EXPLORE THE OLDEST MARKET IN SAIGON - HCMC

Ben Thanh Market is one of the destinations not to be missed when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. With more than 100 years of history, the Ben Thanh market has become a cultural and economic symbol of Saigon. This place is not only a busy trading place but also a place to preserve the unique cultural values of the people of Saigon. Let's explore this ancient market and interesting things about Saigon's culture.

1/ History and formation

Ben Thanh Market was built in 1870 when it was a small market called "Ben Nghe Market". However, due to increased trading demand, this market was expanded and renamed Ben Thanh market in 1912. Since then, the Ben Thanh market has gone through many stages of development and has become one of Saigon's largest and most diverse markets.

With a prime location, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh market has become a destination attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. This is not only a place to shop and enjoy cuisine but also a place to explore and experience the culture of Saigon.

2/ Cultural diversity

Ben Thanh Market is the intersection of many different ethnicities and cultures. Here, you can easily encounter sellers from the Western, Central, or Northern provinces. This shows the diversity and richness of culture at Ben Thanh market.

In addition, Ben Thanh market is also a place to experience the traditional culture of Saigon people. Here, you can enjoy typical Saigon dishes such as banh xeo, mixed rice paper, or iced milk coffee. Besides, you can also find unique handicraft products of Saigon people.

3/ Culture and cuisine

The market is not only a place to shop but also the center of Saigon's typical culture and cuisine. All year round, visitors can enjoy specialty dishes at street stalls and restaurants around the market with a variety of dishes from the South to the North. A variety of dishes from different regions of Vietnam are available here, creating a unique culinary experience.

# Special food

Banh xeo, mixed rice paper, grilled meat vermicelli, broken rice... are typical dishes of Saigon that you cannot miss when coming to Ben Thanh market. These dishes are made from simple ingredients but have rich and typical flavors of the Southern region.

In addition, you can also enjoy specialties of other provinces such as banh can from Vung Tau, grilled rice paper from Binh Duong, or grilled meat sandwiches from Da Lat. This shows the diversity and richness of cuisine at Ben Thanh market.

# Saigon Coffee

Indispensable in the list of typical dishes of Saigon is iced milk coffee. With its rich and delicious flavor, iced milk coffee has become a symbol of Saigon and is loved by many tourists. At Ben Thanh Market, you can find many street cafes with affordable prices and a cozy atmosphere.

4/ Development and expansion:

For a century, Ben Thanh Market has not only been a place of commerce but also a certificate for the development of Saigon. Through many stages of expansion and upgrading, the market has constantly adapted to the changes of the times. New structures and modern infrastructure have been added to meet growing shopping needs.

5/ International trade:

Ben Thanh Market is not only a shopping place for locals but also an international trade center. Businesses and traders from all over come here to seek business opportunities and trade promotion. This has contributed to the prosperity of the market and promoted the economic development of the city.

# Diverse goods

At Ben Thanh Market, you can find everything from clothes, shoes, and bags to household items, souvenirs, and fruits and vegetables. This is also a place to shop for high-end fashion products at reasonable prices.

In addition, the Ben Thanh market also has an area selling imported goods from countries such as Korea, Japan, and Thailand... This shows the development of international trade in the Ben Thanh market.

# Acceptable price

A special feature of the Ben Thanh market is that the prices are very reasonable. However, you need to know how to negotiate to get the best price. This place also has many places to enjoy cuisine at affordable prices, especially street eateries.

6/ Special events:

Ben Thanh Market regularly hosts special events and festivals, adding excitement and excitement to the atmosphere around the area. Art shows, exhibitions, and various cultural events attract large numbers of participants.

# Ao dai festival

Every year in March, Ben Thanh Market organizes an Ao Dai festival with many special activities such as parades, traditional Ao Dai performances, and exhibitions of the latest Ao Dai models by designers. This is an opportunity for visitors to admire and shop for beautiful and unique ao dai.

# Food Festival

Every holiday, Ben Thanh Market also organizes a food festival with many typical dishes of Saigon and other regions. This is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy delicious dishes and experience Saigon's culinary culture.

 (Image Source: VnExpress International)

7/ Connection with national history

Ben Thanh Market is not only a place to shop and enjoy cuisine but also a place to preserve the cultural and historical values of the nation. This place has witnessed many historical events and is an important trading place for the people of Saigon.

# Meeting point of protests

In the past, the Ben Thanh market was a meeting point for protests and movements against the French and Americans. This place witnessed many struggles of the people of Saigon in protecting the country and regaining independence for the nation.

# Important trading place

Ben Thanh Market is also an important trading place for Saigon people from past to present. This is not only a place to buy goods but also a place to exchange and connect between regions and countries.

8/ Influence at home and abroad

With a long history and prime location, Ben Thanh market has become a symbol of Saigon and has great influence at home and abroad.

# Famous tourist destination

Ben Thanh Market is one of the famous tourist destinations of Ho Chi Minh City. This place attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists to visit and experience the culture of Saigon.

# International trading point

With a diversity of goods and a prime location, the Ben Thanh market is also an important international trade point in Vietnam. This place attracts many domestic and foreign businesses to do business and exchange goods.

(Ben Thanh Night Market) 

Ben Thanh Market is not only a place to shop and enjoy cuisine but also a place to preserve the cultural and historical values of Saigon. With a long history and diversity of culture and goods, the Ben Thanh market has become a symbol of Saigon and has great influence at home and abroad. Come and explore this ancient market to experience interesting things about Saigon's culture.