Bến Thành Market is the defining image of Ho Chi Minh City — a vast covered market spreading across an entire city block in District 1, its clock tower the unofficial symbol of the city. It is touristy (daytime prices for foreigners are negotiable and higher than elsewhere), noisy, hot, and absolutely worth visiting.
The market sells everything: fresh produce, dried goods, spices, streetfood, clothing, souvenirs, lacquerware, and the Vietnamese coffee equipment you'll want to take home. The street food section at the back has stalls serving phở, bún bò Huế, bánh mì, and fresh-squeezed juices. The night market outside on the surrounding streets runs from around 6PM and is slightly more relaxed than the daytime indoor version.