Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a historic indoor market located in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established in its current French colonial building in 1914, it is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and busiest commercial centers. The market houses over 1,500 stalls selling food, produce, handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs, and is notable for its distinctive clock tower entrance and vibrant daily trading activity.

Visitors can expect a large covered market hall with dense rows of stalls under a high roof, centered around a busy interior and four main gates, with the south gate featuring the iconic clock tower. Inside, stalls sell fresh produce, dried foods, clothing, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs and lacquerware. Food stalls and small eateries serve Vietnamese dishes. The surrounding streets host an evening night market with street food and shopping. The environment is crowded, lively and colorful, with active bargaining.

The original Ben Thanh Market was established in the early 17th century near the Saigon River. The current building was constructed by the French colonial administration between 1912 and 1914 and officially inaugurated in March 1914. It has served as a central commercial hub through the colonial period and subsequent development of Ho Chi Minh City, and remains a historic symbol of the city.

Ben Thanh Market is considered a cultural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and a center of daily commercial and culinary life. It reflects southern Vietnamese market culture, local cuisine, handicrafts and trading traditions, and is a focal point for both residents and visitors experiencing the city's heritage and lifestyle.