Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

• Small-group Saigon City Tour: 4-Hour Must-see Iconic Landmarks

• Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Cruise Port

• Ho Chi Minh City Private Full-Day Tour with Lunch Included

• Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port

While it’s free to visit Ben Thanh Market on your own, there are plenty of affordable tours that stop at the market with an expert local guide on hand to help make the most of your visit. Small group tours start at around US$30, while private tours are closer to US$55. You can also book a Jeep city tour for upwards of US$70.

Yes, Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh) is worth visiting—it's one of the city's liveliest markets, with stalls of clothes and souvenirs. At night, food stalls offer a variety of specialty seafood, such as fresh prawns, scallops, and squid, all grilled to order. For an insider experience, book a guided tour of the city that includes time at the market. The local guides are experts at navigating the stalls, decoding menus, and finding the best deals around.

Per one customer who booked the Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep, "Really excellent trip around the city, hitting the highlights. The guide was great for our big group. A perfect excursion for the start of a trip."

Visit Ben Thanh Market in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds—morning is better for things like a better selection of produce and flowers. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends; however, if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of markets, any time of the day can be a good time to visit.

Yes, you should absolutely bargain at Ben Thanh Market—it’s expected. Vendors often start with higher prices, so don't hesitate to negotiate for a better deal. Polite haggling is expected, don’t be afraid to use your fingers, and walk away kindly if you can’t agree on a price. (Though the vendor may beckon you back.)

Ben Thanh Market offers a huge variety of products, from clothing and accessories to Vietnamese handicrafts, souvenirs, home goods and decor, electronics, fresh produce, and local street food (imagine colanders next to marble chess sets next to curious bottles of snakes). It's a one-stop destination for shopping and experiencing Vietnamese culture.

Many vendors at Ben Thanh Market speak basic English, especially those used to dealing with tourists (they’ll also communicate with calculators). However, it's helpful to learn a few Vietnamese phrases or use gestures to communicate effectively, especially if you’re bargaining—most vendors appreciate the use of Vietnamese, even if it’s a few words.

While some vendors may accept credit cards, it's smart to carry cash for most transactions at Ben Thanh Market. Small denominations of Vietnamese Dong are preferred, as not all vendors may be able to provide change for larger bills. Generally speaking, big purchases can be via card; smaller purchases should be cash. (Cash also makes bargaining easier.)

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Ben Thanh Market. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Cu Chi Tunnels

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon)

• War Remnants Museum (Bao Tang Chung Tich Chien Tranh)

• Saigon Central Post Office

• Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.