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Cho Ben Thanh Market

Intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues and Le Lai Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Ranked #10 of 34 shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Type: Flea/ Street Markets
Activities: Dining, Shopping
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Traveller Description: Cho Ben Thanh is one of the most interesting places in Ho Chi Minh City,  Shopping is good here but bargaining is a must. One of the major... more »
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494 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2013 NEW via mobile

It's not at all fascinating. Maybe because I didn't look any different from them, I didn't run into ppl trying to sell me things. I went in the morning and its too warm so I did a late after dinner thing just for a stroll. I must tell you. When they give you a price, foreigners need to ask for... More

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See 5 more reviews by Isacameth for Ho Chi Minh City
Melbourne, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Our hotel was within walking distance of the market and so we were there prety much most night during our 5 night stay in HCM. To start with it is very overwhelming and extremely confusing, but by the last few nights we felt like locals! hehe The items in there are not as cheap as those outside the markets and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Michael E for Ho Chi Minh City
Immingham, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
72 helpful votes 72 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

I agree to all of the previous reviews. Ben Thanh is a trial of patience and a test of stamina. The majority of traders here know that very few people return to this market after the initial treatment they receive. That being the case the traders go in for the hard sell because they know once a tourist has visited... More

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See 6 more reviews by konstanze454 for Ho Chi Minh City
Laval, Quebec, Canada
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

If you like cramped quarters, crowds and weird smells and enjoy bargaining, being jostled, harassed and regularly yanked into shops, the Ben Thanh Market is the place for you. The truth is, if you're looking for t-shirts and other tops, place mats, chop-sticks, shorts, pants, bandanas, hats, purses, suitcases, lighters, sunglasses, watches - the list is endless, you will find... More

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See 6 more reviews by ceebee308 for Ho Chi Minh City
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Compared to street vendors and other shops in the city, this place is expensive. My hotel was walking distance to this market and I compared the prices. It is a big place, and the vendors can be pushy. I brought some tee shirts here, and when I was finished the vendor gave my bag to the woman in the next... More

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Philippines
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

Just like your average flea market, get ready to see knock offs of famous brands and cheap Vietnamese stuff such as costumes, silks, coffee, etc. The stall attendants are agressive and touch and pull your to your store even if you're just looking or feeling the quality of the product. I personally found it offensive to be held on the... More

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See 4 more reviews by PurpleEmber for Ho Chi Minh City
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

My family enjoyed wandering around the markets on several occassions. Yes there is alot of the same stuff but, occassionally you come accross something wonderful. My daughter (9) bought presents for her whole class here. She loved the place. People are nice and don't hassle you too much. I would start bartering at a third of the price. The shops... More

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See 4 more reviews by Michael C for Ho Chi Minh City
Perth, Australia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 via mobile

If want to know about pressure buying you have come to the right place. Entered the textiles area and was swamped by the vendors wanting you to buy their wares. At least you don't have to wait for someone to come up to you. Just look at the vendors item and bang they will be in your face asking if... More

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See 4 more reviews by Luckyjw70 for Ho Chi Minh City
Dallas
Top Contributor
105 reviews 105 reviews
41 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

This place is almost allways packed with merchandise, customers and aggressive vendors. I enjoy the bargaining and the pushy vendors. For me these knock offs of more expensive items are just what I want. I cant tell the difference from the 3 dollar laquer boxes and the ones that are supposed to be better which cost 10 times as much.... More

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See 8 more reviews by tangojohnDallas for Ho Chi Minh City
Cairns, Australia
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

The stalls here are really cramped and crowded and sell bad knock off products. The stall holders will blatantly try to rip you off, so stand your ground for the price you want and walk away if you aren't happy. What they are selling seems really repetitive and poorly made. Personally markets in Thailand and Indonesia are better quality and... More

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See 2 more reviews by impickles for Ho Chi Minh City

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