Ho Chi Minh City - Markets

Most of the markets in HCMC caters to locals as well as tourists. Besides the usual daily staples, you will also find souvenirs, clothing and knick-knacks. 

One of the biggest markets in HCMC is the Ben Thanh Market. This market is really huge, and you can find almost anything you want under one roof. I recommend you check out the stalls selling Vietnamese coffee.

Vietnamese coffee has a unique taste which is different to the normal Italian expresso. One thing you must try is the Cafe Sua Da - which is Vietnamese iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk. 

Another delicacy to try is dried beef - kind of like beef jerky, but much chewier. These are usually flavoured with a lot of spices. There are 2 types - sliced beef and beef cubes. The cubes are more tender, but I like the slices for the chewy texture. 

In the middle of Ben Thanh Market is a courtyard which offers a much needed escape from the crowded and stuffy stalls inside. There is even a memorial shrine to one of the main sponsors of the market.

A shop selling special elixirs - made with herbs and geckos or snakes.

The neighbourhood markets are mainly makeshift stalls serving the local community.