Shopping
Text and Images by Vinh Vu
American Market Saigon - Yersin Market
Apart from old French architectural works , Saigon is also known for its interesting markets . A unique specimen among this group is undoubtedly Yersin Market , also called as The American Market , this place caters to clientele who want to get their hands on a number of old military items , war memorabilia , as well as special gears for camp-ing trips . It ’ s a fascinating place to amble about and right up the alley of war enthusiasts and history buffs .
Dan Sinh Market , or Yersin Market , was named after the French biologist and adventurer Alexandre Yersin . He is honoured as the founder of Vietnam ’ s Pasteur Institutes , Indochina Medical University , and some other valuable facilities . Specializing in a wide range of the war surplus and camping items , this American market houses a warren of stalls offering industrial-sized electrical appliances as well as imported machinery .
Located in an old building with a storied past , the predecessor of Dan Sinh market used to be Kim Chung Area , a betting ground for American soldiers . By the end of 1954 , this gambling zone gave way to its current form , the mar-ketplace you can visit today .
Getting There
Dan Sinh Market is situated at 104 Yersin Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City , surrounded by four streets : Nguyen Thai Binh , Yersin , Nguyen Cong Tru , and Ky Son , and next to Phung Son Tu Pagoda . It only takes a short five-minute walk to get to Yersin Market from the downtown area – about half a mile southwest of Ben Thanh Market . With such a prime location being close to the tourist hub , it is easy to get to the market from the city ’ s centre just walking .
26 The MAG Vung Tau