Ben Nghe Street Food
Tours & Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Take a boat trip along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in Ho Chi Minh City. Release native bottom-dwelling fish on a daytime cruise to help the aquatic environment during the day or float eco-friendly paper lanterns made from bamboo pulp at night.
Board ICON Saigon for an evening on the Saigon River. Sip a cool drink, listen to live music, and watch traditional performances on the weekend-only Sunset Cruise. Alternatively, on the Dining Cruise (Signature or Deluxe menu, depending on the selected option), enjoy dishes that combine Cantonese cuisine with Asian and European influences.
This combined tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ho Chi Minh City by first visiting the Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Guests begin by ascending to the observation deck, where panoramic views stretch across the sprawling cityscape, the Saigon River, and distant mountains on clear days. The itinerary allows flexible entry times for the Skydeck, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the city from above at their own pace. After taking in the skyline, the tour continues with an evening performance of the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1. This traditional art form dates back centuries and features puppeteers skillfully manipulating wooden puppets over a water stage, accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music. The key stops include the Saigon Skydeck, where visitors will witness the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture below. The spectacle of motorbikes weaving through the streets, the glittering lights as dusk falls, and the gentle flow of the Saigon River create a rich visual narrative of city life. At the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, the audience is treated to lively scenes depicting rural Vietnamese folklore, daily village life, and mythological tales. The sound of traditional drums, chimes, and the splash of water enhances the storytelling, while the puppets’ intricate movements captivate viewers. This tour is designed for small to medium groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Participants can choose their Skydeck entry time, allowing for flexibility depending on their schedule. The Skydeck visit involves a self-guided experience with informative displays about the tower and city, while the water puppet show includes seating in a cozy theater setting. Transportation between the two locations is not included, but both sites are accessible by taxi or public transport. Knowledgeable local staff are available to provide background information and answer questions. Ideal for visitors interested in combining a modern perspective of Ho Chi Minh City with a traditional cultural performance, this tour suits travelers who appreciate architectural vistas and performing arts. It works well for solo travelers, couples, and families with children old enough to enjoy a theatrical show. Those seeking a relaxed yet enriching afternoon and evening in Ho Chi Minh City will find this combination rewarding.
About Ben Nghe Street Food
Opening Hours
Today: 9:00AM–1:00AM
Where to Find Ben Nghe Street Food
Guest Experiences
Authentic Stories from Diners
The 5 reviews shown below read more positively than the overall score. These are the reviews Google surfaces as most relevant, not a representative sample — the 4.3 above reflects all 12,476 of them.
I visited Ben Nghe Street Food in District 1 and it’s honestly a great spot. It’s the only proper food court in the area and there are so many options to choose from. I really liked the diversity of food available and everything felt fresh and good value for money. The housekeeping staff keep the place very clean, the crowd is nice, and the security team is helpful too. I actually recommend eating here instead of going to a restaurant because you get everything under one roof and the atmosphere is lively. I really enjoyed my time there.
Ben Nghe Street Food Market is lively, colorful & full of energy. The moment you step in, you’re surrounded by food stalls, music & the buzz of people enjoying the night. There was live music playing when I visited, which added to the festive atmosphere & made the place feel very alive. I was celebrating my birthday and I was here for my birthday dinner on my own. Even as a solo traveler, I enjoyed being there. The food options were varied & tempting, & it felt easy to blend into the crowd with a plate in hand, just observing & soaking it all in. It’s a great place to experience the social side of Ho Chi Minh City & see people unwind together over food & music. That said, I didn’t stay too long. The noise level was a bit much for me, & I found myself craving quieter spaces as the evening went on. But that’s more about personal preference than the place itself. If you enjoy loud, vibrant environments, live music & busy food markets, you’ll likely love Ben Nghe Street Food Market. It’s energetic, fun & full of life.
Had a wonderful experience at Ben Nghe Street Food and ended up going there twice during our one week trip. The food is not overly priced, and we even tried some exotic meats. Loved the ambience and the easy availability of beer. There are plenty of food stalls to choose from. Parking is not available, so we took Grab bikes to get there, which was very convenient. The pictures in the men’s toilets are hilarious and add to the fun atmosphere.
We had a fantastic experience at Ben Nghe Street Food. There are so many different food stalls to choose from, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. Whether you're looking for local Vietnamese flavors or international dishes, they have it all. The staff members are very friendly and welcoming. Plus, unlike many other street food spots, there are plenty of seating options, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to sit. Highly recommended if you're in the area
Ben Nghe Street Food Market is one of those places that quietly solves a lot of travel cravings all at once. Centrally located in District 1, just a short walk from Independence Palace and the bustling Bến Thành Market, it’s easy to reach from most nearby hotels and fits naturally into a day of exploring. We ended up here three separate times: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which probably says more than any recommendation could. The sheer range of options is the draw. Stall after stall turns out Vietnamese staples in all their comforting, familiar forms, making this an ideal place if you want to sample widely without hopping all over the city. It’s truly a greatest-hits lineup, designed for curiosity and appetite rather than restraint. Seating is communal and straightforward: long tables with bench seating that keep the energy lively and social. Beverage stalls are scattered throughout, offering everything from strong Vietnamese coffee to fruit smoothies along with a full bar and live music, making it easy to linger longer than planned. Timing matters. Late afternoon into the evening is easily the busiest stretch, with crowds filling nearly every seat. Earlier visits feel calmer, but even at peak hours the movement stays relatively organized. Ben Nghe Street Food Market isn’t precious or curated for show. It’s practical, abundant, and built for eating. If you’re looking to try “all the things” in one sitting and want a reliable, central spot to do it, this market belongs high on the list.
Tickets & Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Attend a traditional 45-minute water puppet show featuring Vietnamese art. Water puppetry is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, especially in rural areas. The performance takes place on a water pool stage. Skilled puppeteers use long bamboo rods and strings to control the puppets from beneath the water's surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the show with its music. The puppets depict stories from the songs, portraying scenes of everyday life in the Vietnamese countryside.
Travel to Cu Chi from your hotel by bus, which takes about one and a half hours. On arrival, watch a short video on how the tunnels were built and how people lived during wartime. Explore the tunnel systems featuring living areas with kitchens and bedrooms, as well as storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Notice the hidden trap doors and traps used for security. Enjoy tea and cassava, which were common wartime foods. There will be an opportunity to relax or to try shooting a real gun. Return to Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the trip.
Start at the designated meeting point. Visit the Independence Palace, a key site from the Vietnam War. Head to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (exterior visit only due to restoration). View French colonial architecture and learn about the city's history. Then, go to the War Remnants Museum to see exhibits, including photographs, military artifacts, and stories from the Vietnam War. Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda, a 19th-century pagoda dedicated to the goddess of seafarers, in Chinatown. Walk through Cho Lon (Big Market), Vietnam’s largest wholesale market. Take a Saigon River water taxi ride and see Ho Chi Minh City's changing skyline. End the tour with a return ride to the meeting point.
Get picked up from the hotel early in the morning and head to Vung Tau. Upon arriving at Vung Tau, spend some leisure time at Thuy Van Beach (Back Beach), which stretches for almost 10 km with fine sands and clear waves. Have an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit several landmarks: the Jesus Christ Statue, Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple), Bach Dinh (known as Villa Blanche or White Palace), and Cape Nghinh Phong. Take a short break in between. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early evening, depending on traffic. The trip ends upon arrival.
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and learn about an important part of Vietnamese history. These tunnels serve as a historical site from the war period. The network spans 250 km underground and includes various structures. You will see trenches, docks, and battle zones. The tunnels also house dining areas, sleeping quarters, meeting rooms, and living spaces. Additionally, there are facilities for military medicine, food storage, drinking water wells, and the Hoang Cam kitchen. This complex gives a detailed look at the resourcefulness and strategies used in a long-term historical conflict.
Start the day with a pickup at the meeting point and drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, taking a 90-minute trip through the Vietnamese countryside. Watch a documentary about the tunnels and their role in the Vietnam War. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnel system and crawl through the tunnels, see living quarters, weapon factories, and command bunkers. Spot hidden trapdoors and booby traps used during the war. Taste cassava and hot tea, foods of Vietnamese guerrilla fighters. Have lunch at a local restaurant with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Head to the Mekong Delta and board a boat on the Tien River, passing four islands. Row a sampan through narrow, tree-lined canals. Visit a honey farm and coconut candy workshop. Sample honey tea, tropical fruits, and Mekong sweets. Enjoy live folk music, a traditional Southern Vietnamese performance. Return to Ho Chi Minh City to end the tour.
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Travel Guides for Ho Chi Minh City
Flying to Ho Chi Minh City: Airports, Cheap Flights and Transfers
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 6 km from District 1, handles 40M+ passengers yearly. Flight fares from Europe range EUR 400-700. Transfers include taxis (EUR 5-15), buses, and ride-hailing.
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Driving to Ho Chi Minh City: Routes, Tolls, Parking and Times
Planning to drive to Ho Chi Minh City? Learn about main routes including National Highway 1A, toll costs from EUR 1.50 to 5, parking options from EUR 0.50/hour, and best times to avoid traffic.
Read article →Other Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
With spacious seating and warm yellow lighting, this Indian restaurant specializes in curries that suit the local palate, including soft paneer dishes and generous portions. The staff offers detailed menu recommendations, helping diners navigate flavors and spice levels. The elegant interior suits couples seeking a relaxed evening with familiar Indian tastes.
Hoa Túc Saigon offers modern Vietnamese dishes with bold flavors, such as crab fried rice with green chili and garlic sauce, and grilled honey pork ribs. The Michelin recognition sets expectations, though service can feel detached. The decor is refined, and dishes emphasize freshness and balanced seasoning.
L’Entrecote on Dong Khoi blends French bistro fare with local tastes, featuring tender, thinly sliced medium beef and a special sauce. The steakhouse-style ambiance is relaxed, with a limited but focused menu and a variety of side dishes.