landmark immediately comes to mind – Ben Thanh Market. Standing proudly in the heart of District 1, this iconic marketplace has been welcoming both locals and tourists for more than a century. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, tasting authentic Vietnamese street food, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market is a destination that deserves a spot on every travel itinerary.
During my recent trip to Vietnam, I finally had the opportunity to explore this famous market with my mum. What started as a simple shopping trip quickly turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our vacation—especially when my mum managed to negotiate the price of a fake designer wallet down to just 10% of the seller’s original asking price!
The History of Ben Thanh Market
Although trading at this location dates back to the 17th century when merchants gathered near the Saigon River, the current Ben Thanh Market building was constructed by the French between 1912 and 1914. Since then, it has become one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest surviving landmarks and an unofficial symbol of the city, easily recognized by its famous clock tower at the main entrance.
Today, the market spans over 13,000 square metres and houses thousands of stalls, making it one of the busiest traditional markets in Vietnam. Despite the city’s rapid modernization, Ben Thanh Market continues to preserve the charm of old Saigon while serving as a cultural and commercial hub for both locals and international visitors.
What Can You Find Inside Ben Thanh Market?
One of the things I love most about Ben Thanh Market is that you never know what you’ll discover around the next corner. Every aisle is packed with colourful stalls selling almost everything imaginable.
Souvenirs & Handicrafts
If you’re looking for gifts to bring home, you’ll find plenty of Vietnamese souvenirs such as:
- Fridge magnets
- Handmade crafts
- Bamboo products
- Vietnamese coffee
- Lacquerware
- Paintings
- Traditional Ao Dai clothing
These make excellent keepsakes and are much more affordable than shopping in tourist malls.
Fashion & Accessories
Fashion lovers will enjoy browsing through countless stalls selling:
- T-shirts
- Dresses
- Shoes
- Backpacks
- Watches
- Handbags
- Wallets
- Sunglasses
Many stalls also sell imitation versions of luxury brands. While they may look convincing, they’re not authentic products, so always shop with that expectation in mind.
Local Snacks & Vietnamese Specialties
Food lovers won’t be disappointed either. The market offers a wide variety of local products including:
- Vietnamese coffee beans
- Cashew nuts
- Dried fruits
- Lotus seeds
- Traditional candies
- Spices
- Tea
These are popular souvenirs because they’re easy to pack and allow you to bring a taste of Vietnam back home.
Street Food Heaven
The food section is another highlight of Ben Thanh Market.
Here you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes such as:
- Pho
- Bun Bo Hue
- Fresh spring rolls
- Banh Xeo
- Grilled seafood
- Vietnamese desserts
- Fresh fruit juices
- Vietnamese iced coffee
Even if you’re not planning to eat a full meal, it’s worth walking through the food court just to enjoy the incredible aromas and lively atmosphere.
My Experience Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Walking into Ben Thanh Market felt like entering a maze filled with endless rows of shops. Every few steps, friendly vendors greeted us with smiles and invited us to browse their products.
The atmosphere was energetic, colourful, and slightly overwhelming—in the best possible way. Everywhere we looked, there were souvenirs, clothes, food, accessories, and local products competing for our attention.
One thing you’ll quickly notice is that bargaining is part of the shopping culture here. Most prices offered to tourists are intentionally higher because vendors expect customers to negotiate.
And that’s exactly what happened during our visit.
My Mum’s Incredible Bargaining Skills
While browsing one of the accessory stalls, my mum spotted a fake designer wallet that she really liked. The shopkeeper quoted a surprisingly high price.
Instead of accepting it, my mum smiled and confidently offered a much lower amount. The seller laughed. My mum smiled again. The bargaining continued for several minutes as both sides slowly moved closer together.
Just when I thought we were going to walk away empty-handed, the seller finally agreed to my mum’s offer. The final price?
Only around 10% of the original asking price!
I couldn’t believe it.
It was honestly one of the funniest and most entertaining moments of our entire Vietnam trip. Watching the negotiation unfold was almost as enjoyable as shopping itself.
This experience reminded me that bargaining isn’t something to be afraid of at Ben Thanh Market—it’s simply part of the culture. As long as you’re respectful, friendly, and willing to walk away if the price isn’t right, you might be surprised by how much you can save.
Shopping Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning to visit Ben Thanh Market, here are a few useful tips:
- Don’t accept the first price offered.
- Smile and negotiate politely.
- Compare prices at several stalls before buying.
- Carry some Vietnamese Dong in cash.
- If the seller won’t lower the price, simply thank them and walk away—you may be called back with a better offer.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, especially during busy hours.
Ben Thanh Market is much more than just a shopping destination. It’s a place where history, culture, food, and local life come together under one roof. Whether you’re searching for souvenirs, enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, or testing your bargaining skills, every visit offers a unique experience.
For me, the highlight wasn’t just the shopping—it was watching my mum confidently negotiate a fake wallet down to just 10% of the original asking price. Moments like these are what make travelling so memorable.
If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to set aside a few hours for Ben Thanh Market. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll leave with plenty of stories to tell—and who knows, you might even discover your hidden talent for bargaining too!