TikTokers invited to promote historic Ben Thanh Market

The official initiative launched by local municipal authorities marks the first time a traditional market in Vietnam will collaborate with users of the short social media platform, Phap Luat newspaper reported.

On Dec. 15-16, the selected TikTokers will be tasked with generating attention and interest by reviewing Vietnamese street food dishes sold at the market, such as water fern cakes, sweet soups, and grilled pork vermicelli, as well as a variety of fabric products.

Covering an area of 13,000 square meters, Ben Thanh, located in the heart of the city’s central District 1, has long been a magnet for throngs of tourists visiting the southern metropolis, which is also Vietnam’s major commercial hub.

Built in 1870 by the French, the market was initially called Les Halles Centrales, before being renamed Ben Thanh in 1912.

Despite being a popular tourist attraction, Ben Thanh Market is also infamous for price gouging.

Last August, a clothes seller in Ben Thanh Market was suspended from doing business for a week after charging a Japanese tourist 12 times the normal price for socks.

The incident was widely shared on social media and YouTube channels, prompting a litany of negative comments about tourism culture in Vietnam.

 

 

TikTokers invited to promote historic Ben Thanh Market

Khách nước ngoài nghĩ gì về chợ Bến Thành