Your Ultimate Guide to Saigon’s Most Famous Market
No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without experiencing the vibrant energy, colorful stalls, and intoxicating aromas of Ben Thanh Market —the city’s most iconic and historic marketplace. Located just a 10-minute walk from Silverland Yen Hotel at 73-75 Thủ Khoa Huân, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1 , this bustling bazaar is a cultural landmark, shopping paradise, and food lover’s dream all rolled into one.
Whether you’re searching for authentic Vietnamese silk, hand-carved souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, or steaming bowls of local street food , Ben Thanh Market offers an unforgettable sensory journey into the heart of Saigon. This comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what to buy, what to eat, how to bargain like a pro, and step-by-step directions on how to get there from Silverland Yen Hotel —on foot, by taxi, motorbike, or public transport.
🏪 What is Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) is more than just a market—it’s a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City’s spirit and history . First established in the early 1900s during French colonial rule, it has evolved from a riverside trading post into one of Southeast Asia’s most famous markets , attracting over 20,000 visitors daily .
Today, the market operates in two main sections:
- Indoor Market : A structured, air-conditioned space with fixed prices (ideal for first-time visitors).
- Outdoor Street Market (Night Market) : Open from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM , this lively stretch of Đề Thám and Phạm Ngũ Lão streets transforms into a bustling bazaar of street vendors, fashion stalls, souvenirs, and sizzling street food.
With its iconic clock tower , colorful awnings, and constant buzz of activity, Ben Thanh is a must-visit destination for every tourist in Saigon.
🎯 Why Visit Ben Thanh Market?
For travelers staying at Silverland Yen Hotel , Ben Thanh Market isn’t just nearby—it’s essential. Here’s why:
- Perfect for souvenirs : Find unique gifts like lacquerware, conical hats, and embroidered textiles.
- Best place for Vietnamese silk : Buy high-quality ao dai fabric or ready-made garments at competitive prices.
- Taste authentic local snacks : From banh mi to fresh fruit smoothies, the food is fresh, cheap, and delicious.
- Experience local culture : Watch vendors barter, smell spices, hear motorbikes buzz by, and feel the pulse of Saigon.
- Great photo opportunities : The clock tower, lanterns, and colorful stalls make for stunning pictures.
- Easy to combine with other attractions : Close to Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street .
🛍️ What to Buy at Ben Thanh Market
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, fashion, or cultural keepsakes, Ben Thanh has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for:
1. Vietnamese Silk & Ao Dai Fabric
- Why it’s special : Vietnamese silk is soft, lustrous, and often hand-dyed using traditional methods like ikat or batik .
- Where to buy : Look for stalls in the fabric section (ground floor, indoor market) .
- Price range : VND 200,000 – 800,000 per meter (~$8–$32 USD), depending on quality.
- Tip : Ask for “lụa tơ tằm” (100% mulberry silk) for the best quality.
2. Souvenirs & Handicrafts
- Conical hats (nón lá) : Handwoven palm-leaf hats, often featuring hidden poems.
- Lacquerware : Beautiful bowls, trays, and boxes with glossy, hand-painted designs.
- Wood carvings : Elephants, dragons, and Buddha statues from Central Vietnam.
- Embroidered linens : Tablecloths, napkins, and wall art with traditional motifs.
3. Clothing & Accessories
- Ao dai (traditional dress) : Custom-made in 24–48 hours.
- Silk scarves & shirts : Lightweight and perfect for warm weather.
- Handbags & wallets : Made from bamboo, rattan, or faux snake skin.
4. Spices, Coffee & Tea
- Vietnamese coffee (cà phê) : Try Trung Nguyen or Weasel (civet) coffee —strong, rich, and aromatic.
- Five-spice powder, star anise, turmeric : Great for cooking back home.
- Lotus or jasmine tea : Packaged in beautiful tins.
5. Local Snacks & Dried Foods
- Dried mango, coconut, and pineapple
- Shrimp crackers (bánh phồng tôm)
- Rice paper (bánh tráng) for making fresh spring rolls
- Fish sauce (nước mắm) – Phu Quoc brand is the best
🍜 What to Eat at Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh isn’t just for shopping—it’s a street food paradise . The outdoor night market and surrounding alleys are packed with vendors serving up some of Saigon’s tastiest and most affordable bites.
Must-Try Street Foods:
| Bánh mì | Crusty baguette with pâté, cold cuts, and pickled veggies | VND 25,000–40,000 |
| Bánh xèo | Crispy Vietnamese pancake with shrimp, pork, and herbs | VND 30,000 |
| Gỏi cuốn | Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, and vermicelli | VND 20,000/roll |
| Bún thịt nướng | Grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs | VND 45,000 |
| Hủ tiếu | Clear pork and shrimp noodle soup | VND 40,000 |
| Chè | Sweet Vietnamese dessert soup (mung bean, lotus, coconut) | VND 20,000 |
| Fresh fruit shakes | Mango, avocado, dragon fruit | VND 25,000 |
💡 Pro Tip : Look for stalls with long lines of locals —they know the best spots!
💬 Bargaining Tips: How to Shop Like a Pro
Bargaining is expected in the outdoor market , but not in the indoor fixed-price section .
Smart Bargaining Strategies:
- Start at 50–60% of the quoted price and negotiate up.
- Smile and be friendly —aggressive haggling is frowned upon.
- Be ready to walk away —vendors often call you back with a better offer.
- Buy in bulk —you’ll get better deals on multiple items.
- Carry small cash —VND 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 notes are most useful.
⚠️ Avoid overly pushy vendors or those offering “tax-free” deals—these are often scams.
📍 How to Get to Ben Thanh Market from Silverland Yen Hotel
The best part? Ben Thanh Market is just a 10-minute walk from your hotel. Here are all your options:
🚶 Option 1: Walking (Recommended – 8 to 10 minutes)
Perfect for early mornings or evening visits when the night market is open.
Walking Route:
- Exit Silverland Yen Hotel and head west on Thủ Khoa Huân Street .
- Turn left onto Phạm Ngũ Lão Street .
- Walk straight for about 500 meters.
- Ben Thanh Market will be on your right , marked by the iconic clock tower .
✅ Advantages : Free, scenic, great for photos and soaking in local life.
❌ Disadvantages : Can be hot midday; best during cooler hours.
🚕 Option 2: Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Grab, Be) – 5 minutes
Fast and comfortable, especially with shopping bags.
Instructions:
- Open the Grab or Be app .
- Set pickup at Silverland Yen Hotel .
- Enter destination: “Ben Thanh Market, District 1” or “Cho Ben Thanh” .
- Choose car or motorbike.
Estimated Cost:
- Car: VND 25,000 – 40,000 (~$1.00 – $1.60 USD)
- Motorbike: VND 15,000 – 25,000 (~$0.60 – $1.00 USD)
✅ Advantages : Air-conditioned, direct, no navigation needed.
🛵 Option 3: Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm) – 8 minutes
For a fast, local-style ride.
How to Book:
- Ask hotel staff to call one or find drivers near the hotel.
- Say: “Đi Chợ Bến Thành, Quận 1” (Go to Ben Thanh Market, District 1).
- Agree on price: VND 25,000–35,000 one way.
✅ Advantages : Quick and fun.
⚠️ Safety Tip : Hold your belongings and wear light clothing.
🚌 Option 4: Public Bus (Budget Option – 15 minutes)
For budget travelers.
Recommended Bus Routes:
- Bus 01 , Bus 03 , Bus 10 , or Bus 12
How to Ride:
- Walk to Ben Thanh Bus Station (5-minute walk from the hotel).
- Board any of the above buses.
- Get off at Ben Thanh Stop —you’re already there!
✅ Cost : VND 7,000 per ride (~$0.30 USD)
🌆 Best Time to Visit Ben Thanh Market
| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Morning market – fresh produce, quiet, great for photos |
| 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Indoor market – air-conditioned, fixed prices, less crowded |
| 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Night Market – lively, colorful, full of food and fashion |
👉 Best Overall Visit : Evening (6:00–9:00 PM) – experience the night market buzz, enjoy street food, and shop under lantern lights.
🗺️ Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions
Make a full day of exploration:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (5-minute walk)
- Central Post Office (adjacent)
- Reunification Palace (10-minute walk)
- Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street (perfect for evening strolls)
- Secret Garden Vietnamese Restaurant (2-minute walk) – for a relaxing meal after shopping
📸 Photography Tips
- Best photo spots : Clock tower entrance, lantern-lit night market, fabric stalls.
- Golden hour : 5:30–6:30 PM for soft light and vibrant colors.
- Night photography : Use a tripod or stabilized phone for lantern shots.
- Drone photography : Not permitted in central District 1.
⚠️ Visitor Tips & Etiquette
- Dress comfortably – wear breathable clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Carry hand sanitizer – street eating is part of the fun.
- Keep valuables secure – pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
- Drink bottled water – avoid tap water.
- Respect vendors – even if you don’t buy, a smile goes a long way.
✅ Final Thoughts
Ben Thanh Market is more than a shopping destination—it’s a living, breathing part of Saigon’s soul . From the sizzle of street food to the rustle of silk, the laughter of vendors to the glow of lanterns at night, every moment here tells a story.
And for guests at Silverland Yen Hotel , it’s not just close—it’s practically next door. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, craving a bowl of banh mi, or simply want to immerse yourself in local life, Ben Thanh Market delivers an authentic, unforgettable experience .
So lace up your walking shoes, bring your camera and small bills, and step into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Your adventure at Ben Thanh Market starts just 10 minutes from your hotel door .