Saigon Night Markets - Food, Fun, and Hidden Gems

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a city that thrives after sunset. By day, it’s a whirlwind of motorbikes and markets, but by night, its streets transform into a neon-lit playground. 

With so many markets to choose from in Saigon, where do you start? Let’s break it down without overwhelming you.

The Classics: Must-Visit Night Markets

1. Ben Thanh Night Market

Location: District 1 (Phan Bii Chau & Phan Chu Trinh streets)

Hours: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Saigon’s most iconic night market is a sensory overload. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from “I Love Vietnam” T-shirts to hand-embroidered silk lanterns. While touristy, it’s a rite of passage.

Don’t Miss:

• Banh Xeo Aunty Mai: Crispy coconut milk pancakes stuffed with shrimp.

• Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled pork noodles with tangy fish sauce (a TripAdvisor favorite).

• Bargain Smart: Start at 50% of the quoted price for souvenirs like lacquerware or coffee beans.

Pro Tip: Avoid raw veggies here if you’re stomach-sensitive. Stick to bottled water and busy stalls.

Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go

2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street Night Market

Location: District 1 (Nguyen Hue Boulevard)

Hours: Weekends only (7 PM – midnight)

This pedestrian-only street transforms into a lively hub with pop-up cafes, live music, and local artisans. Perfect for:

• Handmade jewelry: Silver pieces with Vietnamese motifs (around 150,000 VND).

• Street art: Snap pics of the Ho Chi Minh mural or watch spray-painting demos.
  

3. Cholon (Binh Tay Market)

Location: District 5 (Chau Van Liem Street)

Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Saigon’s Chinatown hosts this wholesale market by day, but at night, it’s a fusion of Chinese-Vietnamese culture.

• Hủ Tiếu Cholon: Clear noodle soup with pork and fried garlic.

• Lucky Red Envelopes: Hand-painted designs near Bình Tây Market.

Saigon’s Night Market Circuit: Beyond the Usual Suspects

4. Hạnh Thong Tay Night Market (Gò Vấp District)

Hours: 6 PM - midnight

A local youth hotspot for affordable fashion. Think trendy jeans, graphic tees, and sneakers at half the price of District 1 (location of market).

• Street Eats: Try bánh tráng trộn (rice paper salad) or sugarcane juice.

5. Minh Phụng Night Market (Chợ Cây Gõ, District 6)

Hours: 4 PM - 10:30 PM

Budget shoppers flock here for sundresses, accessories, and knockoff bags (haggle hard!). The surrounding streets are packed with bánh mì carts and bubble tea stalls.
Google map location of Minh Phung night market here.

6. Ba Chieu Night Market (Binh Thạnh District)

Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

A local favorite for street food. Skip the clothes and head straight for:

• Banh Canh Cua: Thick crab noodle soup.

• Bo La Lot: Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves.

7. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Hours: Evenings until 11 PM

By day, it’s a wholesale flower hub. By night, food stalls take over. Wander under twinkling fairy lights while snacking on:

• Banh Trang Nuong (“Vietnamese pizza”): Grilled rice paper with quail egg and chili.

• Fresh Flower Cocktails: Vendors mix vodka with jasmine or rose syrups.

8. Tan Dinh Night Market (District 1)

Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Tan Dinh Market is famous for its food alley. Must-tries:

• Bánh Mì Hoa Ma: Legendary $1.50 baguettes stuffed with pâté and pork.

• Chè (Sweet Soup): Try the mung bean or durian version.

9. Ky Hoa Night Market

Hours: 6 PM – midnight

One of Saigon’s largest markets, with rows of clothing, tech gadgets, and a bustling food court. Grab a bánh xèo or coconut coffee while you shop.

Pro Tips for Night Market Mastery

1. Bargain Like a Pro: Start at 50% of the quoted price. Smile and walk away if vendors won’t budge - they’ll often call you back.

2. Safety First: Use crossbody bags and avoid flashing phones.

3. Cash Rules: ATMs are scarce in markets. So, carry small bills (20,000–100,000 VND).

4. Eat Like a Local: Follow crowds to the busiest stalls. High turnover = fresh ingredients.

Embrace the Chaos (if you can)

Saigon’s night markets aren’t just about shopping or eating – they’re a window into the city’s soul. Whether you’re sipping flower cocktails at Ho Thị Ky, hunting for vintage jeans in Go Vap, or laughing with a vendor over banh mi, these markets are where Saigon’s heart beats loudest.

So ditch the itinerary, grab your Grab bike (pun intended), and dive into the neon-lit chaos. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a lighter wallet, and stories you’ll tell for years.

Added Bonuses - While not really a night market, An Dong market in Saigon should deserve a place in your bucket list when visiting Ho chi minh city for cheap clothes and food items shopping!
Second option is to check out the Japanese town of Saigon, its epic!