The Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City’s Top 10 Night Markets

Wen I was shopping at the night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, I was immediately drawn into a whirlwind of sights, smells, and sounds. Each market buzzed with energy—grills sizzling with street food, vendors calling out deals, and rows of stalls packed with everything from trendy clothes to handmade crafts. These markets aren’t just places to grab a bite; they’re cultural playgrounds where you can eat like a local and bargain like one too. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 10 night markets in Saigon that combine flavor, fashion, and unforgettable local vibes.

10 Best Night Markets in Ho Chi Minh City for Food and Shopping

I explored some of the best night markets in Ho Chi Minh City and quickly realized they offer more than just cheap eats and souvenirs. From sizzling bánh tráng nướng to handcrafted leather goods, each market had its own charm. I wandered through rows of colorful stalls, sampled local street food, and haggled for stylish clothes under glowing lights. These vibrant hubs are the perfect place to dive into Saigon’s street culture, whether you’re craving bold flavors or hunting for unique shopping finds.

• Check out best night markets in Vietnam
• Unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

When I visited Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10, I stepped into a world that blends old Saigon charm with vibrant local life. Just 4 km from the city center, getting there was easy—I chose a quick motorbike ride, but you can also walk from downtown or hop on a bus (route 27 from An Suong or 14 from the University of Transport). If you’re riding a motorbike, I found convenient parking near Ho Thi Ky Primary School for just 5,000 VND after 5 PM.

By day, Ho Thi Ky bursts with color—roses, orchids, sunflowers, even imported tulips and peonies fill the stalls. But I loved coming in the late afternoon, when over 100 street food vendors fire up their grills. From 3:00 PM, the narrow lanes fill with the scent of sizzling local dishes. I tasted everything from Nha Trang jellyfish noodles and Hue-style rice cakes to An Giang papaya salad and Dong Nai mini pancakes. This market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a feast for the senses and a must-visit for anyone exploring Saigon at night.

• Address: 52 Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: All day
• Visit on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Arrive early if you want to try popular food stalls, as they tend to sell out quickly.
• There’s no official parking area, so you’ll need to park nearby and walk in.

2. Ben Thanh Market: Best for souvenir shopping

I walked inside the Ben Thanh Market—it is locally known by everyone despite its official name ‘Les Halles Centrales’—I understood why it’s considered the heart of Saigon. Just 1.5 km from Notre Dame Cathedral, this iconic market offered me a perfect mix of culture, shopping, and convenience. I took a short taxi ride, but buses like routes 03, 04, 152, and 19 also stop right in front. If you’re riding a motorbike or using a private car, expect parking fees between 10,000–20,000 VND, especially during peak hours.

Walking through the market’s four main gates and 12 smaller entrances, I found myself surrounded by handcrafted goods, colorful textiles, and the rich aroma of local spices. From traditional conical hats and silk scarves to lacquerware and ceramics, the variety was impressive. As night fell, Ben Thanh transformed into one of the most vibrant night markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

I browsed stalls under glowing lights and picked up local coffee beans and spices to take a piece of Vietnam home. With its central location, rich history, and incredible energy, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for food, shopping, and culture all in one place.

• Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

3. Ba Chieu Market (Meat, seafood and foods)

Visiting Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District gave me a fresh look at everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City. Just 5 km from the city center, the area felt far more local than the usual tourist spots. Instead of souvenir stands, I browsed stalls filled with fresh produce, seafood from Da Lat and Hoc Mon, and racks of second-hand clothes at unbeatable prices.

What stood out was the market’s relaxed, authentic vibe. As I wandered through the alleys at night, I soaked in the sounds of vendors calling out deals, the smell of street food, and the bustle of locals shopping after work. I even scored a vintage jacket at one of the thrift stalls—an unexpected highlight.

Getting there was easy. I took Bus 08 from District 8, but buses 104 and 146 also stop nearby. If you’re into local flavors and real Saigon street life, Ba Chieu Market should be on your list.

• Address: Ward 1, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM

4. Hanh Thong Tay Market: Buy cloth & accessories

While staying in Go Vap District, one of Saigon’s fastest-growing areas, I asked my hotel receptionist for a local night market recommendation. She pointed me to Hanh Thong Tay Market, just 8 km from Notre Dame Cathedral.

That evening, my friend Poom from Thailand and I hopped on a bus to check it out—and it didn’t disappoint.

As soon as we arrived, we saw over 200 stalls buzzing with energy. Unlike touristy markets, this one clearly catered to locals. I spotted trendy clothes, accessories, and bags—all at budget-friendly prices. Many items came straight from local workshops, which explained the incredible deals.

Poom even picked up a bundle of T-shirts at wholesale rates to bring back home.

We got there via Bus 18 from Ben Thanh, but routes 24, 55, and 95 also stop nearby. If you’re on a bike or in a car, nearby lots charge just 5,000–15,000 VND. Once inside, we found the layout easy to navigate, even with the crowds. One tip: vendors here only take cash, so bring smaller bills for smoother shopping.

If you’re after a local-style night market with great deals and zero tourist fluff, Hanh Thong Tay is well worth the trip.

• Address: 134 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:55 PM

5. Ben Nghe Street Food Market

After a full day exploring District 1, I took a short 500-meter walk (it was a hot day and I sweat), from the Saigon Opera House and found myself at Ben Nghe Street Food Market—a vibrant local spot packed with flavor and energy.

The sizzling grills, colorful lights, and lively crowd made it impossible to pass by. From Vietnamese street food to global favorites, the variety was impressive.

I grabbed grilled pork noodles to start, followed by sushi and a slice of pizza. My friend from Singapore dove into fried chicken and Thai milk tea. The open-air seating made the experience even more enjoyable, letting us soak in the evening buzz.

Since I stayed near Nguyen Hue Walking Street, getting there was easy on foot. For those coming from Go Vap or District 6, taxis or Grab are great options. Buses 02, 03, 19, and 36 also stop nearby if you’re around Gia Dinh Hospital or UEH.

For anyone craving a night market that blends local charm with international street food, Ben Nghe Street Food Market is the perfect stop in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Address: 134 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:55 PM

6. Xom Chieu 200 Food Market

While exploring District 4, I stumbled upon Xom Chieu Market—or as locals call it, 200 Market (because you west with 200.000)—a buzzing street food heaven that’s just 3 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. I had heard rumors that 200,000 VND could get you a full feast here, so I decided to find out for myself.

As soon as I arrived, the tight rows of food stalls and the smell of grilled seafood drew me in. The market felt alive—chaotic but exciting. I kicked off my food crawl with a bowl of chao long (pork offal porridge), followed by banh cuon nong, crispy bot chien, and finally, spicy snail dishes that totally lived up to the hype. With over 500 stalls, the options seemed endless.

Since the market gets packed, especially after dark, I took a quick taxi and parked in a nearby lot at the end of the street. That gave me space to explore without worrying about squeezing through crowds on a bike. Although it’s tight and crowded, the energy is contagious and totally worth it.

If you’re serious about experiencing Vietnamese street food, Xom Chieu is a must. And if you’re hungry for more, check out my full guide on street food in Ho Chi Minh City—perfect for discovering more local gems just like this one.

• Address: Dinh Le Street, Ward 12, District 4
• Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

7. Hoa Binh Market: Shopping handicrafts

While exploring District 5, my friends and I visited Hoa Binh Market, often praised for its rich blend of Vietnamese and Chinese culture. Just 4 km from Ben Thanh Market, it gave us a more traditional view of Ho Chi Minh City. We rode motorbikes and easily found parking thanks to the wide surrounding streets.

Inside, the market buzzed with stalls selling Chinese specialty goods—dried seafood, mooncakes, herbal medicine, handicrafts and incense burners. One friend bargained for ceramic altar lamps and scored a great deal with free incense thrown in.

By evening, the food scene lit up. We enjoyed bowls of hu tieu mi, dumplings, pork buns, and classic Chinese desserts. Thanks to its spacious, well-ventilated layout, the market felt easy to explore despite the crowd.

If you’re craving authentic food and cultural finds beyond the usual tourist stops, Hoa Binh Market in District 5 is a must-see gem in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Address: 37 Bach Van Street, Ward 5, District 5
• Opening hours: Around 8 AM – 10 PM

8. Ba Hom Night Market : Shop clothing at bargain price

While staying in Binh Tan District, a few friends and I visited Ba Hom Night Market, one of Saigon’s oldest markets with over 100 years of history. Locals said it still captures the true spirit of old Saigon, so we had to see it ourselves. We rode motorbikes there, but buses 81, 139, and 150 also stop nearby—great for anyone looking for a local adventure.

Inside, the market buzzed with over 1,000 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and dried goods to clothes, shoes, and household items. Prices were better than most night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, and after some bargaining, we grabbed great deals on shirts and snacks.

The real highlight, though, was the street food. The smell of grilled rice paper and steaming crab noodle soup pulled us in. I devoured a plate of pha lau, while my friend enjoyed fresh spring rolls. Each bite was flavorful and cheap.

Even late at night, the market stayed lively but never felt overwhelming. With its no-frills setup, warm vendors, and local charm, Ba Hom Night Market was one of the best spots we found for authentic street food in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Address: 45 Street No. 5, Tan Tao A Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM

9. Tan Dinh Market: A true local market

While exploring Ho Chi Minh City, I stopped by Tan Dinh Market, known locally as the “rich people’s market” thanks to its reputation for high-quality goods. A vendor explained that the prices weren’t high just to impress—they reflected the freshness and craftsmanship of the food and fabrics.

Located only 2km from Notre Dame Cathedral, we got there easily by motorbike, though buses 03, 31, and 36 also stop nearby. As we entered, we immediately noticed the charming blend of French colonial design and lively Vietnamese energy. The arched walkways gave it an open, nostalgic feel.

Then I decided to spent time browsing the famous fabric section, where colorful bolts of silk, cotton, and lace lined every stall. My friend picked up some premium linen at a great price, and the seller shared local tailoring tips.

Soon, the smell of sizzling street food pulled us toward a sidewalk vendor serving frog porridge—a local specialty. The savory, tender frog meat paired with rich porridge hit the spot. We also tried crab soup, pork rib porridge, and a few sweet Vietnamese desserts.

Compared to more touristy markets, Tan Dinh felt refreshingly local. Friendly vendors, authentic flavors, and fair prices made it one of our favorite spots to experience Saigon’s culture and cuisine in one go.

• Address: 336 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

10. Hoc Mon Wholesale Market

While exploring Saigon at night, I made my way to Hoc Mon Market, one of the city’s three largest wholesale hubs. Covering 100,000 square meters (a shop owner have said that), it focuses on vegetables, tropical fruits, and pork—all sold at unbeatable prices.

I arrived around midnight, and the place was already alive with action. Each night, vendors distribute nearly 5,000 pigs, making it one of the city’s main pork suppliers. The pace was intense but organized, especially impressive during festive seasons like Tet, when demand skyrockets. Yet, the market still keeps fresh produce flowing and sticks to strict food safety standards.

To get there, take a bus routes 4, 94, or 122 also get you there without hassle.

• Address: 14/7A Nguyen Thi Soc Street, Xuan Thoi Dong Ward
• Opening hours: 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM

FAQs: Ho Chi Minh City Night Markets

Bottom line

Exploring Saigon’s night markets goes beyond bargain hunting — it’s a flavorful, cultural journey that brings you closer to the heart of local life. From late-night eats to authentic finds, each market reveals a unique slice of Ho Chi Minh City.

About the Author

This article was written by a group of travel enthusiasts living in Vietnam. We explore local markets, food, and culture to share real and useful tips with fellow travelers. All recommendations are based on personal visits and honest experiences.

Citation Readiness

This blog post is based on firsthand visits to night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, local insights from vendors, and verified public transport options. Information is regularly updated to match current travel conditions and market hours.