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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Ben Thanh Market Summary
| Opening hours: |
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Vietnam – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Vietnamese Dong (VND) £1 ≈ ₫34,381 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Vietnam, but drinking in certain public spaces, like parks, may be regulated. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces, but there are smoking restrictions in some indoor public areas. |
| Independence Day (2 September) |
Celebrates Vietnam’s independence from France |
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| Tết (January/February) |
The most important holiday in Vietnam, typically in January or February |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 114 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Grab |
| Other: | Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, offering a rich and diverse travel experience. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam
Market hall open about 6am to 6pm, night market stalls outside from around 6pm
Tet (Lunar New Year), late January to mid February: most stalls closed for several days
Don't miss
- 🛍️ Haggle for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts
- 🍜 Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes at food stalls
- 🌃 Explore the bustling night market atmosphere
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Ben Thanh Market stands as one of the oldest and most iconic markets in Vietnam. With its distinctive clock tower entrance, the market offers more than shopping–it’s a cultural experience showcasing the vibrant life of Saigon. Inside the airy halls, stalls sell varied goods including silk, handicrafts, fresh produce and souvenirs.
The market is famous for its food court, where visitors can taste authentic Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Banh Mi and fresh spring rolls. The night market around the market transforms the area into a lively outdoor bazaar with extended shopping hours and street performances.
While popular and exciting, the market can be overwhelming and crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Tourists are advised to stay vigilant against pickpockets and be prepared for assertive vendors with inflated prices initially, so bargaining skills are beneficial. As always, careful choice of food vendors helps avoid unwanted digestive issues.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Ben Thanh Market remains a must-visit spot to immerse in Saigon’s bustling energy, flavors and authentic shopping culture.
Knowledge before you go
- Haggle politely; start at half the asking price.
- Enter via iconic South Gate clock tower for souvenirs, clothes and central food court access.
- Visit early morning to avoid peak crowds and experience freshest produce at North Gate stalls.
- Explore different gates for specialties: East for cosmetics, West for handicrafts and authentic silk scarves.
How to travel to Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, within walking distance from many central hotels. Visitors can reach it easily by taxi or bus from Tan Son Nhat Airport or by foot if staying in the city center.
Access summary
- From Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): Taxi or Grab to District 1, 25–40 minutes.
- From central Ho Chi Minh City hotels: Walk, short taxi or Grab, 5–15 minutes.
- From Hanoi or Da Nang: Flight to SGN, then taxi or Grab downtown, 45–70 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Ben Thanh Market
Visitors typically stay in the nearby city center of Ho Chi Minh, which is rich in hotel options ranging from budget to luxury, offering convenient access to Ben Thanh Market and other major attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Ben Thanh Market
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🛍️
Foldable shopping bag
👛
Cash in small denominations
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 76% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to VND) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Ben Thành Market in Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for visitors, with a strong police presence and well‑lit streets. Petty theft can occur, so keep valuables secure and stay alert. Avoid isolated stalls at night; follow local advice and travel in groups.
Accessibility
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi‑Minh City offers mixed accessibility: wide, flat walkways and some ramps make navigation easier for wheelchair users, but narrow stalls, uneven flooring and limited signage can pose challenges. Prioritize early visits to avoid crowds and check local guides.
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