The Top 10 Markets to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

By Trinh Tran on Oct 11, 2023

blogs, Ho Chi Minh City

If you want to explore the true beauty of Saigon, head to these famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. From the iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to the aromatic flower market in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City features a varied shopping scene that makes shoppers feel obliged to splurge all their money.

1. Ben Thanh Market – The most popular market in Saigon

Featuring a striking yellow exterior, Ben Thanh Market has constantly welcomed visitors with a bustling atmosphere. Since its operation in 1914, Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest and biggest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, witnessing many ups and downs of the city’s history.

The market is centrally located in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City. It is easy to reach other popular shopping nearby. Most shoppers find it an ideal place to buy various items, from clothes, shoes, handicrafts to jewelry and local specialties. You can also find a lot of places to exchange currency in and around Ben Thanh Market.

Are you curious about Ho Chi Minh City nightlife? Ben Thanh Night Market is an interesting contrast from the market itself at daytime. The night market is right outside the main building and usually opens from 6 p.m. until midnight. Here you can find a wide range of items like the regular market, plus local street treats.

Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

2. Binh Tay Market – One of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City

Binh Tay Market marks the western gateway of the city. It is the main attraction in the Chinatown in Saigon. Binh Tay Market is also called Cho Lon (literally means the Big Market), and locals use this name to refer to the whole Chinatown neigbourhood.

The market was built in 1930 with Asian-inspired architecture. The curved roofs with dragon carvings follow the style of Chinese pagodas, making it look ancient and serene. Near Binh Tay Market is Cha Tam Church, the first Catholic church of the local Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City.

Binh Tay Market is best known as the busiest retail hub in Saigon. Traders from the Mekong Delta usually visit this market for wholesale items. The market features over 2,300 stalls, of which 1,450 stalls are indoor, offering clothing, household appliances and many more. The food scene at Binh Tay Market is overwhelmed by Chinese dishes at casual eateries.

Address: 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6

Opening hours: 5 a.m – 7.30 p.m.

3. An Dong Market – The trendy shopping market in Ho Chi Minh City

An iconic market in District 5 and one of the oldest markets in Saigon, An Dong Market is set among vibrant stores and eateries. The market is a place where vendors sell trendy designer clothes, shoes and fabrics. The goods here have various origins, from Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and China.

Outside the indoor market, tourists can enjoy Saigon street foods offered by many local vendors. Besides banh mi, Vietnamese noodles are the best options for those who are hungry for a hot dish. There are also many types of tropical fruits on offer, including longan, mango, papaya and more. They come in different colours and tastes that will rock your taste buds.

Address: 36 An Duong Vuong, Ward 9, District 5

Opening hours: 24/24

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4. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – The fresh flower garden in District 5

If you are touring around District 5, there is another choice for you to smell some flower scent from Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. It is a good suggestion for a short layover in Ho Chi Minh City. The market has a respectable collection of flowers, such as lotus, mimosa, baby flowers, roses and sunflowers, imported from Da Lat and the Mekong Delta.

Ho Thi Ky Market is a flower-selling hub for retailers and wholesalers. The market opens 24/24, but trading activities are busiest in the early morning. Flowers are transported from the gardeners to the market in the same day, so they are always fresh.

The famous flower market in Saigon is also referred to as the Cambodian Market. The name itself boasts a variety of Cambodian specialties, including kuy teav, papaya salad and snail noodles. And if your stomach still wants something more, try some local sweet dishes and coconut juice.

Address: 52 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10

Opening hours: 24/24

5. Tan Dinh Market – The reminder of the old Saigon

 

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A two-minute walk from the pink Tan Dinh Church, the market of the same name plays an important role in the city’s history and development. It has been a familiar shopping spot and tourist spot since 1926. Locals used to name Tan Dinh as a “market for the rich” as the prices here were typically higher than other markets.

At Tan Dinh Market, the staple goods are fabrics. There are shops selling silk, cotton, denim and all kinds of materials for making your favourite clothing, especially the áo dài. You can shop inside the market or many independent shops on Hai Ba Trung Street. The vendors will introduce you to attractive áo dài samples that you can buy as a souvenir to bring home.

This famous market in Ho Chi Minh City is also a great place to indulge in some traditional dishes, like pho Vietnam. There are many street food stalls where you can grab something along the way. You can also sit down and eat at the many charming cafés nearby.

Address: 336 Hai Ba Trung, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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6. Ba Chieu Market – The seconhand paradise in Binh Thanh District

Even though the market is not in the city centre, it offers enough scope to stroll around. Ba Chieu Market is one of the oldest markets in Saigon, especially famous for secondhand clothing. Locals love the market for its fairly cheap goods and delicious street foods.

At Ba Chieu Market, the main items are clothes, shoes and fruits. The night market mainly operates in front of the regular market and attracts more and more tourists as the dawn arrives. The place comes to life with the colourful lights taking over.

Ba Chieu Market is a place where you can see locals bargain all day and night. The crowd tends to increase for good bargains at the end of the year. If you visit Ba Chieu Market during this time of the year, you will be likely to become a part of the festive market.

Address: 28 Dien Hong, Ward 1, Binh Thanh District

Opening hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

7. Hanh Thong Tay Market – One of the best night markets in Ho Chi Minh City

Those who have lived in Saigon for years refer Hanh Thong Tay Market to a budget shopping paradise. The market is also known as the students’ market for affordable items that all students can buy. First-time visitors easily get lost in the maze of stalls selling almost everything, from shoes, bags and hats to cosmetics.

Hanh Thong Tay Market hosts a number of snacking options for tourists to savour on. Apart from a range of common street food options, the market also features unique student snacks, such as mango shakes and grilled rice paper. Even if you are not a shopaholic, just strolling through the market can entertain you at best.

Address: Quang Trung, Ward 11, Go Vap District

Opening hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.

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8. Soai Kinh Lam Market – The fabric market in Ho Chi Minh City

Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market is actually not popular among tourists. It is better known among wholesalers for selling fabrics and garment accessories. The market was established in 1989 on Tran Hung Dao Street in Saigon Chinatown. Soai Kinh Lam Market was originally set in Dong Khanh Department Store with over 1,000 stalls but now decreased to around 500 stalls.

The bestselling items at the market are the fabrics used for making the traditional ao dai, like satin, silk and brocade. Besides the large number of designs and styles, many famous tailors and designers come here to buy materials as the market offers some rare fabrics.

Wandering along the streets, you will see independent fabric stores and small old houses. Standing out from a bustling shopping scene, Cha Tam Church can be a serene spot for tourists to take a breath.

Address: 481 Tran Hung Dao B, Ward 14, District 5

Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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9. Minh Phung Market – The best cheap eats in Saigon

Minh Phung Market is located between the two major bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City – Cho Lon and Mien Tay. With an area of 2,412 sqm, Minh Phung Market has a generous collection of goods that can give competition to Cho Lon Market.

If you are someone who loves to experiment with local fashion, Minh Phung Market is one of the best wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City to find vintage and modern outfits. It is also a hub for hairclips, phone cases and handmade baskets. The goods are usually imported directly from the factories, so they are of high quality and cheap price.

The night market hoards several low-key eateries and food stalls to relish on. If you are a foodie, an array of authentic Vietnamese foods will make you full as a tick.

Address: 112 Minh Phung, Ward 6, District 6

Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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10. Kim Bien Market – Unique chemical stalls

Kim Bien Market is not much of a shopping market for food and souvenir shopping. It is a sprawling hub for chemicals selling textiles, home goods and cosmetics. There are various stores selling all kinds of chemicals in different sizes of storage.

Outside the market, you will see some local vendors selling typical street foods, but they are not very tempting compared to other markets. If you pass by the market by chance, walk a few metres to discover colourful stores selling paper decorations on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street. They sell lanterns, artificial flowers, wedding decorations, invitation cards and other supplies. Kim Bien Market and nearby stores make a lively area in Saigon Chinatown in District 5.

Address: 37 Van Tuong, Ward 13, District 5

Opening hours: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Markets in Ho Chi Minh City are not all about fashion or cuisine. These famous markets in Saigon are where tourists marvel at the vibrant streets and relish the culture of shopping in Vietnam. It’s time to grab your Vietnamese dong and enjoy great bargains from the many shopping areas across Saigon.