Binh Tay Market

The Bình Tây Market is not the most popular market in Ho Chi Minh City, but it is the largest. This enormous market is located in the Chinese neighborhood of Cho Lon in district 6. Like all Vietnamese markets, you can find everything from food (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish) to clothes (textiles, suits, custom shirts, imitation designer goods) and very low prices.

The market isn’t a popular stop with tourists and the prices are very good.It closes early (around 6pm) and the level of activity depends on the hour when you go.

You can’t visit Ho Chi Minh City without seeing this market. Day or night, it’s incredible (though I prefer it during the daytime). Imitation goods, shoes, food, tailored suits, backpacks…in other words, the usual assortment of Vietnamese market goods and the customary haggling. There are, in fact, two types of vendors: the nice ones and the rude ones. The second ones look offended that you’re even looking at their wares (it’s surreal). Your best bet in that case is to move on to another post where you’re sure to be greeted with a smile.

The majority of the stalls here are wholesalers, but you can find suitcases, purses, shirts, and other goods sold on an individual basis. From what I could tell, it was a bit cheaper and less-touristy than other markets.

Worth going to and practicing your haggling skills with the vendors!