BEN THANH MARKET SAIGON
Ben Thanh Market Saigon. Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnam's most renowned markets, celebrates its rich culture and colorful environment. Continue reading to learn all you need to know to make the most of your visit to Ho Chi Minh City's famed destination.
Ben Thanh Market Saigon Information:
Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The opening hours: From 4:00 AM - 7:30 PM.
Ben Thanh Market, the bustling hub of Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-see location for any visitor. This market offers a unique combination of history, culture, and business, which may be found through its vast assortment of booths and stores. This essay will tell you all you need to know about this thriving market.
The history of Ben Thanh Market Saigon:
Ben Thanh Market, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-see for anybody seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnam's rich culture. More than just a place to buy, the market provides chances for cultural and gastronomic discovery. From early morning until late night, the market is packed with merchants offering fresh vegetables, meat, fish, and a variety of Vietnamese street cuisine. Visitors may sample authentic foods, like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls, and shop for traditional products like ao dai, lacquerware, and silk.
After more than a century of operation, Ben Thanh Market has become not only a business hub but also a witness to Saigon's numerous ups and downs. The market can suit all of your demands, whether you want to learn about the country's rich past, sample local food, or get a glimpse into the daily lives of Vietnamese people.
In 1868, the French had barely spent approximately a decade attempting to establish a colonial network in Vietnam. Members of the Municipal Council (Conseil Municipal) considered establishing a new metal marketplace to replace conventional thatch marketplaces. A budget of 110,000 francs was approved in 1869, but by 1870, the expected expense had tripled, prompting them to reassess the intended building techniques and materials.
A few council members proposed the metallic construction of the Orléans Train Station as a potential design for the market's carapace. At the time, a lightweight iron frame was a more cost-effective option since it allowed for faster installation and allowed for a larger interior than prior approaches in columns and load-breaking walls. Over time, this steel structure would be widely used in bridges and other public buildings, including the Saigon Central Post Office. Even yet, when the idea of using metal was initially proposed, there was some dispute.
In 1870, a fire devastated Cho Cu (ancient market), located along the Cho Vai (silk market) Canal (today Nguyen Hue Boulevard). The accident convinced the council that a thatched roof was a dangerous choice for the new market. Back ago, buildings with a bamboo or wooden skeleton and a thatched roof were fairly popular, so officials had to discover ways to convert communities to brick walls to improve both safety and beauty. Hygiene was also an important issue of discussion, as conventional marketplaces, which were typically built directly on the ground, were thought unsanitary. As a consequence, council members decided that the new market would have a stone floor and suitable plumbing for cleaning every evening.
Ben Thanh Market was initially constructed in the 17th century beside the Ben Nghe River to welcome tourists and troops to the Gia Dinh Citadel. That is also why it was named Ben Thanh: "ben" means "river wharf" and "thanh" means "citadel." The market was built with bricks, wood, and thatched roofs. After decades of usage, circa 1911, the market grew unstable and was on the verge of collapse. To circumvent this, French imperialists established a new market in the Bo Ret (or Marais Boresse) neighborhood, which is today home to Ben Thanh Market. Construction began in 1912 and ended in 1914. Since then, the market has undergone extensive modifications. However, the outside structure and clock tower have been retained.
Ben Thanh Market, which is now located on what was once an abandoned wetland, was a project of the city's Mayor, who desired a modern, 1900 terms, building to serve his contemporary booming metropolis. It took two years to create the structure, which has a characteristic clock tower and a huge square around the market for convenient access.
After traders relocated to the new market, the old structure was converted into a wholesale market, currently known as the Old Market or Chợ Cu. It is among the city's most popular marketplaces.
Boresse, according to colonial urban planners, was one of the terrible issues "threatening and infringing on the civilization" that they worked on. Turning this vanished world into a commercial hub will assist improve local attractiveness and quality of life in the city. Placing the marketplace here would make more sense than the confined Nguyen Hue neighborhood (of today's Saigon).
The inside of Ben Thanh Market, with its large attic and eye-catching clock tower, impressed Saigon residents. Compared to other notable public buildings from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century, Bến Thành Market's décor was significantly subdued.
In many City Council planning sessions, hygienic and health concerns were prioritized over aesthetic appeal, so the design focused solely on necessary utility cornerstones such as high and spacious ceilings to aid ventilation, as well as features such as a stone floor and a drainage system. If the opera house and city hall were ornamented with exquisite, iconic reliefs, the marketplace got little attention to decoration.
The reliefs depict market-related flora and animals, using Bien Hoa Ceramics' signature color scheme of white and copper blue. Each sculpture, made of tiny ceramic shards, was cooked in Bien Hoa and assembled at the market. The reliefs, arches, and ventilation blocks were added later, resulting in a linear design that differs from the initial form of Ben Thanh Market, erected in 1914.
Leshkowich's research highlights a change in Saigon people's perceptions of the market. Initially, colonial council members envisioned it as a cutting-edge, contemporary, and civilized economic hub that met European norms.
Over time, the cutting-edge vision was gradually overtaken by local sellers' distinctly Vietnamese market-keeping style. Ben Thanh Market, formerly thought to be a beacon of European civilization, has evolved into an anchor for memories, one that many Saigoneers living far away regard as an architectural icon and a representation of local culture.
This transition contributes to our understanding of Saigon's colonial vestiges; perhaps they are not entirely foreign inventions imposed by colonial oppressors on the subjugated. These colonial-era structures have been intertwined with local culture throughout time, thanks to the frequent interactions of generations of locals.
Ben Thanh Market belongs to a broad category of architectural history whose qualities must be recognized as a whole. They are the rows of shophouses that encircle the market and run down Le Loi Boulevard, serving as landmarks for Saigon's commercial architecture throughout history. At the same time, they are inextricably linked to the local Saigoneers' business activities and lives. Conservation of Ben Thanh requires a holistic approach that considers architecture, history, and current people.
The market features four major entrances and twelve sub-entrances. Each major entrance is located on a separate street and exhibits various popular things for guests to purchase for.
The best time to visit Ben Thanh Market Saigon:
The optimum time to shop at the market is between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you want to appreciate the hectic environment of the various food vendors on Phan Boi Chau Street close to the market, arrive after 7 p.m. Take note that the market is fairly large and has many vendors, so it may take you 1-2 hours to completely visit.
Ben Thanh Market - South Entrance: Located on Le Loi Street and facing Quach Thi Trang Park, this is the market's primary gate. The market's main attraction is the well-known three-faced clock tower. This entry draws a large number of tourists due to the diversity of kiosks offering things ranging from colorful textiles to scented dried delicacies.
Ben Thanh Market - East Entrance: Located on Phan Boi Chau Street, the east entrance is a cosmetic enthusiast's dream, with several cosmetic kiosks selling a wide variety of body, skin, and hair care items.
Ben Thanh Market - West entry: Located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this entry features several vendors offering shoes, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs.
Ben Thanh Market - North entry: Located on Le Thanh Tong Street, this entry sells a range of fresh flowers and tropical fruit.
Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is well-known for its rich history, vibrant environment, and diversified offerings. Here are the top three things to do when you visit this market:
Ben Thanh Market has a distinctive architectural style that combines Indochinese and French elements. It's a rectangular structure with a prominent clock tower in the front, a timber vaulted ceiling, and open sides. Despite several restorations, the market's facade and clock tower remain intact, encouraging visitors to explore a bygone age with each step.
For those who appreciate Vietnamese cuisine, the expansive eating area in Ben Thanh is a must-see. This gastronomic hotspot serves meals from every area of Vietnam, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Some popular foods at Ben Thanh Market Saigon include Vietnamese pancakes, avocado ice cream, Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork, grilled spring rolls, vermicelli with snails, and grilled meat skewers, all of which provide a taste explosion to fulfill your appetite.
Aside from the cuisine, Ben Thanh Market is a mecca for souvenir hunters. With so many stores offering souvenirs, travelers may easily locate one-of-a-kind items to take home as gifts for their loved ones. There are several gift alternatives available, ranging from traditional Vietnamese headgear, silk scarves, and clothes to wooden handicrafts, lacquerware, and pottery. If you enjoy local culture, don't miss out on the colorful conical caps and delicately embroidered Ao Dai costumes. Other popular mementos include coffee beans, tea leaves, and a variety of indigenous spices.
During the day, the market is crowded with merchants offering a variety of things such as textiles, souvenirs, handicrafts, fresh fruit, seafood, spices, and local specialties. You may discover a range of traditional Vietnamese things and enjoy the lively ambiance of a typical Asian market.
In the evening, the market turns into a night market, with a new atmosphere. The booths mostly include food merchants selling local delicacies and drinks. However, there may still be a few businesses offering clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Travel Tips to visit Ben Thanh Market Saigon:
Here are some extra suggestions for having a good time at this historic market:
- Bargain for a better price. Most merchants at the market expect you to haggle for a better deal, so don't be hesitant!
- Bring cash. While some businesses may take credit cards, it is preferable to have cash, which is more generally accepted.
- Wear comfy shoes. The market may be fairly vast, so you should wear comfortable shoes to easily move about.
- Be mindful of your belongings: Be wary of pickpockets, as you would in any other busy location. Keep a watch on your possessions and avoid bringing valuables.
Explore the nearby region and other tourist sites in Ho Chi Minh City, including Quach Thi Trang Square, Landmark 81 Vietnam, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and Bui Vien Walking Street. You should also spend some time exploring them.
Ben Thanh Market is a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City for visitors who want to experience the busy ambiance of a typical Vietnamese market. Whether you're searching for traditional handicrafts, tasty street food, or a fun shopping experience, this market has something for everyone. Don't forget to add a visit to Ben Thanh Market to your agenda.
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