Ben Thanh Market was a rendezvous for street vendors by the Saigon River in the early 17th century before French colonial powers took over in 1859 and erected a solid structure with a thatched roof. |
Ben Thanh (pier and citadel) was given its name due to its proximity to the Saigon River and the old citadel that was destroyed by the French. |
The market was rebuilt in the early 20th century and a grand opening ceremony was held on March 28, 1914, gathering 100,000 people over three days. |
The cyclo was the most common means of transport in Saigon back then, when the motorbike was still a complete stranger. |
The two roads along the market were used as depots until 1940 to transfer passengers between Saigon and other cities and provinces in the south. |
Ben Thanh Market had four main entrances. The eastern and western doors were seperated by 96 meters, while the southern and the northern doors were 136 meters apart. |
Vendors inside the market. |
And outside the front. |
A street vendor behind the market. |
Until today, Ben Thanh Market remains one of the most visited places in Saigon. |