BEN THANH MARKET- BEAUTY OF THE PAST AND MODERN LIFE

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Address: Quach Thi Trang construction site, Ben Nghe ward, district 1, HCMC

Ben Thanh Market is the oldest market in District 1, the central district of Saigon. Over the centuries, Ben Thanh Market has been present with many changes of this city. Ben Thanh Market is the intersection between main roads. With the most prominent symbol of the market is the image of a clock at the south gate of the market like the Big Ben clock in London, Ben Thanh Market has turned into a solid and iconic building of Saigon.

After more than 100 years of presence along with many changes of this historic city, Saigon, bringing the splendor of the past and the dynamic rhythm of today's life.

Ben Thanh market in the middle of District 1, HCMC (Source: mustgo.vn)

History and origin of the name

The early Ben Thanh market was built with bricks, wooden ribs, and thatched roofs. Before the French invaded Gia Dinh citadel, Ben Thanh market was the most crowded place. Along the banks of the Ben Nghe River at this time, there are many trading boats docked there. The crowd of boats creates a floating street. The market on the mainland is just a row of empty houses.

In February 1859, when the French occupied Gia Dinh citadel, Vietnamese soldiers organized a fire attack to burn down the whole city, including Ben Thanh market. In 1860, the French had rebuilt Ben Thanh market at the old location. The market was built with brick pillars, wooden ribs and thatched roofs. The market was partially burned, so it had to be rebuilt with brick columns, iron ribs, and roof tiles in 1870. The market has a total of five stalls: food stalls, fish stalls, meat stalls, dining stalls and grocery stalls. In these five stalls, only the meat stalls are covered with corrugated iron and the floor is lined with green stone.

Due to the location at the intersection of the urban area and two waterways, the Lon and Cau Sau canals (now Ham Nghi street), boats and people are always crowded. Therefore, life in Ben Thanh market is always bustling. Until 1887, the French filled the canal and merged the two roads to form Charner Avenue (now Nguyen Hue Boulevard). The market became more and more crowded with shops mostly owned by foreigners such as Chinese, Indians and French. By mid-1911, however, the market became old and was in a state of possible collapse.

People had to demolish the market, leaving only the meat stalls. At the same time, the French also chose a location to build a new, larger market to serve the growing demand for bustling trade. The selected location is located near My Tho train station (now Saigon Bus Station), which is the location of Ben Thanh market today.

The new market was built by the contractor Brossard et Maupin from 1912 and was completed in 1914. The market is named Le Marche Central, also known as Saigon market or Ben Thanh new market. People often call it Saigon market or New market, to distinguish the Old market at the old location, which only had meat stalls left. It wasn't until 1975 that the name Ben Thanh market was popularized.

Standing with the changes of this historic city, the image of Ben Thanh market is associated with many generations of Saigon urban planners. Ben Thanh Market is a place to buy, sell and exchange goods of people in Saigon and surrounding areas. Ben Thanh Market has become a part of people's lives and a symbol of Saigon throughout the years.

Ben Thanh market in 1971 (Source: madeinsaigon.vn)

Ben Thanh Market shows daily life of Saigon people

Ben Thanh Market is located right in the city center. For the people here, Ben Thanh market has long been no longer a place of business and trade, but also a witness, a symbol of Saigon's culture and lifestyle. In Ben Thanh market you will see all the images, the typical personality of this city and the daily life of the people here.

Gaining dry food at Ben Thanh market (Source: yan.vn)

Ben Thanh Market has 4 gates: North- South- East- West gates with different characteristics. North gate is located on Le Thanh Ton street, leading to fresh food and fruit stalls. East gate is located on Phan Boi Chau street with a paradise of confectionery and cosmetics. West Gate is located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, focusing on stalls of shoes and souvenirs.

The most special is the South Gate (main gate) located on Le Loi Street, which is a place to sell fabrics, clothes, and dry food. This is the most famous gate because of the classic clock tower that was built in the beginning of construction. The clock was inspired by London's Big Ben. Visitors often come here to take beautiful pictures at this gate.

With an area not too large, Ben Thanh market is like a miniature Saigon. Ben Thanh Market is the most famous market in Saigon because "everything is available". Coming to Ben Thanh market, you will easily find what you want. The goods here are extremely diverse with many different prices. You will feel immersed in this colorful world.

The cuisine here is as diverse and rich as that. The dishes of the South are extremely special. You will not be able to forget the Saigon sweet soup. It is a typical dish of the South with all colors: green of “cốm”, yellow of banana. white of coconut milk, purple of taro, red of pomegranate, etc. These 40-year-old sweet soup stalls will bring you interesting taste experiences.

Sweet soup stalls in Ben Thanh market (Source: justfly.vn)

Lost in the world of Ben Thanh market, you will feel like you are walking in the middle of joy. The sound of furniture arrangement, the sound of greetings, the sound of people chatting together in the bustling atmosphere and the aroma of food is the greatness of Ben Thanh market. At Ben Thanh market, you will feel like you are in your hometown by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the people here.

Beautiful Ben Thanh Market in busy Saigon (Source: sascrossingcountries.com)

Nowadays, with the shopping trend of modern urban areas, there are more and more supermarkets and commercial centers. The pace of life in the market is always a quiet and genuine space, a place to regain balance for your soul's emotions. Ben Thanh Market is where life takes place most vividly through emotional communication between people. Ben Thanh Market is like a Saigonese and is the soul of Saigon, even if time passes, it cannot be changed. As a great pride of Saigon people, Ben Thanh market is a symbol of the picture of past beauty and modern rhythm of life. If you come to Saigon, you must definitely go to Ben Thanh market. This is definitely a great experience for your trip.

Have you been to Ben Thanh market yet? Share your experience with us!

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