What to do in Ben Thanh Market?

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is a premier spot for experiencing local culture, offering intense, maze-like shopping for souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts during the day. Visitors should bargain aggressively (start at 50% off), explore the central food court for local dishes, and return after 6 PM for the lively surrounding night market.

Is Ben Thanh Market worth visiting?

Ben Thanh Market is known as a traditional market and an indispensable part of the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. With its unique architecture and central location, the Ben Thanh Market attracts millions of tourists every year.

What time to visit Ben Thanh Market?

Best Time to Visit. Morning (7:30 AM – 11:00 AM): The market is at its most authentic in the morning when locals are doing their daily shopping. It's also less crowded and cooler. Evening (After 6:00 PM): While the main building closes, the streets around it transform into the Ben Thanh Night Market.

Do you need cash for Ben Thanh Market?

Local Tips for Visiting Ben Thanh Market

Carry cash: Most stalls only accept cash, so make sure to have enough Vietnamese dong on hand.

What is the difference between Binh Tay Market and Ben Thanh Market?

Built in the 1880s by a wealthy Chinese merchant, Binh Tay Market is the spiritual and commercial center of Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown). What makes it special: Unlike Ben Thanh, this market caters mostly to locals. It's a wholesale hub - meaning better prices and authentic energy.

Bến Thành Market: How To Bargain Like A Pro! #benthanhmarket #vietnam

What do you get in Ben Thanh Market?

The market offers a wide range of items, from fashion to souvenirs and handicrafts. The food area is especially notable, featuring delicious street food with rich flavors. The entire market has around 1,500 stalls, but fashion stalls dominate, as fashion always attracts tourists visiting the market.

What is the best time to visit Chinatown?

The best time to visit Chinatown depends on your preference: evenings offer vibrant energy, neon lights, and bustling restaurants; weekdays/afternoons provide a calmer experience for exploring shops and architecture without crowds; and during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) or the Mid-Autumn Festival, it transforms into a spectacular, lively celebration with parades and special events, though it will be very busy. 

Is it better to take Dollars or dong to Vietnam?

Although Vietnam's official currency is the Dong, the US Dollar is also accepted in some tourist centres and hotels, so we recommended taking some Dollars in cash (with some notes in small denominations) which you can change into Dong on arrival.

Are there bathrooms at Ben Thanh Market?

Theres the part that sells clothes and souvinors, the part that sells coffee tea and dried fruits, the restaurant part in the center, the flower selling part, the wet and smelly fresh produce part. The toilets are clean and got toilet paper and can even bathe here. But need to pay 5000vnd to enter the toilet.

Is there food available at Ben Thanh Market?

At Ben Thanh Market, there are around 3,000 stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts and souvenirs. You can also enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, like broken rice, grilled seafood, and sweet soup, all prepared fresh at the food stalls.

What is a must buy in Vietnam?

Vietnam Ethnic Handicraft

You could find a wide range of handicrafts from scarves, bags, clothes, paintings, textiles, etc. with diverse styles and patterns because of the distinctive culture of different ethnic groups. If you're truly into the exotic cultures of Vietnam, then it's an ideal gift to buy.

Is it safe to walk around HCMC at night?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe at night, but it's always important for you to remain vigilant and take precautions. You should stick to well-lit areas, avoid isolated streets, and keep an eye on your belongings. It's also advised to use trustworthy transportation options and stay aware of your surroundings.

How much is 1 pound to a dong?

£ 1 GBP = ₫ 35236.8239 VND

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 13:53. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Is $50 a lot in Vietnam?

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

Should I take GBP to Vietnam?

Exchanging money in Vietnam

So if, for whatever reason, you're caught without dong, most hotels accept US dollars (but exchange rates are generally not good). British pounds, Canadian dollars and Australian dollars are not widely accepted, and where they are, the exchange rate is usually terrible.

Do hotels in Vietnam provide free water bottles?

Many accommodations have a large dispenser for free refills. And they provide 2 bottles of water in your room daily. You can also buy 2 liter or larger and refill your reusable bottle.

What to do in Chinatown at night?

Where to Go at Night in Chinatown Singapore

• Chinatown Street Market.
• 1927 Rooftop Bar at Sofitel SO Singapore.
• The Screening Room.
• Tippling Club.
• Tantric Bar.
• Gem Bar.
• Oxwell and Co.
• SaVanh Bistro & Lounge.

Is Chinatown 1974 racist?

Friends, a semi-spoiler alert: nothing good happens in Chinatown. From casual racism to intimate violence, plot and themes center on people doing bad things to each other. Be aware, should you choose to watch, that viewing this story will involve some rough going.

What's the closest tube to Chinatown?

Public Transport

The nearest Underground stations to Chinatown are: Leicester Square (0.1 miles) Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles) Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line Station (0.3 miles)