Ben Thanh Market now open until 9 p.m. — Tan Dinh and Da Kao also getting a refresh

2026-10-26

Ho Chi Minh City is overhauling three well-known traditional markets: Ben Thanh, Tan Dinh and Da Kao. Ben Thanh has extended its hours to 9 p.m., and proposals to add ventilation and reshape the adjacent night food street are also under review.

According to Tuoi Tre (Oct 25), the public service center in Ben Thanh ward (old District 1) has drawn up a new layout plan for Ben Thanh Market. Opening hours have been pushed from the old 6–7 p.m. close to 9 p.m. The quieter fresh-food stalls in zones 3 and 4 will be consolidated into one area for better hygiene, and the freed space will be used for sweets, coffee and souvenirs. Two free public restrooms have just opened.

The city is reworking the layout of Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets, next to the market, so they fit a night food street operation. A proposal to install ventilation fans and air conditioning inside the market is also being submitted for review. For reference, an earlier Dan Tri report (Oct 14) put Ben Thanh's foot traffic at about 1,000–1,500 visitors on weekdays and up to 2,000 on holidays.

Tan Dinh Market and Da Kao Market will be placed under joint management. Stall categories will be rearranged, drainage and road surfaces repaired, lighting improved and murals added. Food-and-drink stalls along Nguyen Huu Cau street are also slated for investment. All three markets are being folded into the city's 2026–2030 medium-term investment plan and will be upgraded in phases.

What it means for foreigners

• With Ben Thanh now open until 9 p.m., it's easier to shop after work or to take visiting friends and family.
• Expect stalls to shift and aisles to change during the works. If you go often, scout the layout now.

• The Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau night food street next to Ben Thanh Market is not yet officially open — if you go now, it may not be running.

Tuoi Tre (2026-10-25) · Dan Tri (2026-10-14)