Any traveller to Ho Chi Minh Citywill inevitably find themselves in Ben Thanh, the city’s most well-known market. The market has been in existence since 1859 and the building has since become an icon of the Ho Chi Minh City landscape.
Situated centrally in District 1 and only a stone’s throw from backpacker area Pham Ngu Lao, Ben Thanh is one of the first ports of call for many visitors to the city and getting there is no problem: enthusiastic taxi and cyclo drivers follow just-arrived travellers with calls of ‘Where you go? I take you Ben Thanh’ A savvy traveller staying in the backpacker area should realise that a walk to the market will take about 10 minutes, but if you choose your taxi wisely the fee should only be around a dollar.
So is the market worth a visit? In a word, yes. Upon entering the market through one of the four entrances you find yourself in a colourful maze. The building’s rectangular shape makes it possible to follow a logical route around the outside of the market in decreasing loops until you reach the centre. You can find pretty much anything: wigs, accessories, fake designer watches and sunglasses, clothes, souvenirs, bedding, material, DVDs, spices, candy, fresh fruit, flowers, meat, bread and fish.
Be warned that the sales tactics can verge on aggressive and in some of the narrowest aisles it is hard to avoid the pinching and pulling. It is also useful to know that prices are considerably higher than on many of the nearby side streets, therefore bargaining is essential. As a general rule the prices get lower the further inside the market you get as the outer stalls are a prime location. Also many of the traders will appreciate an effort with the language – knowing some numbers will help! The traders enjoy bartering so have fun!
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong but the US Dollar is widely accepted, however it is always best to use the local currency in the markets – you’ll get a better deal and your money will go further.
To find out more about my travels around South East Asia, or to follow my upcoming adventure in South America check out my website www.runawaybrit.com, you can also find me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/runawaybrit and Twitter.
