Ho Chi Minh City Markets Guide 2025 Beyond Ben Thanh Market

While Ben Thanh Market remains Ho Chi Minh City's most famous marketplace, the city offers an incredible diversity of markets, each with unique specialties, cultural significance, and shopping experiences. From wholesale textile markets to authentic local food courts, discover the best shopping destinations that locals and savvy travelers frequent for better prices and authentic Vietnamese experiences.

Traditional Vietnamese Markets

Binh Tay Market (Chợ Bình Tây)

Location: District 6 (Cholon - Chinatown area)
Best For: Wholesale prices, authentic Chinese-Vietnamese culture, traditional medicines
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

Known as the "Great Market" of Cholon, Binh Tay Market serves as the wholesale heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This architectural gem, built in the 1920s, offers significantly lower prices than Ben Thanh Market due to its wholesale nature. The market specializes in textiles, traditional Chinese medicines, dried foods, and spices. The central courtyard features a beautiful clock tower and traditional Chinese architecture, making it both a shopping destination and cultural heritage site.

Dan Sinh Market (War Surplus Market)

Location: District 1, near Ben Thanh Market
Best For: Military surplus, vintage items, electronics, industrial equipment
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily

Originally established to sell genuine war surplus equipment, Dan Sinh Market has evolved into a unique shopping destination for military-style clothing, vintage items, and electronics. While much merchandise is now newly manufactured in traditional army style, the market maintains its authentic atmosphere. It's particularly popular with male shoppers looking for durable clothing, vintage accessories, and electronic components.

Cho Cu (Old Market)

Location: District 1
Best For: Food products, toiletries, local daily necessities
Historical Significance: Original Ben Thanh Market location pre-1914

This historic market building housed Ben Thanh Market vendors before 1914 when they moved to the current location. Today, it serves local residents with fresh food products, household items, and daily necessities at local prices. The market offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Vietnamese shopping culture without tourist markups.

Specialized Shopping Markets

An Dong Market

Location: District 5
Best For: Wholesale textiles, wedding dresses, formal wear
Price Advantage: 30-50% lower than Ben Thanh Market

Vietnam's largest textile and clothing wholesale market, An Dong offers exceptional value for fabric purchases, custom tailoring, and ready-made clothing. The market spans multiple floors with specialized sections for different clothing types. Many professional tailors and fashion retailers source their materials here. Read our complete An Dong Market guide.

Saigon Square Markets

Saigon Square 1: District 1, near Ben Thanh Market
Saigon Square 2: District 1, Nguyen Hue Boulevard
Best For: Fashion clothing, accessories, shoes at competitive prices

These modern indoor markets cater to younger shoppers seeking trendy clothing, accessories, and shoes. Air-conditioned spaces with organized stalls make shopping more comfortable than traditional markets. Prices are generally 20-30% lower than shopping malls while offering better quality than typical tourist markets.

Modern Shopping Experiences

Premium Shopping Malls

• Saigon Centre: Luxury brands, international restaurants, premium shopping experience in District 1
• Diamond Plaza: Department stores, electronics, family entertainment center with cinema
• TAKA Shopping Plaza: Fashion and accessories, conveniently located near Ben Thanh Market
• Vincom Center: Modern shopping complex with international and local brands

Market Comparison Guide

Best Prices (Lowest to Highest)

1. Binh Tay Market: Wholesale prices, 40-60% lower than Ben Thanh
2. An Dong Market: Wholesale textiles, 30-50% lower than Ben Thanh
3. Saigon Square Markets: 20-30% lower than shopping malls
4. Ben Thanh Market: Tourist-friendly but premium pricing
5. Shopping Malls: Highest prices but guaranteed quality and service

Best for Cultural Experience

• Binh Tay Market: Chinese-Vietnamese heritage, traditional architecture
• Cho Cu: Authentic local shopping atmosphere
• Ben Thanh Market: Iconic tourist experience with English-speaking vendors
• Dan Sinh Market: Unique war surplus and vintage atmosphere

Shopping Strategy Tips

Morning Shopping (6:00-9:00 AM): Best prices and freshest products at traditional markets. Less crowded conditions for better bargaining opportunities.

Bargaining Guide: Traditional markets expect bargaining (start at 50-60% of asking price). Shopping malls have fixed prices. Wholesale markets like Binh Tay and An Dong offer better base prices but limited bargaining.

Transportation Between Markets: Most major markets are accessible via Metro Line 1, bus routes, or short taxi rides. Plan a full day to visit 2-3 markets efficiently.

For the complete Ho Chi Minh City shopping experience, combine visits to Ben Thanh Market for tourist souvenirs, An Dong Market for wholesale textiles, and Binh Tay Market for authentic local culture and unbeatable wholesale prices.

Ben Thanh Market - The Definitive Guide - Getting Here - Opening Times - Attractions - Staying