Ben Thanh Night Market and Ben Thanh Street Food Market are two vibrant attractions located side by side in Ho Chi Minh City. The night market offers a bustling shopping experience with a wide range of merchandise, while the street food market tantalizes taste buds with a diverse array of delectable Vietnamese dishes. Together, they create an immersive and lively atmosphere where visitors can explore local culture, indulge in shopping, and savor the flavors of Vietnam.
Opening times
Ben Thanh Night Market and Ben Thanh Street Food Market offer a different atmosphere compared to the regular daytime scene at Ben Thanh Market. They open around the same time as the day market is closing, and stay open until midnight.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Days: Open every day
How to get there: Getting to Ben Thanh Night Market and the Ben Thanh Street Food Market is quite easy as they are located in the city center of Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re unable to find them on Google Maps, simply search for the main Ben Thanh Market, as these two places are situated right next to it. It’s a convenient location that can be easily reached on foot, especially if you’re already in the city center. However, if you’re staying a bit further away, taking a taxi is a convenient option. From anywhere in District 1, the taxi fare should typically not exceed 5 USD.
Ben Thanh Night Market
At the Ben Thanh Night Market, located just outside the main building of the regular market, visitors can expect a vibrant outdoor market experience. The market offers a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, souvenirs and handicrafts.
Bargaining is a common practice here, and it’s believed that the first sale of the evening brings good luck, so early buyers may have an advantage. The market spans along a single street, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere for people to explore and enjoy.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
Ben Thanh Street Food Market is a trendy food hall located near Ben Thanh Market. It offers a variety of dining options with 20-25 vendors serving a wide range of delicious Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to food, there is a stall selling different types of beer.
The market features bench-style tables at the front and back, with air coolers to provide a more comfortable dining experience. It was created to cater to tourists who may be hesitant to try street food in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a hygienic and appealing environment. While prices may be slightly higher than regular street food stalls, it still remains affordable for visitors.
The experience
While they may not offer the most authentic local experience, they provide an enjoyable and unique atmosphere. At the street food market, you can savor various Vietnamese dishes in a tourist-friendly environment, allowing you to sample “street food” with peace of mind. On the other hand, the night market offers a chance to showcase your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs and other items. These experiences, though not purely authentic, are still a delightful way to spend an evening in the vibrant city.
Afterward, you can easily explore nearby areas such as Bui Vien Street for a lively party scene or the walking street to immerse yourself in the local ambiance and admire the illuminated buildings.
Read here more about nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market during the day
During the daytime, Ben Thanh Market offers a bustling shopping experience with a wide array of souvenirs, clothing, and other goods to explore. If you arrive before 6PM, you can browse through the regular market and indulge in shopping. Read our detailed Ben Thanh Market guide, for more information.
After 6PM, while the market itself is closed, the building is beautifully illuminated with LED lights, creating a charming and captivating atmosphere in the evening.
