Ben Thanh Market

Visited in the evening. The market sells a variety of products, including nuts, dried foods, coffee, souvenirs and more. Most shops offer almost identical products, and bargaining may be necessary. I did not purchase anything, especially coffee, as I was unsure about its authenticity. Prices are not particularly cheap either. Surrounding have some interesting man made infrastructure.

There are many small shops here selling a wide variety of affordable items, including clothes, especially casual home wear, local snacks, coffee, and small souvenirs. It is a great place to pick up inexpensive gifts or browse for local products. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, as bargaining is a normal part of the shopping culture here and sellers will not be offended. I would recommend doing a little research on the usual prices beforehand, as vendors often quote higher prices to foreign tourists. A bit of friendly negotiation can usually help you secure a much better deal.

Even though it's a hall almost exclusively for tourists, it's still very interesting. We walked through the narrow aisles and watched the vendors. You should definitely buy some spices, fruits, and cereals. Haggling and bargaining are worthwhile and might get you a great deal.

An overpriced yet very popular shopping complex in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is a place where you can get everything you want. However, shopkeepers charge whatever they wish based on the customer, marking their products at very high prices so you often end up paying more even after bargaining. For example, I bought a souvenir in Hue for 20,000 dong, but the exact same product here cost between 80,000 and 100,000 dong. ​Instead of shopping here, you should visit the place for the local food, the unique architecture of the building, and the overall view of Saigon. For shopping, head to the Central Post Office instead; they have fixed prices on their products and are much cheaper than Ben Thanh. In the end, I enjoyed window shopping at the market, though I didn't buy anything.

The Ben Thanh Market in the heart of Saigon was a vibrant, culturally rich and vividly energetic experience - an awakening to the city’s bustling rhythm and the everyday life that keeps Vietnam’s traditions thriving. The moment we stepped inside, we were met with a lively blend of sounds, colours and aromas that captured the essence of Saigon’s market culture. We were guided by our chef from the Saigon Cooking School (review to follow), who expertly navigated us through the maze of alleys and stalls. She introduced us to sections showcasing fresh meats, seafood, herbs and spices - each area overflowing with authenticity and local pride. Watching vendors prepare ingredients with precision and care added a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage of Vietnam. The experience was truly immersive and culturally enriching. Despite the market’s intensity, we felt very comfortable with the cleanliness and food safety standards, especially noting the number of happy locals shopping, chatting and enjoying the space. Their presence reinforced the market’s role as a trusted and beloved part of daily life. Ben Thanh Market is not just a place to shop - it is a living cultural landmark, offering a sensory journey through Vietnam’s flavours, traditions and community spirit.