Your guide to the best markets in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh is a vibrant city that doesn’t stop 24/7, with excellent bars, shopping centres, museums, and course markets. Ho Chi Minh markets don’t get talked about much, but they deserve recognition as they’re pretty cool.
If you’re heading to HCM you have to check out the markets because you will experience authentic Vietnamese culture. You will find most of the markets in district one (Backpacking area) and normally kick-off as early as 6am. The vendors have fresh fruit, clothing, fake watches, weapons, and of course, food. The wide variety will keep you there for hours, and if you’re a good haggler, you will find bargains.
Here’s my personal favourites below
Ben Thanh Market
Simply the biggest market in HCM is located in district one and is an excellent place for souvenirs, handcraft materials, and other branded names. Its also a great place to pull up a chair and try some local dishes that will wow you!
You will find the market is a little hard to find, and its probably not the best time to go when its at peak time in the intense heat. One cool thing about the area is at night time when the sun sets, and everything becomes vibrant with sights, smells, and sounds. The smell of fresh fish and buckwheat noodles will leave you intrigued. If you’re coming to the real Vietnam and want to experience Vietnamese culture, Ben Thanh has it all.
Address: Address: Đ. Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3829 9274
Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-7pm
Binh Tay Market
I visited this market in 2006, and I have to say this market is huge volume of goods and is seriously active with people. The French built the building in colonial days in the 1880’s. You can find everything here from fresh groceries (meat, vegetables, sea food, and poultry) from all over Vietnam.
The market is also called Cho Lon (China town market) and is found on Thap Muoi street. You won’t find the variety like other markets in the city, but you will find textiles, handcrafted souvenirs, clothing, and other branded goods. But overall, the historical aspect and shopping experience Binh Tay packs a punch.
Address: 57A Thap Moui, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Cai Be Floating Market
If you head to the south of Vietnam, you enter the vast Mekong Delta, which is surrounded by beautiful natural beauty and indigenous communities. Once you visit a floating market, you get a real taste of Vietnamese culture and how they live and trade daily.
Cai Be is your quickest go to floating market from Ho Chi Minh, but it is still a couple of hours drive away, but its defiantly an experience you need to check out. You will see traditional fisheries selling their fresh catch of the day with some of the freshest fish & produce in Vietnam. If you like fruit, then make sure you try the mangos! They are delicious.
The market is open all day which gives you plenty of time to investigate this unique cultural market.
Address: Cái Bè, Cái Bè District, Tien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: Early til late
An Dong Market
Located in district five and a bit of the beaten track lies a wholesalers dream with everything from clothing to souvenirs. The doors swing open at 8am, and the venue is layered over four levels with textiles, fashionable apparel and handcrafted goods from local artists.
An Dong is also famous for cotton & woodcraft, where you won’t find anywhere else. The jewellery is also pretty vast, with some native crafted stones that are a part of the Vietnamese culture. But be warned some goods can be fake so ask about them before you buy.
You can also find some pretty quirky food here that’s all under $1, and if your after buying bulk food, this is another great place. The shopping experience overall is cheap, and your dollar will go far. This market is probably the most affordable in Ho ChiMinh.
Address: Công trường An Đông, Phường 9, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Opening hours: Daily 08:00 am – 02:00 pm
