10 Crowded Night Markets in Ho Chi Minh City

May 29, 2023 - 23465 views

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that offers a vibrant nightlife scene. One of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike is the night markets, where you can find a variety of street food, souvenirs, and local products. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 crowded night markets in Ho Chi Minh City that you should not miss. From the famous Ben Thanh Night Market to the lesser-known Ba Chieu Market, these markets offer a unique and exciting experience that captures the essence of the city's culture and lifestyle. So, if you're looking for a fun and lively way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to check out these top-night markets.

1. Ba Chieu Night Market 

  • Address: No. 40, Dien Hong St., Ward 1, Binh Thanh District
  • Open hours: 4:30 - 21:00 
  • Price: negotiable 

Located right in the center of Binh Thanh District, quite close to the Gia Dinh Hospital, Ba Chieu is one of the largest night markets that was constructed in 1942 with 8 main parts and over 40 product types. 

The market itself is also famous for the reasonable prices of all products sold here. With only US $6.5 (150,000 VND), you can get yourself a bunch of things like shirts, shorts, or some pair of slippers, etc. Besides, there are quite many interesting services like “instant manicure”. 

If you don’t expect to buy such things or experience such services, then eating and drinking will be the next best things to do in Ba Chieu Night Market. Here, there are plenty of cheap, delicious street foods to offer. You can try the famous Banh Trang Nuong (grilled rice paper with toppings), Banh Beo (steamed rice cake), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), and Nem Nuong (grilled pork sausage). 

2. Minh Phung Night Market

  • Address: No. 122, Minh Phung St. Ward 6, District 6
  • Open hours: 8:00 - 18:00 (time can be extended on public holidays)
  • Price: negotiable

Minh Phung or Cay Go market lies in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, and features a large inside space that is divided into over 440 stalls. During the daytime, it is the trading place of farm produce, food, and basic consumables. At night, clothes, accessories, etc., are sold here. 

Besides, this is the oldest, most famous, and most vibrant night market in Ho Chi Minh City. On coming here, you will be offered a wide range of product types, shapes, and prices to choose from. Most of them, as previously mentioned, are clothes. Visitors can find a variety of traditional Vietnamese clothing, such as "áo dài" (Vietnamese long dress) and "nón lá" (conical hat), as well as modern fashion items like t-shirts and jeans. Additionally, there are also stalls selling accessories such as jewelry, bags, and shoes.

The price here is quite reasonable, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed or overcharged. However, if you want a better price, you can ask the sellers to lower it a little bit. As they are pretty friendly, they are willing to.

Minh Phung Night market

 

3. Ben Thanh Night Market 

  • Address: Le Loi St., Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 
  • Open hours: 7:00 - 22:00  
  • Price: negotiable 

The reputation of Ben Thanh Market is such that you will never forget it when talking about markets in Saigon. But have you ever heard about the Ben Thanh night market? This lies right in the center of District 1 and is equally vibrant, with tourists exploring Saigonese culture and seeking some unique souvenirs. To get to it, you can go in 4 ways, Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Luu Van Lang, or Nguyen An Ninh Street. 

As previously mentioned, what makes the Ben Thanh Market is the unique souvenir provider. The gifts are usually handmade and sold at a pretty low price. Here, you can find some cross-stitched pictures,  lacquer paintings, or ceramics. Besides, the night market attracts tourists with its food zone, where you can find a variety of Vietnamese specialties such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), and Chè (sweet soup). Additionally, there are also stalls selling fresh fruit juices and smoothies, which are perfect for cooling down on a hot night. 

Ben Thanh night market

 

4. Hanh Thong Tay Night Market

  • Address: Quang Trung St., Ward 11, Go Vap District 
  • Open hours: 5:00 - 23:00  
  • Price: negotiable

Hanh Thong Tay market is located in the Go Vap district, quite close to the Hanh Thong Tay Church, which features a huge area of 2,358 m2 with over 400 fixed stalls. 

The market itself is an ideal place to find the cheapest clothes in Ho Chi Minh City. Entering this clothes world, with only US $6.39 (150,000 VND), you can get yourself up to 3 shirts. Besides, other products like jumpsuits or shorts are only from US $2.6 to US $5.2 (60,000 VND - 120,000). Types, shapes, and brands are of great variety. 

As the price tells the quality, you can’t expect clothes bought here to be fashionable or of high quality. However, if you buy them to wear at home, it would be quite worth it as they are pretty comfortable.

Hanh Thong Tay night market

 

5. Ky Hoa Night Market 

  • Address: Cao Thang St., District 10
  • Open hours: 18:00 - 2:00 
  • Price: negotiable

Located on Cao Thang Street, District 10, Ky Hoa night market is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, products sold are off-the-peg clothes and accessories. As students and laborers are the main customers, the prices are quite low, in comparison to that at others. 

Besides, if you don’t come here to buy clothes or accessories, you can get to the food zone to enjoy some delicious Vietnamese food with your friends and family. On special occasions, the market is quite crowded, with an average of 2,000 people per night. Coming here at that time, you can have a chance to explore the Saigonese culture and lifestyle of the locals. 

6. Ho Thi Ky Night Flower Market 

  • Address: Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky St., Ward 1, District 10 
  • Open hours: 15:00 - 6:00 
  • Price: US $1.28 - US $10  (30,000 VND - 235,000 VND), negotiable

Ho Thi Ky is the most famous flower market in Ho Chi Minh City. Every day, hundreds of flowers are sold here. Those can vary in types, colors, and shapes, but all are really cheap. For tourists, sometimes what is sold in a market is not important, but it is the culture and aspects of life shown through how the market is operated that impress them. 

In Ho Thi Ky market, the vibrant atmosphere, along with friendly open sellers, will be a good point. You can come here and talk to the locals and find out more interesting stories about their life or how they take care of their flowers every day. The stories shared and the conversations made will make you feel close to Saigon and love the city more. 

The market operates from midnight until early morning, and it is busiest during the Tet holiday season when people come to buy flowers to decorate their homes and businesses.

You might also be interested in the “Ho Chi Minh Vespa Half-day” Tour, which also includes a visit to Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Ho Thi Ky NIght flower market

 

7. Hoa Binh Night Market 

  • Address: No. 37, Bach Van St., Ward 5, District 5
  • Open hours: 4:00 - 18:00 (time can be extended on public holidays)
  • Price: negotiable

Hoa Binh Night Market is quite famous for its food court which features a variety of Vietnamese dishes sold at a reasonable price. Here, there are Bun Rieu (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup), Banh He (Garlic Chive Dumpling), Pha Lau (Stewed Offals in Coconut water), and more. All are only US $2.15 (50,000 VND). You can buy 3 to 4 dishes at the same time and enjoy them with your friends. Besides, fresh seafood is also worth buying in the market.

As this is one of the oldest markets in District 5, it is no doubt that the market is always crowded with people. To get to Hoa Binh Night Market, you can go by motorbike or taxi. If getting lost, just ask the locals, as they will be willing to show you the direction. 

The market operates from early morning until 18:00, and it is busiest on weekends when locals and tourists flock to the market to shop, eat, and socialize. The market is divided into different sections, with each section offering different types of goods. Visitors can find everything from trendy clothing and shoes to handmade crafts and traditional Vietnamese souvenirs.

8. Binh Tay Night Market 

  • Address: No. 57A, Thap Muoi St., Ward 2, District 6
  • Open hours: 2:00 - 22:00
  • Price: negotiable

Located in the center of District 6, Binh Tay night market features a large area of 25,000 m2 and a unique Oriental style in architecture with 12 gates. It is one of the most vibrant night markets in Ho Chi Minh City. 

From early in the morning to late afternoon, the market is always filled with sounds and traders, giving you a sense of how life is going on every day in Saigon. Coming here, you will have a chance to try the Southern signature dishes. Congee, duck noodles, and stewed duck are cheap, delicious, and always ready to be served. 

Binh Tay Night Market

 

9. Street Food Market at District 3

  • Address: No. 606, Cach Mang Thang Tam St., Ward 11, District 3 (close to Le Thi Rieng Park)
  • Open hours: 5:30 - 23:00  
  • Price: negotiable

If you are into Vietnamese street foods and snacks, then you should get to Le Thi Rieng Park as the nearby night market is full of Banh Trang Tron (rice paper salad), Ngo Nuong (grilled corn), and Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese pizza). 

The market is particularly popular among young people and tourists due to its affordable prices and vibrant atmosphere. Coming here, you can not only try delicious Vietnamese snacks but also meet and talk to many Vietnamese youngsters, as Le Thi Rieng Park is the favorite place for students to hang out. You can easily find them enjoying the outside activities. It will be an interesting experience.

10. Thu Duc University Night Market 

  • Address: No. A2, Dong Hoa St., Thu Duc District
  • Open hours: 17:00 - 22:00 
  • Price: negotiable

From 17:00 to 22:00 every day, the night market is open to offer the students food, clothes, and electronic equipment. As students are the main customers, the price of every product here is quite low. Therefore, you can save an amount of money when shopping here. As tourists, you can come here to buy and try some Vietnamese street food and snacks. 

However, the market is quite far from the city center, so if you have time or have a chance to visit some nearby attractions, you can drop by to see how student life in Vietnam is and talk to the friendly Vietnamese youngsters. 

 

In short, 

Above is our recommendation for 10 crowded night markets in Ho Chi Minh City. To get to those night markets, you can go by taxi and car, or drive a motorbike. Since the prices are usually reasonable, then with US $21.74 (500,000 VND), you can both get yourself some souvenirs and try some special Vietnamese dishes.

One tip is that you can go with a local friend in order not to get scammed or overcharged. Or you can book Saigon tours with our dedicated guides to enjoy the excitement of night markets!

Saigon tour

Duc Anh

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Questions & Answers (16)

Ask a Question
20/07/2023

could u recommend me some prepackaged products travelers can purchase as souvenirs? thank you!

Reply
1
24/07/2023
@Jamee:

Hi! There are many choices for you, such as: paintings, "non la", jewelries (made by local materials), etc.

1 Reply
07/04/2023

Is there any tour available for us to book to visit Ben Thanh Market? We're foreigners and don't really know what to do in the market

Reply
1
07/04/2023
@mariana:

Hi! Our Ho Chi Minh City full-day tour is included visiting Ben Thanh Market.

1 Reply
01/04/2023

Are the night markets in HCM kid-friendly? I have 2 kids and would love to take them with me to explore

Reply
1
05/04/2023
@annie:

It's quite crowded, you can take your kids with you, just be careful and keep them safe, it's easy to get lost as there are many people there.

1 Reply
10/03/2023

Does night market's food stands maintain a high standard of hygiene? I'm always up for exploring something new, but I do value cleanliness.

Reply
1
10/03/2023
@camellie:

It's hard to know about whether those food stands are hygiene or not; however, they're a part of local culture, you should try once if your stomach is good enough.

1 Reply
09/03/2023

Do the products they sell in the night market cheaper than the normal market? Are there any differences between them?

Reply
1
09/03/2023
@jasmine:

Usually, the products in night markets are a little more expensive than in the normal market as sellers in night markets has to spend more cost than in the normal ones. The only difference between night markets and normal markets are the normal ones providing more options for shopping.

1 Reply