HCM City: Plans are underway to renovate Ben Thanh Market, a historic wholesale market and key tourist attraction in HCM City.

According to Vietnam News Agency the renovation will cover a myriad of aspects, including roof tiles, water supply and drainage systems, electricity, lighting, and fire protection. Repairs will also be made to the market’s four main gates and its kiosks. Additionally, a vast 45,800 square metre area in front of the market, encompassing Quach Thi Trang Square, roads, and sidewalks, will undergo reconstruction and upgrading. This ambitious project, which carries a price tag of 157 billion VND (6.4 million USD), will be funded by both the city’s budget and private contributions. The completion of the renovation is slated for April 30, 2025.

Ben Thanh Market has a long-standing history, with its origins tracing back to street vendors near the Ben Nghe River in the early 17th century. French colonialists formalized its presence after taking control of the Gia Dinh Citadel in 1859. In 1912, the market was relocated to its current site, which spans more than 13,000 square meters, intersected by the streets of Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, and Le Thanh Ton. The market underwent its last renovation in 1985, and over the years, it has cemented its status as a must-visit locale for tourists. With over 3,000 stalls, the market showcases a diverse range of offerings from food and clothing to handicrafts. Popular among both local and foreign visitors, it draws large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. As per Ngo Van Ha, head of the market’s managing board, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, daily footfall on such peak days could exceed 7,000 visitors. Shop owners at the market are gearing up for the upcoming festive season, with a focus on items such as traditional Vietnamese silk and cotton clothing, handicrafts, and long-lasting fried seafood.