Expose yourself to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where tradition meets modernity. Being one of the hottest destinations in Vietnam, Saigon has a busy Chinatown that holds the famous Binh Tay Market. Take this Ho Chi Minh City Tour that will drive you into the pulsating beat of Shopping at Binh Tay Market, where local culture meets rich history and architecture for an unparalleled experience.
Why Binh Tay Market is a Must-Visit for Tourists in Saigon?
Binh Tay Market
Let me tell you why Binh Tay Market is a must-enter on any Ho Chi Minh City Tour for a hefty amount of good and understandable reasons. Firstly, it is overwhelming with historical significance: constructed in the 1930s of the past century by Quach Dam, a good Chinese businessman, for nearly a hundred years, Binh Tay Market was one of the most outstanding centers of commerce in Saigon. Having survived several ages and changes, this market still holds a central place in trade and local life.
Of course, it is not the history alone that makes Shopping at Binh Tay Market memorable; it is also because of the architectural uniqueness! The market is just a stunning combination of French and Chinese architectural styles. You will be impressed with a great central courtyard, a very iconic clock tower, and an open, airy design meant to keep it cool in the tropical heat of Saigon.
And do not forget the cultural diversity beating in every inch of the market. Binh Tay Market is where Chinese and Vietnamese meet in one lively mix of sights, sounds, and smells. From traditional products and handicrafts down to local street foods, this place provides a close-to-reality view of the daily life and customs of the people in Saigon.
Whether it’s for the cultural importance of Binh Tay Market, a lesson into Saigon’s historical markets, or to see one of the most colorful stops on a Ho Chi Minh City Tour, Shopping at Binh Tay Market is sure to be a crowded and enriching one.
Detailed Tour Itinerary: Shopping at Binh Tay Market
8:00 AM – Pick-Up from Central Saigon
Your exciting day of Shopping at Binh Tay Market, commencement at Binh Tay Market takes you up with a comfortable pick from your hotel in District 1 or directly from Impress Travel’s office. Our guide will give a short, interesting introduction to the day as we start. You’ll get an overview of the cultural importance of Binh Tay Market and the lively Chinatown (Cholon) area to set the stage for what’s going to happen on this immersive Ho Chi Minh City Tour.
8:30 AM – Visit to Thien Hau Temple
Thien Hau Temple
First, we will go to Thien Hau Temple the strikingly beautiful ancient Chinese temple devoted to the goddess of the sea and respected by the citizens for protection over the sailors. You will be able to explore this well-preserved temple with its cut carvings, porcelain dioramas, and huge coils of incense filling the air with their mystical fragrance. He will show us the influence that the Chinese community had in the development of Saigon by sharing stories of deep cultural traditions that formed this lively district.
10:00 AM – Shopping and Exploration at Binh Tay Market
The highlight of your tour is now in-store for some Shopping at Binh Tay Market! With more than 2,300 stalls, from textiles to spices, this place is truly a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re after handcrafted souvenirs, traditional Vietnamese silks, or exotic fruits, you’ll find it all here. Our guide will have some secret tips in store on how to bargain like a local and take you to the best stalls for authentic locally-made products. It is not just an aspect of going Shopping at Binh Tay Market, but a matter of staying around in that pulsating atmosphere and being face to face with the unique blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures thriving here.
Shopping
11:30 AM – Culinary Delights in Binh Tay Market
After such a tour of inspections, it is time for indulgence in local tastes. Binh Tay Market is surely famous for street food, and you will be able to taste the best of Saigon dishes. Tasty pho, crispy banh mi, steaming buns-this is a great eater’s dream. And don’t miss tropical fruits- mangosteen, dragon fruit, and other exotics are a must-eat. The guide is going to take you through the best food stalls of the marketplace to taste Ho Chi Minh City Tours in heart and soul by tasting its cuisine.
12:00 PM – Return to Central Saigon
At the end of this memorable journey in Binh Tay Market, it is time to enjoy the comfort of our transport back to your hotel or the office of Impress Travel. Moreover, you are freely allowed to ask your guide for more tips on how to explore the hidden gems of Saigon or other must-visit places for the next Ho Chi Minh City Tour. This is a perfect ending to your lively shopping and cultural experience in one of the most iconic buildings in Saigon!
Tips and Useful Information for Shopping at Binh Tay Market
Just like with any form of shopping, being prepared makes your experience of Shopping at Binh Tay Market far more enjoyable. Let’s now discuss some of the key points so you can truly appreciate this interesting market.
Bargaining Advice: As in markets everywhere, bargaining is appropriate at Binh Tay. Start with a lower offer, about 50-70 percent of the asking price, and work your way up. Be polite, smile, and enjoy yourself. Part of the experience in these markets is the friendly back-and-forth that’s expected when haggling.
Best Time to Visit: If you don’t want to feel the burning heat and the big crowds, then early morning is considered the best time. Coming here at about 8 AM will ensure you experience the freshest market with most of the vendors setting up to welcome you.
Culinary Delights
Cultural Etiquette: Be nice and considerate whenever buying from vendors. Make eye contact, be civilized, and never touch without asking. That way, you’ll have respect for the vendor and the merchandise he’s selling, fitting you right into the local market ambiance.
What to Bring: At Binh Tay Market, cash is king. Have some in store, and most importantly, have it small. Comfortable shoes are essential; you will likely be on your feet as you explore the many stalls. Take along a reusable bag for all the gems you will uncover-whether textiles, spices, or souvenirs.
Why Book the Shopping at Binh Tay Market Tour with Impress Travel?
Choosing Impress Travel for your Shopping at Binh Tay Market trip means total involvement in Saigon’s dynamic local culture, guided by the finest. Guided by our expert team, who will be sharing intriguing stories and interesting insights about historical and cultural areas of importance to the market, it will give further understanding of this busy marketplace. Whether it’s learning about the peculiar French-Chinese architecture or getting lost in a world of hundreds of stalls, our guides will make the experience all fun and full of adventure.
At Impress Travel, our tour operator provides locally tailored tours to cater to your interests. In case you want to spend more time shopping or trying some local delicacies, finding most of the hidden things in culture, our tours are provided according to the preference of our customers. We take great care in seeing that all our customers will have a secure and comfortable experience from the beginning until the end. Don’t miss out on the best way to do a Binh Tay Market with your Ho Chi Minh City Tours; book in with us today!
For more information or to book your tour:
Email: info@impresstravel.com
Phone: (+84) 912 379 189
Website: Impress Travel
Conclusion
Shopping at Binh Tay Market is surely one of the things not to be missed during any Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Rich history, cultural diversity, and endless shopping combine into an energetic experience not to be forgotten. Whether you hunt for some very unique souvenirs, grab delicious street food, or inspect Saigon’s cultural legacy, you will find it all at Binh Tay Market. Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.
Ready to immerse in the busy market life of Saigon? Get ready with Impress Travel Shopping at Binh Tay Market tour!
For more details or to book your tour:
Hanoi Head Office
- 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
- Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com
Saigon Office
- 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
- Tel: (+84)961675566
- Email: saigon@impresstravel.com