Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) is the most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City: a covered market of about 1,500 stalls in the city centre, open daily from around 6:00–7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a food-focused night market on the side streets until late evening. Entry is free. It is the best place in ho chi minh city for Indian tourists to buy coffee, silk, lacquerware and souvenirs, and to try Vietnamese street food, including vegetarian (chay) dishes.
This Vietnamtour.in guide covers everything Indian travellers need before visiting Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh City: timings, how to get there, what to buy with VND and ₹ prices, vegetarian food, bargaining, scams, the night market and nearby sights.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (old District 1) |
| Day market timings | About 6:00–7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily |
| Night market | From about 6:00–7:00 PM to late evening, Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Best for | Coffee, silk, lacquerware, souvenirs, street food |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours (3–4 hours with the night market) |
What Is Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ben Thanh Market is Saigon’s best-known central market and a historic landmark, recognised by its clock tower and four main gates.
The building covers about 13,056 square metres and holds around 1,500 stalls selling fresh produce, spices, dried food, clothing, handicrafts and street food. Together with Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon and An Dong Market, it is one of the main markets of the city, but Ben Thanh is the one most visitors see first.
Beyond shopping, Cho Ben Thanh is one of the most photographed symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, appearing on maps, postcards and tourism campaigns.
What Is the History of Ben Thanh Market?
The current Ben Thanh Market building was built by the French between 1912 and 1914, replacing an older market by the Ben Nghe River.
An earlier Ben Thanh market stood near the river from the 19th century. The present building, with its clock tower and four-gate layout, was finished in 1914. It has been renovated several times, notably in 1985, while keeping its familiar façade. More than a century later, it is still one of the oldest working markets in southern Vietnam.
Where Is Ben Thanh Market and How Do Indian Tourists Get There?
Ben Thanh Market is on Le Loi Street in Ben Thanh Ward, in the heart of the city centre, and is easiest to reach by Grab, metro or on foot.
Most hotels in ho chi minh city popular with Indian travellers are within 5–15 minutes of the market.
- Grab car or bike: about 30,000–60,000 VND (₹100–200) from most central hotels; 5–15 minutes.
- Metro Line 1: Ben Thanh Station is right in front of the market. Line 1 opened in December 2024 and runs east to Suoi Tien, so you can also ride it to suoi tien theme park. Fares are about 7,000–20,000 VND (₹25–70).
- Walking: from bui vien walking street and Pham Ngu Lao, it is about a 10-minute walk.
- Xe om (motorbike taxi): cheap, but use Grab Bike instead of street drivers to avoid overcharging.
Ben Thanh Market Timings: When Does It Open and Close?
Ben Thanh Market timings are about 6:00–7:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, and the night market runs outside from early evening until late.
| Section | Timings (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fresh food and early vendors | From early morning |
| Main day market (souvenirs, clothing, food court) | 6:00–7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some stalls stay open later) |
| Night market (outside, side streets) | About 6:00–7:00 PM to 10:00 PM or later |
The market is open seven days a week, including most public holidays, but many stalls close for a few days around Tet (Lunar New Year). Indian travellers visiting during the Diwali season (October–November) will find it fully open.
The best times to visit:
- 7:00–9:00 AM: cooler, fewer crowds and fresh produce.
- 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: busiest time at the food court, with every stall cooking.
- 4:00–6:00 PM: a good time to shop before closing, then stay on for the night market.
What To Buy in Ben Thanh Market (With VND and ₹ Prices)
The best things to buy in Ben Thanh Market are Vietnamese coffee, silk, lacquerware, spices, souvenirs, linen clothing and pearl jewellery.
Prices below are typical asking ranges after light bargaining (₹1 ≈ 295 VND).
- Vietnamese lacquerware: 100,000–700,000 VND (₹340–2,370) for hand-painted bowls, trays and boxes. Check the finish and the label before buying.
- Silk scarves and ao dai fabric: 150,000–900,000 VND (₹510–3,050). Ask the seller whether it is pure silk or a blend; real silk feels cool and smooth.
- Vietnamese coffee and tea: about 50,000–250,000 VND (₹170–850) per pack. Trung Nguyen ground coffee and G7 instant coffee are the most popular; buy a phin filter too for brewing at home.
- Dried spices, lemongrass and star anise: about 20,000–100,000 VND (₹70–340) per bag. Star anise, cinnamon (cassia) and pepper are familiar from Indian masala blends.
- Handmade souvenirs (keychains, magnets, wooden gifts): about 15,000–60,000 VND (₹50–200) each. Buying several from one stall gets a better price.
- Linen clothing and embroidered shirts: about 100,000–350,000 VND (₹340–1,190). Sizes run small compared with Indian sizes, so try before buying.
- Pearl and stone jewellery: about 150,000–1,200,000 VND (₹510–4,070). Freshwater pearl sets are popular gifts; buy expensive pieces only from shops that give a receipt.
What not to buy at Ben Thanh Market
Skip electronics and “branded” goods here. For electronics, use chain stores such as Nguyen Kim or Phong Vu, and for genuine branded fashion, go to Vincom Center on Le Thanh Ton Street, a short walk away. For more ideas, see our guide to shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
How To Find Genuine Vietnamese Products at Ben Thanh
Not everything sold at Ben Thanh is made in Vietnam, so check labels, quality and price before you buy.
- Check the label: look for “Made in Vietnam” on lacquerware, clothing and coffee. Many cheap souvenirs are imported.
- Feel and smell: real silk feels cool and smooth, and fresh star anise or cinnamon has a strong, sharp aroma.
- Compare two or three stalls: the same item is often sold in several places at different prices.
- Branded coffee: sealed Trung Nguyen or G7 packs are the safest choice.
Food at Ben Thanh Market: Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Options
Yes, Ben Thanh Market has vegetarian food: look for stalls and dishes marked “chay”, which are cooked without meat, seafood or fish sauce.
Vegetarian food for Indian travellers
The food court inside the market has dozens of stalls, and a few of them serve chay (Buddhist vegetarian) dishes such as vegetarian pho, spring rolls and rice plates. If you do not eat eggs, say “không trứng” (no egg). For Jain meals, say “không hành, không tỏi” (no onion, no garlic) and check about root vegetables.
Non-vegetarian options
- Pho (noodle soup): about 50,000–80,000 VND (₹170–270).
- Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork): about 50,000–80,000 VND (₹170–270).
- Seafood dishes: from about 100,000 VND (₹340); always ask the price first, as seafood is often charged by weight.
Hygiene tips
Choose busy stalls with high turnover, where food is cooked fresh in front of you, and avoid dishes that have been sitting uncovered. Drink bottled water.
How to Bargain at Ben Thanh Market: 6 Tips for Indian Tourists
Prices at Ben Thanh Market are not fixed: start at about 40–50% of the asking price and settle around 60–70%.
Bargaining here will feel familiar if you have shopped at Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar or Crawford Market: the first price is a ceiling, not the real value.
- Start low: for an item quoted at 300,000 VND (₹1,015), offer about 130,000–150,000 VND and settle around 180,000–200,000 VND.
- Buy in quantity: buying several items from one stall gives you a bigger discount.
- Walk away politely: if the price is still too high, smile and walk on; vendors often call you back with a lower price.
- Use a few Vietnamese words: “Bao nhiêu?” (how much?) and “Đắt quá” (too expensive) are friendly and helpful.
- Don’t bargain for food: food court prices are usually fixed and displayed.
- Pay in VND: paying in US dollars usually means a poor rate. Carry small notes (20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 VND).
3 Common Scams at Ben Thanh Market and How To Avoid Them
The main scams around Ben Thanh are overpriced taxis, pressure selling and fake “handmade” goods.
Scam 1: Unmarked taxis and motorbike drivers
Drivers waiting outside the gates may quote several times the normal fare. Book a Grab car or Grab Bike from your phone instead.
Scam 2: “Last price, only for you” pressure
Urgency lines are part of the sales script. Ignore them and walk away if the price is not right.
Scam 3: Imported goods sold as Vietnamese handicrafts
Mass-produced lacquerware, embroidery and wooden items are common. Check the label, the finish and compare prices before you pay for something sold as handmade.
Ben Thanh Night Market: Timings, Food and What To Expect
The Ben Thanh Night Market opens in the early evening on the side streets next to the main building and is mostly about food.
When the indoor market closes, stalls set up on Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets. It is lively, bright and busy, a bit like an evening food bazaar in Delhi, with locals and tourists eating side by side.
- Location: Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets, on both sides of the market.
- Timings: from about 6:00–7:00 PM until late evening.
- Entry: free.
5 must-try night market items for Indian travellers
- Banh xeo chay (vegetarian pancake): about 50,000–100,000 VND (₹170–340); a crispy turmeric pancake with mushrooms and bean sprouts.
- Sugarcane juice (nuoc mia): about 15,000–25,000 VND (₹50–85), pressed fresh with lime.
- Grilled corn with scallion oil: about 20,000–30,000 VND (₹70–100).
- Vegetarian pho (pho chay): about 50,000–80,000 VND (₹170–270).
- Tropical fruit plates: about 50,000–100,000 VND (₹170–340) for mango, dragon fruit, rambutan and more.
Ben Thanh Market vs Other Ho Chi Minh City Markets
Ben Thanh is the easiest and most central market, but other Ho Chi Minh City shopping markets are cheaper or more local.
| Market | Best for | Price level | Good for Indian tourists who want… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Thanh Market | Souvenirs, coffee, central location | Higher (tourist prices) | A first visit and easy shopping |
| Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon) | Wholesale, dried goods, herbs | Low | Bulk buying and spices |
| An Dong Market | Textiles, ao dai fabric | Medium | Fabric and tailoring |
| Ho Thi Ky Flower Market | Flowers, local street food | Low | A local evening food walk |
| Saigon Square | Casual fashion, bags | Medium | Clothes shopping in air-conditioning |
To go beyond Ben Thanh, visit Cho Lon’s Binh Tay Market, the fabric lanes of An Dong Market or the colourful ho thi ky flower market. Our guide to must visit markets in ho chi minh city compares them all.
Places To Visit Near Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh is in walking distance of many central sights, so it is easy to combine with a half-day city walk.
- Tao Dan Park: a shady green park about 10 minutes’ walk away; see our guide to tao dan park.
- Bitexco Financial Tower: walk down Ham Nghi Street to bitexco financial tower for city views from its observation deck.
- Saigon River: end the day with an evening walk or dinner cruise on the saigon river.
- Landmark 81: for the highest view in Vietnam, take a short Grab ride to landmark 81.
- Bui Vien: the backpacker street is lively after dark and close to the night market.
5 Practical Tips for Indian Tourists Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Carry small VND notes, go early or late, and use Grab to avoid most problems.
- Carry small notes: 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 VND notes make paying and bargaining easier; vendors may claim to have no change for large notes.
- Avoid midday heat: the covered market gets hot and crowded around noon, especially from March to May.
- Wear closed shoes: floors near the food stalls can be wet and slippery.
- Install Grab before you go: it shows the fare upfront and avoids taxi scams.
- Budget: about 400,000–900,000 VND (₹1,350–3,050) per person covers food, a few souvenirs and transport.
Is Ben Thanh Market Worth Visiting for Indian Tourists?
Yes, Ben Thanh Market is worth visiting for Indian tourists, both for shopping and as one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
- Vegetarian options: chay dishes are available in the food court and at the night market.
- Familiar bargaining: shopping here feels much like an Indian bazaar.
- Central location: it fits easily into any Ho Chi Minh City itinerary as a 2-hour stop.
For markets in other cities, from Hanoi’s Dong Xuan to Hoi An’s central market, see our guide to markets in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Thanh Market
What are Ben Thanh Market timings?
The day market is open from about 6:00–7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The night market on the side streets runs from about 6:00–7:00 PM until late evening.
Is Ben Thanh Market free to enter?
Yes. There is no entry fee, and all four main gates are open to the public during opening hours.
Can Indian tourists pay in rupees at Ben Thanh Market?
No. Vendors accept Vietnamese dong (VND). Some souvenir stalls take US dollars at a poor rate. The rate is roughly ₹1 = 295 VND; exchange money at a licensed counter or withdraw from an ATM.
Is there an ATM near Ben Thanh Market?
Yes. Several bank ATMs are around the market and along Le Loi Street. Most charge foreign cards a fee of about 50,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal, plus your Indian bank’s charges.
Is Ben Thanh Market safe for Indian tourists?
Yes. It is in the busy city centre and generally safe. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, and watch for pickpockets in crowded aisles and at the night market.
How long does a visit to Ben Thanh Market take?
Plan 1.5–2.5 hours for the day market, or 3–4 hours if you also stay for the night market.
Plan Your Ho Chi Minh City Trip
Ben Thanh Market is a stop on most Vietnamtour.in Ho Chi Minh City itineraries, usually with a city tour and the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta.
Browse all Vietnam tours to find a trip that starts or ends in Ho Chi Minh City, or add a beach break after the city with a Phu Quoc trip, just a one-hour flight away.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and departure city in India. A Vietnamtour.in travel expert will plan your Ho Chi Minh City days, book a central hotel near Ben Thanh, arrange a guide for shopping, and organise vegetarian, Jain or Indian meals throughout your trip.
