Episode 12: Saigon 2 - Ben Thanh Market and the Role of the "Marketplace"

In this episode, we will explore the history of Ben Thanh Market, what its function is, as well as the perception of the market from the people who work within them. As this is one of the last episodes, I will examine, from the perspective of a Viet native, what really is the definition of a “marketplace.” Throughout my summer adventure, I have had the chance to visit many different markets around the country; all of them are unique in their own way but all of them, when looked at together, say a lot about the role markets play in Vietnamese society. Whether that be the famous Bac Ha market in Lao Cai (near Sapa), or the fishing markets in Phu Quoc and Quy Nhon, these markets differ in the community they serve, their function, and the role they play within their own societies. We will examine what the idea of a marketplace really is.