Ba Chieu Market is a vibrant and bustling local market located in Binh Thanh district of Ho Chi Minh City. It offers you an authentic Vietnamese experience, where locals come to buy a wide variety of goods including clothes, shoes, fruits, and food. Built in 1942, this historical market also features a vibrant night market outside the main building, providing additional opportunities for exploration and discovering local delicacies.
How to get there
- Address: Ba Chieu Market is located at 141 Bach Dang Street, Ward 2, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening times: The market is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Night market: After the main market closes, Ba Chieu Market also hosts a night market outside
Ba Chieu Market is situated in Binh Thanh District, which is a bit away from the main city center area of District 1. It is approximately 4 to 5 km from District 1. The best way to reach the market is by taxi or using a ride-hailing app like Grab. By using the app, you can input the direct address of the market to avoid any confusion. The taxi ride from District 1 to Ba Chieu Market takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions and the specific locations, and the cost is approximately 70,000 VND (3 USD).
History of the market
Ba Chieu Market started in 1942 and holds a special place in the heart of Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City. The origin of its name is surrounded by various theories. One popular belief suggests that it was named after one of the wives of Nguyen Ngoc Thang, a general who fought against French colonialism in the 19th century. Another hypothesis suggests that the markets were named after the women who established or managed them. Regardless of its name’s origins, Ba Chieu Market stands as a testament to the city’s heritage, with a unique architecture and a thriving market that attracts many locals daily.
Highlights of Ba Chieu Market
Ba Chieu Market offers a truly authentic local experience, allowing you to witness the daily lives of the people in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike tourist-oriented markets, such as Ben Thanh Market, Ba Chieu Market caters primarily to the local community, offering a different and more immersive experience.
The market is divided into two main sections: the dry market and the fresh market. In the dry market, you’ll find a variety of merchants selling clothing, jewelry, shoes, bed sheets, bags, and even cosmetics. Although it may not have as wide a selection as tourist markets, you can still find unique souvenirs like conical hats or ao dai garments. The prices at Ba Chieu Market are often cheaper than those at more touristy markets, making it a great place to shop for affordable items.
The fresh market section of Ba Chieu Market is where you’ll find the liveliest atmosphere. In the morning, locals flock to this area to purchase their daily groceries. Here, you can explore a wide range of fresh foods, including seafood, pork, chicken, vegetables, fruits, various types of rice, and tofu. Additionally, some vendors offer dried fruits and snacks, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.
Overall, Ba Chieu Market provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the hustle and bustle of a true local market. From shopping for affordable goods to exploring the vibrant fresh market, you’ll gain insights into the daily lives of the people of Ho Chi Minh City.
Street food at the market
At Ba Chieu Market, in addition to the fresh produce and ingredients for cooking, you’ll also find a section dedicated to local street food vendors. While it may initially appear unfamiliar or even intimidating to newcomers, dining at these food stalls can offer a unique and authentic experience. The food is prepared fresh, and sitting among the locals adds to the atmosphere.
You’ll discover a variety of street food dishes available. Some popular options include snails, which are a typical dish from the southern region of Vietnam, crab soup cakes, vermicelli with duck and bamboo shoots, crab noodle soup, Hue beef vermicelli (Bun Bo Hue), khot cake, rice paper dipped in salt, and chicken sticky rice.
Just remember to choose vendors with good hygiene practices and to trust your instincts when selecting the food that appeals to you.
Night Market
After the daytime activities wind down at Ba Chieu Market, a vibrant night market emerges, operated by a different set of merchants. From late afternoon until midnight, the market comes alive with a bustling atmosphere.
The night market offers a different experience, with an array of colorful flowers and an abundance of fresh fruits. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively ambiance and explore the various street food stalls that emerge during this time. Indulge in the local culinary delights and savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Visiting tips
- Shopping: When shopping at Ba Chieu Market, keep in mind that it may not have the widest selection of items compared to tourist markets. However, this makes the shopping experience more authentic and unique. Look for items that reflect local culture and craftsmanship.
- Local experience: The true highlight of visiting Ba Chieu Market is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a local experience. Interact with the vendors, observe the daily lives of the people, and indulge in the local street food. Embrace the bustling atmosphere and appreciate the authenticity of the market.
- Other sights: If you’re interested in exploring other attractions, note that the Binh Thanh District may not have many prominent sights. However, the good news is that it’s just a 20-minute ride back to District 1 or District 3, where you can find a plethora of tourist attractions, landmarks, and entertainment options.
- Other markets: If you enjoy visiting markets and want to explore similar sights in Ho Chi Minh City, refer to our list of “markets in Ho Chi Minh City.” This will give you more ideas and options to further enhance your market-hopping experience in the city.
