Admiring Tan Dinh Market, a glimpse of old Saigon in the heart of the city.

Located on Hai Ba Trung Street in Tan Dinh Ward, Tan Dinh Market has long been one of Ho Chi Minh City's bustling commercial centers and holds significant historical value. Few people know that this market was originally named Phu Hoa, associated with the old Phu Hoa village, before being renamed Tan Dinh when neighboring villages were merged into Saigon.

According to archival documents, from the 1870s to the 1880s, Phu Hoa Market played a crucial role as a trading center in the North Saigon area. In 1926, the colonial government decided to invest 110,000 piastres to build a new market. The construction was undertaken by a French contractor, completed in 1927, and quickly became an architectural icon of the Tan Dinh area.

The market's architectural highlight is its facade, strongly influenced by French style, featuring three prominent bell towers. The arched reinforced concrete structure, pointed arched louvered doors, and yellow-white-green color scheme create a harmonious and timeless appearance.

The market building is designed in a rectangular shape, airy and spacious, with eight large and small doors facing in four directions, creating favorable conditions for people's movement and trade.

After nearly a century of existence, Tan Dinh Market currently has about 400 stalls, selling a diverse range of goods from fresh food, dried goods, and fruits to clothing and footwear.

The market management board is actively implementing the "Friendly Counter" model, focusing on transparent price listing and courteous service, in order to enhance the shopping experience for customers.

In the early morning, vendors at Tan Dinh Market are busy preparing their goods, creating a characteristic bustling atmosphere.

Throughout the day, locals and tourists flock to Tan Dinh Market to explore and shop, enjoying the traditional atmosphere in the heart of the modern city.

Despite being busy with work, many vendors in the market still maintain the habit of bringing homemade food, creating a unique cultural aspect.

Mr. Le Quang Thien, Head of the Tan Dinh Market Management Board, shared that the market's recognition as a city-level architectural and artistic heritage site is clear evidence of the historical and cultural values that the building has preserved for many decades.

In the future, original architectural elements such as the facade, dome, and main structure will be preserved scientifically . At the same time, the market's appearance will be upgraded to be suitable for its role as a historical site, aiming to become an attractive cultural and tourist destination right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Tan Dinh Market still retains its ancient charm and distinctive commercial atmosphere, continuing to be one of the symbols contributing to the unique cultural identity of Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/ngam-cho-tan-dinh-hoi-tho-sai-gon-xua-giua-long-do-thi-20251203132212438.htm