4. Binh Tay Market (Big Market – Chợ Lớn) (Ho Chi Minh City)
Highlights: Even though this is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, little is known about its history. As rumors go, Binh Tay Market – Cho Lon was built, or at least mostly invested by a Chinese businessman, called Guoyan (Vietnamese name: Quách Đàm). He did this to support his trading career as well as the regional purchasing scene.
Located in Vietnam’s Chinatown, tourists can easily find the market having unique patterns mixed by Vietnamese as well as Chinese style. The Chinese style blends into the daily life of residents here, making this Chinatown, not a cute Chinatown often found in the world but a “real” Chinatown.
What to buy: Binh Tay Market, unlike Ben Thanh Market which is so famous and touristy, is less bustling, offers locals a wide range of goods with its two-storey building constructed along Thap Muoi Street.
Similar to other Vietnamese markets, you can find famous cuisine as well as popular goods here. However, what makes this market standing out is that in the middle of the market, there is a stone altar honoring Guoyan – Quach Dam.
Location: 57a Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6 a.m to 7 p.m