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Ho Chi Minh City Travel Essentials: Saigon Square vs. Ben Thanh Market (feat. Tips)

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Ho Chi Minh City has a must-see destination for travelers: Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market. These places are steeped in the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City's residents. Here are some must-know tips for both shopping malls.I tried it.

1. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center and largest city in Vietnam.It was formerly called Saigon, and is a city where the present and the past coexist, and is loved by many travelers.

  • Ho Chi Minh City's characteristics
    • economic center
      • Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 9 districts, each with its own characteristics.Districts 1 and 3 are the most developed centers of Ho Chi Minh City, and other areas are also experiencing rapid economic growth with the construction of high-rise buildings and large-scale apartment complexes.
    • Phu My Hung, the city of Koreans
      • In particular, District 7 is an international area representing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is especially famous for being home to a large Korean population.
      • Centered around the new city of Phu My Hung, it is well-equipped with luxury apartment complexes, commercial facilities, and international schools.

Before reading this article, it will be helpful to watch the video below.

👉 Check out Saigon Square vs. Ben Thanh Market in this video.

2. Saigon Square vs. Ben Thanh Market

In Ho Chi Minh City Two representative shopping destinationsThere is Saigon Square, a modern facility, and Ben Thanh Market, a traditional market that preserves the history and traditions of the people.

From now on, I will compare and review the two places.

호치민-사이공스퀘어-입구
The stylish entrance to Saigon Square is impressive.

Saigon Square

Saigon Square is a representative shopping destination in Ho Chi Minh City.It is known as a counterfeit market, especially for selling luxury goods and branded goods at low prices, so many tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City visit this place.

In a hot country like Ho Chi Minh City, air conditioning is crucial. This place has the advantage of having air conditioning inside, making shopping relatively cool.

  • Features and Precautions
    • forced shoe shine
      • There is always a shoe shiner at the entrance of Saigon Square. Even if you refuse, he will already be shining your shoes, or he may even force you to shine your shoes even if you are wearing slippers or flip-flops in order to extort money.
      • Please firmly decline (or we will keep trying).
    • Cash only
      • All stores in Saigon Square only accept cash, so it's a good idea to prepare some cash in advance.
      • On the first floor of Saigon Square, on the far right, you will see a currency exchange office.(If you purchase over a certain amount, you can use a card.)
    • Purchase of the 2nd floor
      • Saigon Square consists of the first and second floors.
      • In general, the first floor is more ornately decorated, and the deeper you go inside and up to the second floor, the fewer people there are.
      • If you search thoroughly up to the second floor, you can buy the same product at a cheaper price.
    • No Nike Air purchases
      • According to a Korean who lived in Vietnam and was a regular customer of a shoe store, if you are going to buy Nike shoes at Saigon Square, you should not buy shoes with air in them because shoes with air in them will burst quickly.
      • Even for the same product, the price may vary depending on the quality, so check the quality!
    • Beware of pickpockets
      • According to my younger brother who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for a long time, Pickpocketing incidents occur occasionally.They say it happens. Most people go to shopping malls with cash in hand, so please be careful.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is more than just a market in Ho Chi Minh City; it is a place that embodies the culture and history of Ho Chi Minh City. It has been located here since 1985. Ben Thanh Market is a symbolic market that showcases the life and culture of Ho Chi Minh City citizens.no see.

However, since there's no air conditioning inside, only a fan, it's quite hot for leisurely shopping. I think this factor also had a big impact.

호치민-벤탄시장-내부
There is fun in walking through the densely packed maze-like paths.
  • Features and Precautions
    • No air conditioning
      • Vietnam is famous for its extreme heat, but Ben Thanh Market has no air conditioning. While each store has a fan, shopping can be quite challenging for those who are sensitive to the heat.
    • narrow passage
      • Ben Thanh Market is very large. However, because so many shops are packed together, the passageways are so narrow that it feels like a maze. This can make it hot and uncomfortable for some people.
    • Price quotation system
      • The stalls along the side of Ben Thanh Market are marked with "FIXED PRICE" signs. A characteristic of Vietnamese markets, bargaining is prohibited and prices are fixed by posted price tags. Therefore, those who find bargaining difficult can shop more comfortably here.

If it's your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, where should you go?

If you're a first-time visitor to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and have time to visit just one place, I'd recommend Saigon Square. Shopping and exploring a vast area can be exhausting, but the heat can make it even more tiring.

Based on my own experience, I can't say that Ben Thanh Market is cheaper than the surrounding area. It depends on how much you bargain. If you're going to do it, go for it. I recommend Saigon Square, where you can comfortably view the same items in a pleasant environment.do.

Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market vs. Nha Trang's Dam Market

If there is Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam, there is Dam Market in Nha Trang. Dam Market is a famous must-visit destination in Nha Trang and is loved by many travelers, especially Koreans.no see.

Nha Trang's Dam Market is closer to Ben Thanh Market than to Saigon Square in Ho Chi Minh City, and is a traditional market that preserves the lives of Nha Trang people who have preserved their old traditions and culture.

담시장-입구-가판대
At the entrance to Damsi Market, various handicrafts and the best-selling one-piece dress are on display.

Compared to Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, prices are much lower, the market is larger, and the selection of products feels much more diverse. It's known for its popular items like one-piece dresses, sportswear, souvenirs, and mango jelly. 

🎬 담시장 영상으로 확인do👉 https://youtu.be/Puecy9lOl9s?si=SxCTd9pHmbMm0Uuk

🔻Good articles to read together🔻