Tan Dinh Market: an architectural landmark located in the middle of Hai Ba Trung Street.

Tan Dinh Market on Hai Ba Trung Street has recently been recognized by Ho Chi Minh City as a city-level architectural and artistic heritage site. Having existed for nearly a century, the market, with its pale yellow facade, high arched roof, and three bell towers, is both a bustling trading center and a repository of distinctive urban memories for the city's residents. The market is open daily, welcoming thousands of visitors, including many international tourists.

Discover a market steeped in centuries of history.

Built in 1926 and inaugurated in 1927, designed by the SIDEC Company (France), Tan Dinh Market covers an area of ​​approximately 3,000 m2. Its vaulted architecture creates a sense of spaciousness: high vaulted roofs and louvered vents allow for natural light and ventilation. Inside, the structure consists of meticulously constructed reinforced concrete columns, beams, and rafters, surrounded by corridors and large covered areas running along a North-South axis. The light yellow facade and three bell towers create an antique appearance, easily recognizable from afar.

The market space is spacious and airy thanks to its high roof and ventilation openings. This is a modern spatial organization from the early 20th century, now a familiar architectural "code" for people in Ho Chi Minh City.

Textiles and cuisine

Approximately 400 stalls operate wholesale and retail, selling everything from fresh and dried food to fruits, clothing, and shoes. Most famous are fabrics and food – two "identifying features" that have made Tan Dinh Market a part of the itineraries of many families and tourists alike.

This place is not just a "shopping destination" but also a "memory destination"—where trading habits and the rhythm of city life are vividly reflected in each stall and pathway.

Life and memories

Mr. Le Quang Thien, Head of the Tan Dinh Market Management Board, commented:“Tan Dinh Market is not only a bustling trading center but also a space preserving distinctive historical, cultural, and architectural values. Being recognized as a historical monument affirms the unique values ​​the market has been and continues to preserve.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thoa, a small business owner for over 30 years, calls the market her "second home," connected to the memories of many generations. She said that the vendors are proud that the market has been recognized as a historical site and are committed to keeping it clean and beautiful, selling goods at fair prices, and working together to modernize through digital transformation while still preserving its unique identity.

Every day, the market welcomes thousands of visitors and shoppers; the hustle and bustle of locals and foreign tourists creates a unique urban scene.

Practical information for the trip

• Location: on Hai Ba Trung street.
• Conservation status: Recognized by Ho Chi Minh City as a city-level architectural and artistic heritage site.
• History: Built in 1926, inaugurated in 1927; designed by SIDEC Company (France).
• Scale: approximately 3,000 m2 in area; around 400 stalls; open to visitors every day.
• Architecture: a large, enclosed building oriented along a North-South axis, with a surrounding corridor and a three-tiered roof with ventilation louvers; reinforced concrete structure; a pale yellow facade, a high dome, and three bell towers.

Changes are about to take place.

After being recognized as a historical site, Tan Dinh Market will be preserved by maintaining as many original architectural details as possible, such as the facade, domes, and main structural system; simultaneously, its image will be upgraded to match its status as an architectural and artistic heritage site.

The Management Board plans to implement a "Friendly Counter" model with the following criteria: clear price listing, quality products, and civilized, professional service. Each product category will select representative products to develop into specialties of the market, aiming to attract visitors and tourists.