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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