Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

It is a bargain hunters delight! Stuff you can browse through while also having some hearty meals and juices you can spend an entire day here and buy everything or nothing. The options spoil you for choice. Most ladies run the shops and they are smart as a whip. They will bargain with you and yet make you feel happy about the sale. We got some very good bargains. We did meet the one odd shop keeper who was offended when we did not buy from her but overall the people were really nice & helpful. The local guides will tell you about bargain steals at the night market. It's hogwash. You get equally good deals in the morning and more options. Spend the evenings enjoying the local vibe at a pub or eatery.

This market caters to tourists. Most of the vendors have similar stocks. It's best to roam around first and bargain for the best price. Majority of the vendors are friendly, not pushy at all and do check out the food stalls. Great selections of items to choose from. Overall, I give this market a 9/10.

This market has everything from souvenirs, apparels to ornaments and exotic stuff. If you are to bargain make sure to visit all around and get the general idea. It even has a food section which we enjoyed, great meals with lots of choices at a reasonable pricing. Wouldn't say extraordinary, but well worth for what is paid.

You can buy literally anything from this market. I would suggest that you come during the day though as they close early. Maybe before 6pm. The prices are doubled or tripled for tourists so make sure to haggle. Souvenir shirts that are 300000 dong are actually half the price. We bought everything half the price they initially quoted from various stores. The durian is very good and you can eat it there. They will provide plastic gloves and tissue. You can get a better price if you buy a items together. We bought freshly ground coffee and they gave us the cup for free.

A very tourist-trap market but I would still recommend to go if you love bargaining/haggling. Be prepared to pay double of what you’d pay outside. So be sure your haggling skills are top notch! You can also make tailored clothing here which will be delivered to you the very next day to your hotel. The vendors are friendly and would give you “best price” if you come back.