Ben Thanh Market Tours and Activities

Ben Thanh Market which includes markets and shopping
Ben Thanh Market showing markets and food
Ben Thanh Market featuring markets and food
Ben Thanh Market which includes food and markets
Ben Thanh Market showing markets and interior views


No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.

The market began in the early 17th century as an informal gathering of street vendors near the Saigon River. In 1870, the French colonialists formally established it as Les Halles Centrales (the central market). It was moved to a new building in 1912 and renamed Bến Thành Market.

Wander through the stalls, where you can browse through a huge range of Vietnamese goods. Whether you are looking for a kitschy souvenir or traditional clothing, you will find it here. However, the market is not just for tourists. Residents of Ho Chi Minh City do their daily shopping here, so Bến Thành Market offers visitors a peek into local tastes and customs.

Bến Thành Market is also the perfect place to enjoy an authentic taste of Vietnam. Stop by a food stall for a local specialty, such as deep fried whole fish, or a refreshing tea.

Haggling is a major part of the shopping experience in Vietnam and a necessity, as vendors initially charge inflated prices. For the best shopping experience, come to Bến Thành Market ready to bargain. 

Bến Thành Market is located in District 1, the central urban hub of Ho Chi Minh City. The iconic clock tower that rises above the market makes it impossible to miss. The area is always pulsing with pedestrian and vehicle traffic, so watch your step as you cross to the market. Bến Thành Market is open every day. Although the main market closes around dinnertime, the Ben Thanh Night Market stays open later.

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Best Lodging Options Near Ben Thanh Market

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Hotel Majestic Saigon

5 out of 5
01 Dong Khoi Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Majestic Saigon
New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel

5 out of 5
76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
New World Saigon Hotel
Hotel Grand Saigon

Hotel Grand Saigon

5 out of 5
8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Grand Saigon
California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool

California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool

3.5 out of 5
52 Thu Khoa Huan, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon

5 out of 5
22 - 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, 57 - 69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Reverie Saigon
Au Lac Charner Hotel

Au Lac Charner Hotel

4 out of 5
87-89-91 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Au Lac Charner Hotel
Caravelle Saigon

Caravelle Saigon

5 out of 5
19 - 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Caravelle Saigon
Sherwood Residence

Sherwood Residence

5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Sherwood Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant hub for shopping, offering a wide array of local goods, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a must-visit attraction for tourists seeking an authentic experience. Explore the lively atmosphere, indulge in a day trip, and uncover entertainment spots nearby. This great market is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture while enjoying a bustling shopping trip.

Shopping

Ben Thanh Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local crafts and souvenirs. Nearby, Saigon Square (161m) and Pham Ngu Lao Street (322m) provide a mix of family and city vibes. Saigon Tax Trade Center (483m) also features diverse shops for unique finds.

Recreation

Snow Town Saigon offers a unique recreational experience with its winter-themed atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Thong Nhat Stadium invites you to engage in various sports activities, while Golf Club South Saigon provides an outdoor golfing experience amidst lush surroundings, ideal for both recreation and wellness.

Adventure

At Dam Sen Water Park, 6.4km from Ben Thanh Market, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. Suoi Tien Amusement Park, 14.5km away, offers a unique blend of water fun and cultural experiences, making it perfect for adventure seekers and families alike.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Ben Thanh Market is vibrant and diverse. Catch a cultural performance at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, or enjoy a family-friendly film at Galaxy Nguyen Du. For some fun, visit PowerBowl for entertainment that keeps the energy high into the night.

Find the best attractions near Ben Thanh Market

When visiting Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions, including bustling streets, impressive skyscrapers, and urban parks. The area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and those seeking to immerse themselves in local life. Be sure to explore the market itself and check out nearby attractions, especially in the evening, to enjoy the lively atmosphere and delicious street food.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Experience the vibrant energy of Bui Vien Walking Street, located only 805m from Ben Thanh Market. This bustling street is a hotspot for nightlife, filled with restaurants, bars, and street food vendors, reflecting the lively spirit of the city.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: Just 644m away, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House offers a romantic atmosphere steeped in culture. Attend a performance in this stunning French colonial building, where entertainment and history come together beautifully.
  • War Remnants Museum: Located 966m from Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum provides a profound insight into Vietnam's history and the impact of the war. This cultural landmark is essential for understanding the country's past.

Best time to go to Ben Thanh Market

Visitor numbers around Ben Thanh Market is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ben Thanh Market is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March84.4°F (29.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May85.1°F (29.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
July81.3°F (27.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
August81.7°F (27.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ben Thanh Market

Visiting Ben Thanh Market on a budget is easy with a few smart tips. Enjoy free entry to the market and explore nearby attractions like Bui Vien Walking Street and Saigon Square at no cost. The most affordable months to stay are May to June and September, while booking a month in advance often secures better rates. Consider last-minute deals on Expedia for savings, especially on Saturdays. Use the search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ben Thanh Market are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ben Thanh Market is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ben Thanh Market is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Ben Thanh Market is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay near Ben Thanh Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.