Every weekend, locals who have a passion for used and antique items gather at this charming café flea market to buy or exchange new items, creating a unique atmosphere. The market also catches the attention of curious foreign tourists who often inquire about Vietnamese history and culture as they explore with interest.
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| Every weekend, locals with a passion for used and antique items gather at this charming café flea market to buy or exchange new items, creating a unique atmosphere. Photo: Hanoimoi |
There are probably not many people in Saigon who are unaware of the market specializing in selling second-hand items from ancient times. The market’s name may not be extravagant, but it is known as the “thousand-dollar bottle tick” market due to its extensive collection of antiques and rare items. Items such as ancient coins, lamps, bowls, spoons, phones, old cameras, and more appear to be distant relics to the younger generation.
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| A stall inside the market. Photo: Hanoimoi |
Thousands of people attend each market session, hoping to find unique or historically significant products such as ceramics, antique toys, books, woodwork, watches, lighters, currency, and decorations. Prices vary depending on the item’s value and age.
One of the things that impresses visitors is the friendly and stylish stall owners. The antiques here mainly come from the families of late collectors, overseas Vietnamese, or professional traders. They also originate from other countries such as China, Japan, America, and Australia.
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| The antiques here mainly come from the families of late collectors, overseas Vietnamese, or professional traders. Photo: Hanoimoi |
Right in the center of the market is a music stage where elderly singers and musicians play old songs, creating a cozy, unique, and captivating ambiance. The second floor of the market is a café where tourists can rest, relax, or exchange valuable antique items.
One noteworthy rule in this market is that if the sellers misrepresent the date, origin, or purpose of an item to sell it at a higher price, they will be fined. These sellers are not permitted to bring any more items into the market.
The items in the market usually have prices below VND 50 million. For more expensive products, the transaction takes place directly in a more private location to ensure privacy and safety.
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| The items in the market usually have prices below 50 million VND. Photo: Hanoimoi |
Tran Thi Bich Hop, the owner of the antique market, stated that the market has approximately 100-120 stalls, serving as a gathering place for antique enthusiasts from Vietnam and abroad.
“This place is a fun playground for everyone, and our main focus is not on profiting from selling the items. We always prioritize maintaining our reputation and selling goods with clear origins. If there is any misinformation and customers report it, the seller may no longer be able to continue selling,” she said.
Binh Thanh District is one of the districts in Ho Chi Minh City where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. This old district may not be well-known to many tourists, but it offers an authentic and vibrant ambiance. If you are looking for an area where you can experience the local way of life without straying too far from the city center, Binh Thanh District is an excellent choice to consider.
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| Tran Thi Bich Hop, the owner of the antique market, stated that the market has approximately 100-120 stalls, serving as a gathering place for antique enthusiasts from Vietnam and abroad. Photo: Hanoimoi |
Binh Thanh is one of the oldest residential areas in Ho Chi Minh City, where residents hail from different regions of Vietnam including the North, the Center, and the South. As a result, the cultural activities and food scene are diverse and lively. Binh Thanh District may not have grand shopping malls or stores like those in the city center, but it offers a place where travelers can haggle for affordable souvenirs at local markets and savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
If you are seeking an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and experience ancient cultures, Binh Thanh is the place where you can find all that. The pace of life in Binh Thanh District, both now and in the past, has always been calm and unhurried, preserving the authentic ways of life of the local people.
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