Hanh Thong Tay Market: Ho Chi Minh City’s Affordable Fashion Paradise You Shouldn’t Miss

Hanh Thong Tay Market is a vibrant and essential part of the local community. Though less well-known compared to other famous markets in the city, Hanh Thong Tay is beloved for its unique atmosphere, diverse products, and the authentic experience it offers both locals and tourists.

1. Overview of Hanh Thong Tay Market

1.1. Location

Hanh Thong Tay Market is located at No. 10/2, Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, an area known for its rich cultural history and lively street life. This market offers a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, local delicacies, clothing, and household items. The market is a great place to explore if you want to experience daily life in Ho Chi Minh City away from the more tourist-heavy spots.

The market has been around for decades, and like many local markets in Vietnam, it started as a small trading hub that catered to the surrounding community. Over time, Hanh Thong Tay has evolved, expanding both in size and the diversity of products it offers. Despite the rapid modernization of Ho Chi Minh City, the market has retained its charm and continues to be an integral part of local life.

Hanh Thong Tay is one of the popular markets known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of products (Source: Internet)

1.2. Operating hours

The market operates continuously throughout the day and night, catering to the shopping needs of both locals and tourists.

• Morning (04:00 AM – 6:00 PM): During this time, the market mainly sells fresh produce, vegetables, spices, household items, and clothing. It’s the ideal time to shop for fresh food at reasonable prices.
• Evening (06:00 PM – 11:00 PM): The market becomes more lively, with fashion stalls, shoes, accessories, and street food vendors. The atmosphere is energetic, with music and merchants calling out their prices, creating a fun shopping experience.
• Late Night (11:00 PM – 7:00 AM):
  This is a special time at the market when vendors from the Mekong Delta and Eastern regions bring in fresh fruits. If you're a fruit lover, this is the best time to explore the market for a variety of fresh tropical fruits.

Although the market is open all day, the best time to visit is in the evening, between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. During this period, the market is the most bustling, with many stalls open and a wide selection of goods available. The lively atmosphere and diverse offerings make this the most vibrant time to experience the market.

2. 3+ Ways to Get to Hanh Thong Tay Market

Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are several convenient ways to reach the market:

• By taxi or ride-hailing apps: From District 1, the journey typically takes around 20 - 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The fare is approximately 200,000 VND.
• By bus: Bus route 18, 24, 55, 103, 36 stop near Hanh Thong Tay Market. The first bus arrives around 4:19 AM, and the last bus departs at 9:00 PM.
• By motorbike: From District 1, you can follow this route: Truong Dinh → Tran Quoc Thao → Truong Sa → Phan Xich Long → Nguyen Dinh Chieu → Nguyen Kiem → Nguyen Thai Son → Pham Ngu Lao → Quang Trung → The market is on your left. This journey is approximately 12.6km and takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Hanh Thong Tay Market attracts a large number of visitors for sightseeing and shopping (Source: Internet)

3. Must-Try Experiences at Hanh Thong Tay Market

3.1. Shop a Wide Range of Fashion and Accessories

Hanh Thong Tay Market is a hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City, offering an extensive variety of fashion and accessories that attract both locals and tourists alike. Located in the bustling Go Vap District, this market is a haven for those looking for stylish clothing, footwear, jewelry, and more, all at affordable prices. Whether you're searching for trendy outfits, unique accessories, or classic wardrobe staples, Hanh Thong Tay Market has something to suit every taste and budget.

• Fashion: You'll find a wide range of T-shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, and outerwear for both men and women. In addition to regular clothing, many shops at the market offer items that cater to traditional Vietnamese styles. These include ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) and other ethnic-inspired garments
• Footwear: The market is especially popular for its wide variety of affordable and trendy footwear such as casual shoes, sneakers, sandals, or formal shoes that allows fashion lovers to express their personal style.
• Accessories: You’ll find a range of handbags, wallets, sunglasses, scarves, and hats, all at great prices. From statement pieces to subtle essentials, the market’s accessory stalls have it all.
• Jewelry and Handcrafted items: You'll find everything from trendy necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to more unique, handcrafted pieces. Many of the jewelry shops feature local artisans' work, offering unique designs that you won't find elsewhere.

The market is known for its fast fashion, where you can get the latest trends without breaking the bank (Source: Internet)

3.2. Savor Local Street Food Delights

Here are some must-try Vietnamese street foods at Hanh Thong Tay Market:

• “Banh trang nuong” (Grilled rice paper): It's a crispy treat made by grilling rice paper over an open flame and topping it with a variety of ingredients such as egg, pork, sausage, and cheese. The savory flavors and crunchy texture make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• “Banh xeo” (Vietnamese pancakes): A type of Vietnamese savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. It’s filled with a delicious mixture of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded and served crispy. You can enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves with herbs and dipped in a flavorful fish sauce.
• “Bun thit nuong” (Grilled pork vermicelli): This dish consists of grilled pork (often pork belly or skewered pork) served over a bed of vermicelli noodles, topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, and peanuts. A generous drizzle of sweet and savory fish sauce adds the perfect touch to this beloved Vietnamese dish.
• “Che” (Vietnamese sweet soup): The market offers many variations, especially che ba mau (three-color dessert), a vibrant combination of mung beans, coconut milk, and jelly. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
• “Banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich): This sandwich is a delicious fusion of a crispy baguette filled with various meats (like pork, chicken, or beef), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
• “Goi cuon” (Vietnamese spring rolls): These rolls are typically made with rice paper and filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. They are served with a side of peanut or hoisin sauce for dipping, making them a light yet flavorful snack or appetizer.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, exploring the food stalls at Hanh Thong Tay Market is an experience you won’t want to miss (Source: Internet)

3.3. Soak in the Lively Atmosphere of the Hanh Thong Tay Night Market

Located in the bustling Go Vap District, this market is a hidden gem where locals and tourists alike can immerse themselves in the rich culture, lively atmosphere, and diverse range of goods and food. Whether you’re there for a leisurely evening stroll, to shop, or simply to soak in the local vibe, Hanh Thong Tay Night Market promises an unforgettable experience.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you step into the market is the electric atmosphere. The market comes alive at night, transforming into a dynamic space filled with the sounds of bustling vendors, the aroma of delicious street food, and the colorful lights that illuminate every corner. The air is filled with energy as locals and visitors barter with vendors, pick up fresh produce, or savor the authentic Vietnamese street food on offer.

The night is also when the market’s food stalls and shops truly shine (Source: Internet)

4. Insider Shopping Tips for Hanh Thong Tay Market

Here are some useful tips when visiting Hanh Thong Tay Market:

• Parking at the market: There are designated parking lots around the market where you can leave your vehicle. If you’re riding a motorbike, there are usually plenty of spots for parking, and the cost is quite affordable, often around 5,000 VND to 10,000 VND per hour.
• Bargain like a local: Bargaining is part of the shopping culture at Hanh Thong Tay Market. The prices are often inflated, and vendors expect customers to haggle. Start by offering a price lower than what’s listed, and slowly work your way up to a price that’s fair for both you and the seller.
  
• Buying in bulk: If you're looking to buy clothing, accessories, or other items in bulk, this market is a great place to get competitive wholesale prices. Many vendors offer special bulk discounts, especially for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• Try items on: Some clothing items at Hanh Thong Tay Market may not have fitting rooms, but many vendors will allow you to try them on in a more open area of the market. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can try an item on before purchasing it, especially for clothing.

Hanh Thong Tay Market offers a truly authentic local experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, it’s a great place to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam. Its rich history, diverse offerings, and vibrant atmosphere make it a hidden gem worth discovering. So next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and take in all that Hanh Thong Tay Market has to offer!

To visit Hanh Thong Tay Market, book your Flight to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.