The Temple of Duc Thanh Tran has recently been ranked as a city-level relic on 20/11/2024.
In this ranking, Ben Thanh Market was also recognized as a city-level relic.
Along with several architectural relics, including: Headquarters of District 1 People’s Committee; Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department Headquarters; and the tomb of Mr. Binh Bo Kiem Duyet Ty – Thua Vu Lang Ho Tran.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has issued decisions on ranking architectural art relics at the city level for Ben Thanh Market (on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1) and the Temple of Duc Thanh Tran Hung Dao (at 36 Vo Thi Sau Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1).
In addition, the city also ranked other relics: Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department Headquarters (at 2 Ham Nghi Street and 21 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1); District 1 People’s Committee Headquarters (45 – 47 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1); and the tomb of Mr. Binh Bo Kiem Duyet Ty – Thua Vu Lang Ho Tran (in the alley of 113 Tran Van Dang Street, Ward 11, District 3).
The city also requested the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, as well as local authorities with relics under their management, to implement state management for these two relics in accordance with cultural heritage laws. The protection zones for these sites will be delineated in the relic dossiers.
Previously, on November 23, 2023, the City People’s Committee announced the recognition of three historical-cultural relics and a first-class museum, including: Go Mon District Base Relic (in Cu Chi District); Ho Chi Minh City House of Children (in District 3); Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital (in District 3); and the War Remnants Museum (in District 3).
Among these, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine would like to introduce two representative relic sites: The Temple of Duc Thanh Tran and Ben Thanh Market.
In the middle of the spacious courtyard behind the gate stands an incense burner and a nearly 2-meter-tall statue of Tran Hung Dao, cast in 1972, placed solemnly in the center of the temple’s yard.
The construction of the Temple of Duc Thanh Tran began in 1932. It is one of the sacred religious sites for the city’s residents. Every year, the temple hosts major ceremonies, including the death anniversary on the 20th of the eighth lunar month and the birthday celebration of Hung Dao Dai Vuong on the 10th of the twelfth lunar month.
The temple’s gable roof is covered with fish-scale tiles, and the ridge is adorned with a pair of dragons vying for a pearl.
During full moon days, holidays, and festive occasions, numerous locals and tourists from near and far come to pay their respects to Duc Thanh Tran, offering incense and rituals.
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, on the 9th day of the first lunar month, a large number of visitors from all directions gather at the Temple of Duc Thanh Tran to attend the festival…
The Spring Festival includes traditional rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, which has been preserved and passed down through generations.
The rituals include offerings of incense, flowers, and votive objects to commemorate the merits and virtues of Duc Thanh Tran.
The ceremony lasts for about two hours, and at the end, the officials perform the ritual of bowing and paying homage.
The temple was constructed in the shape of the Chinese character “ding” (Hán tự: 丁), covering an area of approximately 200 square meters. It consists of a five-room structure built with a combination of wooden materials and reinforced concrete. The ten Chinese characters, “Hien Thanh Tran Trieu Hung Dao Dai Vuong Linh Tu” (Temple of the Holy Spirit of the Tran Dynasty’s Hung Dao Dai Vuong), stand out on the lintel of the main hall’s door.
Ben Thanh Market is one of the city’s iconic landmarks, with a history intertwined with the development of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Cho Lon.
The name “Ben Thanh Market” originates from its geographical location during the early days of settlement. In the 17th century, the market was constructed using bricks, wood, and thatched roofs, situated on the banks of the “Ben” Nge River, near the “Thanh” Gia Dinh Citadel (river wharf + citadel).
In 1912, the market was rebuilt with more durable materials, and after two years of construction, it was inaugurated in a grand three-day ceremony from March 28 to 30, 1914.
In 1860, the French began reconstructing the market on its original site. The structure retained the same materials as before, with brick columns, thatched roofs, and wooden frames. However, in 1870, a fire destroyed one of the market’s wings, prompting the French authorities to rebuild it using more durable materials.
The new structure was built on a pond that had been filled in by the French. The market was designed to be more spacious, covering an area of 13,000 square meters, and featured a five-room house with connecting compartments for different types of goods: food, meat, fish, dining, and miscellaneous items…
Up to the present, after numerous renovations and restorations, the market has preserved its original architectural form.
This market, with its long history and unique architecture, was rebuilt starting in 1912 and completed two years later.
It is not just a shopping and culinary destination but also a cultural symbol of Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City.
The market has four main entrances and twelve auxiliary entrances, each facing a different direction, making it convenient for visitors from all directions to access. The main entrance is located on Le Loi Street and features a grand clock tower, marking the southern gate. The remaining entrances correspond to the north, east, and west directions, situated on Le Thanh Ton Street (north gate), Phan Boi Chau Street (east gate), and Phan Chu Trinh Street (west gate), respectively.
It has also been recognized by reputable international publications like USA Today and Food and Wine as one of the world’s best markets for culinary delights.
Despite the vicissitudes of history and numerous renovations, Ben Thanh Market has retained its original architectural structure, contributing to the city’s landscape and serving as a popular check-in spot for both domestic and international tourists when visiting Ho Chi Minh City…
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