6 best Ho Chi Minh City night markets to visit
From street food to souvenirs, here’s how to navigate these markets like a pro.
Ho Chi Minh City—also called Saigon—never hits pause. For me, it’s Southeast Asia’s version of the city that never sleeps, and at any given hour, you’ll spot locals buying seafood fresh from the Mekong Delta or stocking up on flowers to keep their homes in bloom. In Saigon, life is constantly in motion, and it all kicks off (or winds down) in the markets.
To truly get Saigon, you’ve got to master its markets. Trust me: I’ve been here for four years as a food writer and culinary guide, hosting private tours and experiences with chefs and artisans for food lovers from all over the world. And no matter where I go or eat, I always find myself back in the middle of a market, elbowing through crowds, ordering a Sinh To Bo (avocado smoothie with coconut flakes) next to a bunch of strangers, from a vendor who knows me by heart. There’s nothing more satisfying.
So here's a rundown of my favorites. And, let’s be real, you’re not leaving without a bag (or five) full of goodies.
Book a tour
For lovers of history and design: Binh Tay
If you’re looking for an iconic market steeped in history and packed with charm, Binh Tay’s your go-to. Built back in 1928, this market is famous for its French and Chinese architectural flair—a refreshing change from the city’s usual dull and concrete markets. Spanning a staggering 269,000 square feet and home to over 2,500 stalls, you can find just about anything: from dried goods and fresh food to candles, clothes, and household items.
When you arrive, start at the main clocktower gate on Tháp Mười street to walk under the dragon-adorned archway where you’ll be greeted by a spacious, sunlit courtyard with a shrine to Quách Đàm, the market’s benefactor, right in the center. Then, head to the edges of the market for fresh produce—think fruit, fish, meat, and veggies—before finding your way to the back section along the Southern side for rows and rows of noodles, rice, juices, coffee and tea (my favorite part). And if you find yourself a bit lost, don’t sweat it—it’s part of the experience. Just consult the giant market map on the walls, where every stall is numbered and color-coded, or ask a local vendor.
Local tip: If you’re looking to take a break from Binh Tay Market and grab a bite, make your way to Hu Tieu Muc, just a minute’s walk away, for a yummy bowl of squid noodles loaded with meatballs, squid, and tender homemade noodles in a flavorful, peppery broth.
Travelers say: “Binh Tay Market is a must-stop when you are visiting Cholon, a town in the town. You can find anything at a good price after bargaining, of course.” —@Donatella Farese
For all the pretty blooms: Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Yes, Vietnam has a flower market, and it’s a big deal because flowers here symbolize everything from love to respect. And, to really get a feel for Vietnamese culture, you’ve got to grab some fresh blooms like the locals do (less than 10 cents a stem).
For the freshest flowers, set your alarm for 4 or 5 a.m. That’s when the market gets its top blooms from all over Vietnam, plus imports from Japan, Thailand, and China. And a heads-up: Ask for permission before snapping pics of the vendors.
If you miss the early rush (between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. when locals are in full flower-picking mode), no worries—the market’s open all day (24 hours). And if you’re headed there after 3 p.m., make sure to head next door to Le Hong Phong Market (aka the Cambodian Market) for a delicious mix of Saigon street food and Cambodian dishes. Don’t miss the beef hot pot and escargot noodle soup at Le Hong Phong Market, and be sure to try the Cambodian sweet soup at Che CoCo—a local gem that’s been serving up delicious treats for over 40 years.
Local tip: Don’t let the fact that it’s in District 10 scare you off. It’s super easy to get there—just hop in a taxi from District 1 and head 1.8 to 2.4 miles south which will cost you about $2.50 and 15 minutes.
Travelers say: “Calm and beautiful by day, with flower shops everywhere overflowing with fragrant flowers. At night everything changes and it's an area jammed with food stalls and people. We really enjoyed both aspects.” —@must_travel_soon_10
For fruit and veggies 24 hours a day: Trang Tu Day
If you really know Saigon’s markets, you’ve probably heard of Trang Tu Market in District 5—but not everyone’s clued in. This 24-hour spot is an insider go-to for wholesale fruits and veggies straight from the source—the Mekong Delta, at unbeatable prices, especially if you’re buying in bulk. At any given hour, Trang Tu Street is lined with vendors selling everything from limes and chilies to lemongrass and garlic and you’ll see shop owners darting off on motorbikes, loaded with produce to stock their shelves on three-wheeled Xe ba gác carts (more often than not) overflowing with goods. The real action however happens after midnight, when Trang Tu transforms into a lively wholesale market with lit-up streets and vendors, motorbikes and trucks zooming around looking for the best deals and quick transactions.
Local tip: If you’re looking for the freshest produce and the best deals, get there between midnight and 4 a.m. That’s when you’ll score the best stuff before the crowds thin out and the market shifts gears for the day at around 6 a.m.
For Saigon’s shopping mecca: Nguyen Trai Street
Nguyen Trai Street is the pulse of Saigon’s shopping scene. It’s buzzing with everything from chic boutiques to street vendors stacked with trendy dresses, bags, and shoes as well as cool vendors who are always up for a chat about their latest finds (of course). Here, you can easily snag deals starting at just a few dollars and, for the best experience, hit the streets after 7 p.m. to dodge the daytime rush and scoop up some seriously cool stuff. You’ll find goods from all over—Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan—so get ready for a shopping spree and remember to get a bag, or five.
Start your evening at Ward 15 and stroll towards the T-section of Nguyen Trai and Le Hong Phong, where youthful fashion brands, local threads, and imports from China and Thailand are priced between $3 to $12. Next, head from Nguyen Trai and Le Hong Phong (District 5) to Nguyen Trai and Ton That Tung (District 1) for local brands and workwear from names like Viet Thy, Viet Tien, Canary Fashion, and Marc Fashion. For more mainstream international brands, the city center has you covered with Levi’s, Charles & Keith, Calvin Klein, and Adidas.
Local tip: For the best deals, visit in the evening before the night wraps up and don’t forget to haggle a little.
For Saigon’s market of markets: Binh Dien
If you think Bui Vien is the busiest place in Saigon at night, you haven’t seen Binh Dien Market. This massive warehouse-style wholesale market which is often referred to as the “market of markets” in Saigon opened in March 2006 and is a hive of activity after dark. Trucks, motorbikes, and carts pack the narrow lanes as traders flock here to stock up on everything from fish and vegetables to dried goods and spices. Here, boats and trucks drop off fresh seafood and produce from all over southern Vietnam. From oysters to fish, crab, prawns, and all sorts of shells—you can find pretty much everything at Binh Dien.
But what makes Binh Dien stand out beyond its volume of seafood is its “no swearing” rule, which keeps the market surprisingly calm and orderly despite the chaos. Quality control is strict, with every item inspected for freshness and origin, ensuring you get top-notch products at fair prices. Plus, the prices are stable, so you won’t have to worry about being ripped off. Binh Dien is huge and divided into different pavilions: Pavilion A is for flowers, bursting with wholesale blooms; Pavilion B is packed with vegetables, fruits, and spices; and House K is the spot for dried seafood and fish sauce, always bustling with activity.
Local tip: If you’re buying retail, wait until after 3 a.m. when the market starts to quiet down and stalls switch to selling smaller quantities. Just be sure to bring a big bag, and maybe a friend to help—this place is massive.
For Saigon’s best street food: Hoa Hao and Su Van Hanh Street
If Saigon’s street food had a king, this old apartment complex would wear the crown. It’s the OG street food hub, sprawled across a set of worn-out, four-story concrete blocks. Any night of the week, this spot is buzzing with locals who know their eats, blending in with older apartment residents. Built in 1971, supposedly funded by American “guilt money” it’s all urban decay—peeling paint, dark stairwells, broken windows—like those so-called “industrial chic” bars in the West, but 100% authentic.
The action stretches from Su Van Hanh to Hung Vuong streets, but the real hotspot? Around Su Van Hanh and Hoa Hao Street with its clatter of diners, smoky pork-scented air, and neon lights. For must-tries, hit up Khánh Vy for the famous chè or grab a top-tier baguette at Banh Mi Kim Dung on Hoa Hao and Duong Lo 1.
Local tip: At the corner of Hoa Hao Street, you’ll find Tai Phat, a spot serving up tasty Chinese-style noodles from a classic xe mì (noodle cart) decked out with painted dragons and scenes from Chinese mythology. Try the mì vịt tiềm—egg noodles with duck in a delicious aromatic broth.