January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Ben Thanh Market
The city’s best-known market, with hundreds of stalls selling food, coffee, clothes and souvenirs, and a night market outside.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest and best-known markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Under its big clock tower, stalls sell fresh food, coffee, textiles, handicrafts and everyday goods.
The market is busy and loud, which is part of its charm. Eat at the food stalls, walk the souvenir aisles and then step outside in the evening for the night market and its street food.
Highlights
- Try a bowl of noodles or a Vietnamese coffee at the food stalls
- Browse coffee, dried fruit and handicrafts for gifts
- Visit the night market for street food after 18:00
- See the clock tower, a symbol of Saigon
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Market: daily, about 6:00 – 18:00 Night market: about 18:00 – 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 1 – 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning for food; evening for the night market |
| Good for | First-timers, food lovers, souvenir shoppers |
| Accessibility | Flat, but narrow aisles and crowds can be hard for wheelchairs |
| Facilities | Food stalls, toilets, ATMs nearby, air-conditioned shops around the building |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
The market sits at a large roundabout in the middle of District 1. Most central hotels are within a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the Ben Thanh metro station is right next to it.
- Ben Thanh Market
Tips before you go
- Prices are not marked at many stalls, so compare and bargain politely
- Keep valuables in a front bag; crowded markets attract pickpockets
- Food stalls are the best value, and the souvenir stalls near the entrances are the most expensive
- Morning is cooler and less crowded than midday
Location
Le Loi, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
Is Ben Thanh Market worth visiting?
Yes for atmosphere and a first taste of Saigon street food. If you only want souvenirs, prices are fair after bargaining, but not the lowest in the city.
What time does the night market open?
Stalls on the streets around the market usually start from about 18:00 and stay open until late in the evening.
Do I need to bargain?
Yes at most stalls. Start at about half of the first price, and walk away politely if the price is not right.