TAN DINH MARKET

Built by the French colonial government in 1926, Tan Dinh market serves as one of
the city’s historical monuments as well as a well-known shopping location for both
locals and newcomers. Being located right at the corner of the Hai Ba Trung –
Nguyen Huu Cau crossroads, allows it to have four gateways.

Back in the 1870s, the market was held by the locals themselves and it was widely
referred by the name Phu Hoa market, which was one of the most important
markets in the north of Saigon. Later then, perhaps because it was situated near Tan
Dinh church, the market was increasingly known as Tan Dinh market. The
highlight of this market is its unusual and attractive facade which includes three
steeples – one in the middle and two on either side. The minimal and classical
architecture of Tan Dinh market makes it stand out easily from other markets in the
city. After nearly 100 years of existence, Tan Dinh market has remained as a
prominent commercial center of Saigon’s downtown area which houses a food
court and thousands of stalls selling groceries, clothing, footwear, fruits, textiles
and everything in between.

An extra point goes to the professional security team of Tan Dinh market patrolling
everywhere to maintain discipline in the market area. Additionally, with the
adjacent parking lot opened for visitors, shopping at Tan Dinh market has become
a sense of peace and comfort.

If you’re looking for local silks in sophisticated patterns and colors, Tan Dinh
market is the place to go. The fabric section starts to emerge as you walk into the
main area of the building. Although it’s a little bit overwhelming, an eye for a good
catch, persistence, and some bargaining skills will reward you handsomely.
Everything is available from knits, cotton to laces for you to sew your own
creations. And if you’re determined to find something interesting here, browse
around as a lot of stalls offer unique fabric such as floral chambray, ombre
gingham, and whimsical voiles. Also, you’ll see the widest collection of prints you
never thought possible: florals, tropical fruits, ancient villages, etc. Although food
and fabrics are Tan Dinh market’s specialty, it also contains a plethora of
commodities to fully meet everyday needs of the residents around. Clothing,
footwear, accessories, fresh produce, household items and many others thing, you
name it! Many things are of good quality but there are also other ordinary products
that they sell at affordable prices for people with small budgets.

Originally known as the marché de Phu-Hoa, Tân Định Market at 1 Nguyễn Hữu
Cầu in District 1 is one of the city’s most historic markets, but it was the opening
of the stylish French market building of 1927 which brought it to worldwide
attention.
Colonial records from the 1870s and 1880s indicate that the Phú Hòa Market
(marché de Phu-Hoa, chợ Phú Hòa) was one of the most important markets in the
north of Saigon, though no images of the market building during that period have
survived