Binh Tay Market: Discover the Trading Heart of Saigon’s Chinatown

Binh Tay Market, known locally as Cho Binh Tay, is a historic trading landmark in Ho Chi Minh City’s Cho Lon area. Located on Thap Muoi Street, the market offers a glimpse into the commercial life and Vietnamese-Chinese heritage of Saigon’s Chinatown.

For travelers interested in local culture, architecture and everyday encounters, Binh Tay Market adds a different perspective to a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.

A Market with a Story

Opened in 1930, Binh Tay Market is closely associated with Quach Dam, the businessman whose contribution helped establish it. Over generations, it has remained an important meeting place for traders serving Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam.

Its history reflects the entrepreneurship and cultural connections that shaped Cho Lon. Things to Do at Binh Tay Market

Admire the Historic Architecture

Pause outside to appreciate the tiled roofs, decorative details and distinctive tower before exploring inside. The building provides an atmospheric setting for discovering the market’s history and photographing its architecture.

Experience a Working Wholesale Market

Binh Tay is primarily a wholesale trading hub. Exploring its aisles offers an opportunity to observe merchants preparing orders, arranging goods and conducting daily business.

Some sellers focus on bulk purchases, so ask whether individual items are available before shopping. This wholesale character is a defining feature of the market.

Discover More of Cho Lon

Make the market a starting point for a wider exploration of Saigon’s Chinatown. Leave time to wander surrounding streets, pause for refreshments and discover the neighbourhood at a comfortable pace. A local guide can help explain the stories behind the places you encounter.

Tips for Visiting Binh Tay Market

Plan a morning visit if you prefer to explore before the afternoon heat. Allow around 45–60 minutes for the market, or longer for a broader Chinatown experience.

Wear comfortable shoes, carry small-denomination cash and keep aisles clear while traders work. Ask permission before taking close-up photographs of vendors, and approach bargaining politely.