If you have researched Ho Chi Minh City travel even for five minutes, you have undoubtedly heard two names: Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square.
They are the two titans of shopping in Saigon. Both are located in District 1, both are packed with goods, and both require serious bargaining skills. But for a traveler in 2026 with limited time, visiting both might not be possible.
So, which one deserves your precious vacation hours? Is Ben Thanh just a tourist trap? Is Saigon Square only for clothes?
In this comprehensive guide, we compare these two shopping landmarks side-by-side to help you decide where to spend your money.
| Feature | Ben Thanh Market | Saigon Square |
| Primary Vibe | Traditional, Iconic, Bustling | Modern Market, Fashion-Focused |
| Best For | Souvenirs, Local Food, Coffee, Fabric | Clothing, Sportswear, Winter Coats, Accessories |
| Comfort Level | Low (Hot, narrow aisles, no A/C) | High (Air-conditioned, cleaner) |
| Price Point | High initial asking price (Hard Bargaining) | Moderate asking price (Medium Bargaining) |
| Food? | Yes, huge food court inside | No, only small snack stalls |
| Opening Hours | 6 AM – 6 PM (Night Market after 6 PM) | 9 AM – 9 PM |
1. Ben Thanh Market: The Cultural Icon
Built in 1912, Ben Thanh Market is more than just a place to shop; it is a symbol of the city. It attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Pros (Why go?)
- The “Vietnam” Experience: The sights, smells, and sounds are intense. If you want to take photos of colorful spices, fruit towers, and bustling crowds, this is the place.
- Variety: You can find everything here. From dried mangoes and Weasel coffee to lacquerware, silk scarves, and “I Love Vietnam” t-shirts.
- The Food Court: This is Ben Thanh’s secret weapon. The central area serves authentic local dishes like Bun Mam and Che (sweet soup) at reasonable prices.
The Cons (The warning)
- The Heat: It is an open-air indoor market with little ventilation. In the afternoon, it becomes a sauna.
- Aggressive Sellers: Vendors here see thousands of tourists daily. They can be pushy, sometimes grabbing your arm to get attention.
- The “Tourist Tax”: Initial prices here are often inflated by 200-300%. You must bargain hard.
Verdict: Go to Ben Thanh for the photos, the food, and small souvenirs.
2. Saigon Square: The Fashion Hunter’s Paradise
Located just a short walk (or a quick Grab ride) from Ben Thanh, Saigon Square feels completely different. It is often described as a “Russian Market” style shopping center but cleaner and more organized.
The Pros (Why go?)
- Air Conditioning (A/C): This cannot be overstated. Shopping in 35°C (95°F) heat is exhausting. Saigon Square is fully air-conditioned, making it a sanctuary for shoppers.
- Quality of Goods: This is the primary destination for “Export Surplus” clothing. You will find high-quality winter jackets (North Face, etc.), activewear (Nike, Adidas), and golf apparel that feels genuine.
- Easier Bargaining: While you still need to haggle, the starting prices are not as insane as Ben Thanh. Vendors are generally more relaxed and polite.
The Cons (The warning)
- Limited Variety: You won’t find spices, dried fish, or traditional handicrafts here. It is 90% clothing and accessories (bags, watches, shoes).
- Narrow Aisles: It can get crowded on weekends, and the aisles are packed tight with merchandise.
Verdict: Go to Saigon Square for wardrobe upgrades, winter coats, and golf apparel.
3. Deep Dive: Which is Cheaper?
This is the most common question. The answer depends on your negotiation skills, but generally:
- Ben Thanh has higher “asking prices” but can go lower on cheap souvenirs if you are a master negotiator.
- Saigon Square has more realistic “asking prices” for higher quality items.
Example Scenario:
If you want a cheap souvenir t-shirt that will shrink after one wash, go to Ben Thanh and pay 50,000 VND ($2).
If you want a high-quality dry-fit polo shirt that lasts for years, go to Saigon Square and pay 150,000 – 300,000 VND ($6-$12). You pay more, but the value is significantly higher.
4. The “Golf Shopping” Factor
Since many visitors to Ho Chi Minh City are here for golf, this distinction is vital.
- Ben Thanh Market: Has very few golf options. Most are low-quality cotton replicas.
- Saigon Square: Is the “unofficial pro shop” of the city. You will find dozens of stalls dedicated to golf brands like Titleist, PXG, and Malbon. The quality of fabric (moisture-wicking, UV cut) is vastly superior here.
(Read our full guide on [Why Ho Chi Minh is the Best City in Asia for Golf Shopping] for more details.)
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ben Thanh Market IF:
- It is your first time in Vietnam and you want to see the famous landmark.
- You want to buy food souvenirs (coffee, tea, dried fruit).
- You want to eat local street food in a bustling atmosphere.
- You are only looking for cheap magnets or keychains.
Choose Saigon Square IF:
- You want to buy clothes, bags, or shoes that you will actually wear back home.
- You hate the heat and want to shop in A/C.
- You are a golfer looking for sportswear.
- You prefer a slightly less aggressive sales environment.
The “Pro” Itinerary
Can’t decide? Here is the perfect plan:
Start your morning at Ben Thanh Market (around 9:00 AM) to take photos and see the architecture before it gets too hot. Buy your coffee beans and dried mangoes here. Then, as the midday sun heats up, walk over to Saigon Square to cool down in the A/C and do your serious clothes shopping.