Interesting things about Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a famous destination in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When coming to this city, tourists cannot miss visiting Ben Thanh market, because this is not only a place to shop for local products, but also offers a unique cultural experience. 

Traveling to Ben Thanh Market not only helps visitors better understand the history and culture of Saigon, but also provides many experiences and discoveries of the city's typical culinary culture, as well as the opportunity to shop for local products. quality products at reasonable prices, learn and admire the special architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, and connect and interact with local people. In this article, we will explore Ben Thanh Market and interesting things around this place.

1. Origin of the name "Ben Thanh Market"
Ben Thanh Market is one of the largest and most famous markets in Saigon, Vietnam. The name "Ben Thanh" originated hundreds of years ago, when this area was located next to a large river wharf and often welcomed visitors and soldiers before entering the castle. Since then, this market has been called Ben Thanh market with love.

2. History of Ben Thanh Market
Old Ben Thanh Market (before 1911): Ben Thanh Market existed from the period before the French occupied Gia Dinh. Initially, the market was located on the banks of the Ben Nghe River, near a river wharf near Gia Dinh citadel. It is a bustling trading place, with a wharf to transport overseas traders, and hundreds of items displayed along the river wharf, with small and large merchant ships docking. After the French occupied Gia Dinh, Ben Thanh market was also burned down. It took a year for the market to be restored at the same location.

New Ben Thanh Market (From 1912 to present): After a period of use, the old market has been seriously degraded, the stalls have deteriorated and are in danger of collapsing at any time. Therefore, the French chose a new location to build a larger market to meet the needs of busier trade. The new market area was formerly a muddy pond called Bo Ret pond, and the PhCho Ben Thanh Market - A Shopping and Cultural Center in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is one of the famous destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, tourists cannot miss visiting Ben Thanh market, because this is not only a place to shop for local products, but also an interesting cultural experience. Traveling to Ben Thanh Market not only helps visitors better understand the history and culture of Saigon, but also brings many experiences and discoveries to the City's typical culinary culture, and can shop for various items. quality at reasonable prices, learn and admire the special architecture of Ho Chi Minh City as well as connect and interact with local people. In this article, we will explore Ben Thanh Market and interesting things around this place.

3. Geographical location of Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The official address of the market is Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. Near the market is Quach Thi Trang construction site, which has now become Ben Thanh subway station. The market has 4 main doors connecting to busy roads in Saigon, convenient for tourists to move around.

4. How to get to Ben Thanh market

With a central location in District 1, traveling to Ben Thanh market is very easy, visitors can use any means they want.

Motorbikes, cars: If tourists ride motorbikes or cars, they can easily get to Ben Thanh Market via Le Loi, Phan Chu Trinh, Nguyen Trai... There are many parking spots around the market for you to use. can park.
Bus: Bus routes from all over Saigon have stops at Ben Thanh Market. The stops are usually about 200 - 500m from the market, you just need to get off at the station and walk a few minutes to get to the market.
Taxi, motorbike taxi: If you are not familiar with the streets of Saigon, using a taxi or motorbike taxi is the most convenient choice. They will take you directly to the market gate. On the way, you can hear interesting stories about this city.

5. Operating hours of Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market is open daily from 6am to 7pm. However, after 7pm, Ben Thanh market becomes vibrant and crowded with night market activities.

There are two ideal times for you to visit Ben Thanh market:

From 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Suitable for tourists who want to visit and shop inside the market.
After 7pm: This time is suitable for those who like a vibrant and bustling atmosphere at night, with colorful stalls.
Because the market has a large area and thousands of stalls are located close to each other, to explore the entire market, it can take visitors nearly 2 hours. So, please arrange your time properly to have the best experience when visiting Ben Thanh market!

6. Ideal time to visit Ben Thanh market

Ho Chi Minh City has two distinct seasons: rainy season and sunny season. The rainy season usually lasts from May to November, while the dry season starts in December and lasts until the end of April the following year. However, the climate in Saigon is not too harsh. During the rainy season, the air will be cooler, but you should choose to go in the morning because in the afternoon there are often sudden rains that can hinder your travel itinerary. If you want to fully experience and explore Ben Thanh market, the sunny season is the ideal time. At this time, the dry weather is convenient for traveling and creates conditions for beautiful photos when checking in at the market. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a jacket, and an umbrella to avoid getting tanned.

7. Diagram of sales subdivision at Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market is designed with 4 main doors facing 4 busy roads, each door has stalls with a variety of items for visitors to easily choose from.

South gate: Facing Le Loi street, Quach Thi Trang square is a place to sell items such as fabrics, clothes and dry food. In particular, the South gate is the main gate of the market, with a prominent clock tower that has remained unchanged since the beginning of construction until now, attracting many tourists to come here to take pictures.
North Gate: Facing Le Thanh Ton Street, this is where stalls selling fresh food and fruits are concentrated, eye-catchingly decorated.

Cua Dong: Located on Phan Boi Chau street, this is a paradise for sweets and beauty lovers, with countless stalls selling diverse cosmetics and confectionery.
West Gate: Facing Phan Chu Trinh Street, is where stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and shoes gather. Visitors can stop by to visit and buy gifts for family and friends.
In addition to these 4 main doors, Ben Thanh market also has 12 side doors distributed in 4 directions of the market.

8. Unique architecture of Ben Thanh market
Ben Thanh Market is a particularly prominent building in Saigon, built in a cage-house style on an area of ​​13,056 square meters. Although it has undergone many changes over the years, Ben Thanh market still retains its ancient features from ancient times. In particular, the three-sided clock tower at the South Gate was built in French architectural style, with the three words "Ben Thanh Market" below. This is the place that attracts the most tourists to take photos and check-in in the market.
Ben Thanh Market is considered the leading retail market in Saigon, where you can find all kinds of goods from popular to high-end, from cosmetics, consumer goods to souvenirs serving everyone. visitors' needs. Below are some famous products at Ben Thanh Market:
In particular, Ben Thanh market is also a gathering place for dried seafood, rice paper, jam and hundreds of types of agricultural fruits from all over the country. You don't need to go far, just go to Ben Thanh market to choose your favorite dishes.
Walking around Ben Thanh market, you will have the opportunity to explore and experience the diversity of goods and shopping culture of Saigon people.

9. Enjoy typical cuisine at Ben Thanh market
Ben Thanh Market is a great destination to enjoy typical Saigon cuisine. Below are delicious and popular dishes that you should not miss when visiting Ben Thanh market:

Bun rieu: One of the most delicious dishes in Ben Thanh market. The simple vermicelli bowl includes pieces of crab paste, pork blood and tofu, combined with rich broth, creating a delicious and satisfying flavor for diners.

Ben Thanh market banh beo: This is a famous dish that many diners love when coming to Ben Thanh market. The average price is from 25,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the type. This banh beo dish is dipped in special sauce, creating a rich and irresistible flavor.

Crab noodle soup: If you are a fan of crab noodle soup, stop by stall 1301 in Ben Thanh market to enjoy a bowl of crab noodle soup full of fresh toppings every day, accompanied by hot thick broth. You won't be able to stop praising how delicious it is.

Tea: Ben Thanh Market also has attractive tea shops with many different types of tea displayed in clean glass cases. One of the most famous sweet soup shops is Che Be shop, operating for more than 40 years and specializing in Southern sweet soup dishes. After a long time of shopping, choose a suitable dessert to enjoy. A cool cup of tea will bring refreshment.

10. Ben Thanh Market at night
At night, Ben Thanh Market becomes very vibrant with many entertainment and culinary activities. Ben Thanh Night Market opens from 7pm with more than 100 stalls spread out on two streets Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau next to the market. This is where you can find thousands of handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, accessories and nightlife bars serving all kinds of seafood, barbecue, beer bars and water bars. Every evening, Ben Thanh night market attracts more than 1,000 visitors to visit, enjoy food and shop. Both locals and tourists take part in its vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

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