Binh Tay Market
Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown market, offering authentic local goods, delicious food, and unique architecture at great prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak local activity
Binh Tay Market
Best Time
Peak local activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown market, offering authentic local goods, delicious food, and unique architecture at great prices.
"A local market with fewer tourists means more normal prices and an authentic experience."
🎯 Go Early for Authenticity
Experience the market at its most vibrant with locals. Avoid the midday heat and crowds.
💰 Prices are Lower Here
Expect better prices than tourist markets like Ben Thanh. Haggling is less common as it's a wholesale market.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cholon's Architectural Gem
Exterior
Admire the striking French colonial architecture with Chinese design elements. Its yellow facade and tiled roofs are iconic.
A Sensory Feast
Interior
Wander through narrow aisles packed with spices, dried fruits, textiles, and household goods. A photographer's dream!
Local Flavors
Food Stalls
Sample authentic pho, spring rolls, and other local dishes from bustling food stalls. A true taste of Saigon.
Chinatown's Heart
Surrounding Area
Explore the vibrant streets of Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, with its unique cultural blend and lively atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigate the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Authenticity
Experience the market at its most vibrant with locals. Avoid the midday heat and crowds.
💰 Prices are Lower Here
Expect better prices than tourist markets like Ben Thanh. Haggling is less common as it's a wholesale market.
🚶♀️ Navigate Narrow Aisles
Be prepared for tight spaces. The market is packed with goods, so move carefully.
🗣️ English is Limited
Vendors may not speak much English. Use gestures and a smile to communicate.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Authenticity
Experience the market at its most vibrant with locals. Avoid the midday heat and crowds.
💰 Prices are Lower Here
Expect better prices than tourist markets like Ben Thanh. Haggling is less common as it's a wholesale market.
🚶♀️ Navigate Narrow Aisles
Be prepared for tight spaces. The market is packed with goods, so move carefully.
🗣️ English is Limited
Vendors may not speak much English. Use gestures and a smile to communicate.
📸 Great for Photography
Capture vibrant scenes of daily life, unique architecture, and colorful goods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Binh Tay Market is praised for its authentic local atmosphere and significantly lower prices compared to tourist markets. Visitors appreciate the vast array of goods and the opportunity to experience a genuine Vietnamese market. However, some find the narrow aisles crowded and the heat uncomfortable, and English communication can be limited.
"Bình Tây Market, also known as "Chợ Lớn" (Big Market), is very big like the name suggests, with a total of around 1200 kiosks. The surrounding area is historically known as Chợ Lớn City or Ville-de-Cholon during French colonization, which thrived on the arrival of Chinese merchants via Tàu Hủ and Hàng Bàng Canals, and the Sài Gòn River. It really highlights how major of this place is.
The market has strong Indochinese architecture. Its builder, Quách Đàm, had Chinese heritage, like many of the residents here. The market was built the Western way but in the Chinese style. The Chợ Lớn area is basically Saigon's Chinatown.
As a local, I highly prefer Bình Tây Market over the touristy Bến Thành Market. Bình Tây is way bigger, has spacious balconies, and is an actual market for people. This means reasonable prices for actual goods, like a normal market. It also has a garden in the middle - how unorthodox for a legit market - where people pay respects for Quách Đàm.
If Bến Thành Market is already on your list, Bình Tây is a must-go - with better prices, more spaciousness, an equally great historical architectural value, and not as touristy as Bến Thành (there are still tourists there, but many more locals). You won't regret visiting it."
Bá Thuận Phạm
"This is a market to visit if you want something that is removed from something as touristy as Ben Thanh market. This is definitely an older part of HCMC. The market is well-organized by areas (housewares, shoes, foods, etc). The aisles are very tight. English is touch and go. Prices are a lot lower than Ben Thanh. There's really no haggling, as we learned. Walking on the outside of the market, you'll see the livestock and fresh produce. Definitely, something to behold."
Rose T
"Binh Tay Market, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon (Chinatown) district, is one of the city’s most authentic and atmospheric markets. Originally built in the 1920s by a wealthy Chinese merchant, the market is a striking example of French colonial architecture blended with Chinese design elements. Its yellow-painted façade, tiled roofs, and central clock tower give it a distinctive presence, while the interior bustles with life from dawn until dusk.
For photographers, Binh Tay Market offers a rich tapestry of scenes. Inside, narrow aisles overflow with goods — spices, dried fruits, teas, textiles, and household items — creating a vibrant maze of colors and textures. Natural light filtering through the roof openings creates dramatic contrasts of shadow and glow, ideal for candid shots. Outside, street vendors line the surrounding area with fresh produce, steaming food stalls, and lively crowds, making it a perfect place for capturing street photography. Early morning is the best time to experience the energy at its peak, while avoiding the heaviest crowds later in the day.
The market also has a historical and cultural dimension: it reflects the deep Chinese influence on the city’s identity, and its central courtyard, with a small temple dedicated to a Chinese deity, adds a spiritual layer to the otherwise bustling atmosphere.
Overall, Binh Tay Market is not just a place to shop, but a sensory and visual journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s multicultural heritage. For travelers and photographers, it’s an unmissable opportunity to capture the vibrant pulse of everyday life in Cholon."
Paul Parent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service. Bus routes like #1 or #2 are common options from District 1. Taxis and Grab (ride-sharing app) are readily available and offer a more direct route. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, Binh Tay Market is a prominent landmark in the Cholon (Chinatown) district of Ho Chi Minh City. Its distinctive yellow facade makes it easily recognizable.
While taxis and Grab are convenient, exploring Cholon on foot or by motorbike taxi (xe ôm) allows you to soak in the local atmosphere. Be mindful of traffic.
Yes, there are usually designated parking areas for motorbikes and cars, though they can get busy. It's advisable to arrive earlier to secure a spot.
It depends on your starting point. If you are already in the Cholon area, walking is feasible. However, from central districts like District 1, it's a significant distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Binh Tay Market is a public market and entry is free. You only pay for the goods you wish to purchase.
The market is generally open from early morning until late evening, with the busiest hours typically from 6 AM to 6 PM. Some food stalls may operate later.
Yes, Binh Tay Market is open seven days a week, including weekends. It's often very lively on Saturdays and Sundays.
It's best to avoid the peak midday heat and the busiest rush hours if you prefer a less crowded experience. Early mornings are ideal for seeing local life.
Binh Tay Market itself doesn't have a separate 'night market' section with an entrance fee. The market operates as a whole, and while some stalls might stay open later, it's not a distinct ticketed event.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of items, including textiles, handicrafts, dried foods, spices, teas, household goods, and some clothing. It's a great place for authentic local products.
While some negotiation might be possible, Binh Tay Market is primarily a wholesale market, so prices are generally lower and less negotiable than in tourist-focused markets like Ben Thanh.
Yes, you can find various clothing items, from casual wear to more traditional Vietnamese garments. However, it's more of a wholesale environment, so finding specific sizes or styles might require patience.
The food sections within Binh Tay Market offer a fantastic selection of dried fruits, nuts, candies, teas, and spices that make excellent edible souvenirs.
For more authentic local products and better prices, Binh Tay Market is often preferred by locals and savvy travelers. Ben Thanh Market is more tourist-oriented with higher prices but a wider variety of typical souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, various noodle soups, and fresh tropical fruits. The food stalls offer a true taste of local cuisine.
Yes, food prices at Binh Tay Market are generally very affordable, reflecting its status as a local market rather than a tourist attraction.
As with any bustling market, it's advisable to choose food stalls that appear clean and busy, indicating fresh ingredients and high turnover. Most local vendors maintain good hygiene standards.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like noodle soups with vegetables or fresh fruit. It's best to ask or look for stalls specializing in vegetarian fare.
Absolutely! The outer areas of the market are filled with vendors selling a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
📸 📸 Photography
The market's interior with its colorful goods and narrow aisles, the central courtyard with its temple, and the exterior architecture are all fantastic for photos. Don't miss the surrounding streets of Cholon.
It's generally appreciated to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products. A smile and a gesture usually suffice.
Early mornings offer the best natural light and the most authentic bustling atmosphere. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful light.
There are no official restrictions on photography within the market, but always be respectful of people's privacy and avoid obstructing pathways.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A prime lens like a 50mm can be excellent for low light and portraits. Be mindful of carrying expensive gear in crowded areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for the food stalls where kids might enjoy trying new snacks or simple dishes. The vibrant colors of the produce and goods can also be visually stimulating. Consider it more of an observational trip for younger children, focusing on the sights and sounds rather than extensive shopping. Ensure everyone stays hydrated, as it can get quite warm inside.
💰 Budget Travelers
Don't expect extensive haggling, as prices are already competitive. Focus on enjoying the authentic atmosphere and finding great value. The food stalls offer incredibly cheap and delicious local meals, making it an ideal spot to eat affordably while experiencing Vietnamese cuisine.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the textures, patterns, and human interactions. The surrounding Cholon district also provides excellent street photography subjects. Remember to be respectful when photographing people and consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Cholon's History
The market's design is considered unorthodox for a traditional market, featuring spacious balconies and a central garden area where visitors can pay respects. This architectural style reflects the deep Chinese influence on the city's identity. As a local market, it offers a more authentic experience compared to the heavily touristed Ben Thanh Market, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and commerce of the local community.
For photographers and history enthusiasts, Binh Tay Market offers a rich tapestry of scenes. The interior is a maze of narrow aisles overflowing with goods, creating vibrant colors and textures. Natural light filtering through the roof openings adds dramatic contrasts, perfect for candid shots. The surrounding streets of Cholon also offer ample opportunities for street photography, capturing the lively atmosphere and multicultural heritage of this historic district.
Navigating the Market Experience
Communication can be a bit of a hurdle as English proficiency among vendors is limited. However, a friendly demeanor, pointing, and simple gestures are usually effective. Unlike more touristy markets, haggling is less common and often not expected, as prices are already quite reasonable. The market can also get quite hot and stuffy, so staying hydrated and visiting during cooler parts of the day is recommended.
Despite the tight spaces and potential heat, the market offers an incredibly authentic experience. You'll see locals going about their daily shopping, vendors expertly arranging their goods, and the general buzz of a working market. The outer areas often feature livestock and fresh produce, adding another layer to the sensory experience. It's a place to observe, absorb, and perhaps find some unique local treasures.
Photography Opportunities
For street photographers, the bustling atmosphere of Cholon surrounding the market provides endless subjects. From street food vendors preparing their dishes to locals going about their daily routines, there's always something happening. The early morning hours are particularly rewarding, offering the best light and the most authentic scenes before the crowds build up.
When photographing, remember to be respectful of the vendors and their space. While many are accustomed to tourists, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots. A simple smile and a gesture can go a long way. Consider using a versatile lens that can handle both wide shots of the market's expanse and intimate details of daily life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit