Haggle for bargains in Ben Thanh market
Ben Thanh market is one of the more exciting places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a chance to truly get stuck in with the locals and test your bargaining skills. It’s a very different experience if you get used to fixed priced items that the idea of bargaining never comes to mind but after visiting a few markets, you almost start to limber up at the prospect of haggling your way through amazing bargains.
Ben Thanh market, located in District 1 across from the bus station, is probably the best known. It is especially popular in the evening and at night, when food vendors set up stalls and locals and tourists alike gather to eat and shop.
Ben Thanh is possibly more regulated, so you may have to worry less about knock-offs or price gouging. That said, you should always be wary of knock-offs and gouging.
Shopping inside the market will require you to practise the art of bargaining and, as they commonly deal with unsuspecting tourists, the vendors at Ben Thanh are pros. A common practice is to inflate prices to double or triple their actual value, meaning you must work the price down to get a reasonable deal. A quick tip in bargaining at Ben Thanh is to cruise the outer ring of the market, where all stalls are fixed priced and most items are actually marked with a price tag. This will give you a good idea of what a moderate price will be when you go inside to haggle.
Bartering is the way to shop here, so jump right in, offer a price that you think is fair, and have fun. Be extra careful if prices are absent or not clearly marked – that goes for everything, everywhere, every time.
See more
-
.jpg)
Climbing Fansipan
Treks are usually overnight, or even over three days, with accommodation in tents or bamboo huts located at just over 2,200 metres.
-
Try fresh fruits in local garden
Mekong Delta is famous with laden fruit orchard along the river. So, visiting some local garden and try some fresh and sweet fruits become one of the most popular thing that...
-
Trekking to Son Doong Cave
Son Doong is the largest natural cave in the world. The majestic and monumental landscape of Son Doong Cave is considered as the great wall of Vietnam. Trekking to Son Doong...
-
Go Backpacking Hai Van Pass by Motorbike
Hai Van Pass had been selected as one of the most beautiful stretch of beach road in the world. Go backpacking Hai Van Pass by motorbike is an amazing experience that...
-
Learn About Traditional Medicine
A visit to the FITO museum is quite the experience. In this ornate house, you’ll be guided floor by floor and learn all about the traditional methods used to treat...
-
Go Fishing in Ba Be Lake
Go fishing in Ba Be lake is an interesting and relax activities in Ba Be lake. You can enjoy this outdoor activity with local people on Doc Moc boat which is a unique boat...
-
Trekking Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is one of Vietnam’s most famous areas of outstanding natural beauty, a dream destination for those interested...
-
Notre Dame Basilica
With its French inspiration, all building materials for the Notre Dame Basilica were even brought over from France. Whether you simply view it from the exterior or take a trip...
-
Discovering Hue by bicycle
Hue is probably the best city in Vietnam for cycling. There is less traffic than the other major cities and the people of Hue are in less of a hurry.
-
Brush up on your Bargaining
Unless you see a stickered price on the souvenir you’re eyeing up, the price is probably negotiable. Remember your poker face, keep a limit in your head and be prepared...
Destinations
Most popular tours
-
Discovery North of Viet Nam
Price from: 460 US$
-
Northern Classic Tour
Price from: 310 US$
-
Visit Tho Ha Traditional Village
Price from: 23 US$
-
Vietnam Heritage Trail
Price from: Contact
Business info
Vietnam Local Guide
- Address: 18th Floor, VTC Online Tower, 18 Tam Trinh Str.,Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
- Email: info@vietnamguider.com
- Phone: (+84) 0904989890
- Hotline: (+84) 0904989890