Saigon on Bikes through Local Markets

Local markets, big or small, selling general merchandises or some other specialties, are the signature of Saigon. Traveling Saigon on bikes through local markets will always bring you a fun adventure exploring and seeing the locals’ daily life and culture.

Why You Should Explore Local Markets in Saigon on Bikes

Saigon might not be the biggest city in the world but is big enough to exhaust you if you explore all of the interesting destinations scattering all over the city solely on foot. The public transport system (bus or metro) has not been developed and could be confusing for the foreigners so they are not really an option either. And not every streets in the city is bicycle friendly and safe enough for you to pedaling around.

The locals usually go shopping in markets on their bikes

Sometimes the unusual, authentic, and amazing experience like the local markets in the city does not always flashy and easy to find but stays hidden in small and deep alleyways. You would miss them if you visit places in Saigon with a cab. Their pathways are also quite narrow, so traveling around and visiting local markets in Saigon on bikes is currently the best option. It is also how the locals move around all the time so you can actually have the same experience as they do.

Different Kinds of Local Markets to Visit in Saigon on Bikes

Street Markets and Wet Markets

In the past, the wet markets were where every woman went to buy foods to cook for their families. Farmers or merchandisers would bring their goods to places near residential areas to sell, and the markets were naturally established upon the needs of the locals with or without the authorities’ involvement. That is why these traditional markets where you can experience and understand a big part of Vietnamese society.

All of the goods like fresh produces are laid out on the streets in the wet markets

You can still see some of the street markets happen with all the noise and hustle when going around Saigon on bikes, but they may not be there the next time you come back for a visit. Their existence is unstable because of the growth of supermarkets, convenience stores, and the government’s efforts to organize the city and clean up the streets. The table below lists some of the markets in the busy areas, which worth your visit because they are the closest to the original form of a traditional market where most trading happened on the streets rather than in the market building.

Street Food Markets

One of the best places to find Vietnamese street foods is the local markets in Saigon. The taste from different regions of the country, the noise of people go shopping in the markets, small stools and tables in the market eating areas or hawkers with their carrying poles or carts will offer you various options from savory to sweet dishes.

You can have a dessert in a stall like this in the local market

Night Markets

Besides the day markets, another wonderful kind of local market that you should visit while going around Saigon on bikes is the night market. When the sun goes down, the “day” market session ends, the fresh produces sellers and stationery will clean up and close their station, giving ways for the street vendors and fashion shops. These night market shops are not in the building but on the streets around the area.

Night market is the place you must check out for pretty souvenirs

Other Special Markets

Saigon,a prosperous land in the South of Vietnam, welcomes people from all cross of life and thus all kinds of goods and business can be found here. Besides the typical markets where meat, vegetables, clothing, and daily necessity are sold, many markets specialize in one kind of merchandise that when you say the name of the good, every local will point you to those places. These are also interesting places to explore Saigon on bikes and see another side of the city.

A row of flowers in Ho Thi Ky Market

Soai Kinh Lam the biggest fabric market in Saigon

Military jackets and helmets in Dan Sinh Market

A boat loaded with jackfruits in the Saigon floating market

District 5 is where business is still good for the traditional markets, and sometimes with weird markets like electronic, mechanic parts, iron, construction material, chemical, and production materials. Most of these places are for wholesale where you can buy a bunch of products for a lower price than elsewhere.

Excited to explore Saigon on bikes through local markets?

Whether you want to go shopping for souvenirs, foods, and clothing at a reasonable price, or just to dive in the local culture and atmosphere, these local markets will always have their ways to lure you in.

But you should know that not all of these place are clean, well-organized (actually chaotic is one of their characteristics), or easy to visit on your own, so have a local guide to drive you around and show you how to mingle with the people would be a great idea. See more how to get your private guide in Saigon.

For more interesting places in the city, check out our overview of districts in Saigon.

Related article:  Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City