Day 19: Our Last Day in Saigon, Vietnam, and This Entire Adventure

There’s a certain bittersweet feeling that comes with the “last day” of any trip. You want to squeeze in as much as possible, but you also realize you’re running low on energy, motivation, and—let’s be real—clean clothes. For us, Day 19 was all of that, plus the mixed emotions of saying goodbye to Vietnam.

We started the morning with a Grab ride out to District 6, heading for Binh Tay Market. Andi had done some research and picked Binh Tay as a contrast to the super touristy Ben Thanh Market, which is conveniently just around the corner from our hotel. Ben Thanh is the kind of place where you can buy souvenirs, T-shirts, and be chased by vendors offering “special price for you, my friend!” Binh Tay, on the other hand, is a totally different beast.

Binh Tay Market: The Beating Heart of Chinatown

Binh Tay Market sits smack in the middle of Saigon’s Chinatown (Cholon) and is basically the wholesale headquarters for… well, everything. Tea, spices, dried squid, plastic buckets, slippers, weirdly adorable toys, and enough kitchenware to supply a small country. The place is a maze—narrow alleys lined with stalls, overflowing with cardboard boxes, bags, and people. If you want to see real Saigon commerce in action, this is it.

What we loved most? Nobody bothered us to buy anything. In fact, we felt like we were getting in their way. The vendors were focused on their business—counting cash, sealing deals, shouting across the aisles, and loading up motorbikes with giant sacks. We did our best to be unobtrusive as we snapped a few photos and took some video, but honestly, it felt a bit like we were intruding on a very active, living organism.

Facts about Binh Tay Market & Chinatown:

• Built by a Chinese philanthropist: The market was constructed in the 1920s by Quach Dam, a wealthy Chinese businessman who wanted to give back to the community. There’s even a small shrine to him in the courtyard!

• French colonial meets Chinese design: The architecture is a cool blend of French colonial and traditional Chinese, complete with a central courtyard and clock tower.

• Cholon itself is massive: Saigon’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, and Binh Tay is its commercial nerve center.

• Not just for shopping: The market area is also home to several beautiful temples, like the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess—worth a detour if your feet aren’t already sore!

• Wholesale only: Don’t expect to buy a single T-shirt or a small bag of coffee—most vendors sell in bulk to shop owners and traders. But you can still wander, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe score a snack or two.

After we’d had our fill of markets (and nearly got lost in the labyrinth), we made our way to a supermarket for one last “souvenir” run. We have this tradition: always bring back tea, coffee, local snacks, and spices from every country we visit. It makes the return to reality a little more delicious.

The Afternoon: Operation Rest-Andi’s-Knee

It’s no secret that Andi’s knee has been protesting after all these days of walking, especially after our Ninh Binh and Hoi An adventures. So the afternoon was dedicated to serious downtime. We packed, lounged around, and let Andi’s knee get the TLC it deserves—because tomorrow is a marathon travel day back home.

So that’s it. Our last day in Saigon, our last bowl of pho, our last iced coffee on a plastic stool. Vietnam, you’ve been incredible: chaotic, delicious, infuriating, and beautiful all at once. We’ll be back—but next time, Andi’s knee will be in better shape!

Have you ever visited a wholesale market like Binh Tay, or explored a real Chinatown outside the usual tourist trail? Let us know your favorite spots or tips!

Time to pack up the snacks and hit the road—until next adventure!