Ben Thanh Market

About this location

Ben Thanh Market - A historic urban landmark and the commercial heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is an architectural and artistic heritage site featuring a central hall, a clock tower, and a commercial space rich in cinematic value. The market is deeply intertwined with the history and development of the Saigon - Cho Lon urban area. The current structure was built between 1912 and 1914, covering over 13,000 square meters, including the main market hall and four primary entrances, with the clock tower at the South Gate serving as its iconic architectural hallmark. In 2024, Ben Thanh Market was designated as a municipal-level architectural and artistic heritage site. Since its relocation in 1914, Ben Thanh Market has become a vital commercial hub for Saigon. The market hall, the system of gates, the clock tower, and the bustling trade activities create a distinct urban identity. From a cinematic perspective, the location is ideal for capturing the contrast between early 20th-century architecture and contemporary commercial life, while adding visual depth through its corridors, stalls, entrances, and the flow of people. Ben Thanh Market is suitable for feature films, documentaries, historical-urban dramas, and contemporary settings, particularly works exploring the commercial life and urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. The cinematic value of the site lies in the combination of its highly recognizable architecture and the vibrant, ongoing daily life within it. Content summary: PTIT. Photo source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper; Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Location rules

• Permits: A formal request letter must be submitted to the Department of Culture and the Ben Thanh Market Management Board (under the Ben Thanh Ward People's Committee) before using the space as a filming location.
• Schedule: Market regulations state that the market operates from 07:00 to 22:00; fresh produce and food stalls open from 04:00. Outside of these hours, unauthorized personnel are not permitted to enter or remain in the market without the Management Board's consent. Therefore, film crews must coordinate filming schedules with the Management Board in advance, especially if filming outside of regular operating hours.
• Heritage Preservation: Do not drill, nail, dismantle, move, or alter the structure, electrical systems, fire safety systems, communication cables, or any architectural components. Market rules require that any renovation, repair, modification, or new installation must be approved in writing by the Market Management Board.
• Sanitation: Do not litter, pour water, dispose of waste, or compromise the cleanliness of the market hall.
• Security: Do not disrupt order, obstruct business activities, or interfere with shoppers and visitors. Service personnel entering the market must be authorized and must comply with the regulations of the Management Board.

Infrastructure