Binh Tay Market in Saigon offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where you can hunt for great deals on beautifully made souvenirs, fresh seafood, and authentic local delicacies. It’s also the ideal place to soak up the dynamic energy and lively atmosphere that defines Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’re planning a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, don’t miss out on Binh Tay Market — the perfect place to shop for unique souvenirs, enjoy local food, and experience the city like a true local. This article will give you all the essential information you need for a fulfilling and inspiring trip.
1. Binh Tay Market: Location and Operating Hours
- Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hours: Open daily from 2:00 AM to 11:00 PM
While Ho Chi Minh City boasts countless supermarkets and modern shopping centers, Binh Tay Market continues to hold its charm as one of the city’s most iconic and beloved traditional markets. Located about 8 kilometers from the downtown area, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the city, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travelers looking to explore Saigon’s vibrant culture.
Binh Tay Market: The Largest Historic Market in Ho Chi Minh City (source: Collected)
2. How to get to Binh Tay Market
If you’re planning to visit Binh Tay Market, there are several convenient transportation options available to suit your preferences and budget.
For those who prefer public transportation, buses are an affordable and reliable way to reach the market. Several bus routes stop near Thap Muoi Street, which is just a short walk from the market’s main entrance. The most common bus lines include Bus 05 (Cho Lon – Bien Hoa), 68 (Ben Thanh – Cho Lon – Binh Hung), 91 (Cho Lon – An Suong), 94 (Cho Lon – Cat Lai Ferry), 103 (Cho Lon – Nhon Duc), and 139 (Cho Lon – Hiep Phuoc). They all make a stop on Thap Muoi Street, which is only a short walk away from Binh Tay Market.
If you’re comfortable navigating the city on your own, riding a motorbike is a great option and gives you more flexibility in your schedule. You can also use popular ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be or Xanh SM, which allow you to book either a motorbike or a car straight from your location to Binh Tay Market.
For travelers who prefer more comfort, taxis and private cars are widely available and easy to hire via apps or hotel services. This is an ideal option if you’re traveling with a group or carrying shopping bags after your visit.
If you’re driving yourself or renting a vehicle, rest assured that parking is available near the market entrance, with designated areas for both motorbikes and cars. However, as the market can get crowded, especially during weekends or holiday seasons—it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good parking spot and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
There are many transportation options to reach Binh Tay Market, and parking is also convenient (source: Collected)
3. The rich and enduring history of Binh Tay Market in Saigon
In the early days, Saigon’s main hub for commerce was the New Market, a bustling area where traders came together to buy and sell goods. Over time, however, the market became overcrowded and could no longer meet the needs of the city’s expanding population. Seeing the need for a larger, more organized trading space, a wealthy Chinese businessman named Quach Dam took it upon himself to finance the construction of a new market — what we now know today as Binh Tay Market. His contribution played a key role in shaping the commercial landscape of Cho Lon.
Binh Tay Market is one of the oldest markets in Vietnam, with a history of nearly 100 years. It was built in 1928 and completed in 1930. For many years, the market was a busy center of trade and an important part of life in the Cho Lon area.
Binh Tay Market before 1975 (source: collected)
The market underwent renovations in 1992. By 2006, Binh Tay Market had been expanded with two additional wings along Le Tan Ke and Tran Binh Streets. In 2015, Cho Lon Moi (another name for Binh Tay Market) was officially recognized as an architectural and artistic heritage site by the Center for Monument Conservation under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports.
Today, Binh Tay Market serves as one of the major wholesale and distribution hubs—not only for Ho Chi Minh City and provinces across Vietnam but also for neighboring countries. Beyond its commercial importance, the market has also become a must-visit cultural destination for travelers exploring Saigon.
4. The distinctive Chinese-inspired architecture of Binh Tay Market
The market was designed in a traditional Chinese architectural style while incorporating modern French construction techniques of the time. Its roof features multiple overlapping layers covered with meticulously arranged tiles, creating a distinctive and impressive appearance. The market’s façade is 108.6 meters wide, 13.1 meters high, and 89.2 meters long.
The market features an airy, well-ventilated space with intricately carved ventilation openings (Source: Nguyễn Kỳ Anh)
The overall layout follows the shape of the bagua (eight trigrams), with a spacious, clean, and well-organized courtyard. The tiled roofs are arranged in tiers, and the yellow-painted walls stand out against the open, airy environment. Intricately carved ventilation holes allow natural sunlight and wind to flow through the space. The main gate faces directly toward the Cho Lon Bus Station, making it convenient for trade and transportation. A highlight of the market’s architecture is its central clock tower, featuring four clock faces. On the front of the tower is a stunning porcelain mosaic relief of two dragons flanking a pearl—an exquisite symbol of traditional Eastern art.
The unique architecture and timeworn charm of Saigon’s Cho Lon Market (Source: Collected)
At the center of the market lies a spacious courtyard, which was originally chosen as the site for a statue of Quach Dam, in accordance with his wishes. However, the original statue has since been relocated to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and replaced by a bust funded by donations from local vendors. Surrounding the area is a lotus pond with fish and several stone benches where visitors can rest and take in the atmosphere.
5. What can you discover at Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City?
5.1. A wide selection of goods across diverse stalls
Binh Tay Market is well known for its wide variety of goods, making it an exciting place for visitors to shop and explore. Walking through the lively stalls, you’ll find countless products that reflect the vibrant culture and traditions of Vietnam.
Binh Tay Market has a total of 1,446 stalls, including 698 on the ground floor and 748 on the upper level. These stalls offer more than 30 types of goods, organized into five clearly defined sections. With such a large number of stalls, you’re sure to feel overwhelmed the moment you step into one of the biggest markets in Saigon. Be sure to save this shopping zone guide in your travel notes.
- Ground floor and market frontage on Thap Muoi Street: This area features a wide range of items such as bowls, plates, ceramics, incense, candles, nails, wires, conical hats, dried spices, paintings, and more. You’ll also find a variety of bags, shoes, and jewelry in many different styles.
- Upper floor: This level is home to stalls selling groceries, snacks, candies, and ready-made clothing.
- Tran Binh area: Here you can explore stalls offering mixed spices, tea, coffee, seafood, fruits, and fresh flowers.
- Le Tan Ke area: Known for dried goods, cooking oils, dried seafood, betel nuts, dried vegetables, and various seasonings.
- Phan Van Khoe area: This section specializes in fresh food, including beef, sea fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, crab, frog, tofu, eggs, and other daily essentials.
With countless stalls and a lively vibe, Binh Tay Market is always buzzing with energy
resh seafood is also available at Binh Tay Market
5.2. Dive into the food paradise here
If you’re a fan of Saigon’s cuisine, the spacious food court at Binh Tay Market is a must-visit spot. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious dishes from all across Vietnam, drawing the attention of both local and international visitors alike.
With its all-day opening hours, you can visit Binh Tay Market at almost any time. Especially in the evening, the market transforms into a vibrant hub of Saigon street food. You can indulge in everything from simple, everyday dishes like bun mang (bamboo shoot noodle soup), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), banh uot (steamed rice rolls), and hot porridge — to more Chinese-influenced specialties such as pha lau (braised offal), vit tiem (braised duck with herbs), and sui cao (dumplings).
The food here consistently attracts a large number of visitors not only because of its affordable prices, but also for its excellent quality and authentic Vietnamese flavors.
In addition, the area surrounding the market is filled with popular eateries offering a variety of local and regional favorites. You’ll find delicious dishes such as stir-fried, Hong Kong-style specialties, fish cake, vermicelli with fermented shrimp paste, pancakes, noodles with grilled pork, grilled spring rolls, lemon tea, and more.
Don’t forget to dive into the food section when visiting Binh Tay Market!
6. Tips for your shopping tour to Binh Tay Market Vietnam
If you’re planning a shopping trip to Binh Tay Market in Vietnam, a few handy tips can help make your experience smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free.
First, bargaining is part of the culture in Vietnamese markets, and Binh Tay is no exception. Vendors often expect a bit of back-and-forth, so don’t hesitate to negotiate—but do so with a smile and respectful tone. A little friendliness can go a long way.
While some stalls may accept cards, cash is still king, especially for smaller purchases. It’s best to bring small denominations for ease and speed when paying.
As one of Saigon’s busiest markets, Binh Tay can get quite crowded and warm, especially during late mornings and early afternoons. Dress in light, breathable clothes and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely be doing a fair bit of walking through narrow, lively lanes.
Lastly, stay alert and keep your belongings secure. Like in any bustling market, it’s smart to travel light, avoid bringing large sums of money or valuables, and always be aware of your surroundings.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to dive into the vibrant world of Binh Tay Market like a seasoned local!
Conclusion
Binh Tay Market, one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, is a true paradise for food lovers and shopping enthusiasts, thanks to its wide variety of flavorful dishes and unique local products. If you’re planning a trip to Saigon for your next vacation, be sure to include this vibrant destination in your itinerary!
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