Top 10 Street Markets on Ho Chi Minh City Tours (Shopping Tips)

Top 10 street markets Ho Chi Minh with Shopping Tips

1. Ben Thanh Market: The Iconic Symbol of Saigon

• Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

The most popular street market Ho Chi Minh City is Ben Thanh Market, a shopping paradise nestled in the heart of District 1. With its famous clock tower and warren-like array of stalls, Ben Thanh is a place that sells anything from homemade handicrafts and souvenirs to lively Vietnamese street food.

Highlights:

• A building with more than a hundred years of historical past.
• Variety of products: souvenirs, textiles, local handicrafts, coffee, and spices.
• A lively night market filled with various food stands offering pho, banh xeo, and Vietnamese spring rolls.

Shopping Tips:

• Bargain Confidently: Offer 50% below the listed price.
• Visit Early: Come in early morning for fresher produce and smaller crowds.
• Try the Night Market: Visit the night food vendors for a gastronomic adventure.
• Must-Try Food: Grilled pork, Vietnamese coffee, Pho, Spring Rolls.

2. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: A Blooming Paradise

•  Location: 52 Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
•  Opening Hours: 24 hours (best time: 3:00 AM – 6:00 AM).
  

Welcome to Vietnam’s biggest flower wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City, where roses to orchids in all their blooming glory paint a kaleidoscope scene. With its reputation for its lively colours and flower vendors in full swing, Ho Thi Ky Flower Wholesale Market is actually a secret paradise for Vietnamese street food too.

Highlights:

• A flower paradise full of fresh flowers at wholesale rates.
• A lively street food scene with local snacks and fusion foods.
• An ideal location for taking pictures with flower arrangements full of colours.

Shopping Tips:

• Arrive Early: Get the freshest blooms and the greatest bargains.
• Explore Street Food: Stop by the local street food market in Saigon District 1.
• Popular Dishes: Hue-style steamed rice cakes, An Giang-style papaya salad, fresh spring rolls.

3. Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon): A Chinese-Inspired Wholesale Market

•  Location: 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.
  Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Standing in Chinatown (Chợ Lon) a’s center is Binh Tay Market, a historic marketplace distinguished by its French-Chinese design and active wholesale trade. Within its walls, you’ll find an assortment of spices and herbs as well as dried foods and Chinese traditional products.

Highlights:

• A distinctive fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese culture.
• A center for wholesale trade in spices, dried foods, and Chinese herbs.
• An ethnically diverse food court offering Chinese-Vietnamese fusion cuisine.

Shopping Tips:

• Visit Early: Shop in the morning for fresh ingredients.
• Bargain for Bulk: Especially for spices, herbs, and dried foods.
• Try the Local Cuisine: Pha Lau (Pig Organs Stew), Chinese Roast Duck, Wonton Soup.

4. An Dong Market: A Fashion and Handicraft Paradise

•  Location: 34-36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
•  Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Fashion enthusiasts must visit An Dong Market for its vast array of clothing, accessories, textiles, and handicrafts. Situated in District 5, An Dong is an ideal multi-level market for shoppers to source interesting fashion elements at bargain prices.

Highlights:

• A broad variety of textiles, apparel, and accessories.
• Souvenir stands offering handicrafts, trinkets, and jewelry
• Delicious Vietnamese food and local cuisine at the ground-level food court.

Shopping Tips:

• • Compare Prices: Compare prices at both An Dong Market and An Dong Plaza, located beside it.
  • Bargain: Most things are negotiable, particularly when purchasing in bulk.

• Food to Try: Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancakes), Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls), Vietnamese

5. Tan Dinh Market: The Fabric Wonderland

•  Location: 336 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
•  Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  

Tan Dinh Market is a shopper’s paradise for textiles with an extensive array of silks, cottons, and linens. Situated in central District 1, it is a favorite among locals and tourists for finding good-quality merchandise at reasonable prices.

Highlights:

• An extensive variety of different colored and designed fabrics.
• Fresh food and everyday essentials in stock.
• Popular street food centers offer local cuisine.

Shopping Tips:

• Inspect Fabrics Carefully: Look for quality and colours.
• Bargain for the Best Price: Particularly when purchasing in bulk.
• Must-Try Food: Frog Porridge, Sweet Soups, Vietnamese Coconut Milk Desserts.

6. Hanh Thong Tay Market: The Night Shopping Hub

•  Location: 10/2 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.
•  Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Night Market).

Famous for its budget-friendly clothing, accessories, and street food, Hanh Thong Tay Night Market is a favorite night market among locals and visitors alike.

Highlights:

• More than 200 fashion, accessories, and shoe stalls.
• A lively night market scene with food vendors selling local cuisine.
• Excellent for budget shopping and local snacks.

Shopping Tips:

• Bargain Hard: Begin at 50% below the asking price. 
• Secure Your Belongings: Take a close watch over your belongings in crowded spaces. 
• Try Local Snacks: Grilled Pork Skewer, Bubble Tea, Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

7. Xom Chieu 200 Market: A Street Food Paradise

•  Location: Dinh Le Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
•  Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
  

This is a must-visit place for food enthusiasts. With food stands offering grilled seafood as well as local sweets, Xom Chieu 200 Market is ideal to try authentic Ho Chi Minh street food.

Highlights:

• More than 500 food stalls offering a variety of street food.
• Authentic local cuisine at affordable prices.
• A lively local atmosphere.

Shopping Tips:

• Bring Small Bills: Vendors prefer to receive cash.
• Try Local Favorites: Bot Chien (Fried rice flour), Banh Trang Nuong (grilled rice paper).

8. Hoa Binh Market: The Cultural Crossroad of Saigon’s Chinatown

• Location: 37 Bach Van Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Located in the heart of District 5 is Hoa Binh Market, a cultural gem that mixes and matches the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and Chinese traditional charm in perfect harmony. Being one of Vietnam’s most lively street markets, Hoa Binh is an absolute must-visit for travelers who want to get a feel for local life and an unforgettable shopping experience.

What Makes Hoa Binh Market Special?

• A Cultural Fusion: Find a fascinating combination of Vietnamese and Chinese products ranging from ritual herbs to religious artifacts.
• Culinary Delight: Enjoy the best of Ho Chi Minh street food, with vendors offering Hu Tieu Mi (noodle soup), Dumplings, and more tasty dishes.
• Spacious and Comfortable: Ample and well-designed aisles allow easy navigation.

Shopping Tips:

• Perfect for Souvenirs: Purchase traditional Chinese herbs, incense, and special handicrafts.
• Bargain Smart: While prices are affordable, it never hurts to negotiate a better bargain.
• Savor the Food: Don’t forget to try local Vietnamese street food vendors offering noodle soup, dumpling dishes, and cooling desserts.

9. Russian Market (Hoa Binh Market): A Unique Expat Shopping Spot

• Location: 328 Vo Van Kiet Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Enter into a world of nostalgia at Hoa Binh Market, also Russian Market, where Soviet-era trinkets and souvenirs coexist with the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. One among a handful of street markets Ho Chi Minh that appeals to local customers as well as Russian expats alike, it is a shopping experience unlike any other.

Why Visit Russian Market?

• Soviet Vibes is an online store offering Russian souvenirs, winter wear, and Soviet-vintage.
• Diverse Goods: Ranging from hats made of fur and matryoshka dolls to old souvenirs, this bazaar is a collector’s dream paradise.
• A Cultural Hub: Relish a blended dose of Vietnamese and Russian culture in District 1’s center.

Shopping Tips:

• Fixed Prices with a Twist: Most prices are fixed, but you can still try bargaining for discounts.
• Perfect for Gifts: Purchase cozy clothing, unusual gifts from Russia, and nostalgic souvenirs.
• Explore the Local Cuisine: Here too, it is possible to see Ho Chi Minh street food vendors offering typical Vietnamese snacks.

10. Dan Sinh Market (War Surplus Market): A Vintage Treasure Hunt

• Location: 104 Yersin Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

History enthusiasts and collectors alike look no further than Dan Sinh Market, also referred to as the War Surplus Market, a secret gem among street markets Ho Chi Minh. Here you’ll be transported in time to wander through a world of war memorabilia, vintage equipment, and rare treasures.

What Makes Dan Sinh Market Special?

• A Slice of History: Visit shops offering military equipment, antique tools, and genuine war-era products.
• Collector’s Paradise: Discover fascinating relics such as vintage military helmets, gas masks, dog tags, and combat fatigues.
• Adventure for Bargain Hunters: With an eagle eye and a little haggling talent, you can discover fantastic deals.

Shopping Tips:

• Inspect Items Carefully: Verify military collectibles as genuine before purchase.
• Negotiate Prices. Particularly for vintage products and memorabilia.
• Perfect for Souvenirs: An excellent place for unique gifts with historical significance.

Practical Shopping Tips for street markets Ho Chi Minh

Master the Art of Bargaining in street markets Ho Chi Minh

At street markets Ho Chi Minh, haggling is not only tolerated – it is de rigueur. Vendors tend to set a higher price and especially so if they see that you are a foreigner. But fear not, haggling is all part of the experience.

• Start Low: Start with an offer at about 50% of the listing price and negotiate up from there.
• Stay Polite: Always be smiling and remain friendly – it gets you far.
• Walk Away Tactic: Understand that if prices do not decrease, act as if you walk away. Vendors might invite you back with a better deal.

Bring Cash – Cash is King when go to the street markets Ho Chi Minh!

Most sellers in markets Ho Chi Minh like cash payment, and even if some do accept cards, you’ll find that you get cheaper rates in cash.

• Small Bills are Best: Pack a combination of small bills (VND 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000) for more convenient transactions.
• Secure Your Wallet: Keep your money in a secure location, particularly at markets filled with people such as Ben Thanh Market or Hoa Binh Market.

Keep Your Valuables Safe for street markets Ho Chi Minh

Street markets Ho Chi Minh are a whirlwind activity center and as a result may be crowded. When wandering among the lively food stands, be aware of keeping an eye on your belongings.

• Wear a Crossbody Bag: Carry your bag in front of yourself for an extra level of security.
• Avoid Flashy Jewelry: Do not call unwanted attention to your possessions.
• Stay Alert: Particularly in crowded spots such as the street food market Saigon District 1 or Dan Sinh Market.

Visit Early for the Best Experience street markets Ho Chi Minh

If you want to get the freshest produce and do away with crowds, visit the street markets Ho Chi Minh early.

• Best Time for Fresh Produce: Stop by markets such as Ho Thi Ky Flower Market between 3:00 AM – 6:00 AM for the freshest flowers possible.
• Beat the Heat: Mornings allow for cooler temperatures, so shopping is more comfortable.
• Fewer Crowds: Getting an early start also allows you to have better chances of acquiring excellent deals.

Explore Local  food in street markets Ho Chi Minh – A Culinary Adventure Awaits 

Part of the highlight of going to street markets Ho Chi Minh is sampling the diverse array of Vietnamese street food. From grilled pork sizzling on skewers and crispy banh xeo to sweet and refreshing coconut milk-based desserts, markets are a food enthusiast’s dream come true.

• Must-Try Dishes:
  
  • At Ben Thanh Market, sample pho, spring rolls, and fresh fruit smoothies.
  • In the street food market Saigon District 1, do not forget to try sizzling grilled pork sticks and fresh seafood street Ho Chi Minh. 
  • To try a distinctive taste experience, visit Hoa Binh Market to have Hu Tieu Mi (noodle soup) and try their dumplings.
    
• Eat Like a Local: Have a seat at a small plastic table, try a local dish, and soak up the energy in the atmosphere. 
• Stay Adventurous: Don’t be hesitant to venture out and try a little something different – the best food usually comes from the unpretentious stands.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City’s street market Ho Chi Minh are an explosion of flavors, colors, and culture. There is Ben Thanh Market’s hectic alleys, to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market’s floral paradise, to the seafood paradise on a stick at the seafood street Ho Chi Minh markets, there is a true local taste to be tasted here. Are you ready to go? Pack a bag and set out with your haggling skills and experience an unforgettable adventure through Ho Chi Minh street food and local finds. Your journey starts now!