Audio Guide of Ben Thanh Market

The indoor daytime market is open every day from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, when the night market begins on the side streets and runs until midnight. It is located in the center of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City and is easily accessible by taxi (such as Grab) or on foot from the main hotels; you can see its exact location here.

Entry to Ben Thanh Market is completely free for all visitors, both during the day and at night. You only need to bring cash (Vietnamese dong) for your purchases and to enjoy the huge variety of local food at its stalls.

In general, a visit of 1 to 2 hours is enough to walk through the main aisles, buy a few souvenirs, and sample the food. If you love shopping and bargaining, or want to explore every corner in detail, you could easily extend your stay to 3 hours.

Built by the French in 1912 (originally called Les Halles Centrales), it is one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in Saigon. Its iconic clock tower is a symbol of the city that has endured wars and political changes, representing the commercial and cultural heart of Vietnam.

For more authentic shopping and cooler temperatures, the best time is early in the morning, around 7:30 or 8:00 AM. However, if you are looking for a lively atmosphere and excellent open-air street food, the night market from 7:00 PM onward is the best choice.

The interior of the market has very narrow aisles, is often crowded, and the floor can be uneven, which makes wheelchair access quite difficult. The outdoor night market is a bit more accessible because it is on the street, although it is still a very busy area.

Its location is very central, so you are just a few minutes' walk from the Fine Arts Museum and the famous Reunification Palace. You can also walk to the Bitexco Financial Tower for panoramic views or visit the nearby Ben Thanh Street Food Market.

Bargaining is essential in the clothing and souvenir sections; start by negotiating 30-50% below the initial price with a smile, as fixed prices are rare. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets, and carry small bills to make change easier.