Ben Thanh Market

Things to buy at Ben Thanh Market

Handmade Lacquerware & Coconut Dinnerware

You can shop for beautiful handmade lacquerware and eco-friendly coconut dinnerware at Ben Thanh Market. These include painted bowls, plates, and reusable chopsticks made from real coconut shells. They're lightweight, durable, and great as unique souvenirs or gifts. Many stalls offer good prices if you're ready to bargain.

 Fabric Creations with Embroidery & Patchwork

Stalls at Ben Thanh Market display colorful fabric items like table runners, cushion covers, and embroidered bags. Many are decorated with traditional Vietnamese designs or detailed patchwork. You'll also find custom tailoring services for ao dai or other clothing. The quality makes them worth checking out for both style and tradition.

Handcrafted Wooden Boats & Figurines

If you're into handcrafted souvenirs, look for miniature wooden boats and figurines inspired by local life. They reflect the history of Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam's riverside culture. Vendors around the north gate and west gate often carry these woodcrafts.

What to Eat in Ben Thanh Market

Bun Rieu Ganh (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)

This bowl of Vietnamese cuisine is warm, rich, and full of flavor. It's made with crab paste, fried tofu, tomatoes, blood curd, and rice noodles, all topped with fresh herbs. The version in Ho Chi Minh is slightly sweet and extra fragrant. You can find this dish near the center stalls of the market.

Banh Beo Hue (Hue Bloating Fern-Shaped Cake)

Though it's a dish from Central Vietnam, you can try Banh Beo Hue right at Ben Thanh Market. It's made with steamed rice flour and topped with shrimp powder, sausage, and sweet fish sauce. Vendors add crispy bits and pickled veggies to boost the texture. It's served in small dishes and best enjoyed fresh.

Summer Rolls

These fresh rolls are a light and healthy snack found all over Ben Thanh Market. Each roll has shrimp, pork, vermicelli, bean sprouts, herbs, and rice paper. They're served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and peanuts. You'll see lots of locals grabbing these on the go.

Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm)

Broken rice is a must-try dish if you're visiting Ben Thanh Market for the first time. It comes with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg cake, and pickled vegetables. Topped with onion oil and a side of sweet fish sauce, it's a Saigon classic. Try it at the Phung Kieu stall near Le Thanh Ton Street.

Popular Attractions near Ben Thanh Market

Saigon Opera House (10 minutes by car)

Located near Le Loi Street, the Saigon Opera House is a beautiful example of French colonial-era architecture. You can enjoy traditional music, ballet, or AO shows here. Its elegant design makes it a favorite for photos and culture lovers. It's just a short ride or walk from Ben Thanh Market.

Landmark 81 (20 minutes by car)

Visit Vietnam's tallest skyscraper, Landmark 81, located about 7 km from Ben Thanh Market. It features shopping, dining, a sky deck, and views of Ho Chi Minh City from above. You can relax at a café or check out the modern mall inside. It's a good way to mix tradition with modern city life.

Cu Chi Tunnel (1.5 hours by car)

Take a day tour from Ben Thanh Market to explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnel, an underground network used during wartime. You'll crawl through tight passages, learn how soldiers survived, and see real war relics. It's one of the most visited sites outside Ho Chi Minh City.

War Remnants Museum (5 minutes by car)

Located just 5 minutes by car from Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, offers a powerful and eye-opening look at Vietnam's wartime history. You’ll find preserved tanks, aircraft, and emotional photo exhibits showing the impact of the Vietnam War. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the country’s past and resilience.