10 Bustling Saigon Markets That Shopaholics Can't Miss

Saigon markets offer a wide selection from electronics and household items to clothing, jewelry, and beauty products, alongside a tempting variety of food that attracts millions of tourists. Besides, every market has its own distinctive allure which remains an intriguing mystery for many visitors. In this blog, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 trading hubs, where each stall invites you to uncover something new and exciting.

1. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is accessible through 4 main entrances and 12 sub-entrances, situated on various local streets including Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton Streets, and Quach Thi Trang Square. The market is designed with a distinctive combination of Indochinese and French architectural influences, featuring a rectangular building with a clock tower at the front, wooden vaulted ceilings, and large, open sides.

Despite having been renovated multiple times, the clock tower and the market’s exterior remain unchanged. This makes it a popular spot for visitors to take Instagrammable photos in front of the main gate, with the historic and famous Ben Thanh Market as the backdrop, facing the roundabout.

Take stunning Instagram photos by the main entrance, with the famous Ben Thanh Market as a picturesque backdrop (Source: Internet)

Ben Thanh Market is regarded as the largest retail hub in Ho Chi Minh City, with nearly 1,450 booths and 6,000 merchants. From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the day market comes alive with a flurry of activity, showcasing an array of goods from textiles, souvenirs, and handicrafts to fresh produce, seafood, and spices.

As the night sets in, the market is illuminated with thousands of lights, highlighting its distinctive architecture and energetic atmosphere, which draws thousands of tourists each evening. Visitors can savor an array of local delicacies including “goi cuon” (spring rolls), “bun thit nuong” (grilled pork noodles), “bun rieu” (crab paste noodle soup), “bun bo Hue” (Hue beef noodle soup), and Hanoi pho for an unforgettable experience.

Ben Thanh Market offers a wide array of products ranging from everyday essentials to luxury items (Source: Internet)

Many of the vendors at the market are very hospitable towards tourists. When you visit Ben Thanh Market, make sure to check out these popular food stalls:

• Banh Beo Hue Co Anh: Found at the West Gate of Ben Thanh Market, this stall is a well-known spot for many Saigon residents, open every day from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The mixed platter, featuring “banh beo” (water fern cake), “banh bot loc” (steamed tapioca dumplings), “banh it tran” (Vietnamese sticky rice dumplings), shrimp powder, crispy fried bread, all drizzled with a healthy dose of savory fish sauce.

• Bun Rieu Ganh Ba Lien: The stall opens daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, is famous for its flavorful broth, which is prepared according to a time-honored family recipe, satisfying even the most discerning customers and tourists. With prices higher than most other stalls nearby, it's dubbed the "fancy crab noodle soup" of Ben Thanh Market. 

• Che Be: Che Be opens daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is a renowned dessert stall that attracts customers with its wide variety of traditional Southern Vietnamese desserts such as mung bean soup, sweet coconut soup, floating rice dumplings, black beans, red beans, banana dessert, corn pudding, etc. These treats are especially refreshing in the hot weather and are local favorites for their unique flavors.

Although Ben Thanh Market wraps up by 6:00 PM, the night market on the streets of Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh is still bustling with life (Source: Internet)

Local tips: 

• Bargain for better prices: Ben Thanh Market mostly is more than just a shopping destination, it’s also a cultural and historical icon, which results in higher prices. It’s recommended to negotiate to avoid paying excessive amounts.

• Be aware of pickpocketing: With pickpocketing not fully under control, it's essential to carefully watch your possessions and stay cautious.

• Respect the vendors: While you can freely visit the market without the intention to buy, be mindful not to touch or put items down without buying, as it can cause frustration among the vendors.

• Watch out for traffic: While checking in at the main gate, make sure to stay alert to the passing vehicles, as the market's main facade is situated along a busy street.

2. Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Wholesale Market, a nearly 100-year-old trading hub, has been a famous landmark in Saigon, known by most locals and international visitors. Situated in the center of District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Tay Market covers an area of 25,000 square meters and lies between Thap Muoi, Le Tan Ke, Phan Van Khoi, and Tran Binh streets.

Known for its wholesale focus, Binh Tay Market boasts an enormous array of stalls with diverse products. This makes it a go-to destination for shop owners who run businesses from home or smaller markets. While the majority of the stalls sell goods in bulk or by lot, a few accept retail customers, though the prices are higher, and the product selection is limited. For retail shopping, the market mainly offers food and general merchandise

Almost everyone in Saigon is familiar with Binh Tay Wholesale Market (Source: Internet)

If you're in the mood to fill your stomach when visiting Binh Tay market, head to the Phan Van Khoe area, packed with food stalls offering tempting dishes like porridge, herbal duck, duck noodle soup, fermented fish noodle soup, and broken rice, a true taste of what you can expect at any bustling Saigon market.

Plus, make sure to try Banh Canh Cua Chau Lan – the legendary crab noodle soup features a special combination of rice noodles, crab, fish cake, chicken gizzards, duck blood, and pork leg, served with a rich, thick broth and topped with onions, cilantro, and pepper, creating a rich, savory, and aromatic flavor profile. 

Binh Tay Market is a go-to place for home-based businesses or smaller markets (Source: Internet)

Local tips:

• Don’t hesitate to haggle: As prices at the market can differ, it would be advantageous if you're comfortable bargaining or having a local guide to assist you.

• Shop smart and compare: You should check out a few different stalls that sell the same type of product to find the best price. With different prices so in this way, you can compare and choose the one with the best value.

• Keep an eye on your belongings: Be mindful of your possessions, as the market tends to attract a large crowd, which raises the risk of pickpocketing or theft.

• Dress comfortably: It’s best to wear comfortable clothes for the market since it's huge and involves a lot of walking.

3. Russian Market

Russian Market has been a distinctive shopping hub for over two decades, featuring 3 floors and about 200 stalls selling a wide range of wholesale and retail products, with an endless array of affordable cold-weather clothing and accessories of great quality. As it mainly caters to international visitors, Russian Market offers a large stock of plus-size clothing.

In addition to apparel, visitors to this Ho Chi Minh market can also find products that highlight Russian culture and living style, such as high-quality imported salmon roe, vodka, buckwheat, Matryoshka dolls, and more.

This market attracts not just Russians, but also local youths, Vietnamese tourists exploring Ho Chi Minh City, and travelers from abroad (Source: Internet)

Local tips: 

• Verify the quality: Numerous items at the market, especially excess exports or items with manufacturing issues, are available at discounted rates. Be diligent in checking the quality of products, especially apparel and electronics, to detect any faults or damages before purchase.

• Be aware of the payment method: Carry cash with you, as it’s preferred at most stalls in the Russian Market. Although some vendors may take credit cards, cash remains the preferred form of payment.

• Watch over your belongings: Be cautious with your valuables while navigating the market. Crowded places are perfect for pickpockets to target unsuspecting visitors.

At the Russian Market, many booths showcase bilingual signage in Vietnamese and Russian (Source: Internet)

4. An Dong Market

An Dong Market is positioned at one of the busiest intersections in District 5, with four sides facing the streets of An Duong Vuong, Hung Vuong, Nguyen Duy Duong, and Yet Kieu. 

The market showcases a blend of Saigon’s history and modern commerce. Additionally, it’s one of the largest wholesale clothing markets in the city, featuring around 2,702 stalls selling apparel primarily sourced from China and Thailand, and dried food items including dried fish, dried beef, dried squid, bird's nests as well as sea cucumbers. 

An Dong Market is one of the largest wholesale clothing markets in Saigon (Source: Internet)

An Dong Market brings more than just shopping - it’s a food-lovers paradise. Its food court stands out with classic dishes like “hu tieu”, “bun rieu”, “pha lau”, etc. Additionally, be sure to check out these two popular stalls that the locals love:

• Bun Moc Ngoc Mai: This food stall is well-known for its traditional wood-burning stove and its selection of ingredients from reputable suppliers. When you visit, you’ll be served a generous bowl of pork bone noodle soup with a subtle, sweet broth and uniquely seasoned meatballs. For over 40 years, Ngoc Mai has been a beloved breakfast stop for both locals and visitors to Saigon. 

• Banh Mi Co Cuc: The “banh mi xiu mai” here is especially popular, with a wonderful mix of meatballs, tangy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a thick, savory sauce. It’s finished with a two-hour slow-cooked caramelized sauce that adds a rich, savory flavor. 

Local tips: 

• Note the stalls' opening hours: The market runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but certain stalls continue to serve visitors until 10:00 PM to meet the needs of those wanting to dine and shop later. Keep these hours in mind before the arrival to ensure the best experience. 

An Dong Market maintains significant historical aspects of the city (Source: Internet)

5. Thai Binh Market

Thai Binh Market can be accessed easily through three main entrances: the first located on Nguyen Trai Street, the second on Cong Quynh Street, and the third on Pham Ngu Lao Street. 

Thai Binh Market is found in a less tourist-oriented area of the backpacker district. Originally a small local Saigon market, it was reconstructed after reunification, becoming a vibrant trading hub where you can shop for various types of meat, fish, and local produce at affordable prices. It's also a familiar lunchtime spot for office employees and young people living in the area. 

Thai Binh Market is a local market where you can buy various types of fresh goods (Source: Internet)

The market has a maze-like feel, with stalls and carts set up in a rather haphazard way, filling the air with the typical smells of fresh goods. While this place doesn’t offer many attractions, it provides a true local experience, allowing you to watch how the locals buy and sell items and live their everyday lives, from their fashion choices to their way of speaking.

If you’re visiting Thai Binh Market, you should also stop by Bun Thit Nuong Co Hue. For almost 50 years, it has earned the affection of thousands of local and international visitors with its generous serving of noodles topped with well-seasoned grilled pork, fragrant grilled Vietnamese sausages, crispy spring rolls, and a light, sweet-and-sour fish sauce with pickled vegetables.

Thai Binh Market is not a major tourist destination, but a bustling spot for workers and residents (Source: Internet)

6. Tan Dinh Market

Tan Dinh Market features four facades, each connecting to a different street. While the main gate is located on Hai Ba Trung Street, the market also extends through other local streets including Nguyen Huu Cau, Nguyen Van Nghia, and Ma Lo. 

Tan Dinh Market features a French architectural design with three bell towers: one in the center and two on the sides. This market boasts elaborate decorative features like intricate patterns, sculptures, and bas-reliefs made from cement or stone, reflecting the meticulous nature of French architectural design. The inside space is well-organized, helping customers easily locate and pick their desired products. Additionally, the market offers both indoor and outdoor areas, creating a convenient and varied shopping atmosphere. 

The market has built a reputation for its range of fabrics sold at affordable prices (Source: Internet)

Tan Dinh Market is a go-to shopping spot with diverse products ranging from fresh food and dried goods to clothing, shoes, and jewelry, and is especially well-known for its affordable fabrics, a key offering since its early days.

Tan Dinh Market is not only recognized for its top-notch products but also for its delectable food offerings, including:

• Chao Ech Tan Dinh: A popular spot for frog porridge in Saigon. The frog meat is tender, fresh, and full of flavor, soaked in a savory braised sauce and served with hot white porridge for a delicious experience. 

• Sup Cua Lien: Featuring a wonderful mix of crab, shrimp, meat, shredded chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms for a fantastic taste.

• Chao Suon Tan Dinh: The rice porridge in this modest stall is finely ground, with incredibly tender, sweet, and flavorful meat, paired with large pork ribs and tasty minced meat, is a fantastic experience that you'll enjoy without any regrets.

• Che Van: Che Van in Tan Dinh market offers a variety of tasty sweet soup, including “che thap cam”, “che khuc bach”, “che Thai”, “suong sa hot luu”, “banh lot”, etc. Known for its cool and refreshing taste, it's a great way to stay refreshed on hot days

Tan Dinh Market is famous for offering budget-friendly fabrics (Source: Internet)

7. Xom Chieu Market

Xom Chieu Market is centrally located in District 4, bordered by Le Van Linh, Dinh Le, Le Thach, and Le Quoc Hung Streets in Ward 12. It takes around 3 minutes by car to get there from Nha Rong Harbour, covering a distance of 1.1km, with Dinh Le Street being the fastest option. This market is a prime example of a traditional Saigon market, offering an authentic local shopping experience

Xom Chieu Market, also referred to as Market 200 is a remarkable concrete building with two floors, housing more than 1,100 stalls that sell everything from fresh produce and meat to seafood, dried goods, and spices.

Xom Chieu Market is an impressive structure made of concrete (Source: Internet)

Apart from offering essential goods, Xom Chieu Market boasts over 500 food stalls that serve a broad array of snacks from various regions of Vietnam. Not only is the food mouthwatering, but it's also extremely affordable, with some saying that 200,000 VND is enough to enjoy everything the market has to offer.

To savor the true essence of Xom Chieu Market, don’t forget to try the following food stores on our recommended list:

• Oc Nho: offering a range of delicious dishes such as oc mo bo chanh (butter and lime snails), oc huong trung muoi (salted egg snails), oc buou nuong tieu xanh (grilled snails with green pepper), etc. 

• Ut Chuoi Chien: Ms. Ut’s stall serves a variety of fried foods, including spicy cassava cakes, fried sweet potatoes, fried bananas, bananas glazed with palm sugar, etc. 

• Che Ha Tram: With about 20 different delicious types of sweet soup, including lotus seeds, lotus root, water chestnut, coconut, bean che, etc. One of the most popular dishes is che bi (balls sweet soup), featuring soft tapioca balls wrapped in coconut, served with sweet syrup and ice.

• Com Ga Xoi Mo Co Chin: The usual dish at Co Chin consists of fragrant fried rice, hot, crispy fried chicken, and sour pickled mustard greens. With one bite of the chicken, you'll experience the crunchiness of the skin and the soft, juicy meat within.

• Dua Tac Co Ut: Co Ut’s Kumquat Coconut is known for its fresh, natural fruit juices and tasty snacks. Some favorites include kumquat coconut juice, chewy rice paper rolls with toppings, spicy stir-fried tteok-bokki with chicken feet, spicy fried egg noodle salad, and young tamarind mixed with beef.

Local tips: 

• Check the prices first: Before buying or eating at Xom Chieu Market, be sure to ask for the price to prevent any surprises in cost.

• Watch your belongings: Like many other crowded places, Xom Chieu Market sees heavy foot traffic, particularly in the evening, so it’s wise to keep your valuables close to avoid pickpockets.

The vibrant food scene around Xom Chieu Market (Source: Internet)

8. Hoang Hoa Tham Market 

Hoang Hoa Tham Market is located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Ward 13, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, nestled between the key roads of Truong Chinh and Cong Hoa. The market is a 2.8-kilometer, 5-minute drive from Southeast Vietnam Military Museum.

Located in the heart of a bustling community, Hoang Hoa Tham Market is a popular destination for daily shopping, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh food, clothes, fashion accessories, home goods, and electronics. For tourists, a visit to this market is a great way to experience the local lifestyle - vibrant, yet humble and full of warmth. As one of the well-known markets in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, it provides an authentic glimpse into the city's daily life and culture.

Second-hand goods are what make Hoang Hoa Tham Market truly special (Source: Internet)

Hoang Hoa Tham Market covers a large area with hundreds of stalls stretching across the area. The market is well-organized, which makes it easier for shoppers to find products based on their needs. The layout is divided into three L-shaped sections: the first is for new clothing, the second for second-hand goods, and the third for a wide range of essential items.

Among the various stalls, the area for second-hand goods is the highlight of Hoang Hoa Tham Market, offering a wide variety of quality used items that attract many eager buyers. As shared by some vendors at Hoang Hoa Tham Market, the origins of the second-hand goods here are varied, with many items coming from developed countries like the U.S., Russia, Japan, South Korea, the UK, etc. 

Clothes, accessories, and jewelry are collected and shipped in bulk to the market. You’ll find a variety of brand-name and designer items here, all in nearly-new condition but sold for a fraction of their original price. After a few hours at Hoang Hoa Tham Market, you can head to Hem Fast Food and Heart Kitchen (around 10 - 20 minute-walk) to fuel up with delightful Korean meals or “bo ne” – a delicious, nutritious dish that’s served piping hot. 

Local tips: 

• Check the products thoroughly: For second-hand purchases, take the time to check each product carefully to make sure they are in good condition and free from defects or damage.

• Protect your personal belongings: With the bustling crowd, particularly around the second-hand items area, it's essential to keep a close eye on your personal possessions like your wallet and phone to avoid any theft.

Selling and buying used clothes at Hoang Hoa Tham Market (Source: Internet)

9. Antique Market Cafe

Antique Market Cafe is located on No Trang Long Street, P.13, Binh Thanh District. It takes roughly 15 minutes by car, covering a distance of 6.5km from Van Thanh Park, where you can enjoy various activities such as jogging, walking, cycling, or having picnics. 

Antique Market Cafe is a unique fusion of a coffee shop and an antique market in one place. On weekends, the café transforms into a marketplace where antique enthusiasts come together to buy, sell, and share their passion for collectibles. If you love antiques, this is a must-visit spot in Saigon.

Antique Market Cafe boasts a design inspired by vintage Saigon, with warm mustard yellow tones and brick walls, creating a cozy, nostalgic feel. The space is split into two separate areas: 

• Floor 1: This is where the antique market takes place, offering a wide variety of products, from vinyl records to wartime liquor bottles, glasses, and much more. The space is lively, and the prices and quality of the items vary depending on their age, cultural significance, and historical importance.

• Floor 2: You can enjoy your coffee while taking in a bird’s-eye view of the market, which makes it an ideal spot to relax, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and absorb the energetic sounds of the market beneath. Additionally, there is a food counter near the exit, offering light meals and snacks to satisfy your hunger.

The Antique Market Cafe has also been the location for several remarkable events, one of the most notable being the Saigon Classic Car Exhibition. This event presents a range of unique and vintage cars, including rare limited editions. It’s a must-visit for those who wish to learn more about the traditional and classic beauty of Saigon. To stay informed about the exhibition dates or any upcoming events, make sure to follow its fanpage. 

Antique Market Cafe is a one-of-a-kind spot where a coffee shop and antique market merge (Source: Internet)

Local tips: 

• Visit early on weekends for the best selection: The ideal time for a visit is early on weekends, as the market just begins to open, offering a wide selection of products. After noon, many vendors start packing up their goods.

• Research or bring an expert for antique shopping: If you lack knowledge about antiques, consider researching before your visit or bring someone with expertise to get a better sense of the actual value of the products.

• Be cautious while moving: Move carefully, as there are a lot of valuable and perishable goods displayed throughout the area. Any damage to an item will require you to pay for it.

10. The Box Concept

The Box Concept is situated in the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Culture House on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 - an area full of popular eateries and cafes. Only 650 meters from Tao Dan Park, you can enjoy an 8-minute stroll or a 2-minute drive.

The Box Concept is a dynamic space that blends shopping, entertainment, and live performances. All of the stalls here are visually appealing with their distinct, nature-inspired designs. The Box Art, a dedicated art space within the market, offers various activities like artwork, decor, handmade creations, hair braiding, henna art, etc. along with high-quality aesthetic product exhibitions.

Apart from the brightly-colored clothing and accessory booths, The Box Concept also has a dedicated food section serving regional favorites such as “banh beo Hue” and “bun dau mam tom”. International options like Thai noodle soup and Korean ramen are also available.

To top it off, there's an artistic performance area hosting random dance sessions, mini-games, gift live streams, instrument performances, and live acoustic shows every evening. Its energetic atmosphere makes The Box Concept a go-to spot for locals.

The Box Concept brings together shopping, delicious food, entertainment, and perfect selfie locations (Source: Internet)

Every stall boasts a visually striking design, inspired by nature (Source: Internet)

A visit to any Saigon market guarantees an exciting adventure, where you'll find everything from local handicrafts to delicious street food. To discover more travel tips, in-depth destination guides, and local food insights, visit the official Vietnam Airlines website, where we provide expertly curated travel advice.