Saigon’s markets provide insight to a parallel life that co-exists alongside the modern face of the city. While throngs of visitors flock to Ben Thanh, which is undeniably beautiful, it doesn’t convey the genuine traits and atmosphere of a local Vietnamese market – of which there are many in Saigon.

The markets just outside the city center communicate the story of another life, that of Saigon’s local people, less influenced by tourists and focusing on the trade of goods between each other. These bustling, vibrant and colorful markets reveal unchanged traditions that have lasted centuries, where friendly haggling and the opportunity to meet with friends prevail. Our Vietnam office has carefully selected five markets to create a ‘Top 5’ list where visitors can experience authentic Vietnamese markets and venture off the tourist map.

Our experienced guides will happily lead the way into places few other visitors set foot.

Image: Paul Levrier, exclusively for Destination Asia