Ben Thanh Night Market – Late-night dining and souvenir shopping in the heart of Saigon

Ben Thanh Night Market – A night market that operates along both flanks of Ben Thanh Market every evening after the main market closes. It is a convenient spot for dinner, a stroll, and shopping for souvenirs right in the heart of the city.

History and Characteristics

• The night market formed next to Ben Thanh Market, taking advantage of the two streets flanking the building after the daytime market closes.
• Stalls are set up in the early evening and packed away late at night.
• Visitors include both locals after work and travelers staying in the city center.
• Many food stalls provide English menus and arrange sidewalk tables and chairs for dine-in guests.

What to Buy at Ben Thanh Night Market

• Affordable clothing, bags, and footwear.
• Handicrafts, keychains, and Vietnam-themed T-shirts as souvenirs.
• Cosmetics, small accessories, and souvenir trinkets.
• A variety of packaged dried local specialties to take home.

What to Eat at Ben Thanh Night Market

• Bun thit nuong (grilled pork with noodles), fresh spring rolls, and banh xeo (crispy savory pancakes) – approachable dishes for first-timers.
• Grilled seafood and barbecue skewers.
• Hu tieu, pho, and spicy beef noodle soup (bun bo) for a hearty dinner.
• Traditional sweet soups (che) and refreshing drinks to end the evening.

How to Get There

• Easily walkable from Nguyen Hue Walking Street or the Bui Vien area.
• Book a ride-hailing app or take a taxi with Ben Thanh Market as your destination.
• Numerous bus routes stop at the central bus station right next to Ben Thanh Market.

Tips for Visitors

• Ask and agree on prices before ordering food or making purchases.
• Keep personal belongings such as phones and wallets secure when the market gets crowded on weekends and holidays.
• Bring small-denomination cash for smoother transactions.
• Consider visiting Ben Thanh Market in the late afternoon, then heading over to Nguyen Hue Walking Street later in the evening.

Price Guide

• Pho, hu tieu: Around 40,000–60,000 VND/bowl; prices can be higher inside tourist-oriented stalls.
• Che (sweet soup): Around 20,000–35,000 VND/cup.
• Packaged coffee: Around 80,000–150,000 VND per 500g bag.
• Cashews: Around 200,000–350,000 VND/kg.
• Silk scarves: Around 100,000–250,000 VND each, depending on the material.

Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stall.

Best Time to Visit

• The night market runs from about 18:00–19:00 until 22:00–24:00, with crowds peaking on weekend evenings.
• Arriving early between 18:30 and 19:30 makes it easier to find dining seats.
• Leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), vendors often stay open later, though stalls usually close on the afternoon of the 30th of Tet (New Year's Eve).

Useful Information for Visitors

• Payment: Many stalls accept QR code transfers, some accept cards, but it is still recommended to carry small-denomination cash.
• Restrooms: You can use the restrooms at eateries within the night market or at nearby shopping malls.
• Language: Many vendors speak basic English and have English menus available.
• Pricing: Prices are set for tourists, so be sure to ask for the price and bargain before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Ben Thanh Night Market open?

Stalls usually start setting up around 6:00 PM and remain open until late at night.

Where is Ben Thanh Night Market located?

The market is located on Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets, flanking both sides of Ben Thanh Market.

Are prices at Ben Thanh Night Market expensive?

Prices are geared towards tourists and slightly higher than at local residential markets; it is best to ask for the price first and bargain when shopping.

See Also

• Ben Thanh Market
• Binh Tay Market
• Dan Sinh Market
• Ho Thi Ky Flower Market