Beyond Ben Thanh – Saigon’s 5 Unmissable Markets
Saigon’s iconic Ben Thanh market, with its unmistakeable clock tower, has long been a staple of sightseeing itineraries in the city. But if the truth be told, Ben Thanh isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The market’s range of produce is becoming increasingly limited, with stall after stall selling the same Tiger Beer t-shirts, the same lacquerware pieces, the same silk handbags; prices are higher than elsewhere, with stallholders well aware that Ben Thanh is a tourist trap; and the vendors here are far more aggressive and annoying than at any other city market.
Ben Thanh comes alive at night when the outdoor food stalls open and the surrounding streets are taken over by a more varied range of market stalls, but during the day there are far better options. Here’s my pick of the 5 best markets in the city…
Binh Tay Market (Hau Giang st, D6)
Binh Tay, located in Saigon’s Cholon district, is the city’s biggest market, and whilst it attracts its fair share of tourists, most of the vendors here are wholesalers and thus have no interest in hassling you to buy a $2 t-shirt. You’ll generally be left in peace to stroll around the vast halls selling everything imaginable. Don’t miss the food market (on the right as you face the front entrance); there are also plenty of good cheap & cheerful Chinese eateries in the vicinity.
Binh Tay Market
Dan Sinh Market (Yersin st, D1)
A short walk from Ben Thanh (across the roundabout if you dare, and behind the bus station), Dan Sinh specialises in new & old hardware, including military surplus. Some of the “genuine” US Army relics are of dubious origin, but bargain well and you’ll get some great quirky gifts to take home.
An Dong Plaza (Tran Phu st, D5)
On the road out to Cholon, An Dong is a large, modern, multi-storey market specialising in clothing, footwear and fabrics. Prices here are lower than at Ben Thanh, the choice is much wider, and the vendors friendlier. A great place for buying jeans, shorts, t-shirts & sandals, and also for buying fabrics if you want to get a suit or dress made at one of Saigon’s numerous tailors.
Tan Dinh Market (Hai Ba Trung, D1)
Head up Hai Ba Trung to the pink church, look to your right, and you’ll find Tan Dinh. You’re not really here to buy souvenirs or clothes, but to experience a genuine suburban Saigon wet market. This is where the local housewives come to do their daily shop and stop for a gossip with their neighbours, making it a really “Vietnamese” experience. Head out back & you’ll find some good food stalls too.
Saigon Square (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1)
The famed “Russian Market” now has a new home at the junction of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Le Loi, and whilst it’s aimed clearly at tourists and foreign expats, it’s still a great place for bargain hunting. Brand names are the order of the day here, with factory rejects and VERY clever copies available at knockdown prices, along with DVDs (films and box sets), luggage, and plenty of original jewellery, shoes and designer wear. If your time for shopping is limited, Saigon Square should just about cover everything.
Found any other good markets? Let us know about them!
