Buzz
Visitors to Saigon can explore these markets to buy gifts for their loved ones. Each market has its unique characteristics in terms of goods and is usually located in densely populated residential areas with a variety of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Here, Mytour will help you understand more about the prominent business features of each market:
1. Binh Tay Market
Also known as Cholon, donated by a Chinese merchant named Quach Dam, with the condition to allow him to build houses around the market and erect a statue after his death. The market is constructed with reinforced concrete using Western techniques but bears distinctive Chinese architecture. For convenient shopping, many tourists opt for hotels in the Chinese area, District 5 (very close to Binh Tay Market).
The tall central tower has 4 clock faces with a 'twin dragon guarding the pearl' design. Each corner has 4 small pavilions, and the entire market roof is tiled with yin-yang tiles to create ventilation. The roofs at the corners have an undulating design reminiscent of Eastern-style temples. In the center of the market, there is a spacious courtyard with the statue of Quach Dam and a stone pedestal indicating the construction date of the market. Surrounding the pedestal are 4 lion statues holding pearls and 4 bronze dragons spouting water.
Binh Tay Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in the city. It operates from 2-3 am until 9-10 pm, specializing in wholesale trade at the lowest possible prices. In addition to local traders, the market welcomes many foreign visitors annually for sightseeing and shopping.
Address: Binh Tay Market, 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market boasts 4 entrance gates and 4 clock towers overseeing the 4 central roads of District 1, namely Le Loi Street, Phan Boi Chau Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, and the main gate with a tall tower overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square. In some cases, the main gate is considered the symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.
Currently, the market has over 3,000 stalls, selling wholesale and retail goods from daily necessities to luxury items. The market starts operating from 4 am at the North gate area with fruit stalls and fresh produce. Around 8-9 am, the stalls at the East, West, South gates, and inside the market simultaneously open.
Address: South Gate (located between Phan Boi Chau - Phan Chu Trinh - Le Thanh Ton - Quach Thi Trang Square) - Ben Thanh Ward - District 1.
3. Ben Thanh Night Market
4. Tan Dinh Market
The primary business sectors here include fresh produce, clothing, dining, dried foods, shoes, and fruits at slightly lower prices compared to other markets. However, locals and tourists recognize the market as a hub for large and affordable fabric trading in Saigon.
Address: Tan Dinh Market, 1 Nguyen Huu Cau Street, Ward Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
5. An Dong Market
This is also the place where products from famous lingerie brands like Triumph, Vera, Wacoal, Lys are available at lower prices than the shops of these manufacturers.
Address: An Dong Market, 34-36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, near the Chinese area - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
6. Bà Hoa Market
Strolling through the stalls here, visitors from afar will feel a warm welcome. Meanwhile, locals discover many intriguing aspects through the distinctive culinary features of Quang province, with various cakes bearing names like 'exploding cake,' 'slapping cake,' 'nest cake,' or the pungent and spicy dried chili sauce, the rustic rice fish sauce, and the flavorful pickled anchovies.
In addition to purchasing ingredients for home cooking, the market also offers stalls selling Quang local dishes such as Quang-style noodles, pounded rice paper, and stir-fried pig intestines with fresh turmeric served with rice paper.
Address: Bà Hoa Market, Trần Mai Ninh Street, Ward 11, Tân Bình District, near Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ho Chi Minh City.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – Via VietQ
Explore Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
MytourNovember 17, 2015
