TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN BEN THANH MARKET, VIETNAM

29-03-2019

Ben Thanh Market is the main shopping zone in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. Located at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Lai streets, this huge market dates back to the days of French occupation. Initially it was situated in a different spot. The market stands in its present location since 1899.

Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is piled high: vegetables, dried fruit, meats, spices, scorpions in alcohol, sweets, tobacco, clothing, one-day suits, wristwatches, blingtastic jewellery, hardware and more spill forth from a profusion of stalls. Souvenir items can be found in equal abundance. Vendors are determined and prices usually higher than elsewhere, so bargain vigorously (although some stalls have 'Fixed Price' signs).

However the food section of the market is far more interesting. This section offers a wide range of products including pickled vegetables, ducks, Crab, scorpion wine, Calvin Klein knockoffs, rice, flip-flops and the list goes on.

Ben Thanh Market is particularly popular among the locals as the prices charged in this market are much less than that in all other shopping areas in the city. Near the end of the market there are few small cafes in which you can try out the mouth-watering local cuisine, coffee and che, a famous desert of Vietnam.

While moving around the market you are advised to be aware of pickpockets. This vibrant market is no doubt an integral part of the city’s life and economy.