Top 5 Must visited markets in Ho Chi Minh City District 1 

No one knows exactly when markets were formed in this country, how many markets there are and how many different types of markets there are in Vietnam. But one thing is certain: markets are not only in the economic category but also express Vietnamese culture in an impulsive way. 

Going to wet markets not only satisfies shopping interests of the locals but also helps visitors to learn about the cultural identity of each region. Each region has its own market and preserves a unique value.

Let us share with you some popular traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh city District 1, right in the heart of the city. 

Despite fast economic changes in Saigon, especially in District 1, where new high-rises appear almost every month, the traditional markets still have their own lives, still busy from dawn to dusk, keeping lives for many hawkers and keeping the city’s dynamism. 

Top 5 must visited markets in Ho Chi Minh City District 1

1. Ben Thanh Market

Opening hours: 4:00 – 19:00

Address: Le Loi Boulevard, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market has been the city’s busiest and most important market in Ho Chi Minh city District 1 for more than a century. Inside the main body of the market, a tight grid of aisles demarcated according to produce, teems with shoppers. 

Ben Thanh Market boasts a unique architectural style & is one of the best things to in Saigon. The rectangular building with a notable clock tower on top of the South gate can be seen from afar. Despite the many renovations, the outstanding facade and the clock tower of the market are still preserved, inviting visitors to discover a bygone era with every step they take. 

Vietnamese cuisine connoisseurs will very much enjoy the spacious dining area in Ben Thanh Market. This culinary destination features a diverse array of dishes from every region of Vietnam, drawing in both domestic and foreign visitors. Some prominent dishes at Ben Thanh Market Saigon include Vietnamese pancakes, avocado ice cream, Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork, fresh spring rolls and so on. 

If it’s souvenirs you’re after, a reconnaissance here will reveal conical hats, basket ware, bags, shoes, lacquerware, coffee, teas, handmade items & local T-shirts.

2. Ton That Dam Old Market 

Opening hours: 4:00 – 19:00

Address: Ton That Dam street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

As Saigon quickly transforms into a modern metropolis, some of the city’s beloved old relics are fading away with the pressures of development. One of the landmarks that has been discussing the elimination for years is Ton That Dam Old Market. 

Over time, the chợ cũ (old market) on Ton That Dam built a reputation for being the best source of high-quality, imported products as well as freshest raw materials for cooking, from green veggies to fresh meat, seafood… 

The chợ cũ was ​​known for its original location on today’s glamorous Nguyen Hue Boulevard. In 1887, the Saigon administration decided to move the market’s location to the infamous Ben Thanh Market, while merchants from the old market were relocated to Ton That Dam Street, creating the chợ cũ as of today. 

3. Tan Dinh Market

Opening hours: 06:00 – 18:00

Address: 48 Ma Lo Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Dinh Market is one of the oldest and biggest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The building of Tan Dinh Market showcases a captivating architectural style that serves as a nostalgic reminder of old Saigon. The market has stunning French-style architecture, resembling other renowned landmarks in the city, such as the Saigon Central Post Office and Binh Tay Market, the market is distinguished by its vibrant yellow colour. The market is accessible through its four gates, and its roof is adorned with three charming bell towers, with a solitary bell remaining in the central tower. These bell towers used to chime daily at a designated time.

The market has everything for the locals as well as tourists, and provides a wide range of daily necessities, from fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats to clothing, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies. After nearly a century of existence, the Tan Dinh market has remained a prominent commercial centre in Saigon thanks to its good location, safety, high-quality products, and reasonable prices. Located just outside the main city centre, it is conveniently close to the iconic Pink Church, making it a great combination for a memorable visit.

4. Dan Sinh Market:

Opening hours: 7:00 – 18:00

Address: 104 Yersin street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Dan Sinh Market is the so-called War Surplus Market. It sells a wide range of war surplus and camping items, as well as industrial-sized electrical appliances. The main stalls in Dan Sinh Market sell both genuine and fake objects relating to the Vietnam War. Besides, the market also sells a series of hardware shops including industrial and motor vehicle tools, nuts and bolts of all sizes, welding equipment, light, and forklifts. A few shops sell ladies' clothing and kitchen utensils. The price in the market can be incredibly cheap, or unbelievably expensive. Things to buy at Dan Sinh market definitely are military equipment and war memorabilia such as hats, boots, suppliers for American soldiers etc.

5. Thai Binh Market:

Opening hours: 5:00 – 18:00

Address: Cong Quynh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The very old-fashioned local market which is located in the very non-touristy neighbourhood of the backpacker area. Thai Binh market is not too big but quite like a maze as the stalls, carts were arranged in a little bit chaotic order with the typical smell of a wet market. 

The inside is a little dim, but it is a lively place with a wide range of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, and miscellaneous goods. It's a good place to visit for breakfast or lunch when walking around Ho Chi Minh City. 

There are not many things to explore, but better to enjoy the authentic local experience, such as to see how the natives sell and buy things, how people live their normal life from what they wear to how they speak.

As you bid farewell to markets in Ho Chi Minh city District 1, your heart brimming with memories and your bags laden with souvenirs, remember that this is just the beginning of your Ho Chi Minh City adventure. The city's spirit pulses through every stall, every bargain, and every delicious bite, waiting to be discovered in every corner. It's also a great place to get a glimpse of the classic life of a vibrant city like Saigon.