Ben Thanh market is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and considered as a symbol of the city. The market, a destination for many tourists, possesses the most ancient architecture, which is praised as one of the most attractive tourist sites in the mega city.
Read more Ben Thanh market is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and considered as a symbol of the city. The market, a destination for many tourists, possesses the most ancient architecture, which is praised as one of the most attractive tourist sites in the mega city.
Constructed by the Brossard et Maupin Construction Company in 1912, it was earlier called New market or Saigon market to distinguish it from Old market. After 1957, it was renamed Ben Thanh market.
The famous market has four entrances and four sections, a roof clock tower, and overlooks four main streets of District 1.
In 1985, the market underwent major renovations to both its exterior and interior design, though the overall architecture remains with its trademark clock tower in front.
According to architectural experts, Ben Thanh market is considered a historical monument, as it bears the unique traits of a 100-year-old market without feeling irrelevant or looking out of place in the busy city life. If anything, it seems to glisten among the surrounding modern and contemporary buildings.
In the market you can find clothes (the famous Vietnamese Ao Dai costume and also Vietnamese hat), Footwear, accessories, jewelry, hardware, pet shops, crafts, flowers, spices, nuts, food and restaurants (see Vietnamese cuisine). The four main market gates also serve as a directory for its customers. For instance, the South gate, facing Quach Thi Trang Square, is divided for garments and textiles along with dried food products. At the opposite end, the North gate, people can find cosmetic products and colourful sweets.
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