Best 9 Night Markets in Ho Chi Minh City for Food and Shopping
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over more than a decade, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
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When you travel to Ho Chi Minh City, you can't miss the night markets. They are fascinating places with a variety of goods, mouthwatering street food, and a lively atmosphere. With so many night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit.
As travel experts in Vietnam, we've picked the 9 best night markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're looking for dazzling arrays of snacks or shopping for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, you'll find the most authentic and worthwhile ones.
Most Famous and Iconic Market - Ben Thanh Market
Authentic Local Experience - Binh Tay Market
Food Lovers’ Paradise - Hanh Thong Tay Night Market, Hoa Binh Market, Hoa Hao Street
Cheap Shopping – Nguyen Trai Street, Ba Chieu Night Market
Fresh Fruits, Veggies & Flowers - Trang Tu Day Market, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Most Famous and Iconic Market - Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic markets in Vietnam. Originally built in the 17th century, it’s been renovated multiple times over the years, becoming a unique blend of French and Vietnamese influences you see today. The exterior clock tower is instantly recognizable and marks one of the entrances to a world of culinary and shopping delights.
The market is a haven for people shopping for souvenirs. Find traditional Vietnamese silk goods, lacquerware, clothing, and ceramics. Food is a big draw as well. In addition to the vast selection of authentic dishes from all over Vietnam, you can find great gift items to take back home, like coffee beans, tea leaves, and local spices.
Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Opening Hours: 6 am - 6 pm
Insider Tip: Bring cash, and plan to spend at least 2 hours to see the whole market.
The exterior clock tower of Ben Thanh Market.Authentic Local Experience - Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market’s distinctive appearance reflects the influence of Chinese and French culture on Vietnam. Inside is a spacious environment with a large courtyard where you can get a break from the bustling activity of the shops.
The market is renowned for the staggering range of goods sold there. There are high-quality handcrafted cultural goods and handicrafts like lacquerware, bamboo products, and embroidered textiles. Shop for traditional Vietnamese clothing like the non la conical hat and ao dai dress.
It is a great place for authentic Saigon cuisine. You can try grilled pork, spring rolls, vermicelli with crabs, and grilled meat skewers in the spacious dining area.
Address: 57A, Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6
Opening Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Insider Tip: Binh Tay Market can get crowded and hot during peak hours. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
The appearance is mixed with Chinese, French, and Vietnamese styles.Food Lovers’ Paradise - Hanh Thong Tay Night Market, Hoa Binh Market, Hoa Hao Street
If you're looking to try the most authentic Vietnamese food, make sure to visit the following 3 night markets. With affordable prices and a wide variety of delicious dishes, your taste buds will be in heaven.
Hanh Thong Tay Night Market
Hanh Thong Tay sells a good selection of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, but the big attraction is the food. Open 24 hours a day, it stretches over 2,350 square meters with over 400 stalls. At night, it’s a lively place filled with the aromas of mouthwatering delicacies.
Visit Hanh Thong Tay to try signature Vietnamese dishes like broken rice with grilled pork chops or spicy noodle soup with beef and lemongrass. Make sure to leave room for tasty snacks like fried banana cake and sticky rice.
Address: 10/2, Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District
Opening Hours: Day Market 4:00 am to 6:00 pm, Night Market 6 pm to 7 am.
Insider Tip: The best time for shopping is early in the day before the market gets busy.
There are different kinds of street food in the Hanh Thong Tay Night Market.Hoa Binh Market
Alongside stalls selling clothing, cosmetics, watches, and footwear, Hoa Binh Market is another great destination for authentic Saigon food. Classic dishes like Vietnamese pho noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches are on sale late into the night. Small eateries also offer more elaborate dining experiences where you can try food like Vietnamese hotpots.
Address: 18 Bui Ho Nghia, Ward 5, District 5
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Vietnamese hotpots in Hoa Binh Market.Hoa Hao Street
Hoa Hao Street is more of a food street than a traditional market, with a great selection of street food and small eateries. There are a number of places that specialize in banh xeo, a savory crepe filled with pork. Chinese-style noodle restaurants serve dishes like egg noodles with duck, and there are excellent dessert stalls. Try sweet snacks like Pandan rice cake and black sesame pudding.
Address: Hoa Hao Street, District 10
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Insider Tip: Explore surrounding streets like Vinh Vien, Nguyen Tri Phuong, and Ngo Gia Tu for even more food choices.
Banh xeo in Hoa Hao Street.Cheap Shopping – Nguyen Trai Street, Ba Chieu Night Market
If you're looking for the most affordable markets in Ho Chi Minh, the following two markets are on the list. But be careful—many of the jewelry, designer labels, and other high-end items are fake. Make sure to inspect them closely before buying.
Nguyen Trai Street
Nguyen Trai Street is one of the busiest shopping areas of Ho Chi Minh City. The bustling area has everything from fancy boutiques to street vendors selling clothes, bags, and shoes. In premium brand-name shops, you’ll find designer items from around the world, and mid-range shops sell goods from Vietnam and nearby countries.
Cheap shopping is found among the street vendors. Wander around and haggle with merchants on a wide range of items on sale for a fraction of the price you’d normally see.
Address: Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
Opening Hours: 24 hours, many shops close around 10 pm.
Insider Tip: Haggling with street vendors is expected, but keep it light and friendly. Aim for around 70% of the original price.
Ba Chieu Night Market
You’ll find a diverse range of products at Ba Chieu Night Market, but the big draw is vintage clothing and second-hand goods. It is less tourist-oriented than many of the famous markets but still popular with visitors for the bargain prices and authentic experience.
During the day, it is popular with local people shopping for fresh produce and ingredients. In the evening, you can join the crowds hunting for great deals and trendy fashion gems. As the sun starts to set, the night food court is set up, letting you snack while you shop.
Address: 10 Dien Hong, Ward 1, Bình Thanh District
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Insider Tip: Having an authentic experience is the highlight of the market. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with vendors and local people.
Tourists are shopping in Ba Chieu Night Market.Fresh Fruits, Veggies & Flowers - Trang Tu Day Market, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
When you visit Vietnam, you must try the amazing flavors of tropical fruits. The markets are also filled with a variety of unique vegetables and flowers that make you stop and wonder. Here are two truly authentic markets where you can experience the local fruits, vegetables, and flowers like a local.
Trang Tu Day Market
The Trang Tu Day Market specializes in fruits, vegetables, and spices. Every empty spot, from the shops lining the street to open spaces on the pavement, is filled with fresh goods for sale. Fruits such as dragon fruit, rambutan, and plums are brought in from the Mekong Delta. Exotic spices and the fresh vegetables so important to Vietnamese cuisine show off the roots of local cuisine.
Address: Trang Tu Street, District 6
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Insider Tip: Arrive early to buy fresh fruit before the day heats up.
Many kinds of tropical fruits are sold in Trang Tu Day Market.Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is the most renowned place in the city for buying fresh flowers from around Vietnam. It has a charming atmosphere with a rainbow of fresh blossoms and fragrant, relaxing scents. See popular flowers like roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums, as well as more exotic plants like orchids.
It is primarily a wholesale market, so prices are very reasonable. Like all good Vietnamese markets, you can also find delicious local food.
Address: 52 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Insider Tip: The busiest time is from midnight to 3 am when many fresh deliveries arrive.
Buying fresh flowers in Ho Thi Ky flower market.What to Avoid Buying at Night Markets in Ho Chi Minh City?
Always be cautious about quality when shopping at Vietnam night markets. In general, it’s best to avoid electronics and buy them from more reputable stores instead. Antiques are another kind of product where counterfeit items are common. If the age or rarity of something is factored into the price, then you should try to confirm the authenticity before making a purchase.
Common sense will cover most situations. If the price of an item is too good to be true, then there is a chance the quality is not very good. Check materials and stitching carefully when buying clothing, and shop around when buying handicrafts to ensure you’re not getting something mass-produced.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City’s night markets are a fascinating window into local city culture and a chance for a great shopping and dining experience for your Vietnam tours. From souvenirs and handicrafts to bargain items and food, you can find almost anything you can imagine.
Visit the large famous markets like Ben Thanh Market for the best selection, and try more local areas like Hoa Hao Street for some of the best Saigon cuisine. Exploring the night markets should be part of any Ho Chi Minh City tour and is one of the best ways to understand life in the vibrant southern metropolis.
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over more than a decade, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
Email me about your travel idea
