Ba Chieu Market is located at the intersection of Phan Dang Luu – Le Quang Dinh – Bach Dang in Binh Thanh District, about 4-5km from District 1. The market is famous for three main attractions: (1) Cheap second-hand clothes (t-shirts from $0.80, pants $3-4), (2) Diverse street food with 7+ signature dishes from sticky rice to snails, (3) Fresh produce from wholesale hubs like Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, and Da Lat. Operating hours: 5am – 7pm daily. Access via bus (routes 08, 24, 55, 91, 104, 146) or motorbike (~15 minutes from District 1).
Location & How to Get to Ba Chieu Market
Exact Address: Intersection of Phan Dang Luu – Le Quang Dinh – Bach Dang, Gia Dinh Ward (formerly Ward 1), Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Distance:
- From District 1: 4-5km
- Near Le Van Duyet Temple (Tomb of Ong Ba Chieu): <500m
By Motorbike
Route from District 1:
- Start from Notre Dame Cathedral/Central Post Office area
- Follow Le Duan → Dinh Tien Hoang
- Cross Bong Bridge
- Continue on Dinh Tien Hoang → turn into Nguyen Van Lac
- Reach Bui Huu Nghia → arrive at Ba Chieu Market
Travel time: About 15-20 minutes depending on traffic
By Bus
Routes passing the market:
- Route 08: District 8 Bus Station – National University
- Route 24: Mien Dong Bus Station – Binh Phu Residential Area
- Route 55: September 23 Park – District 9 High-Tech Park
- Route 91: Thu Duc Agricultural Market
- Route 104: An Suong Bus Station – Agricultural University
- Route 146: Mien Dong Bus Station – Hiep Thanh Market
Fare: 6,000-7,000 VND ($0.25-0.30)
Bus stops: Bach Dang or Phan Dang Luu
Note: Bus information may change. Check BusMap app or Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center website for latest routes.
Parking – Avoid Getting Overcharged
The area around the market has many informal parking lots with high prices. For safety and savings, park at:
Option 1: BIDV – 127 Dinh Tien Hoang
- Distance from market: 450m (10-minute walk)
- Price: ~6,000 VND ($0.25) for motorbikes
- Accepts both cars and motorbikes
Option 2: 163 Dien Bien Phu
- Distance from market: 1.1km (20-minute walk)
- Accepts both cars and motorbikes
Pro tip: Park at Ong Tomb (6,000 VND) and walk about 200m to the market to avoid traffic. Always ask about price and time limits before parking.
⚠️ Holiday note: Use the Le Quang Dinh entrance to avoid traffic jams at the main Phan Dang Luu gate.
Shopping at Ba Chieu Market – What to Buy & Where
Ba Chieu Market covers 8,465-8,500m², divided into 8 main sections with nearly 800 vendors selling 40 categories of goods. It’s one of the 5 largest Grade 1 markets in Saigon, on par with Ben Thanh Market.
Second-Hand Clothes – Top Attraction
Ba Chieu Market is known by young locals as a “thrift shopping paradise” with abundant second-hand items at rock-bottom prices.
Price reference:
- T-shirts: 20,000-30,000 VND ($0.80-$1.20)
- Jeans jackets: 80,000-100,000 VND ($3.20-$4)
- Pants: 70,000-100,000 VND ($2.80-$4)
- Shoes: From 50,000 VND ($2)
- Bags: From 30,000 VND ($1.20)
Are there branded items? Yes, but prices are high and the “treasure hunt” experience is limited. Vendors are experienced and know the value of brands like Lacoste, Levi’s, CK, Coach, so they price accordingly.
Best time for thrifting:
- ✅ 9am: New stock arrives, more selection
- ✅ Weekends/Holidays: Most stock, more time to browse
Tips:
- Check stitching, fabric quality, colors carefully
- Be quick (good items sell fast)
- Bargain politely (reduce 20-30% of asking price)
Fresh Produce – Wholesale Hub
Ba Chieu Market was once a major wholesale hub for Saigon, supplying vegetables to smaller markets.
Sources:
- Vegetables from Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Da Lat
- Dried seafood: Dried shrimp from Ca Mau, dried squid from Phu Quoc
Price reference:
- Vegetables: ~15,000 VND/kg ($0.60/kg)
- Tiger shrimp: ~200,000 VND/kg ($8/kg)
- Meat, fish: Market prices
Prime time for fresh produce:
- 4am-3pm: Fresh food stalls operate
- Early morning 5am-8am: Freshest items, best selection
New Fashion & Accessories
Besides second-hand items, the market sells new fashion at affordable prices.
Items:
- Clothing, shoes suitable for everyday wear
- Conical hats: 20,000 VND ($0.80) – perfect for tourist souvenirs
- Traditional ao dai, ba ba shirts
Operating hours: Fashion stalls close at 7-8pm.
Household Goods & Reputable Gold Shop
Household items:
- Pots, pans, cookware
- Beauty products
- Plastic household items
Mi Hong Gold Shop:
- Famous and reputable at the market
- Trusted by many local residents
Ba Chieu Market Food – 7 Must-Try Dishes
Ba Chieu Market isn’t just a shopping destination but a “food paradise” with numerous famous street food dishes.
1. Ba Chieu Sticky Rice with Chicken – Must-Try #1
Address: 318/1 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thanh District
⏰ Hours: 4:40pm-12am
Price: 25,000-50,000 VND ($1-$2) per box
Features:
- Sticky glutinous rice + crispy fried chicken/char siu pork
- Pork floss + fried shallots + signature sauce (not too oily)
- Wrapped in banana leaves to retain heat and flavor
- Always crowded, fast service
Pro tip: Stall is somewhat hidden at a corner intersection, ask for directions. Visit in the afternoon or late evening, be patient to queue as it’s popular.
2. Durian Sticky Rice – Unique for Durian Lovers
Address: 384 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thanh District
⏰ Hours: All day
Price: 10,000-50,000 VND ($0.40-$2) per box (depends on durian amount)
Features:
- Mixed sticky rice + fresh durian + sauce
- Not overpowering durian smell
- Rice and mung bean flavors not overshadowed
- Moderate richness
Suitable for: Durian lovers wanting to try unique dishes.
3. Snails with Milk Sauce (Co Nam) – Can’t-Miss Specialty
Address: 282/4A or 282/6 Bui Huu Nghia (opposite Gia Dinh Church)
⏰ Hours: 3:30pm-9pm (busiest at 5:30pm)
Price: 30,000-35,000 VND ($1.20-$1.40) per plate (flat rate)
Features:
- 3 signature milk sauces:
- Basic fermented shrimp paste
- Paste + sweet condensed milk
- Paste + rich coconut cream
- Spacious, airy setting
- Serves many customers simultaneously
Note: Arrive before 5:30pm to avoid long waits.
4. Fried Offal Vu Tung – Rich Southern Flavor
Address: 90 Vu Tung, Ward 2, Binh Thanh
⏰ Hours: Afternoon-evening
Price: From 20,000 VND ($0.80)
Features:
- Crispy fried offal
- Served with stir-fried morning glory + fish sauce
- Combo with coconut water + bread
- Simple street-style setting with plastic tables
5. Bun Mam Anh Tai – Authentic Mekong Flavor
Location: Stall 855 inside the market
⏰ Hours: Morning-afternoon
Price: 45,000 VND ($1.80) for full bowl
Features:
- Fish + fish cakes + roasted pork + shrimp + squid
- Rich, spicy broth in Mekong Delta style
- Must park outside and walk into market to find
Bonus: The stall also serves delicious crab noodle soup.
6. Grilled Spring Rolls Anh Thuy – Hue-Saigon Fusion
Location: Inside the market
⏰ Hours: Morning until 5pm-6pm
Price: 15,000-30,000 VND ($0.60-$1.20)
Features:
- Rice noodles + grilled spring rolls + grilled meat + shrimp cake
- Fresh vegetables + pickles + crushed peanuts + scallion oil
- Fish sauce with pickled shallots (signature)
- Can order spring rolls separately for parties
7. Che Co My – 47 Years Old
⏰ Hours: 8am-4pm
Price: From 15,000 VND ($0.60)
Varieties:
- Herbal sweet soup (best seller)
- Sweet coconut tapioca cake
- Sponge cake, flan
- Mixed sweet soup
- Banana sweet soup
- Mung bean/black bean sweet soup
- Jelly sweet soup
Customers: Both outsiders and market vendors love it.
Other Dishes Worth Trying
- Fresh rice rolls (Mrs. Khanh’s stall)
- Bun rieu: ~30,000 VND ($1.20)
- Crab noodle soup, Hu Tieu Nam Vang
- Rice pancakes, mixed rice paper
- Soft-boiled eggs (Co Beo – in Bach Dang alley)
⚠️ Note: Addresses and prices may change. Recommend calling to confirm before visiting.
Shopping Tips – Avoid Getting Ripped Off
When to Visit
✅ Afternoon (3pm-6pm) – BEST TIME:
- Avoid crowds
- Food stalls + fashion stalls both active
- Easier to bargain (vendors more flexible)
- Natural light available (compensates for poor market lighting)
✅ Weekends/Holidays – FOR THRIFT SHOPPERS:
- Most second-hand stock arrives
- Time to browse leisurely
- Many unique items
❌ Avoid early morning – CAUTION:
- Hard to bargain (avoid being “first customer”)
- Vendors usually inflexible on prices
- Crowded (people buying fresh produce)
How to Bargain Effectively
The “sky-high pricing” culture: Ba Chieu Market is famous for vendors “quoting sky-high prices” – offering prices much higher than actual value. Bargaining is MANDATORY, not optional.
5-step bargaining strategy:
Step 1: Ask the price
- Don’t show excessive interest
- Ask casually, confidently
Step 2: Offer 30-40% lower
- Example: Vendor says 100k → You offer 60-70k
- Speak politely, not rigidly
Step 3: Negotiate
- Vendor will reduce
- You increase slightly
- Goal: Get 20-30% off final price
Step 4: Walk away technique
- If no agreement, slowly walk away
- Usually vendor will call back with better price
Step 5: Close the deal
- Agree on reasonable price
- Thank the vendor
Important notes:
- Be polite, respectful to vendors
- Don’t be too aggressive (moderate is key)
- Afternoon/evening easier to bargain than morning
Fresh produce:
- Prices usually more stable
- Still can ask and bargain lightly
Quality Check
Second-hand items:
- ✅ Check stitching (solid, no loose threads)
- ✅ See overall condition (colors, wear)
- ✅ Try on if possible
- ❌ Good quality usually costs more (don’t expect too much)
Fresh food:
- ✅ Check freshness (smell, color)
- ✅ Ask about origin (Da Lat, Hoc Mon…)
- ✅ Buy early morning for freshest items
General principle:
- Quality varies (ranges from good to average)
- Need to be “quick-eyed, quick-handed”
- Good items sell fast, don’t hesitate too long
Important Things to Know – Honest Talk
To have the best experience, you should know the market’s limitations beforehand:
⚠️ About Facilities
Lighting:
- Market is “somewhat dark, very humid” (per TripAdvisor reviews)
- Aisles quite narrow, dim, lack of lighting
- Solution: Go in the afternoon to use natural light
Hygiene:
- Many dark puddles, stagnant water on ground (especially food area)
- Messy walkways
- Solution: Wear appropriate footwear, avoid flip-flops
⚠️ About Transportation & Parking
Traffic jams:
- Market is at intersection of 3 major roads (Phan Dang Luu, Le Quang Dinh, Bach Dang)
- Rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) very crowded
- Holidays: Phan Dang Luu gate usually jammed
- Solution: Use Le Quang Dinh entrance on holidays
Parking lots:
- Many informal lots may overcharge
- Inconsistent pricing (5,000-10,000 VND or higher)
- Solution: Use reputable lots at BIDV 127 Dinh Tien Hoang or 163 Dien Bien Phu
⚠️ About Vendors & Pricing
Attitude:
- “Some vendors lack friendliness” (per reviews)
- Not everyone is enthusiastic
- Mindset: This is a local market, not a shopping mall
Price culture:
- No price tags
- Vendors “quote sky-high prices”
- Bargaining is MANDATORY, not optional
- “If you don’t know how to bargain, you’ll definitely overpay”
⚠️ About Product Quality
Reality:
- “Very cheap but questionable quality” (foreign reviews)
- “Definitely knock-offs” (counterfeit goods)
- Can find everything cheap but not necessarily good quality
Recommendations:
- Check carefully before buying
- Don’t expect high quality at low prices
- Suitable for everyday wear, not long-term items
⚠️ About Experience
Overall visitor assessments:
- ✅ Cheap, affordable
- ✅ Diverse products
- ✅ Rich food culture
- ❌ Somewhat dark, humid
- ❌ Some vendors not friendly
- ❌ Uneven product quality
Who should visit Ba Chieu Market:
- ✅ People who know how to bargain
- ✅ Don’t mind traditional market environment
- ✅ Want cheap shopping, not too demanding about quality
- ✅ Like exploring street food
Who it’s NOT suitable for:
- ❌ Want luxury shopping experience
- ❌ Expect high quality, authentic branded goods
- ❌ Don’t like bargaining
- ❌ Not used to traditional market environment
Comparison: Ba Chieu Market vs Ben Thanh Market
Both are large, historic markets in HCMC but serve different audiences:
| Criteria | Ba Chieu Market | Ben Thanh Market |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Binh Thanh District (local area) | District 1 (tourist hub) |
| Main audience | Local residents + savvy tourists | International tourists |
| Prices | 30-50% cheaper | High (tourist pricing) |
| Specialty | Second-hand + local food + fresh produce | Souvenirs + tourism + gifts |
| Bargaining | Necessary, reduce 20-30% | Necessary, but harder |
| Atmosphere | Traditional market, local | Touristic, bustling |
| Food | Authentic, affordable | Diverse, higher prices |
| Best time | Afternoon-evening (4-8pm) | All day + night market |
| Facilities | Old, dark, humid | Better, some AC areas |
| Transportation | Can be jammed at rush hour | Always crowded, hard to park |
Conclusion:
- Choose Ba Chieu if: Want cheap prices, local experience, thrifting, authentic food
- Choose Ben Thanh if: Tourist, buying souvenirs, staying near District 1
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Ba Chieu Market’s opening hours?
General hours: 5am – 7pm/8pm daily
By product category:
- Fresh produce: 4am-3pm (best 5am-8am)
- Fashion: Until 7pm-8pm
- Food stalls around market: Some until late night
Holidays: Still open, but some stalls may close or close earlier than usual.
2. When should I visit Ba Chieu Market?
Depends on purpose:
For fresh produce:
- ✅ Early morning 5am-8am: Freshest items, best selection
For thrifting:
- ✅ 9am: New stock, time to browse
- ✅ Weekends/holidays: Most stock arrives
For fashion + food:
- ✅ Afternoon-evening 3pm-8pm: Best! Avoid crowds, easier bargaining, both food + fashion active
Avoid:
- ❌ Early morning for fashion bargaining
- ❌ After 8pm (stalls closed)
3. Should I bargain? How to bargain?
Yes, bargaining is MANDATORY. Ba Chieu Market is famous for “sky-high pricing” culture.
Strategy:
- Offer 30-40% lower than initial price
- Negotiate politely
- Goal: Get 20-30% off final
- Afternoon/evening easier than morning
- Be polite, respectful to vendors
Note: Fresh produce prices more stable, still can ask and bargain lightly.
4. Where to park safely? How much?
Recommendations:
Reputable lots:
- BIDV – 127 Dinh Tien Hoang: 450m from market, ~6,000 VND ($0.25)
- 163 Dien Bien Phu: 1.1km from market
- Ong Tomb: 6,000 VND, 200m from market
Avoid: Informal lots around market (may overcharge)
Note: Always ask about price and time limits before parking.
5. What can I buy with $4 (100,000 VND) at Ba Chieu Market?
Option 1: Second-hand clothes (after bargaining)
- 1 jeans jacket (~$3.20)
- 1 t-shirt (~$0.80)
- OR
- 3-5 t-shirts (~$0.80-$1.20 each)
- OR
- 1 pair of jeans (~$2.80-3.20) + 1 t-shirt
Option 2: Food
- 2 boxes sticky rice (~$2)
- 1 portion snails (~$1.40)
- 1 drink (~$0.60)
- OR
- 2-3 bowls noodles/pho (~$1.20-1.60/bowl)
Option 3: Fresh produce
- 6-7kg vegetables (~$0.60/kg)
- OR
- 500g tiger shrimp (if budget remains)
Option 4: Mix
- 1-2 second-hand shirts (~$1.60-2.40)
- 1 box sticky rice (~$1.20)
- Remaining for small items
6. What makes Ba Chieu Market special compared to others?
3 main strengths:
- Cheap second-hand: “Thrift shopping paradise” for young people
- Authentic food: Famous for sticky rice, durian sticky rice, snails
- Wholesale hub: Fresh produce from Hoc Mon, Da Lat at good prices
Classification: One of 5 largest Grade 1 markets in Saigon (along with An Dong, Binh Tay, Pham Van Hai, Ben Thanh)
7. Should foreign tourists visit?
Yes, BUT need preparation:
✅ Should visit if:
- Want local market experience, not too “touristy”
- Know how to bargain or willing to learn
- Like authentic street food
- Don’t mind traditional market environment (dark, humid, crowded)
❌ Not suitable if:
- Want luxury shopping experience
- Don’t speak Vietnamese and have no guide
- Expect English-speaking vendors
- Want authentic branded goods, high quality
Tips for foreigners:
- Bring a Vietnamese friend if possible
- Learn basic bargaining phrases
- Use Google Translate
- Lower quality expectations
- Be patient and smile
- Cash only (most places don’t accept cards)
- Dress casually (you’ll be walking in narrow, humid aisles)
8. Is it safe for solo travelers?
Yes, generally safe, but standard precautions apply:
Safety tips:
- ✅ Watch your belongings (keep bags in front)
- ✅ Don’t flash expensive items (cameras, phones, jewelry)
- ✅ Be aware of surroundings
- ✅ Avoid isolated areas
- ✅ Visit during daylight hours
Common issues:
- Pickpocketing (rare but possible in crowded areas)
- Aggressive vendors (rare, usually just persistent)
- Getting lost (market can be confusing)
Emergency:
- Market security available
- Police station nearby
- Keep hotel address in Vietnamese on phone
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
Language
Useful Vietnamese phrases:
- “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?) – [bow nyew teen]
- “Đắt quá!” (Too expensive!) – [dat qua]
- “Rẻ hơn đi” (Cheaper please) – [zeh hun dee]
- “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) – [gahm un]
Reality check:
- Most vendors speak limited/no English
- Young vendors may understand basic English
- Google Translate is your friend
- Pointing and calculator work well
Money
Cash is KING:
- Most vendors don’t accept cards
- Bring small bills (20k, 50k, 100k VND notes)
- Avoid 500k notes (hard to get change)
ATMs nearby:
- Several banks around market
- Withdraw before entering
Tipping:
- Not expected at market stalls
- Round up for food if service good
What to Bring
Essentials:
- ✅ Cash in small bills
- ✅ Reusable bag (vendors provide plastic but thin)
- ✅ Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
- ✅ Phone with Google Maps/Translate
- ✅ Water bottle
- ✅ Small backpack (keep in front)
What to wear:
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes (NOT flip-flops)
- ✅ Light, breathable clothing (it’s humid)
- ✅ Modest clothing (respect local culture)
- ❌ Expensive jewelry/accessories
- ❌ Fancy camera equipment (unless willing to protect)
Cultural Etiquette
Do’s:
- ✅ Smile and be friendly
- ✅ Ask before taking photos of vendors
- ✅ Try to bargain politely
- ✅ Respect personal space (despite crowds)
- ✅ Eat at food stalls (vendors appreciate it)
Don’ts:
- ❌ Touch food without asking
- ❌ Be rude or aggressive when bargaining
- ❌ Expect Western hygiene standards
- ❌ Complain loudly about prices/conditions
- ❌ Walk away without thanking vendors
Health & Safety
Food safety:
- ✅ Stick to busy stalls (high turnover = fresh)
- ✅ Eat cooked food (avoid raw)
- ✅ Drink bottled water only
- ⚠️ Your stomach may need time to adjust
Weather considerations:
- Hot and humid year-round
- Rainy season May-November (bring umbrella)
- Best months to visit: December-April
Conclusion
Ba Chieu Market is an ideal destination for those who want:
- ✅ Budget shopping, especially thrifting
- ✅ Authentic street food experience
- ✅ Explore traditional Saigon market
- ✅ Save money (30-50% cheaper than Ben Thanh)
Remember:
- Bargaining is MANDATORY (reduce 20-30%)
- Visit afternoon for best experience
- Check quality carefully before buying
- Park at reputable lots (BIDV/163 DBP)
- Bring cash (many places don’t accept cards)
- Lower expectations for facilities/hygiene
- Embrace the chaos – it’s part of the experience!
Ba Chieu Market isn’t a luxury shopping experience, but it’s where you can feel the real pulse of Saigon life with affordable prices and food rich in local character.
For adventurous travelers willing to navigate language barriers, bargaining culture, and traditional market conditions, Ba Chieu offers an authentic slice of Vietnamese daily life that polished tourist markets can’t match.