Where is Ben Thanh Market located?
Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of District 1, the most bustling and vibrant area of the city. Due to its prime location, near famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, the City Post Office, the Opera House, and luxury 5-star hotels, the market attracts a large number of visitors.
History of Ben Thanh Market
In the 17th century, Ben Thanh Market was built near the Ben Nghe River to serve travelers and soldiers coming in and out of Gia Dinh Citadel. Hence, the market was named Ben Thanh, a combination of “river wharf” and “citadel”. Initially, the market was constructed using bricks, wood, and thatched roofs. Even then, it was a bustling trading center with goods continuously transported by boats and canoes.
Over time, the market fell into disrepair and faced the risk of collapse. To address this, the French authorities decided to rebuild and expand the market on the site of what used to be the muddy Bo Ret pond. Construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1914 under the supervision of the French contractor Brossard et Maupin. Since then, Ben Thanh Market has retained its distinctive architectural style, despite undergoing a major renovation in 1985.
Through numerous historical changes, Ben Thanh Market has not only been an important trading hub for Saigon but also become a symbol of Vietnam’s vibrant shopping culture. Along with the continuous development of Ho Chi Minh City, the market has increasingly attracted international tourists, especially those interested in discovering the traditional market culture of Vietnam.
While the market is a familiar sight to locals, it offers a unique experience for foreign visitors. Therefore, Ben Thanh Market is an ideal destination for tourists to shop for souvenirs and indulge in Vietnamese cuisine.
How many entrances does Ben Thanh Market have?
The market has a total of 4 main entrances and 12 secondary entrances, each facing a major street and specializing in different types of goods:
– South Gate: Located on Le Loi Street, opposite Quach Thi Trang Square, this is the market’s main entrance, featuring the famous three-faced clock tower. This entrance is known for its fabric and dried food stalls.
– East Gate: On Phan Boi Chau Street, this is a haven for cosmetics enthusiasts, offering a wide range of skincare, hair care, and body care products.
– West Gate: Situated on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this area is dedicated to footwear, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
– North Gate: On Le Thanh Ton Street, this entrance is notable for its fresh flower and tropical fruit stalls.
Operating Hours of Ben Thanh Market
The market is open daily, including holidays, with two main time frames:
– Day Market: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
– Night Market: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
During the day, Ben Thanh Market buzzes with activity as numerous stalls offer a wide range of goods, from clothing, handicrafts, seafood, spices to fresh produce. This scene captures the essence of a traditional Asian market.
As night falls, the market retains its lively atmosphere but with a calmer vibe. The night market primarily focuses on cuisine, with numerous stalls offering local delicacies and beverages. The bright lights and alluring aromas of Vietnamese cuisine create a unique allure for visitors.
Exciting Experiences at Ben Thanh Market
Admire the Iconic Architecture
Ben Thanh Market showcases an architectural style that blends Indochinese and French influences. The rectangular structure features a distinctive clock tower, wooden domes, and a spacious interior. Despite renovations over the years, the overall architecture and clock tower have been preserved. Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos at one of Saigon’s oldest markets.
Indulge in Ben Thanh Market’s Delicacies
The food court within the market is a paradise for foodies who adore Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll find countless specialties from the three regions of Vietnam, such as bánh xèo (savory Vietnamese pancakes), bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with rice vermicelli), nem nướng (grilled pork skewers), bún ốc (rice vermicelli with snail soup), thịt xiên nướng (grilled meat skewers), cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), bột chiên (fried rice flour cakes), and bánh tráng trộn (mixed Vietnamese rice paper salad).
The food stalls here embody the essence of Vietnamese street food, offering delicious and affordable options. The dining area is clean, and many vendors can communicate in English, making it convenient for foreign visitors.
Popular Eateries within the Market
– Bánh Bèo Huế Cô Ánh: Over 30 years old, famous for soft and savory bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) topped with shrimp, located at the West Gate.
– Bún Riêu Gánh Bà Liên: A renowned bún riêu (crab and tomato noodle soup) establishment since before 1975, now located at 163 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1.
– Chè Bé: Operating since 1968, serving over 10 varieties of delicious Southern chè (sweet soups), found at stalls 1154–1130 in the dining area.
– Bánh Canh Cháo Lòng Dì Hương: A more than 50-year-old establishment serving cháo lòng (rice porridge with pork organs), bánh canh (thick rice noodles with pork and shrimp), and mì (egg noodles), near the East Gate.
– Chè Chuối Nướng Phan Bội Châu: A small shop famous for its grilled banana dessert, located at 10 Phan Boi Chau Street.
Shopping for Souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market
Apart from its culinary delights, Ben Thanh Market is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs. Here, you can find áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dresses), conical hats, silk scarves, handicrafts, coffee, tea, dried seafood, and various other traditional items.
However, prices in the market tend to be higher than elsewhere, so haggling is recommended to get the best deals.
With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market is not just a shopping destination but also a unique cultural experience in Saigon, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
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