Benh Thanh Night Market

Ben Thanh Market is a famous destination for both local and international tourists and operates year-round. The bustling day scenes gradually transition into a vibrant night market at 6 pm, which runs until 10 pm. This social centre is a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.

The market first developed in the early 17th century, when street vendors gathered near the Saigon River to sell their goods. The French later developed it, initially naming it Les Halles Centrales. In 1912, it was rebuilt and renamed Ben Thanh. Today, over 6,000 small businesses operate here, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each day. The stalls sell clothes, bags, shoes, souvenirs, and food.

Ben Thanh Market sits in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. Positioned at the intersection of four busy streets, it is easy to access. The main entrance is on Le Loi Street, with alternative entrances on Le Thanh Ton, Phan Boi Chau, and Phan Chau Trinh.

The market opens at 6 am, but many visitors come after sunset to enjoy the night scene. From 6 pm, brightly lit stalls focus on food and drink, some offering seating. The market comes alive as locals visit after work, creating a lively and colourful atmosphere.

What you’ll do

• Explore Ben Thanh Market, a lively social hub in the heart of Hồ Chí Minh City that operates year-round and attracts both locals and international visitors.
• Learn about the market’s origins, from early 17th-century riverside trading to its French redevelopment and rebirth as Ben Thanh in 1912.
• Browse thousands of stalls selling clothing, bags, shoes, souvenirs, and local food, all within one of the city’s most accessible central locations.
• Experience the transition from daytime trading to the vibrant night market from 6 pm, when food stalls, bright lights, and evening crowds bring the market to life.