What to Eat, Buy, and See at Ben Thanh Market in Saigon

The Beating Heart of District 1

If there’s one place that captures the energy, grit, flavor, and spirit of Ho Chi Minh City in a single square block, it’s Ben Thanh Market. Located in the center of District 1, just steps away from historic boulevards and colonial-era architecture, Ben Thanh isn’t just a market. It’s a rite of passage.

Originally a wet market established by French colonialists in the 1850s, Ben Thanh has evolved into a multi-sensory hub where you can hear the clatter of chopsticks, smell the perfume of dried herbs and freshly grilled meat, and haggle for everything from silk áo dài to hand-embroidered tablecloths. For first-timers and return visitors alike, this place never loses its electricity.

What to Expect Inside

Inside Ben Thanh’s arched yellow gates, chaos reigns in the best way. Vendors call out prices in Vietnamese and English. Lanterns dangle above rows of fabric. Tourists clutch maps while locals argue over mangoes. It’s fast, crowded, and absolutely alive.

You’ll find dedicated zones: textiles in one section, dried goods in another, souvenirs stacked high, and food stalls tucked in the back. But like any good Vietnamese market, the charm is in getting a little lost. Allow your senses—and maybe your appetite—to lead the way.

What to Eat: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Among the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, tasting your way through Ben Thanh’s food court should be high on your list. Pull up a plastic stool and prepare to indulge:

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

Golden and crisp with lacy edges, bánh xèo is made to impress. This rice flour crepe is pan-fried until crisp and folded over a savory filling of pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Tear off a piece, wrap it in lettuce with herbs, and dip it in nước chấm (fish sauce-based dipping sauce). It’s crunchy, juicy, fragrant, and everything good about Vietnamese food in one bite.

Hủ Tiếu (Southern Noodle Soup)

Less famous than phở but beloved in the south, hủ tiếu is comfort food at its finest. A clear, pork-based broth forms the base, filled with chewy rice noodles, minced pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. Some versions add quail eggs or offal for the adventurous. At Ben Thanh, each vendor has their own twist—don’t hesitate to ask for “dry” (with soup on the side) for a richer, more intense version.

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

These translucent rice paper rolls are as refreshing as they are flavorful. Typically filled with poached shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and Thai basil, they’re served cold and dipped in hoisin-peanut sauce. Light yet satisfying, gỏi cuốn are perfect when you need a break from the heat—and they make for a great first bite while you wait for heavier dishes to arrive.

Chè (Vietnamese Dessert Soup)

Colorful, quirky, and endlessly customizable, chè is Vietnam’s answer to dessert. Imagine a glass layered with coconut milk, pandan jelly, sweetened beans, lotus seeds, and tropical fruit—all topped with crushed ice. Sweet and slightly salty, chewy and silky—it’s a dessert that surprises you with every spoonful.

Vietnamese Coffee

Dark-roasted and drip-brewed through a phin filter, Vietnamese coffee is strong—really strong. Whether you take it black (cà phê đen) or sweetened with condensed milk over ice (cà phê sữa đá), this isn’t your average cup of joe. It’s thick, syrupy, and meant to be savored slowly—preferably while people-watching at the edge of the market.

What to Buy: From Tailored Suits to Teacups

Looking for souvenirs? Ben Thanh’s got you covered. Some of the best things to pick up include:

• Handcrafted lacquerware

• Coffee beans (try the civet coffee for a splurge)

• Silk scarves

• Ceramics and blue-and-white porcelain

• Dried mango, lotus seeds, and local spices

Bargaining is expected, so channel your inner negotiator. Start at 50% of the asking price and smile while you haggle.

When to Go and How to Navigate

The market is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a night market popping up around the exterior after hours. Early morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds, while evenings offer a vibrant (and cooler) vibe.

A few tips:

• Keep your bag zipped and close. Petty theft is rare, but possible.

• Bring cash. Small bills go a long way here.

• Learn a few Vietnamese words—vendors appreciate the effort.

• Don’t be afraid to walk away. Many stalls sell similar items, and better deals are often just a few steps away.

Ben Thanh Market by Night

When the sun sets, the market spills into the surrounding streets. Neon signs flicker on, pop-up restaurants sizzle with grilled meats, and you’ll hear the clink of glasses as locals gather over Saigon Beer. The night market is perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs or grabbing one more bowl of pho.

Pair It With a Vespa Tour

The market is just one slice of the Saigon story. To see the city in full, hop on a vintage Vespa with a local guide on our Vespa Tours in Saigon. Explore hidden alleys, taste authentic street food, and experience Saigon through the eyes of someone who lives it.

Craving culture? Our Insider’s Saigon ride winds through markets, temples, and local cafés. Hungry for more? The Saigon Foodie Experience is a food lover’s dream.

You can also explore more of the city’s culture, history, and charm in our full guide to Saigon.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Market

Ben Thanh Market is not just a shopping stop—it’s a cultural crossroads. It’s where flavors mingle, stories unfold, and travelers cross paths with locals over bowls of steaming noodles or a good-natured price negotiation. Whether you’re on your first Vietnam adventure or your fifth, this market always has a new surprise waiting.

For an experience that goes beyond the stalls, pair your visit with a Vespa ride and let the streets of Saigon open up around you.