Ben Thanh Market
Location:
Ben
Thanh Market is situated at the intersection of Le Loi Avenue, Ham Nghi
Avenue, Tran Hung Dao Avenue and Le Lai Street, 700m south-west of the
Rex Hotel.
Characteristics:
At first, the market was situated near the Ben Nghe River Dike. After
being moved many times, it is now standing in the centre of the city
where consumers can conveniently find all sorts of products.
According
to Vuong Hong Sen, author of "the book Saigon of the Past", in 1912,
the French filled a pond, the Boresse, into a solid foundation of 12,000m² and
built a market on it. The market was close to a landing stage (Ben) of the old
city (Thanh), hence its name of Ben Thanh. The opening ceremony for the market
in March 1914 was a big festive event.
At present, the front of Ben Thanh Market faces Quach Thi Trang Square; its rear
faces Le Thanh Ton Street; its right, Phan Chu Trinh Street and its left, Phan
Boi Chau Street. At all of its four sides, there are bustling trading shops.
Located at the centre of the city, Ben Thanh Market is always loaded with
varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and
foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Goods are
displayed in a very attractive way that always catches the eyes of the buyers.
They meet all requirements for the customers' daily life or for their families.
The market has four gates that are very convenient for the market-goers. For all
of its advantages, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most attractive tourist sites
in the city for both domestic and foreign visitors.
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Source: Vietnam Administration of Tourism |