BÊN THÀNH MARKET
The Ben Thanh market is a maze of alleys sheltering stalls of all kinds
Built between 1912 and 1914 by Brossard & Mopin, one of the colony's largest public works companies, specializing in reinforced cement constructions. In 1985, the Bên Thành market was restored from top to bottom, leaving only the clock tower on the south gate intact. In the half-light, the market appears as a maze of alleys housing stalls of all kinds. The dome of the central building, 28 m in diameter, is topped by a clock belfry, one of Saigon's emblems. In the tower, a small temple where market traders come to pray every day for their bargains. The stalls are surprisingly varied. A thousand colors, a thousand smells... Banana leaves enveloping succulent glutinous rice flavored with coconut, fritters, dried fish... A little further on, in rue Lê Thanh Tôn, stands the fruit market, whose rich colors and sweet smells enchant the visitor. You can sit down and enjoy fruit juices and banana fritters, but beware of juices with water added. No fear, however, when the fruit is squeezed in front of the customers. Since 2003, a night market has sprung up around the Bên Thành market. Now that the central building has closed, vendors set up stalls around it. Commercial activity continues well into the night. All around the market, restaurants are also open until very late.
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