What’s next for Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic traditional markets?

Welcoming thousands of visitors daily, Ben Thanh Market is expected to undergo a transformation aimed at better meeting the needs of tourists and local shoppers.

Ngo Van Ha, director of the Ben Thanh Ward Public Service Supply Center, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Sunday that the ward had mapped out a plan to reorganize the market’s product categories to better suit its business environment.

Under the initial proposal, fresh food stalls in Sections 3 and 4, where many spaces remain vacant and operations are running below capacity, will be consolidated into a single area to improve hygiene standards.

The space freed up by this rearrangement will be used to sell confectionery, coffee, souvenirs and other products suited to the market’s role as a tourist destination.

The market has also extended its opening hours until 9:00 pm to give visitors more time to shop, compared with its previous closing time of around 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Two public restrooms have recently opened at the market and are available free of charge to support both vendors and visitors.

As planned, a nighttime food street near Ben Thanh Market will be established.

Ha said authorities were reviewing traffic routes along Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau Streets to accommodate the proposed food street while maintaining smooth traffic flow in the surrounding area.

Under the plan, food businesses would primarily operate along one side of the street facing the market, leaving space for nearby residents.

The development would also be coordinated with the metro line to capitalize on passenger traffic and attract more customers without disrupting transportation, Ha said.

Meanwhile, the market’s management unit plans to submit further proposals to renovate its interior infrastructure, including the possible installation of ventilation fans and air-conditioning systems to improve comfort for shoppers and vendors.

Elsewhere in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh Ward authorities are developing a plan to coordinate operations at Tan Dinh and Da Kao Markets while reorganizing their product categories and retail areas.

The proposed changes include designated sections for fresh food, vegetables, fruit, handicrafts and other goods.

Infrastructure improvements are also under consideration, with plans to repair and upgrade drainage systems and road surfaces.

These projects are expected to be incorporated into the ward’s medium-term investment program for 2026-30.

According to Tan Dinh Ward officials, commercial activity is currently concentrated along Truong Han Sieu Street, while many stalls inside Da Kao Market are struggling to attract customers.

To address the imbalance, the ward is seeking investment to revitalize business activity and develop the market into a tourism product.

Le Quang Thien, deputy director of the Tan Dinh Ward Public Service Supply Center, told Tuoi Tre that the authorities were considering further renovations to the market’s side area, which specializes in food businesses.

Infrastructure and market stalls facing Nguyen Huu Cau Street are also expected to receive investment to facilitate trading and draw more visitors to Tan Dinh Market.

Beyond infrastructure upgrades and changes to stall arrangements, Tan Dinh Market is also set to get a visual makeover.

Plans include adding murals depicting the market’s history and development, along with improvements to its lighting system to create a more vibrant atmosphere.

The market’s management unit said visitor numbers had shown signs of increasing following celebrations marking its 100th anniversary in July and a series of renovation and beautification activities.