Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: The Langbiang Heart in Saigon
Crowded, noisy, chaotic, what else can you think of a typical market in Ho Chi Minh City? No, a little romance of flowers will spring a surprise. Do not let a chance go to waste as you can visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market and have so much fun there.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh, whether it’s for the first, second or fifth time will most likely include must-see tourist sites like Ben Thanh Market, Cho Lon Market (or Binh Tay Market) but what about a place that you might not have heard of? Yay, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is probably what is still missing from your itinerary.
Contents
A flower market in Ho Chi Minh City
https://www.instagram.com/p/B57JSn5FIni/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
On the prowl for some colorful, sweet-scented flowers? Well, anthophiles will miss the scent of flowers when traveling far, and you’re so lucky to visit this charming flower market in the heart of District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, was established since the 1980s and has become the largest wholesale flower market in the city. Flowers are delivered here from local gardeners and then distributed to many flower shops throughout Ho Chi Minh. Local people ordinarily love buying flowers here as the price is in the lower half of the range offered by other resources.
The market has a respectable collection of flowers such as lotus, mimosa, baby flowers, roses, sunflowers, etc. According to specific seasons, you will have a chance to see a variety of flowers. That’s maybe the reason why Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is also entitled “Lang Biang Heart in Ho Chi Minh” (Langbiang is a famous tourist spot in Da Lat City which is famous for unique flowers). Hence, it is an Instagrammable spot for the best photos you’ve ever dreamed of. But wait, as common respect, you’d better ask for permission from the shop owner before taking any picture.
Though the market opens 24/24 hours a day as it is the flower-selling hub for not only Ho Chi Minh but also the Mekong Delta area, people gather here mainly around midnight or early morning for commercial activities. What’s more, if you by chance visit Ho Thi Ky Market on special occasions like International Women’s Day, Vietnamese Teacher’s Day or Valentine’s Day, it’s much likely that you’re to bury among the thronging mass.
»» How to get there?
If you are a backpacker, take note of this guide to find the shortest way to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.
• By bus: No. 05, 150, 27, 54. See more here
• By taxi or local app like Grab, GoViet, Baemin
Or easy option: Book a full day Ho Chi Minh city tour with us to venture every corner of Ho Chi Minh City with the best local tour guides and 5-star rated services.
» See more on Instagrammable Spots in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet and Get a Sugar Crush with Sweet Soup Dessert in Saigon
World of street food at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Zt37ypEzn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Ho Thi Ky Market has much more than just flowers, of course. Fall in love with Vietnamese traditional food or Saigon street food? Don’t miss out on a chance to discover the culinary wonderland right in this flower market.
Cambodian specialties in Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
If you’re regretting missing Cambodia on your journey, head to Cambodian Market near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, instead. This is where you can come across ample stalls selling Cambodian specialties, such as Hu Tieu Nam Vang (a kind of rice noodle with shrimp, pork, fried shallots, bean sprout), Bun Num Bo Choc (vermicelli, snakehead and turmeric–colored soup), Hu Tieu Oc (a kind of rice noodle with snails, oysters), Papaya salad, etc.
But the best part of Cambodian cuisine must name sweet soup from Co Huoi who has been making this dish for more than 40 years. Palmyra fruit, pumpkin blended with coconut juice and ice – that’s just simple to cool off your day. Ah, Co Huoi also offers grilled bananas – Top 20 street food masters of the year served with coconut juice and roasted peanuts. Due to lack of space, it’s better to order your favorite portion and eat on the go.
» Che Co Huoi: 57/21A Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 2.30 PM – 9.00 PM | Price: From VND 10,000
» Bun Num Bo Choc: 57/27 Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 6.00 AM – 10.00 AM | Price: From VND 40,000
» Hu tiu Oc Chu Tun: 57/21 Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 2.00 PM – 9.00 PM | Price: From VND 20,000
Thao Crab Soup in Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
What’s better than a hot bowl of crab soup as a reward for yourself after a hard day going around the city? The crab soup is favored mainly due to so much depth in flavor and sweet crab meat.
When you decide to make an order, the vendor will swiftly scoop out some of the sticky-looking soup and garnish it with a few seasonings like cilantro, pepper, crushed chili. Within the soup base are boneless crab, slices of shitake mushroom, and whole quail egg. Crab soup is a tasty and very affordable snack in Ho Chi Minh that you just can’t shut your eyes to when visiting Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.
» Sup Cua Thao: 68/5 Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 1.00 PM – 10.00 PM| Price: From VND 33,000
Co Thao Beef Hotpot in Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Though not considered as traditional Vietnamese food but hotpot is still very popular in Vietnam from the North to the South. To the Vietnamese, eating hotpot is a good opportunity for family and friends to gather. Different from the spicy Thai hotpot, beef hotpot has a meaty taste.
People say that this dish provides many health benefits, and it’s fun to put all ingredients into the pot right at the table. Apart from the main ingredient which is beef of course, you can enjoy fresh vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, taro, egg dumplings, tofu skin and don’t forget to use them with dipping sauce for extra tastes.
» Lau bo Co Thao: 84/10 Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM | Price: From VND 100,000
Chu Tun Peach tea in Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
When you’re not in the mood for any food, opt for a cool fruit drink. Locals simply love peach tea as it is sweet enough to stay long in your throat. If you don’t have a sweet tooth then a dessert of sweet soup may sound boring while a cup of peach tea is completely fine.
» Tra dao dam Chu Tun: 57/21 Ho Thi Ky Street | Opening hours: 12.00 AM – 11.00 PM | Price: From VND 10,000
» See more on Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
Best hotels near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
The list below features some of the best hotels near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. They’re fantastic places to stay and you can make it easier to reach other tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh.
1. Nikko Saigon Hotel | 5-star
As one of the top five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, the Nikko Saigon Hotel has kept up with the competition via luxurious interiors, top-notch amenities and pristine service. Only 1km away from Ho Thi Ky Flower Market and 1,2km away from Bui Vien Walking Street, this hotel guarantees a great opportunity to reach nearby attractions with ease.
Have a wonderful time here with free parking space, wifi access, 24-hour room service, relax by the outdoor pool and enjoy dining at Japanese or Chinese restaurants or take in a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh on 23rd floor.
- Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
- Website: hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
- Tel: +84 28 3925 7777
2. Equatorial Hotel | 5-star
Operated since 1996, this 5-star hotel is located slap bang in District 5. As well as easy access to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market (only 0.3km), it offers comfortable, well-appointed and spacious rooms with an array of standard features including high-speed internet, in-room electronic safe, mini-bar, coffee-making facilities, etc.
Enjoy the best Vietnamese cuisine with all buffets prepared in a unique, modern style. Refresh at the stylish outdoor swimming pool that is renovated regularly.
- Address: 242 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 4, District 5
- Website: hochiminhcity.equatorial.com
- Tel.: +84 28 3839 7777
3. Windsor Plaza Hotel | 5-star
The 25-storey building is located in Cho Lon (China Town), next to the hectic An Dong Market where you can have shopping experience like any locals and learn how to be a part of “bargain culture” in Vietnam. Windsor Plaza makes itself different from the whole area thanks to discreetly dazzling design. From the well-trained staff to the 386 rooms and suites, no expense was spared and every detail pored over.
Windsor also boasts the biggest disco in Vietnam, Ngan Dinh Restaurant which has won a prestigious prize for a Chinese restaurant, Talk of the Town which is located on the 25th floor with a 360º view to the city and a rooftop pool.
- Address: 18 An Duong Vuong, Ward 9, District 5
- Website: www.windsorplazahotel.com
- Tel.: +84 28 3833 6688
» See more on The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
4. An Dong Center Hotel | 3-star
This 3-star accommodation offers the best solutions for those who are seeking relaxation and budget-friendly accommodation. An Dong Center Hotel amenities also feature luggage storage, safe deposit box and a car park. All rooms are equipped with mini-bar, air conditioner, working desk and wifi connection. Chic, stylish and uncluttered simplicity near An Dong Market and 10 minutes walk to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, this hotel gives a rare chance to explore the way of life from the locals all around.
If you choose An Dong Center Hotel for your next stay, don’t forget to stop by some notable Thai restaurants nearby like Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant, The Racha Room and TukTuk Thai Bistro. Also, It’s not too hard to reach some iconic sites like Independence Palace or Cho Lon Mosque.
- Address: 14-16 Su Van Hanh, Ward 9, District 5
- Website: an-dong-center-hotel.ho-chi-minh-city-hotels.com/en/
- Tel.: + 84 28 3938 0003
5. Minh Chau Hotel | 1-star
To experience this magnificent city can be cheap, yet the commitment to guest satisfaction of 1-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh should not be underestimated. The rooms are clean and the location next to some cafes and restaurants makes it perfect to start your day. Minh Chau Hotel is favored most due to its convenient location: 8 minutes to Ho Thi Ky Flower, 20 minutes to Pham Ngu Lao Street, 20 minutes to An Dong Market.
Wanna stay away from the hustle and bustle? This hotel is located in an alley, just off the main street and the owner is more than happy to tell you stories about the city and some useful tips for your full day Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Great choice overall.
- Address: 611/18 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 1, District 3
- Tel.:+84 28 3835 0591
» See more on Ten Places Unseen in Ho Chi Minh City
A little fragrance from charming flowers in Ho Thi Ky Flower Market will fill your soul with joy and pleasure. Check out this place and other hidden places to make Ho Chi Minh an Instagrammer’s dream destination. If you don’t know where and how to, just contact us now for the best travel experiences with locals!
Copyright
© Trinh Tran written for Maika Tours
You Might Also Like:
Top 10 Awesome Things To Do In District 1 Ho Chi Minh City