A Historic Landmark Over a Century Old
Ben Tre Market is located at 30 Hung Vuong, Ward 1, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre Province – one of the most prime locations in the city. Its eastern entrance is on Hung Vuong Street, while the western entrance faces 30/4 Street in Ward 2. With one side bordering the romantic Ben Tre River and the other adjacent to the bustling Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the market offers convenient access for both shoppers and vendors, while also serving as a connecting hub for the city’s inner areas.
Constructed in the late 19th century during the French colonial period, Ben Tre Market marks one of the first trading centers in the region. Over a century later, it has witnessed historical changes and become a cherished memory for generations of Ben Tre locals. Interestingly, the market is divided into two sections, affectionately referred to by locals as “Cho Phuong 2” and “Cho Phuong 3,” connected by a bridge spanning the gentle river.
A Labyrinthine Market Structure
Ben Tre Market boasts a typical structure of traditional Western markets, with a central area called the “nha long cho” – primarily dedicated to the trade of clothing and footwear. Outside this central house lies a network of intertwining narrow paths, creating a unique exploration experience for locals and visitors alike. Navigating this maze-like market can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the area.
Each path within the market has its own unique character, reflecting the region’s distinct consumption habits. Phan Ngoc Tong Street is lined with shops specializing in fishing nets, baskets, and rods, catering to traditional fishing needs. Other paths are dedicated to food stalls, vegetables, household goods, and eateries. Along the riverbank, a bustling area hosts mobile vendors, especially those offering delicious snacks.
Established in 2012, Ben Tre Night Market quickly became a tourist attraction, drawing locals and visitors alike. With 183 stalls, including 128 commercial stalls, 44 fruit stalls, and 11 food stalls, it serves not only as a trading space but also as a leisure destination for evening strolls, culinary delights, and cultural discoveries.
Rustic Cuisine – The Soul of Ben Tre Market
One of the market’s biggest attractions is its food scene. Modest snack stalls with a few plastic chairs and a pot of fragrant sweet soup have become a familiar and inviting sight, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.
The specialty sweet soups are a must-try: from white bean sweet soup, to bánh lọt sweet soup, noodle sweet soup, and the unique “siro da dau” – a flavor exclusive to Ben Tre Market. Hot sticky rice dishes like mung bean sticky rice, gac sticky rice, savory sticky rice, or fish sticky rice are often served with rice wine to balance the richness, offering a harmonious culinary experience.
In the scorching summer heat, refreshing drinks like sương sâm, mủ gòn, sương sáo, and sâm water are a must. Especially, fresh coconut water – a symbol of Ben Tre – is available everywhere, with varieties like xiêm coconut, tam quan coconut, pineapple coconut, or strawberry coconut.
Ben Tre Market is not just a shopping destination but also a treasure trove of the province’s famous specialties. Coconut candy, the sweet symbol of this land, is offered in a range of flavors, from traditional to modern, such as chocolate, cacao, durian, or peanut. Additionally, coconut jam made from thick coconut meat, sweet and fragrant, is priced at 200,000–250,000 VND/kg. The market also boasts a variety of treats like puffed rice cakes, pure longan honey, and refreshing coconut ice cream – all embodying the flavors of this homeland.
What sets Ben Tre Market apart is not only its goods but also its culture. There are no fancy cafes or polished wooden tables – just a few plastic chairs and a pot of fragrant coconut milk create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These long-standing stalls have become a part of the locals’ memories, witnessing the blossoming of countless business relationships and community bonds.
Ben Tre Market is more than just a trading venue; it is a cultural symbol, a keeper of memories, a promoter of traditions, and a bridge between the past and the present. Amidst the ever-changing cityscape, the market retains its simple charm, serving as a beloved landmark for locals and a destination steeped in authenticity for visitors. With every step inside, it embraces visitors with the sweet soul of this coconut land.
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