Haggle for bargains in the markets
There are two landmark markets (cho) in Ho Chi Minh City, and numerous others. Cho Ben Thanh, located in District 1 across from the bus station, is probably the best known. It is especially popular in the evening and at night, when food vendors set up stalls and locals and tourists alike gather to eat and shop.
The other, Cho Lon, is a huge Chinese market. You will not see as many tourists here, and the variety of goods is amazing. Both markets are a lot of fun, regardless of whether you're souvenir shopping or just browsing.
Ben Thanh is possibly more regulated, so you may have to worry less about knock-offs or price gouging. That said, you should always be wary of knock-offs and gouging. Bartering is the way to shop here, so jump right in, offer a price that you think is fair, and have fun. Be extra careful if prices are absent or not clearly marked – that goes for everything, everywhere, every time.
Today more and more cutting-edge online markets, shop-and-go stores and supermarkets appear to serve the different types of customer. However, traditional markets do not only play an important role in the heart Ho Chi Minh City but also exist as a cultural symbol of Vietnam.
Travelers usually pick Ben Thanh Market as their must-visit attractions for both shopping and sightseeing purposes, but HCMC offers three more alternatives for you to discover when you are away from the central districts.
Vietnamese usually uses the term “đi chợ” to explain the hobby of shopping at the traditional markets, which includes finding clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, artwork products and foods and then bargaining over them. It’s the biggest difference between commercial trading centers and traditional markets leading to tragicomedy moments in some cases.
Ben Thanh Market:
Trades have been occurring at Ben Thanh Market for nearly 100 years, making it not only one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City but also the must-not-miss attraction of travelers. As the biggest retail market, it features all types of products from clothes, shoes, textiles, food-stalls and craft products and contains more than 3,000 booths from normal to upper class. Fresh food and vegetable stalls wake up the market at 4 a.m. and then the rest their doors at 8 p.m. The biggest advantage of Ben Thanh market is sellers can speak English fluently, explaining why the traffic here is constantly increasing.
Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Most of bus routes have a stop at Ben Thanh Market which makes commuting to the market convenient and affordable.
An Dong Market:
An Dong Market is said to be the market for shopaholics. It has varied fashion products ranging from cheap up to expensive ones. People consider this as the junction of many shops in HCMC. It has more than 2,702 booths and a turnover of about 1,500 billions VND/year. An Dong Market can serve any customer’s demands with their varied products, from cosmetics and clothes to shoes and textiles. Moreover, the price is much more affordable compared to chain stores if you have good bargaining skills.
Address: 34-36 An Dương Vương, Ward 9, District 5, HCMC
Bus routes: 11,45 and 56
Binh Tay Market – Big (Lớn) Market:
Big Market is well-known for being the largest commercial center of Chinese people in Vietnam. People commonly refer to it as HCMC’s Chinatown. Thus, visitors can feel the influence of Chinese traditions and cultures on different aspects of the area when they arrive. The market operates from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. selling products from wholesales to retailers with very competitive prices. Price is not jacked up here, helping you bargain easier.
Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, HCMC.
Bus routes: 1 and 56.
