Ba Chieu Market – A long-standing market of the old Gia Dinh area, located just a few dozen meters from Lang Ong Ba Chieu. The market is ideal for morning shopping and evening dining.
Quick Overview
- Address: Intersection of Phan Dang Luu – Le Quang Dinh – Bach Dang, Gia Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: From early morning until evening; clothing stalls usually close around 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Historic market established in 1942, textiles, clothing, evening street food
History and Characteristics
- Built in 1942, the market once served as a primary trading hub of the Gia Dinh area.
- There are several theories about the name Ba Chieu, ranging from the name of a woman to a term for a water inlet, with no definitive conclusion yet.
- The market features numerous shopping sections housing nearly 800 small merchant stalls.
- The market is situated right next to the Tomb of General Le Van Duyet, a national historical site.
What to Buy at Ba Chieu Market
- Vegetables, fruits, and fresh produce in the rear section of the market.
- Fabrics, clothing, and household goods at affordable prices.
- Gold, silver, and jewelry at the shops around the market perimeter.
- Dried goods and conical hats (nón lá).
What to Eat at Ba Chieu Market
- Chicken sticky rice and char siu sticky rice, sold from morning till late afternoon.
- Snail stalls open from late afternoon.
- A wide variety of street food options around the market after around 5:00 PM.
How to Get There
- The market is located in the old Binh Thanh area, about a 15–20 minute drive from the old District 1 center.
- Multiple bus routes run along Bach Dang and Le Quang Dinh streets.
- Motorbike parking is available around the market.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Visit in the morning for fresh food shopping, and in the evening for street food and dining.
- Ask for prices clearly before purchasing clothes or fabrics.
- Keep personal belongings secure in crowded walkways.
- Consider combining your trip with a visit to Lang Ong Ba Chieu, located right beside the market.
Reference Prices
- Chicken sticky rice, char siu sticky rice: approx. 20,000–30,000 VND/portion
- Various snail dishes: from approx. 30,000 VND/plate
- Grilled pork with rice vermicelli (bún thịt nướng): approx. 30,000–35,000 VND/bowl
- Coconut milk cakes (honeycomb cake, steamed layer cake, banana cake, etc.): approx. 20,000 VND/box
- Bò bía (spring rolls with jicama and Chinese sausage): approx. 3,000–5,000 VND/roll
Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning is when the fresh produce section offers the widest selection of goods.
- Between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, clothing and fabric stalls are fully open, making for a more comfortable shopping stroll.
- From late afternoon, the snail stalls and street food spots around the market get bustling, with snail eateries often filling up after 5:30 PM.
- During the days leading up to Tet and the Lang Ong Festival, the market area is noticeably more crowded than usual.
Useful Information for Visitors
- Payment: Many stalls accept QR code transfers, but you should bring small change for the street food carts.
- Restrooms: The market has restrooms for vendors and visitors, typically charging a small fee of a few thousand VND; if inconvenient, you can use the restrooms at nearby cafes.
- Language: Most vendors speak only Vietnamese, so foreign visitors should use a translation app or go with a tour guide.
- Transportation: The market is close to bus stops with many passing routes, making it convenient to combine with a visit to Lang Ong Ba Chieu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Ba Chieu Market open?
The market is open from early morning until evening; the clothing section usually closes around 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
What is there to eat at Ba Chieu Market?
The market is famous for chicken sticky rice, char siu sticky rice, snail stalls, and a variety of afternoon street foods.
Which attractions are near Ba Chieu Market?
The market is just a few dozen meters away from Lang Ong Ba Chieu (Tomb of Marshal Le Van Duyet).
Need a guide when visiting Ba Chieu Market?
- Post a free tour guide request – receive quotes from local guides and interpreters.
- Explore available tours or request a customized tour.
- Car rentals and airport transfers.
See More
Opening hours and market operations are subject to change; please check again before visiting.