Ben Thanh Market is not only a large market in the centre of Saigon, it is considered a symbol of the city. The market is one of the few structures dating back to the early 1900s which has survived. The market was heavily bombed during WWII, but was given new life in the fifties.

Ben Thanh enjoys a prime position in the city, unrivalled by any other market. It is situated on an area of more than 13,000 square metres, with four main gates and 12 side gates. The main gates are labelled according to their position – north, east, south and west.

The market encompasses around 1,500 stalls arranged in a complicated layout. You can find almost everything at the market, including more than 100 dishes from around Vietnam. Most vendors can speak English, and some can speak a variety of languages including French, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

The market receives around 15,000 visitors each day, many of which are tourists. Japanese travellers make up the majority of the foreign tourists. Not everyone visits the market with shopping in mind; many visit out of curiosity. The market has a lively atmosphere and is sometimes chaotic; however, it is well worth a visit.

Although all goods have a price tag, the figures are usually negotiable. Vendors are required to show a price, but shoppers should bargain to get a better deal. The market is well equipped with fire safety equipment and a 40 strong team of security guards patrol the market, in order to keep shoppers safe from theft.

The best place to shop in Saigon, in terms of value and choice, is at the markets. Saigon’s markets are a treat for all the senses. Visiting these lively trading arenas is as much a social occasion, as a shopping trip.

At the southwest end of Le Loi, Ben Thanh Market, is easily spotted with its clock tower on the roundabout. This market is the city’s largest and has been divided into two sections: one side targeting tourist shoppers, and the other selling regular every-day goods. You can find everything from jeans and souvenirs, to flowers and fruit, in the warren of stalls. Always haggle in order to get a fair price.

Situated in the heart of Chinatown, Cho Binh Tay market is a more specialised affair. Here you can find Chinese medicine, spices, fermented fish and dried seafood. However, the best buy at this market is the vast array of silks and velvets.

The Night Market sets up each evening neat Ben Thanh Market, and is a great place to try different Vietnamese dishes. Stalls serve up food from all over Vietnam, and at very cheap prices. Once you have refuelled, you can browse the many market stalls selling everything imaginable.

The War Surplus Market is a maze of military style paraphernalia. Each stall is draped with combat clothing, cheap t-shirts and fake Marine Zippo lighters. The authenticity of much of the goods is questionable, but if you haggle you can usually get a good price.

Not only are there dozens of unique and original keepsakes you can take home with you from Saigon, but the city is also known for its brilliant reproductions of master artworks.

Vietnam has a rich artistic heritage and today’s visitors are taking advantage of local artists’ skills by picking up artworks at a snip. Saigon’s growing cottage industry has seen copies of Picassos, Monets, Hoppers, Rembrants and other great masters being sold all through the city’s main shopping district.

Of course, not all these reproductions are worthy of purchase, but the attractive prices may encourage you to settle for a few minor imperfections. Yet the value for money for the skill level is excellent and shops here regularly get large orders from across the world.

It’s not just copies on offer. Made-to-order works are available as well as original artworks. In fact, the artists here can pretty much paint anything you ask them to. You can buy pictures with or without frames, rolled or stretched. Carry your purchases home yourself or have the gallery arrange for them to be sent.

Even if you are not interested in making a purchase, an afternoon spent strolling the alleyways and admiring the artists at work can be interesting.

Expect to pick up a copy of a masterpiece from just US$50, with large pieces going for up to US$350.

Bikes and bustle

Get caught up in the heady buzz of Saigon, dizzy with the pace of a million motorcycles, and beguiled by the local girls cycling by in their flowing Ao Dai dresses. Southern Vietnam is captured in all it’s intriquing essence here.

Follow the history and culture of the city on this blog, from Re-unification Palace to the War Museum, with plenty of Asian and Indo-Chine architecture and character splashed across this guide. From the Cu Chi tunnels and Mekhong Delta, to endless pagodas and Com Pho shops, it’s all soon covered here.

It’s all part of a comprehensive travel guide, with hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures, which we are busy developing to help you plan you trip to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

About Saigon
All the basic facts for tourists visiting the city plus top tips for the interpid traveller… more

What to do
Whether you want to shopping for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in detail including tours and highlights for those short on time… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spa, restaurant and nightlife tips… more

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect wedding present, we’ve got the inside scoop… more

Vietnamese Culture
This diverse and oft-misunderstood land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors… more

South Vietnam
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Saigon for when the city gets too much… more

Getting here
All your transportation need taken care of in one simple section be it plane, train or taxi… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in saigon… more