The Bustling Ben Thanh Market, a genuinely Vietnamese highlight
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A typical Vietnamese marketplace, Ben Thanh Market is a place where local residents purchase their day-to-day necessities and also socialize with their friends and acquaintances. It is also frequented by visitors from abroad who wish to purchase locally made products and observe the mode of life of the local Vietnamese.
Ben Thanh Market is one of the city’s oldest established markets, having existed as a wet market as far back as the 17th century. The buildings were constructed by the French colonialists in 1870 and since then it has functioned as a popular marketplace until the present day.
The market features a bewildering array of merchandise, including almost everything the local people could possibly need for their everyday life. Goods found here include vegetables, meats, dried fruits, sweets, spices, clothing, tobacco, jewellery, wristwatches and different kinds of hardware. On the other hand the market also offers merchandise that will appeal to tourists, such as locally made textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.
The environs of Ben Thanh are also reputed for the authentic Vietnamese cuisine that may be enjoyed in the local restaurants, eateries and food stalls. Grilled seafood, fried fish and other local favourites are plentifully available here for very reasonable prices. Late in the evening this fascinating bazaar becomes a vibrant night market, brightly illuminated and alluring. This is a rather different experience and will appeal to those who enjoy exploring night time attractions. Irrespective of the visitor’s age or nationality, exploring the Ben Thanh Market is sure to be an enthralling experience.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+