The most central of all the markets, Ben Thanh Market or Chợ Ben Thanh in vietnamese, is the largest and most famous selling place but also one of the city’s liveliest areas in Ho Chi Minh city.

Is it a place to buy food?

Not only food, everything that's commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese and tourists is piled high. Fruits, vegetables, dried fishes, squids, meats, spices, blingtastic jewellery, clothes, hardwares, crafts, flowers, nuts, shoes...

Bargain or not?

Souvenir items can be found in equal abundance. Sellers are determined and prices usually higher than elsewhere, so bargain vigorously. Vietnamese don't like where clients don't buy so they may be rude, don't worry, don't accept excessive prices! Don't buy $3 a bunch of bananas, the real cost is less than $1... The vietnamese sellers don't think like you, they are ready not to sell if they consider they don't earn enough... so be patient...

Have you ever tested street food?

The best way to discover a country, is to taste its food. Vietnam is the perfect place to enjoy a succulent cuisine but also street food! Many companies offer a "Food tour", Megavina has selected the "Saigon street Food by night". Quickly this tour became the best tour, the most appreciated! So if you want to discover unusual flavours, delicate aromas, tasty dishes, you really have to try it! Bánh bèo, Bánh xèo (vietnamese stuffed crepe), phở (soup with rice noodles), bánh mì (sandwich), Bún bò Huế (beef soup), Chả giò (spring rolls), grilled squids, octopus...

Ben Thanh Market is opened from early morning until 6pm then the night market opens outside the building.

Price range: Difficult to give a price range because at Ben Thanh market, you can buy something less than $1 but also some products at more than $100.

Video by Lost and Found Travel