Ben Thanh Market: A place where culture and unique cuisine converge
The market is famous for its long-standing dishes, sophisticated ceramic reliefs and symbolic images associated with the development of Saigon.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•09/12/2025
Ben Thanh Market used to be located right on the banks of the Saigon River. The first market was built near the riverbank in the early 19th century, before being moved to its current location in 1912. The name "Ben Thanh" is associated with the military and commercial history of Saigon. The riverside wharf near the old market was used by travelers and soldiers entering Gia Dinh citadel, hence the name Ben Thanh, and the market also bears the name Ben Thanh Market.
The market was built using materials imported from France. Many of the steel structures and finishing materials were brought in from France, giving the market impressive durability for over 100 years. The iconic clock tower. The main tower of the market, built by the French in the classic French style, has become one of the defining images of Saigon.
There is a long-standing food court that serves food day and night. The food court at Ben Thanh Market has long been famous for its pho, vermicelli, sweet soups, and seafood, attracting both locals and tourists . A melting pot of different cultures. In the early 20th century, the market was a multicultural trading hub, selling everything from spices and fabrics to traditional dishes from the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer communities. Today, you can still find goods from many different cultures at the market. Exquisite reliefs. A distinctive feature of Ben Thanh Market's architecture is the ceramic reliefs on each gate, depicting Southern produce such as cows, geese, stingrays, and bunches of bananas.
The symbol appears on many souvenirs and tourism promotional items. The image of Ben Thanh Market gate appears on stamps, posters, and souvenirs as a distinctive sign of Ho Chi Minh City. We invite our readers to watch the video: Ha Long Bay - A magnificent World Natural Heritage site / Quang Ninh TV.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•09/12/2025
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