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
-
Explore Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan Park is a true oasis nestled in the hustle and bustle of Saigon. This is where parents bring children to play, where couples stroll on dates and where workers enjoy...
-
Take part in the ostriches and elephant ride activity
There are many interesting outdoor activities for your choice in Dalat with various kind of activities as adventure activity, relaxing activity, etc. One of the most...
-
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...
-
.jpg)
A trip to Muong Hom market
Many weekend visitors to Sapa opt to visit Bac Ha market, which is easily accessible on an organised day trip from Sapa. But if you want to avoid the tourist hordes, Muong...
-
Mekong Delta by Vespa!
When most people hear Vespa, they think about Italy. Not in Saigon! Vespa Adventures can take you out on tour to the lush Mekong Delta, or if you’d rather stay in the...
-
Learn How Women Do It All at the Women’s Museum
Let’s just say that the Vietnamese Women’s Museum blew my mind. What I didn’t realize going into it was how drastically different many of the minority...
-
Diving and snorkeling
Nha Trang has a long and beautiful beach with the most colorful and beautiful coral reef and high biodiversity. Nha Trang is one of the best and most affordable...
-
Marvel at the Madness of Traffic
The roads are crazy. You know it and I know it. Get an aerial view from Highland Coffee. Best time to go is half an hour before sunset. You’ll get some amazing...
-
Discovery Mekong Delta by boat
The best way to discovery Mekong Delta is taking a boat and go around to see the local life and daily activities in the river and canals. Moreover, you can also enjoy the...
-
.jpg)
Visit Halong Bay by helicopter
Halong bay is famous for its beautiful caves and limestone karsts attracting thousands of tourists all over the world. There is no better way to see the aerial view of the bay...
Destinations
Most popular tours
-
Explore Vietnam
Price from: 640 US$
-
Luxuries of Vietnam
Price from: 2.020 US$
-
Signature Vietnam
Price from: 2.220 US$
-
Vietnam Family Holiday
Price from: 1.210 US$
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