Top 9 Local Markets to Explore in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an essential destination on your Vietnam travel itinerary. The city boasts numerous attractions such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the War Remnants Museum. In addition to these landmarks, wandering the lively streets, exploring vibrant markets, and tasting delicious street food are must-do activities here.

The local markets in Ho Chi Minh City showcase a diverse array of unique and budget-friendly products, including fresh produce, handicrafts, textiles, clothing, and souvenirs. Visitors can discover items that are often not found in tourist areas, making it a fantastic opportunity to shop for genuine Vietnamese goods.

Many local markets in Ho Chi Minh City are filled with food stalls and street vendors offering a wide variety of Vietnamese street food and local delicacies. Walking through these markets allows visitors to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including beloved dishes like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and fresh tropical fruits.

Here are some must-visit local markets in Ho Chi Minh City that you shouldn't miss during your stay.

1. Ben Thanh Market

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Ben Thanh Market stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. More than just a market, it serves as a vibrant hub of activity, commerce, and culture. Conveniently located in the central business district, it is easily accessible and acts as a gathering point for both locals and visitors alike.

Renowned for its extensive range of products, Ben Thanh Market offers nearly everything you can imagine, from clothing, fabrics, and accessories to souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Vietnamese items. It is particularly famous for its silk, lacquerware, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese attire), and local specialties like coffee, spices, and dried fruits.

Originally located near the Ben Nghe River in the 17th century, Ben Thanh Market boasts a rich and colorful history. As the city expanded, the market was moved to its current location in the heart of District 1. Today, it embodies the vibrant energy and spirit of Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, with its unique atmosphere shaped by the sights, sounds, scents, and lively hustle of daily life. It's an excellent place to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and experience the rhythm of city living.

2. Tan Dinh Market

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Another popular local market in Ho Chi Minh City is Tan Dinh Market, located in District 1. While it may not be as internationally recognized as Ben Thanh Market, it plays a significant role for locals and offers a unique shopping and dining experience.

Established in the early 1900s, Tan Dinh Market was initially intended to meet the shopping needs of nearby residents. Over the years, it has transformed into a bustling market with a diverse range of products and services. Visitors can discover everything from fresh produce, meats, and seafood to clothing, textiles, household goods, and handicrafts.

Renowned for its food offerings, Tan Dinh Market invites visitors to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes and street food delights. There's something for every taste, including spicy beef noodle soup (bun bo Hue) and broken rice with grilled meats (com tam). Local favorites like hearty pho and tasty banh mi sandwiches are also must-tries.

3. An Dong Market

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An Dong Market, also referred to as An Dong Plaza, is a popular shopping hub in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Nestled in District 5, which is known for its lively atmosphere and significant ethnic Chinese community, this market is conveniently accessible to both residents and tourists.

The market is famed for its extensive variety of products, including textiles, fabrics, handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and footwear. It is particularly appreciated for its range of retail and wholesale clothing, with numerous vendors offering a vast selection of styles and sizes at budget-friendly prices. Visitors can wander through multiple levels filled with shops and stalls showcasing trendy apparel and accessories for men, women, and children.

4. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

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Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a lively and bustling market located in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Often referred to as "flower street" in Saigon, Ho Thi Ky Street hosts this popular destination, easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike.

Primarily a wholesale market, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market caters to event planners, florists, and various vendors throughout the city. However, individual customers can also purchase flowers in small quantities. The market boasts an impressive variety, featuring everything from classic blooms like roses, lilies, and daisies to unique tropical plants and exotic flowers.

5. Hanh Thong Tay Market

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Hanh Thong Tay Market, often referred to as the "Hanh Thong Tay Wholesale Market," is a prominent market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With its extensive range of products, it plays a crucial role in the city's retail landscape, particularly in textiles and clothing. This market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak in the lively atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese wholesale market.

Visiting Hanh Thong Tay Market offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of a classic Vietnamese market. The bustling sights, sounds, and aromas provide a glimpse into local commerce and everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Ba Chieu Market

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Ba Chieu Market, also known as Ba Chieu Traditional Market, is a local market situated in the Binh Thanh District of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Unlike larger markets that cater to tourists, Ba Chieu Market primarily serves the local community, offering a diverse selection of everyday goods and necessities.

The market is renowned for its fresh produce area, where vendors offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Shoppers can find a wide array of locally sourced ingredients perfect for cooking and meal prep. Besides food items, Ba Chieu Market also features household goods and daily essentials.

7. Russian Market

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When we mention the "Russian Market" in Vietnam, we are typically referring to the marketplace in Ho Chi Minh City, officially known as "Hoa Binh Market" or "Chợ Hòa Bình" in Vietnamese. The nickname "Russian Market" stems from its popularity among Russian expats and tourists during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Vietnam began welcoming international visitors. While visiting, you might encounter Russian-speaking vendors and shoppers, which adds a unique charm.

This local market boasts a wide variety of goods, such as clothing, textiles, accessories, footwear, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shoppers can find a blend of locally produced items and imports, with an emphasis on budget-friendly fashion and casual wear. Some stalls may feature products tailored to Russian preferences, including fur hats, matryoshka dolls, and memorabilia from the Soviet era.

8. Thu Duc Market

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Located in the Thu Duc District, a suburban area of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc Market serves the local population and nearby neighborhoods, making it a convenient shopping spot for residents. This market primarily caters to the daily needs of those living in the district. While it may not be as famous as some of the larger markets in the city, it offers a wide variety of products and services. True to many traditional Vietnamese markets, Thu Duc Market features sections for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other grocery essentials.

9. Dan Sinh Market

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Dan Sinh Market is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, collectors, and culturally curious travelers. This market offers a captivating look into Vietnam's rich past and vibrant present. Its historical importance and cultural significance make it a must-visit spot in Ho Chi Minh City, providing visitors the chance to find unique and unconventional gifts. Here, you can explore a variety of war relics, memorabilia, and collectibles from the Vietnam War era, including helmets, canteens, dog tags, patches, and various military items.

The local markets in Ho Chi Minh City each boast their own unique attractions. Some are known for their fashion selections, others for their dynamic cultural scenes, and still others for their culinary offerings. If you're planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Mytour is here to help you book activities, flights, hotels, and everything else you need. Don't wait—visit Mytour now to secure your ticket before it's gone!