Vietnam/HCMC secret-Binh Thanh Antique Market - A gold mine for memorabilia

Souvenirs are available at every market and in every street in HCMC. But, there is a small market about 30 minutes from the center of District 1 that will blow your mind with the history and availability of truly special items that you can buy and take home. Binh Thanh Antique Market is a place like no other in HCMC, and totally hidden, so that finding it will be a special experience for expats and tourists alike.
Inconspicuously sitting in a back lane in Binh Thanh District is a small market and café. Cafe Chợ Đồ Cổ is located at the end of an alley, so small you need to walk from main road in order to find it. But when you do, you will find a wonderland of antiques and memorabilia of the history of Vietnam.
From the moment you enter the picturesque front door, you are bombarded with history, color and an experience you will not find anywhere else in Saigon. The 500m2 precinct has a café where you can buy food and drinks, seating to just sit above the market and admire the beauty, and a treasure trove of sellers, all selling something old and unique.
This market began its life as a café. The owner, a lover of singing, created a space for people to come and sing and have a good time. Over time, people started bringing old items to swap and sell to each other, and the idea of the Antique Market was born.
It is advisable to get there between 8 and 9AM on Saturday or Sunday to make the most of your experience. On Saturday they have a motorcycle display in the morning, showing off some rare and beautiful old motorbikes. There is also music and singing on the stage from around 9am. This allows you to just sit on the upper floor and take in the vibe and experience for the morning.
On every occasion I have been to this market I have seen a few foreigners, even one man working in a stall just inside the front door. So, for those of you with limited Vietnamese, you should find it rather easy to get around and see everything, not to mention taking in the unique experience of this market. The stall holders are rather friendly and it is a very relaxed place to visit. Make sure you experience this unique location whilst visiting HCMC, or make it a day out if you are lucky enough to live in the most progressive city in Vietnam.
Open Saturday and Sunday from 7am
Address
311/27 Nơ Trang Long, Phường 13, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Google Map - https://goo.gl/maps/JVNN8bcYVf6Xf2tD6
Facebook link
  / caphechodoco  
Website
http://cafechodoco.com/dich-vu/ca-phe

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