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Latest Ho Chi Minh City hotel reviews
Saigon Night Market is not just for lovers, for those who like to bring his family here to eat, shop and walk around at night ... this place is also a place to meet friends for a long meet, just food, chatted recently confided.
While they may not be as bright and shiny as malls or supermarkets, night markets have their own character and are popular destinations for local people and travellers alike.
There is an enormous variety of goods on offer including clothes, footwear, hats. hair clips, jewellery, watches..etc The prices are normally cheaper than day markets or supermarkets as the sellers pay less for the rent, so there are some great bargains to be had. As well as the choice in souvenirs there's also a great range of food, with many street vendors setting up shop to take advantage of the passing trade.
Some night markets specialise in cheap goods for students and workers, and are located out of town near universities and textile factories, such as the huge Ky Hoa night market on Cao Thang in District 10, where many student live. In these markets the prices are often cheaper than in town and less bargaining is necessary; many people also come to these markets and buy wholesale to stock their shops in town.
Culinary attractions in the national and international
Culinary attractions in the national and international Street food is very poetic names such as Eastern Star, Huong Vi Da, Em and I, two rice, rice paper Trang Bang - Tay Ninh ... with all the dishes of both the North - Central - South. That's bun bo Hue, dirt cake, pie year, cake mold, ... Pho Bac, Nam Vang hu tiu, noodles with beef types, Spicy fried noodles, hot pot dishes, exposed to frost cake is actually very attractive .
The food in Ky Hoa is delicious and surprisingly cheap, just $1 for a bowl of noodles or a plate of broken-rice with grilled pork and fried egg, plus a glass of sugar cane juice on the side. You will find a similar atmosphere at Binh Tay / Cho Lon, Hoa Hung and Ba Chieu night markets.
Ben Thanh Night Market
These markets are all within a 20-30 minute drive by taxi from the centre, and offer a authentic glimpse into real, living night markets, but for those who are short of time or energy Ben Thanh is ideally situated in the centre of Saigon and offers a taster of the larger night markets out of town. Although the shopping may be limited to souvenirs and tourist tat, there is still a wide choice of food and a great atmosphere.
There are at least 20 street-side eateries around the market building, with hundreds of diners gathering to feast on a wide range of the best dishes from all over Vietnam. You may spot 'Bún chả' or 'Phở', delicious noodle dishes from Hanoi, 'Banh Nam', little steamed cakes in banana leaf from Hue, or Bánh xèo, crispy rice pancakes from the Mekong Delta, as well as plenty of other delicacies. You can order delicious fresh grilled seafood, or tasty barbequed pork - with such great choices, you can't go wrong!
One of the best things about eating at Ben Thanh is that you can watch the chef cooking in front of you, and take in every delicious smell and sound, allowing you to enjoy the food with all your senses. The restaurants are also not exclusively tourist traps but offer authentic food and atmosphere - on any night the clientel may be 60-70% Vietnamese families and friends rather than exclusively tourists.
Eating and drinking on the street is very popular in Vietnam, and night markets offer a great window into the life of the city. If you have a chance we highly recommend joining the crowds to eat on the street for an atmosphere and experience that can't be matched by a hotel restaurant.
The night market is like that. Just as comments made by a girl from faraway Australia to Saigon Vietnam: Vietnam peace and your cute too. I can go out all night in this city that no matter what happens. Vietnam has gentle person, has the world's most hospitable and the food is great .... Forever I will never forget after returning home from Vietnam to Australia - my hometown.
Written Jan 3, 2012
Address: Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi, District 1
Website: http://http://www.vietnamtourism.org.vn/
Helpfulness
The Ben Thanh markets are located within walking distance of most hotels in district one. Just got across the road to that park that stretches across Pham Ngu Road and follow it up in the direction towards the Saigon trade centre (tallest building in Saigon). You'll see it opposite the horse on the round about. It's a must do. Biggest markets in Vietnam but naturally it's full of not only interesting markets but lots of scammers and rip off's. The taxi's around it aare notorious for being fake and running metre scams on unsuspecting tourists. Don't get a taxi around that area. In addition the people in the markets will try to rip you off. As a general rule you should get what you want for half their quoted price. They'll quote you their 'final price' after some negotiating. Don't be afraid to laugh and walk away. I guarantee 99% of the time they will call you back and accept your original offer.
There is lots of food to eat at this market but to be honest eating there is not a wonderful experience. People harrass you with *** like glasses while you are eating and it is very rude and annoying. Also because you are sitting down they will sit next to you and try to talk to you before offering you the deal of a lifetime. Be careful.
On the positive it's a must do in vietnam and it's worth the look. The seafood and food sections are interesting (although not sanitary).
Written Oct 19, 2011
Address: District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
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HCMC.
Most big cities have a vibrant Market Place and H.C.M.C. has the Ben Thanh Market .This was just a short walk from where I was staying in Pham Ngu Lao .This I found was an extremely busy place so much so , there were goods stacked to the ceiling with hardly room to move.(take care in here).The market sells just about everything that your looking for in the way of souvenirs...leather bags and belts, travel bags, all forms of clothing to toilet items etc.etc.Outside I looked at all the food items...At night the market moves out onto the forecourt of the market with stalls set up everywhere lots of T shirts etc.
BE VERY CAREFUL HERE BECAUSE OF THE CROWDS ..PICKPOCKETS AND BAG THIEVES ARE EVERYWHERE.
Written Oct 19, 2011
Address: Cho Ben Thanh
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Ben Thanh market is located right in the center of Ho Chi Minh city. From there, it's easy to walk to other main attractions in the city. Backpacker streets, Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham, are just within a short walking distance from here. You can find a lot of souvenirs and local products sold here. Price is highly inflated, and you have to bargain extremely hard. They also have a night market there, opening from 6pm till 10pm. Not sure if the night market is still in operating now. Food, souvenirs, handcrafts are sold, and it is really nice experience of Ho Chi Minh local life.
Updated Aug 24, 2011
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This market is extremely crowded and full of people and stalls trying to sell you all types of things. Shirts to watches to souvenirs can all be bought here. But be warned it is extremely hot inside and be very careful of pickpockets especially the little kids. Spent about 2 hours here walking up and down the stalls, also make sure to haggle on everything !!!!!
Written May 10, 2011
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If you are in the mood for shopping, do not miss the Ben Thanh Market. Centrally located and popular with tourists, it sells everything from fake Nike shoes to silk ao dai.
This is one of the best places to pick up conical hats and ao dai. The market and surrounding streets make up one of the city's liveliest areas. Everything that's commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is available here: vegetables, meats, spices, sweets, tobacco, clothings, household items, hardwares, coffee powder and souvenir worthy items.
Known to French as Les Halles Centrales, it was built in 1914 from reinforced concrete; the central cupola is 28m in diameter. The main entrance, with its belfry and clock, has become a symbol of HCMC.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Phone: Nil
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The Ben Thanh Market has been operating since 1914. It is in the center of town and takes up a whole block. Whatever you want, you can probably find it. There are lots of souvenirs, but also things the local people need. I bought a t-shirt and some specialty coffee beans.
Note: pay attention to the door you enter through. There are lots of doors, and it’s easy to get turned around.
Written Feb 19, 2011
Address: Bordered by Ham Nghi, Le Loi, and Tran Hung Dao st
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Ben Thanh Market
Info coming soon
Information
Name: Ben Thanh Market
Attraction Type: Market
Close to: City Center
City: Ho Chi Minh City
Last Visit: December 2010
My Photos
First Photo: Ben Thanh Market
Second photo: Ben Thanh Market
Third photo: Ben Thanh Market
Forth photo: Ben Thanh Market
Fifth photo: Ben Thanh Market
Updated Dec 17, 2010
Website: www.indochinas.com
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This large market is close to the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao. The market was formally established by the French colonial powers after taking over the Gia Dinh citadel in 1859. This market was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon's largest market. In 1912 the market was moved to a new building and called the New Ben Thanh Market to distinguish over its predecessor.
Food, T-shirts, cloth and material, souvenirs, kitchenware, spices, fruit, flowers, watches, jewellery - are just some of the things on offer here where you'll find everything you need under one roof. The quality of goods varies, and you must bargain - expect the initial price to be inflated up to two or three times what it should be.
Written May 3, 2010
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Most definitely on the tourist trail, Ben Thanh Market is a landmark at the big roundabout where Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao and Ham Nghi meet. The central island of the roundabout, alive with bright yellow flowers, is a good vantage point from where to photograph the energetic market. It is also interesting to watch the traffic go by!
Ben Thanh supplies everything and more... From fresh vegetables to stationary and power tools! For those who suffer claustrophobia it may be a bit daunting squeezing down narrow aisles past product displays and bustling patrons.
Vietnamese versions of western food halls are very informal. Small stools line the many stalls, most of them occupied by hungry locals. Food preparation occurs in the open right in front of you. It is therefore easy to decide on a tasty-looking dish. Pull over a stool and tuck in!
Written Dec 16, 2008
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Write a ReviewMost definitely on the tourist trail, Ben Thanh Market is a landmark at the big roundabout where Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao and Ham Nghi meet. The central island of...
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