After more than two weeks of renovation, Ben Thanh Market unveiled a refreshed look ahead of Tet, Vietnam's biggest holiday that peaks on Feb. 17.
The exterior walls have been cleaned, the roof is painted bright red and sidewalks and road markings have been upgraded.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has also requested the renovation of areas around Turtle Lake, as well as public works, buildings and apartment complexes along Nguyen Hue, Ham Nghi, Le Loi and Dong Khoi streets.
The work is to be completed before Feb. 10.
The barriers around the hall in front of Ben Thanh Market have been removed.
The area was painted with a large wave-like pattern that has recently attracted public attention and sparked controversy.
According to Khang Dien Company, the project’s sponsor, the design was inspired by the culture and history of southern Vietnam and its canal system.
The original Ben Thanh Market was once located along a riverbank; although it was later relocated to its current site.
Interwoven with the wave motifs are depictions of flower boats moored along the shoreline, alongside delicate miniature scenes celebrating Tet.
About a week before the holiday, the weather is pleasantly sunny, with mild temperatures and little heat.
A group of 11th-grade students dressed in traditional Vietnamese ao dai pose for photos in front of the market.
"The area feels spacious, features beautiful decorations, and has a distinctly Saigon atmosphere," said Nguyen Cong Minh, one of them.
Around the market, about four rickshaws are available for rent for photo shoots at a cost of VND10,000 per person.
“Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of the city, so taking photos here feels both fun and nostalgic,” said 17-year-old Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngan (L).
Three women, dressed in traditional Vietnamese ao dai, filmed themselves strolling around Ben Thanh Market.
Thanh Duoc’s family paused to capture a moment together.
He said the market was decorated more beautifully than in previous years.
“I think the wave-shaped design, combined with floral arrangements, is very beautiful and distinctive,” he said.
The renovated East and West entrances on either side of the market also draw large numbers of locals and tourists.
“It’s too crowded in front of the market, making it difficult to take good photos. My goal is to have a nice picture to post on social media,” said 19-year-old Phan Le My Na (R).
A panoramic view of the Ben Thanh Market area after its renovation.
Built in 1912, the market has a total area of approximately 13,000 square meters, bordered by the streets Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton, and Quach Thi Trang Square.
It is one of the iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting many locals and tourists.
The market is located near the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line, making it convenient to get to, and there are also many parking options nearby.
