5 Markets in Ho Chi Minh City You Won’t Want to Miss
Ho Chi Minh City has tons of great markets, but these are the ones you shouldn’t miss. Each has its own unique vibe and personality, and they offer shoppers an array of local goods that you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. Whether you’re looking to buy food, clothes, or souvenirs, this list of markets in Ho Chi Minh City will help you find what you’re looking for!
1) Cho Lon Market
Cho Lon Market is located in the heart of HCMC, and is one of the largest, busiest and oldest markets. The most popular thing about this market is that people can see local traders making all sorts of traditional Vietnamese dishes. It's a great place for any foodie! If you're into spices and herbs, visit Phu Nhuan Vegetable Market. Here you'll find fresh vegetables and herbs as well as some dried spices. The atmosphere here is really interesting because there are lots of animals on display such as pigs and chickens! If you're looking for clothes or souvenirs then visit Ben Thanh Market. Here you'll find everything from handbags to dresses at low prices.
2) Phung Hung Shopping Center
This market is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, among locals. Along with clothes and souvenirs, you'll find a food court on the fourth floor for when you get hungry after window shopping all day.
This is a modern building located at 195 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. On its ground floor, you'll find many fabrics with beautiful embroidery and amazing designs. It's the perfect place to buy your next sarong or a new bed sheet! The second floor has an extensive collection of jewelry and handbags. Be sure to make time for lunch as well–there are lots of restaurants nearby. If you're looking for something specific like clothing, then go down the escalator to level 3 where there are clothing stalls from all over Vietnam. The basement is also worth exploring; it's full of delicious street food stalls that will make your mouth water just by looking at them!
3) Ben Thanh Market
Built by the French, this market is a maze of brightly-lit stalls which specialize in everything from local fruit and veggies to fish and meat. The hustle and bustle here is second only to Saigon's largest market, Chợ Bến Thành, with almost anything you could possibly want being sold within the square kilometer that Ben Thanh takes up.
4) Cholon Night Market
The Cholon Night Market is one of the best markets in Saigon! With rows and rows of stalls selling everything from jewelry to clothing, this is the place for good deals. There are also plenty of street foods (try some fresh sugar cane juice!) that make for a truly Vietnamese experience.
5) Pham Ngu Lao Street Market
Pham Ngu Lao Street Market is a market on Pham Ngu Lao Street, which is filled with mostly clothes and textiles. Clothes are the star of this marketplace, with local-made clothes costing around 50 cents (US) or less. Pham Ngu Lao Street Market has been home to the famous Saigon tailors since the late 1800s. So if you're looking for that perfect getup for your next trip, you might find it here.


