Every weekend, local people who are passionate about used and antique items will flock to this small and cozy café flea market to buy or exchange new items, creating unique scenery. The market also attracts curious foreign tourists who often ask questions about Vietnamese history and culture as they browse with interest.

Every weekend, local people who are passionate about used and antique items will flock to this small and cozy café flea market to buy or exchange new items, creating unique scenery. Photo: Hanoimoi

There are probably not many Saigonese who are unaware of the market specializing in selling second-hand items from ancient times. The market's name is not very opulent, but they are known as the "thousand dollar bottle tick" market because of its large collection of antiques and rare items. Items such as ancient coins, lamps, bowls, spoons, phones, old cameras, and so on appear to have been very distant from the younger generation.

A stall inside the market. Photo: Hanoimoi

Thousands of people attend each market session, hoping to collect some of the most unique or historical products, such as ceramics, antique toys, books, woodwork, watches, lighters, money, and decorations. Prices vary depending on the item and its value and age.

One of the things that impresses visitors is that the owners of the stalls here are very friendly and stylish. Antiques here mainly come from the families of late collectors, overseas Vietnamese, or professional traders. They also come from other countries such as China, Japan, America, and Australia.

Antiques here mainly come from the families of late collectors, overseas Vietnamese, or professional traders. Photo: Hanoimoi

Right in the middle of the market is a music stage, where elderly singers and musicians play old songs, creating a cozy, unique, and attractive space. The second floor of the market is a cafe, where tourists rest and relax, or exchange valuable antique items.

Especially, there is a unique and strict regulation in this market: If the sellers misrepresent the date, origin, and use of the items to sell them at a higher price, they will be fined. No more items from these sellers will be allowed to be brought into the market.

The items in the market often have prices under VND 50 million. For more expensive products, sellers and buyers will transact directly in a more private place to ensure privacy and safety.

The items in the market often have prices under 50 million VND. Photo: Hanoimoi

Tran Thi Bich Hop – the owner of the antique market, said that the market has about 100-120 stalls, a gathering place for antique enthusiasts in Vietnam and abroad.

“This place is a fun playground for everyone, and we do not focus on earning money from selling the items. We always remind people to put their reputation first and sell goods with clear origins. If the information is wrong and customers report it, they may not be able to continue selling", she said.

Binh Thanh District is one of the districts in Ho Chi Minh City where you can get away from the crowded downtown. This old district may not be well-known to many tourists, but you can enjoy its authentic and buoyant spirit. If you are looking for an area where you can experience the casual life of local people but not far from the center, Binh Thanh District is an excellent choice to consider visiting.

Tran Thi Bich Hop – the owner of the antique market, said that the market has about 100-120 stalls, a gathering place for antique enthusiasts in Vietnam and abroad. Photo: Hanoimoi

Binh Thanh is one of the most ancient residential areas of Ho Chi Minh City, where many of its residents are from different regions of Vietnam: the North, the Center, and the South. Therefore, the cultural activities are both diverse and vibrant, as well as the food. Binh Thanh District does not have many grand shopping malls or stores like those in the central town, but it is a place where travelers can bargain for cheap souvenirs in a local market and enjoy traditional Vietnamese foods.

If people are looking for a chance to experience the life of local people with many ancient cultures, Binh Thanh is where they can find those things. The pace of life in Binh Thanh District, now and then, has always been calm and not hurried, and most of the values reflected the authentic ways of life of the people here are still preserved.

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