It has become one of Ho Chi Minh City’s long-standing emblems. Where can I find the Ben Thanh market? In which district am I? What features have piqued my interest? Many travelers ask these types of inquiries. Follow us, Vietnam Pilgrimage Company, and we’ll find out some interesting stuff here.
1. An introduction to Ben Thanh Market
1.1. Position
Ben Thanh Market, with a total size of 13,056 square meters, is located in Ben Thanh Ward, between Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, and Le Thanh Ton Square. On the other hand,this location combines a variety of indigenous business including clothing, textiles, shoes, fashion, handicrafts, fresh cuisine, fresh fruits, and so on.
1.2.The origin of Ben Thanh Market
Many years ago,Ben Thanh Market has long been regarded as a traditional icon of Saigon.On the other hand, not everyone is awaring of the origin one. It is explained about history, because in the past, this market was located next to the river and constantly welcomed visitors and troops into the city, therefore the market’s name, Ben Thanh Market, was derived from there as well.
2. History of Ben Thanh Market
2.1. The Old Ben Thanh Market (1859-1911)
At the time, the market was located on the canal’s south bank, which was known as Kinh Lon. There was a roadway beside the canal in front of the market called Canton Street by the French, or Rue de Canton because the majority of the Chinese who conduct business here is Cantonese.
Because it is located at the crossroads of the city and two waterways, the Lon Creek and Cau Sam Creek (Ham Nghi Road), boats may dock on either side of the market, and it is very packed with people passing by. Locals who wish to traverse the market may do so over the lovely wooden bridge, ensuring that the Ben Thanh market is always bustling.
In 1887, the French filled the canal, combining the two roadways to form Chana Avenue. Kinh Lap Street (Nguyen Hue Road) is what the people name it. Since then, the market has gotten increasingly busy, with the majority of the stores being Chinese, Indian, and French.
However, by mid-1911, the market had aged and was on the verge of collapsing. To avert calamity, the market had to be demolished, leaving just the meat booth standing. Simultaneously, the French have picked a bigger new zone to meet the rising commercial demands. The chosen area is near the My Tho train station (now Saigon Railway Transport Company), which is also the location of the Ben Thanh market today.
Meanwhile in the mid-1911, the market had aged and was on the verge of collapsing. To avert calamity, the market had demolished, had been leaving just the meat booth standing. Simultaneously, the French have picked a bigger new zone to meet the rising commercial demands. The area that people chose is near the My Tho train station (now Saigon Railway Transport Company), which is also the location of the Ben Thanh market today.
2.2. The new Ben Thanh Market (From 1912 to now)
After a long period of usage, the market steadily deteriorated, and there was a risk of collapse at any time, so the French rebuilt after filling a mud pond known as Bo Ret. Brossard et Maupin, a French constructor, began construction in 1912. It took another two years to finish. Even though Ben Thanh Market had multiple major restorations and repairs in 1985, the original structures are still standing.
The term Ben Thanh Market, on the other hand, did not exist in publications until 1975. To distinguish it from the old market, it is commonly referred to as the Saigon Market or the New Market. The only remnants of the ancient area were the booths that were removed by the French when they erected the Treasury. Until 1940, the Eastern and Western bus stops were located on opposite sides of the market street. The bus terminal was then relocated to a new location.
3. How to go to Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market is now located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. HMRC, so relocating is not too tough.
If you take the bus, look for routes that stop near Ben Thanh Market, such as car 01 02 03 11 12 13 18 19 20… These stations are typically 200-600m from the market, and it is only a few minutes walk to the market.
Motorbikes can park the automobile in the private parking lot for roughly 10,000 – 20,000 VND every turn for those who prefer to travel.
Using traditional taxis or technological taxis is the most convenient option. The driver will take you directly to the market gate.
4. How many gates of Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market is divided into four major gates that border four streets and twelve secondary gates that radiate in four directions. Each gate contains a variety of popular stores for tourists to browse or enjoy on-site.
The South Gate (the main door) on Le Loi Street sells textiles, garments, and dry goods. There is a 3-sided clock tower at the south gate that is pretty well preserved from the beginning of construction, therefore it draws a lot of tourists to snap photographs or check out Ben Thanh market.
The North Gate, on Le Thanh Ton Street, is known for its abundance of fresh food and fruit.
The East Gate is located on Phan Boi Chau Street and is a sweet and cosmetic lover’s delight.
The West Gate, on Phan Chu Trinh Street, mostly offers footwear, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
5. Time Opening
Ben Thanh market is open from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nonetheless, around 7 p.m., it becomes bright, with lights covered and busy.
There are two excellent times to visit Ben Thanh Market:
7:30–18:00: Ideal for market touring, shopping, and dining.
After 19:00: Suitable for individuals who enjoy a bustling environment and bright booths at night.
The area is large, with thousands of booths spread out in various areas. Walking through Ben Thanh Market can take up to two hours. So keep a fair timetable in mind so that you may learn all of the intriguing stuff in this market.
6. What to do in Ben Thanh Market?
The image of Ben Thanh Market is now quite known to both Vietnamese and foreign tourists that pass by it. The bustling and raucous retail scene is hidden behind the exterior’s historic French architecture. Let’s find out what events at Ben Thanh Market are not to be missed!
6.1. Visiting the original architecture
From a brick market with wooden ribs, a thatched roof, an iron frame, and a tile roof, the Ben Thanh market is now corrugated iron-roofed and tiled extensively. Thanh Market has altered dramatically, but the ancient architecture remains, particularly the tower of the south entrance, which houses the clock. The three-sided clock tower is designed in a French style, with the inscription “BEN THANH MARKET” at the bottom.
Ben Thanh Market’s Design, in addition, each market gate has a porcelain relief created by Le Van Mau, a lecturer at Bien Hoa School of Fine Arts in 1952. The reliefs feature local items such as pigs, cows, ducks, fish,……
6.2. Shop for a variety of products
The anecdote of getting lost at the market is true! This is the largest retail market in the city. Fashion and handicrafts are available, as well as homewares, gadgets, and souvenirs.
6.3. Enjoy a more delicious dish
Ben Thanh Market is well-known for its wide range of regional delicacies. From major courses such as noodles, beef noodles, vermicelli, rice plates, spring rolls, 7-color raspberry, and so on, to snacks like tea, snails, pastries, and so on.
Everything is great, tastes well enough, and the price is reasonable. Aside from hundreds of fruits, agricultural goods from the south-southwest abound. You don’t have to go all around Vietnam to savor specialties from all over.
This fascinating market is well-known for its great cuisine, so it would be a shame if you didn’t come here and sample it.
6.4. Take a stroll through the market to observe what is going on
It is a disadvantage to visiting Ben Thanh market without enjoying the night market ambiance. The night market on both sides of Phan Chu Trinh Street and Phan Boi Chau bustled when the street lights were turned on.
Ben Thanh Night Market becomes more “vibrant” with seafood bars, grills, beer bars, and water bars, all of which are quite busy, in addition to fashion vendors and crafts. Every evening, locals and visitors alike travel to the night neighborhood to sample the city’s famed specialties and soak in the vibrant ambiance of the city that never sleep.
7. The tourist attraction near Ben Thanh Market
After circling Ben Thanh Market, you may combine it with visits to other neighboring commercial hubs like Diamond Plaza, Vincom Center Dong Khoi, and so on.
There are also many more interesting sites in the city center, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Post Office, the City Theater, and so on. There’s more to it than that.
8. Conclusions
To summarize the aforementioned path of discovery, tourists must have answered questions such as where Ben Thanh market is and what attractions are available. This site is not only a shopping and dining attraction but also a highly personal emblem representing the most fundamental and fundamental activities of the people of Ho Chi Minh City that visitors cannot but come!
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