BEN THANH MARKET, THE LARGEST MARKET IN HO CHI MINH CITY
From fresh fruit and vegetables lớn clothes & furniture, Vietnamese markets have it all. Every town & city has a large, central market, as well as several smaller, more specialised markets.
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With such a wide variety of goods và markets on offer in Vietnam, finding the best market for what you want can be tricky.
To fully understand a Vietnamese market experience, it’s important to know how they fit into Vietnamese culture.
History and Importance Of Markets In Vietnam
Markets have traditionally formed the backbone of local và regional commerce in Vietnam. Today, fresh produce still arrives from across the provinces to towns and cities, giving locals access khổng lồ goods at affordable prices.
Despite the growth of shopping malls and retail supermarkets like Vinmart, markets in Vietnam continue to play an important role in local culture & daily life. As well as trade và commerce, markets remain a focal point for communities lớn purchase not only buy essentials but also socialise.
Whilst the largest & most famous markets usually have an array of vendors selling everything you could wish for, smaller specialised markets also pepper the streets of Ho bỏ ra Minh City, Hanoi and other cities.
Read on khổng lồ find out how to lớn navigate Vietnamese markets!
Types Of Markets In Vietnam
Day Markets
Day markets tend lớn be the largest markets in urban settlements, often being a focal point in a city. Ho bỏ ra Minh City và Hanoi have two of the most iconic markets in Vietnam:
Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
Housed in a soviet-style building on the edge of the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan is the largest indoor market in Hanoi.
Stuffed with electronic appliances, souvenirs, clothing, & accessories, Dong Xuan also features a wet market on the ground floor, where bustling locals siêu thị for meat & the latest catch from local trawlers.
Make a trip here & take advantage of the find affordable prices. And, after you cửa hàng till you drop, the food vendors will be at hand to lớn replenish you with delicious local dishes lượt thích bun phụ thân and banh cuon, leaving you more than ready to take on the Old Quarter afterwards!
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 6 am – late
Binh Tay Market, Ho bỏ ra Minh City
Set foot in this bustling market và prepare khổng lồ be swimming in a sea of colour and chaos.
Located in district 6, or Chinatown, Binh Tay Market is relatively far from the tourist hubs of D1 and D3, meaning you will likely find more affordable prices than Ben Thanh market – but less English.
The market receives goods from across Vietnam & South East Asia every day. From lanterns và lightbulbs to lớn fresh flowers & fruits – you name it, Binh Tay Market has got it!
Recommended: A history và Guide to lớn Ho bỏ ra Minh City’s Cholon (China Town) District.
Address: 57A Tháp Mười street, District 6, Ho bỏ ra Minh City
Opening hours: 6 am – 6 pm
Ben Thanh Market, Ho chi Minh City
Located in the heart of District 1, Ben Thanh market is one of Ho bỏ ra Minh City’s most popular tourist attractions.
There is a food court in the middle where you can buy classic Saigonese dishes lượt thích Hu Tieu và other Saigon noodles soups at a reasonable price. Around the perimeter, there are dozens of shops selling local handicrafts, dried nuts and fruit, art and other souvenirs.
If you are in town, the chances are your khách sạn will be within walking distance, so make sure you pop in for a browse or a munch in one of Ho đưa ra Minh City’s most iconic landmarks.
Address: Đ. Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, District 1, Ho bỏ ra Minh City
Opening hours: 6 am – 7 pm
Dong cha Market, Hue
The former imperial capital, Hue, is trang chủ to one of the oldest markets in Vietnam. Dong ba market is trang chủ to hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, clothing và household essentials at affordable prices.
At almost 16,000 square metres, you could easily spend a whole morning exploring Dong ba market. If you do, make sure you tuck into some banh khoai (fried plantain) & bun bo hue (beef noodles) lớn keep your energy levels up!
Check out our guide to lớn Hue street food to discover more great eats!
Address: Phú Hoà, tp Huế, vượt Thiên Huế
Opening hours: 6 am – 830 pm
Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc
As the busiest and largest market in Phu Quoc, Duong Dong market is a popular spot for locals và tourists khổng lồ see local cuisine at it’s source.
Although there are some stalls selling the usual electronic goods, souvenirs, and t-shirts, Duong Dong market is famed for its peppercorns, cashews, fish sauce, fresh food, and, not to mention, world-class seafood.
Local fishermen drop their fish off from 3 am, so if you are visiting and keen for a BBQ on one of Phu Quoc’s spectacular beaches, make sure you are up early lớn get the catch of the day!
Address: 21 Đ. Trần Phú, TT. Dương Đông, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang
Opening Hours: 3 am – 11 pm
Dam Market, Nha Trang
Known for its chất lượng lotus flower design, Dam Market is a staple on any tour in Nha Trang.
Nha Trang market is conveniently divided into zones stocked with a full range of hand-woven bags, handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as daily items for locals.
As you walk around, it will be hard to lớn miss the wafts of fresh seafood – some of the best in Vietnam! Aside from prepared food, visitors can stock up on souvenirs. Things lượt thích dried seafood lớn make for excellent gift.
After eating some local dishes like nem nuong (spring rolls) and sanh ky noodles, you may be even buying rice paper lớn make your own when you return home. Good luck!
Address: Phan Bội Châu, P, tp Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa
Opening Hours: 5 am – 630 pm
Night markets
A trip to a Vietnamese night market is guaranteed khổng lồ be colourful & exciting.
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As you stroll, you will discover an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere & hundreds of items for sale. Think souvenir shops packed with handicrafts & clothes, electronic goods, food stalls, và more – often at bargain prices. We have highlighted the best night markets in Vietnam below:
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
The weekend night market in the Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit when in the capital.
Starting at the edge of Hang Dao street, you will find some of the best Vietnamese street food in Vietnam. This central market hosts a food court , with perfect when eaten with fresh Bia Hoi (the cheapest beer in the world!).
Dozens of stalls line the streets with local people selling t-shirts, snacks, arts & crafts, và local musicians are also on hand, strumming out classics for hours on end.
Opening Hours: Daily 6 am – 7 pmAddress: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiBen Thanh Night Market
At night, the roads around the Benh Thanh market are closed khổng lồ traffic & become paved with restaurants và stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery, & clothes.
There are also many restaurants that offer delicious barbecue and seafood. Makeshift as they may be, when you see the small tables and chairs come out, you know you are in for something special.
A staple on the Saigon tourist trail, the Ben Thanh night market is a must-visit.
Opening hours: Đ. Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, District 1, Ho bỏ ra Minh City
Address: 7 pm – late
Hoi An Night Market
Pro: Has some of the best Vietnamese street food in the country.
Walk any street in Hoi An at night, và you are bound to lớn be impressed. Mix amidst glowing lanterns and ancient architecture, the Hoi An night market is on Nguyen Hoang street, next lớn the Thu Bon River. Famous for its silk & garments, you will be spoilt for choice if your wardrobe needs an upgrade.
You will also find the usual souvenirs & t-shirts, but make sure to lớn bargain as prices are often higher for tourists. And, if you are still hungry after dinner, tuck into some of the delicious Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) or My quang quẻ (pork và shrimp noodles). Not to lớn be missed.
Opening hours: 430 pm – 1030 pm
Address: Nguyễn Hoàng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Honourable mentions:Nha Trang Night Market và Dinh Cau night market are also excellent places to visit if you visit Nha Trang or Phu Quoc.
Specialised Markets in Vietnam
Rather than a one-stop-shop, the following markets specialise in different goods & services.
Quang cha Flower Market
Located in the ex-pat district, Tay Ho, Quang tía flower market is an electrifying set of colour and energy, especially during important festivals like Tet.
The market offers exotic flowers from across Vietnam and abroad.
Flowers are seasonal & often dependent on upcoming festivals, but you are sure to find a bunch that will impress you – or a significant other. The general rule is the larger the bunch, the more room khổng lồ bargain. Get bartering!
Address: 236 Đ. Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, hà nội 100000
Opening hours: 6 pm – 6 am
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
In business since 1987, Ho Thi Ky flower market is an institution in Saigon. And, unlike its Hanoian equivalent, it is open all day until the early hours.
Flocks of buyers come at dawn for the freshest flowers – mimosas, roses, orchids và chrysanths – from Dalat, the Mekong region, and foreign countries. Things get super busy around Tet and important festivals, so make sure you are ready for the crowds!
Whether it is Valentine’s day or another ‘me day’, you are sure khổng lồ find a bouquet khổng lồ your liking here!
Address: ngóc ngách 52 hồ Thị Kỷ, District 10, Ho chi Minh City
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Dan Sinh Market – for all your Vietnam war memorabilia
It is easy lớn forget just how recent the Vietnam war was – và how far Vietnam has come since. The war museums and war sites showcase this past, but what about if you want lớn buy some wartime memorabilia? Dan Sinh market is just the place!
From grenades and helmets to lớn boots và gas masks, you will find everything a history buff could dream of. You even get to lớn pick between Viet Cong, ARVN or American gear!
Address: 127 ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Ho bỏ ra Minh City
Opening hours: 6 am – 9 pm
Floating markets
Make your way down to the Mekong delta và its dozens of tributaries, & you will find something curious: floating markets. Popular across Southern Vietnam & parts of đất nước thái lan and Cambodia, floating markets reflect the aquatic way of life in the Mekong.
Vendors sell fresh fruits & produce from across the region, including seafood & delicacies like mangosteen and durian. Believe it or not, you can even find delicious food và local dishes cooked on these boats!
Bargaining & trading work just lượt thích other markets, except that the goods and services are on boats, and you will likely receive whatever you buy on the end of a bamboo stick. Some of the best floating markets include the Cai Rang market in Can Tho, the Nga bay market in Hau Giang province và the Long Xuyen market in An Giang province.
Opening hours: 5 am – 5 pm
Minority markets
Top tip: Bac Ha Market in Lao Cai province and Sinh Ho market in lau Chau province are worth a visit.
Made up of 54 ethnic groups, Vietnam is extremely ethnically diverse. Whilst the majority ghê (85%) trang điểm the majority in most urban areas, some regions have a high proportion of ethnic minorities, each with their own unique cultures & traditions.
In the Northern Highlands, local farmers & tradespeople from minority groups phối up markets lớn sell their fruit, vegetables, meat, và vibrant fabric and clothing. There are also some unmissable foods native khổng lồ the region, such as smoked ox, pho chua (sour pho) & corn wine.
Due to lớn the mountainous terrain và large distances, markets are weekly or bi-weekly rather than daily. If you’re making a trip khổng lồ the North, be sure khổng lồ read our guide to Ha Giang which covers some unique and bucket menu Vietnam markets.
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Opening hours: 6 am – 2 pm
Le Hong Phong Market,Ho chi Minh thành phố – the ‘Cambodian market’
Numbering some 1.2 million, ethnic Khmers are one of Vietnam’s largest minority groups. With many forced lớn leave their country during the civil war in the 1970s, Cambodians set up Le Hong Phong market, a bustling market area in district 10. The market has since expanded, and now many ethnic Vietnamese traders also ply their trade here, but it still retains the original 15 founding families and Khmer spirit.
You can buy the usual array of goods found in other markets in Vietnam, but you need khổng lồ come here for the food! The market offers delicious Cambodian cuisine like Num bank chok noodle soup, a lightly fermented fish noodle dish; bok ho long, a salad featuring fresh papaya, tomato, herbs & crab; and Cambodia’s own ‘che’, a famous Vietnamese sweet dessert made with mung beans, tapioca, coconut cream, & fruits. Stop by for a taste of Cambodia – without the airfare and visa!
Address: Lê Hồng Phong, District 10 , hcm City
Opening hours: 6 am-6 pm
Start shopping with the locals
Whether it is souvenirs, the early morning food siêu thị you are or the street food you are after, Vietnamese markets cater for everyone. With so many different markets throughout the country, you will likely always find something surprising lớn buy or eat. Wherever you go in Vietnam, just know that a market is not too far if you are in need of something – well, anything!
