vibrant colours of different rows.
Shop owners will call you out from far, follow you around till the the end of the rue if you touch something. Just trying to pursue you to buy it, nothing wrong with it, they are very polite and courteous.
The best things probably about this place was the people. We went here twice, once in the morning the the next day in the evening. The vibe was brighter in the evening but the level of enthusiasm in sellers was still the same as morning.
I was fairly impressed with the quality of fabric available here, had I known in advance I would have packed lighter. We walked around a bit then came back from a snack, went around a little more and then had some fresh juice. Just walking around this place was so much fun. If you like shopping no better place than this for cheap clothes, lengths of fabric choices, leather and faux leather goods, decorative items etc. You name it they have it.
A lot like Thailand's famous Chatuchak market but somehow with much nicer people.
Shop owners will call you out from far, follow you around till the the end of the rue if you touch something. Just trying to pursue you to buy it, nothing wrong with it, they are very polite and courteous.
The best things probably about this place was the people. We went here twice, once in the morning the the next day in the evening. The vibe was brighter in the evening but the level of enthusiasm in sellers was still the same as morning.
I was fairly impressed with the quality of fabric available here, had I known in advance I would have packed lighter. We walked around a bit then came back from a snack, went around a little more and then had some fresh juice. Just walking around this place was so much fun. If you like shopping no better place than this for cheap clothes, lengths of fabric choices, leather and faux leather goods, decorative items etc. You name it they have it.
A lot like Thailand's famous Chatuchak market but somehow with much nicer people.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda_The_Pixie
Pretoria, South Africa346 contributions
Feb 2020
The first market we visited while in Vietnam. Such a great place!
The people inside are wonderful, the hustle bustle. Everyone is friendly and ready to bargain (except for vendors that state that they have fixed prices). The clothes, the shoes, the souvenirs, the food! It's all here.
It's not just a market for tourists, locals come here as well to buy materials and food as well. It's a really great way to submerge yourself into the atmosphere and culture of Vietnam.
Great place to visit when in Ho Chi Minh.
The people inside are wonderful, the hustle bustle. Everyone is friendly and ready to bargain (except for vendors that state that they have fixed prices). The clothes, the shoes, the souvenirs, the food! It's all here.
It's not just a market for tourists, locals come here as well to buy materials and food as well. It's a really great way to submerge yourself into the atmosphere and culture of Vietnam.
Great place to visit when in Ho Chi Minh.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dodo1985
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Second time at the market and visited each time I visited Ho Chi Minh City but the second time I went after going to Saigon Square first which was nearby. The ifference was noticeable. The market was stressful to say the least in comparison. High pressure sales people. They harass you to buy. They are mostly all rude. They beg you, some will follow you after you walk away. The quality of the shirts are low grade, all the items everyone was selling was pretty much the same. Some woman told me that if I don't want to buy her merchandise that I shouldn't touch any items she had for sale. Another woman told me to leave when I tried to negotiate some outrageously high price she had quoted me. Angry at the fact my counter was a quarter of her offer. If you want to get ripped off and harassed, sure visit this dump. The sales people are desensitized to scamming visitors thinking your a walking bag of money and if you don't do business with them your trash. There is the same garbage souvenirs at cheaper prices and friendlier salespeople elsewhere in hcmc and obviously the same stuff in every Vietnamese city.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fernisi100
Nottingham, UK63 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This place is a must as a visit but don’t shop alone and watch the contents of your bag. An utter rabbit warren of stalls selling every thing under the sun, thin corridors which can be quite disorientating when trying to find a stall again manned by hard selling women and more reasonable men.
There are a few things to remember when shopping here the most important being buyer beware and barter hard and be especially careful dealing with the woman shall holders as they are pretty ruthless.
We’ve shopped for clothes and bags etc in various markets throughout Vietnam and think this is a great market shopping experience but be absolutely clear on what you are looking for, don’t go to just browse and know how much you want to pay before you go shopping.
Stalls all operate in $ and dong and can quote you prices in any equivalent currency but whatever it is you shop for the first price you hear is over 50% to 60% over what you should end up at. Always be prepared to walk away, never be pressured into buying anything.
The women stall holders are the worst! They will go as far as trying to block you onto their stall to get you to buy as well as holding onto your wrist. If this happens firmly tell them to “take your hands off me” and walk away as whatever it is they are selling isn’t worth it and never loose your temper.
We found dealing with male stall holders to be far less aggressive and they gave a fairer price to start off with.
If unsure have a dry run to establish price range for whatever it is and always shop in pairs with one playing very hard to get. Never try and shop for two people at the same time you will find they give a price for all items where they price all items the same for clothes and you find they are adding lower quality items to improve the average price for the stall holder. Watch the price that appears on the calculator produced and passed to you and watch out for the phrase “how much do you want to pay” thinking very carefully before you answer.
Watch your bags and purses and always walk away ignoring the screams of madam sir madam sir madam sir as they pursue you through the market to get a sale if you are unhappy with the price or the product and enjoy the experience.
There are a few things to remember when shopping here the most important being buyer beware and barter hard and be especially careful dealing with the woman shall holders as they are pretty ruthless.
We’ve shopped for clothes and bags etc in various markets throughout Vietnam and think this is a great market shopping experience but be absolutely clear on what you are looking for, don’t go to just browse and know how much you want to pay before you go shopping.
Stalls all operate in $ and dong and can quote you prices in any equivalent currency but whatever it is you shop for the first price you hear is over 50% to 60% over what you should end up at. Always be prepared to walk away, never be pressured into buying anything.
The women stall holders are the worst! They will go as far as trying to block you onto their stall to get you to buy as well as holding onto your wrist. If this happens firmly tell them to “take your hands off me” and walk away as whatever it is they are selling isn’t worth it and never loose your temper.
We found dealing with male stall holders to be far less aggressive and they gave a fairer price to start off with.
If unsure have a dry run to establish price range for whatever it is and always shop in pairs with one playing very hard to get. Never try and shop for two people at the same time you will find they give a price for all items where they price all items the same for clothes and you find they are adding lower quality items to improve the average price for the stall holder. Watch the price that appears on the calculator produced and passed to you and watch out for the phrase “how much do you want to pay” thinking very carefully before you answer.
Watch your bags and purses and always walk away ignoring the screams of madam sir madam sir madam sir as they pursue you through the market to get a sale if you are unhappy with the price or the product and enjoy the experience.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason B
Brisbane, Australia47 contributions
Mar 2020
Possibly has become a little too tourist dependant now. There will be frequent local buses heading there from whichever district you are staying in this market is a Hub for buses. It's a good place to spend a few hours have a look around, if you smile and say no thank you there is no pressure. If you take an interest in something, the bargaining gloves are off and away you go. Great place to have a snack or a drink and watch the locals go to work with other tourists. The produce area is interesting. So if you are not spending much time in Vietnam, this might be your best chance to see how locals do their shopping.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mmarymomm
Pleasanton, CA1,663 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
I do not care for this type of shopping. The foods area was interesting due to the great variety and difference in items from the ones we have at home. Beyond that it is crowded noisy and intimidating. I do not care to be hassled to buy something and despise trying to bargain. It is as if the seller does not want you to pay a reasonable price. This market was included in three of our excursions. Once was more than enough.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete W
Wolverhampton, UK11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
To be honest we found this a bit overwhelming, if you like look at 6,-7 types of stalls repeated throughout then it's for you. The stalls and sellers in the middle of the area are so close to you every single one asks(some tap you on shoulder) to see if you will look and buy. Which is fine but after 50th time it's annoying difficult to ignore and in effect they loose trade just because its not comfortable just to look and browse on please so you end up mot buying anything. If you do we were told by a guide to go upto 70% off the price they originally start with. I have to say thus is probably true if the couple of things we did buy this is about the discount we got.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How good are the silks in Ben thank market
Written September 29, 2024
Does anyone have any phone numbers or any form of contact for any sellers that sell men’s clothing or accessories in Ben Thanh market place?
Written September 22, 2024
Does anyone know if you can buy Frankie 4 shoes in Vietnam. I'm told they are made there?
Written April 6, 2023
Is it best to explore. The same stall does not usually have the same items
Written August 30, 2023
Does anyone know if I can buy Head and shoulders men’s shampoo? Desperate
Written May 17, 2020
All the answers above seem reasonable except the older man from Perth who was rude and demeaning. We travelers are all different ages and levels of experience.
If you do not feel comfortable walking about maybe you can hire a local who wants to make some money to do your shopping. You can find through the front desk. Take a picture of Your empty tube or draw a picture. Ask front desk for guidance on price of shopper and product. Make sure you have firm understanding with shopper in advance about money. Good luck.
Written May 18, 2020
Bevvi
Hi everyone,
Apart from this market, where else in Ho Chi Minh can you find a good range of souvenirs & handicrafts ? Will be first timers to Vietnam. Thank you.
Written June 27, 2019
The only other market we visited was near the pink church and the 7-storey pagoda. Don't know what it was called. Check it on a local map.
Written August 8, 2019
Mohammad D
Chittagong City, Bangladesh
Tomorrow I am coming Singapore with my family for adult I know, Singapore MRT ticket policy but what about kids, I have two boy ( 5 & 9) both below 1mt, do I need to buy Singapore MRT ticket for them individually?
Written March 26, 2019
is their any shops that sell rough gems or rock samples from vietnam?
Written February 20, 2019
Not really, and regardless I believe you'd be better off elsewhere.
Saigon has plenty of shops like this you can find. Ben Tanh market isn't a place I would recommend for this.
Written February 21, 2019
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