Binh Tay Market: The Heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown
Hoai Trinh
Dive into Binh Tay Market, Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant Chinatown hub, for shopping, food, and culture galore!
In the bustling sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City,
Binh Tay Market
stands as a lively testament to the city’s rich multicultural tapestry. Nestled in Cholon, the historic Chinatown of District 5, this sprawling marketplace hums with energy, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. From heaps of spices to colorful fabrics, it’s a treasure trove for shoppers and a window into Vietnam’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage. After a day here, the nearby
—Bui Vien—offers a contrasting nightlife buzz just a short ride away.
Why Binh Tay Market Stands Out
Binh Tay Market isn’t just another market—it’s a cultural landmark with a story.
Binh Tay Market
isn’t just another market—it’s a cultural landmark with a story. Built in 1928 by French colonial architects and funded by a Chinese philanthropist, Quach Dam, its distinctive seven-story clock tower and pagoda-style roof make it an architectural icon. Inside, over 2,000 stalls spill across 25,000 square meters, selling everything from dried seafood to wholesale clothing. Unlike tourist-heavy spots, it’s a working market where locals haggle and traders thrive, giving it an authentic pulse.
Located about 6 kilometers from District 1, Binh Tay draws fewer foreign visitors than its famous cousin,
Ben Thanh Market
, making it a refreshing alternative for those seeking a genuine slice of city life. Its gritty charm and affordable finds also reflect the
, where a dollar stretches far—think meals for under 50,000 VND ($2 USD). Whether you’re a bargain hunter or a culture buff, this market delivers an unfiltered experience.
Navigating Binh Tay Market: What to Expect
Stepping into Binh Tay Market feels like entering a chaotic, colorful maze.
Stepping into
Binh Tay Market
feels like entering a chaotic, colorful maze. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., it’s divided into sections—foodstuffs, textiles, household goods, and more—though the layout can be overwhelming at first. Vendors call out in Vietnamese and Chinese, their voices mingling with the clatter of carts and scooters zipping through the surrounding streets of Cholon.
The market’s four main entrances, each marked by the towering clock above, lead into a warren of narrow aisles. Don’t expect much English signage, but a smile and some basic haggling skills go a long way—start at half the asking price and settle around 30% off. Mornings buzz with wholesale buyers, while afternoons offer a slightly calmer pace for casual browsing. It’s a raw, vibrant contrast to the polished vibe of District 1’s upscale malls.
Top Things to Buy at Binh Tay Market
Shopping at Binh Tay Market is an adventure in itself, with stalls brimming with goods you won’t find elsewhere.
Shopping at
Binh Tay Market
is an adventure in itself, with stalls brimming with goods you won’t find elsewhere. Here’s what to snag:
Dried Goods and Spices
The food section is a highlight, piled high with dried shrimp, squid, and mushrooms—staples of Vietnamese and Chinese cooking. Spices like star anise, cinnamon, and chili flakes fill the air with their aroma, sold in bulk for as little as 20,000 VND (
$0.80 USD)
per 100 grams. These make perfect gifts or pantry additions for recreating pho or stir-fries back home.
Fabrics and Clothing
Textile lovers will adore the rolls of silk, cotton, and synthetic fabrics stacked floor-to-ceiling. Tailors nearby can whip up custom shirts or ao dai for 300,000-500,000 VND (
$12-20 USD
) within a day. Ready-made clothes—think T-shirts and knock-off brands—are dirt cheap, often under 100,000 VND (
$4 USD
), reflecting the
cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City
where affordability reigns.
Souvenirs and Trinkets
From bamboo hats to lacquered chopsticks, the souvenir stalls offer affordable keepsakes—most items start at 50,000 VND (
$2 USD
). Handmade jewelry and small Buddha statues add a cultural touch. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier tourist markets, letting you stock up without breaking the bank.
Savoring Cholon’s Flavors Around Binh Tay Market
While
Binh Tay Market
itself focuses more on goods than sit-down dining, the surrounding Cholon streets are a foodie’s paradise. After browsing, step outside to taste the area’s culinary soul:
Street Food Stalls
Vendors near the market serve up banh bao (steamed buns with pork and egg) for 25,000 VND (
$1
USD) and hu tieu (rice noodle soup) for 40,000 VND (
$1.60
USD). These dishes blend Chinese and Vietnamese influences, a nod to Cholon’s heritage. Grab a plastic stool and dig in—the flavors are bold and the prices unbeatable.
Dim Sum Delights
Cholon is famous for its dim sum, and spots like Dim Tu Tac (a 5-minute walk from
Binh Tay Market
) offer dumplings, siu mai, and sticky rice for 50,000-80,000 VND (
$2-3
USD) per plate. It’s a hearty breakfast or lunch option, steeped in the neighborhood’s Cantonese roots. For a fancier meal, try a
like Nha Hang Ngon later in your trip—its polished vibe contrasts Cholon’s gritty charm.
Coffee Breaks
No Ho Chi Minh City visit is complete without ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). Stalls around Binh Tay pour it strong and sweet for 20,000 VND (
$0.80
USD). Sip it slowly while watching the market bustle—it’s the perfect pick-me-up after haggling.
If you’ve visited
Ben Thanh Market
in District 1, you’ll notice the difference—Binh Tay feels less touristy, more lived-in, and focuses on wholesale trade over souvenirs. Pairing both markets in one trip offers a full spectrum of Ho Chi Minh City’s market culture—Ben Thanh’s polish meets Binh Tay’s raw energy.
Practical Tips for Visiting Binh Tay Market
A trip to
Binh Tay Market
is easy with a bit of planning. Here’s how to make it smooth:
Getting There
: From District 1, take a taxi (100,000-150,000 VND,
$4-6
USD) or Grab bike (50,000 VND,
$2
USD) for the 15-20 minute ride. Bus 1 from Ben Thanh Market (7,000 VND,
$0.30
USD) also drops you nearby—look for the clock tower.
Hours
: Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., though mornings are busiest with traders. Aim for late morning or afternoon for a calmer vibe.
Cash
: Bring small VND notes—vendors rarely take cards, and ATMs aren’t inside. A budget of 200,000-300,000 VND (
$8-12
USD) covers shopping and snacks.
Wear
: Comfortable shoes for the crowded aisles and light clothing for the heat (25-35°C, 77-95°F). A hat or umbrella helps in the sun-soaked courtyard.
Safety
: Watch your belongings—pickpockets lurk in busy spots. Stick to main paths if exploring Cholon solo.
Conclusion
Binh Tay Market
is Ho Chi Minh City’s unsung hero, pulsing with the spirit of Cholon’s Chinatown. The
cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City
shines through its affordable goods and eats, making Binh Tay a budget traveler’s dream compared to the flashier
