From Ben Thanh Market to each shop: which one is closest
Ben Thanh Market is the usual starting point for visitors and a landmark everyone knows. From here, the four District 1 shops lie in four different directions — so "which is nearest" depends on whether you're walking or riding, and on where you're heading next.
A note: all the estimates below are for ordinary hours. At morning and evening peaks riding takes considerably longer, and on some stretches walking is genuinely faster.
Four shops, four directions
2B Tran Hung Dao — closest as the crow flies
Tran Hung Dao is a major road running from the Ben Thanh area towards District 5. Number 2B is at the city-centre end, making it the closest of the four to the market.
- Walking: easily done, a short stretch.
- Riding: quick, though Tran Hung Dao is a busy artery and slows markedly at peak times.
- Best when: you're at the market and want to grab something and come back.
148B De Tham — towards the backpacker quarter
Southwest, towards Pham Ngu Lao and the backpacker area. A little further than Tran Hung Dao but still walkable for anyone used to walking.
- Walking: fine, and the route through Pham Ngu Lao is interesting in itself.
- Riding: quick, but parking is the problem, particularly in the evening when the area fills up.
- Best when: you're in or heading to the backpacker quarter, or going at night.
15B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai — north, towards the Independence Palace
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai is a major road running across the north of the centre, near the Independence Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Walking: further than the two above; suits anyone who likes walking or is combining it with sightseeing.
- Riding: convenient — a wide road, easier to stop on than De Tham.
- Best when: you're seeing the Independence Palace, the Post Office or the Cathedral.
38 Le Thi Rieng — towards the Bui Thi Xuan area
Le Thi Rieng is a small street in the area between Ben Thanh and Pham Ngu Lao. Being small, it carries less traffic than the main arteries.
- Walking: fine.
- Riding: easy to stop on a small street, though harder to find if you don't know the area.
- Best when: you're in the hotel area around Bui Thi Xuan, or want to avoid the busy arteries.
Choosing by where you're going next
| Heading to | Stop at |
| Straight back to Ben Thanh | 2B Tran Hung Dao |
| The backpacker quarter, Bui Vien | 148B De Tham |
| Independence Palace, Cathedral | 15B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai |
| A hotel around Bui Thi Xuan | 38 Le Thi Rieng |
| District 5, Cho Lon | 2B Tran Hung Dao — right direction |
| District 7, Phu My Hung | 210 Bui Van Ba — stop once you're there |
Walking or riding
In this part of the centre the distances aren't large, so what decides it usually isn't distance but:
- Weather. In harsh midday sun or rain, even a few hundred metres is unappealing.
- Parking. Riding into a busy area and then hunting for parking can take longer than walking.
- What you're carrying. Buying several sandwiches makes riding easier.
- Time of day. At peak hours walking is genuinely faster over short distances.
If you'd rather not go anywhere
Delivery makes sense if you're at a hotel or busy. Call 0923.183.183, and orders from 500,000d within 5km ship free — which covers essentially all of the central area.
For hotel delivery, give the hotel name, the recipient's name and a phone number, since collection is usually at the lobby rather than the room.
The District 7 shop
210 Bui Van Ba is in District 7, outside walking range of the centre. It serves people living or working around Phu My Hung and Tan Thuan — not somewhere to travel to from Ben Thanh.
All five shops are open 24 hours.
Quick answers
Which shop is closest to Ben Thanh Market?
2B Tran Hung Dao, being at the city-centre end of the road. Though "closest" also depends on whether you're walking or riding and where you're going next.
Which ones can I walk to?
All four District 1 shops are walkable for anyone used to walking. Tran Hung Dao is nearest; Nguyen Thi Minh Khai is further but pairs well with seeing the Independence Palace and Cathedral.
Which is easiest to park at?
15B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, being a wide road, and 38 Le Thi Rieng, being a quiet small street. De Tham is hardest, especially in the evening.
Walking or riding?
Distances in the centre are short, so what decides it is usually weather, parking, how much you're carrying, and the hour — at peak times walking really is faster over short distances.
Can they deliver to my hotel?
Yes, and essentially all of the central area falls within the 5km free-delivery radius for orders from 500,000d. Give the hotel name, recipient name and phone number, since collection is usually at the lobby.
Can I reach the District 7 shop from the centre?
Not on foot. 210 Bui Van Ba serves people living or working around Phu My Hung and Tan Thuan.
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Vegan banh mi and plant-based coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. Five shops open 24/7 including Sundays and holidays. Free delivery within 5km on orders from 500,000d.
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