Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to is Vietnam's largest city. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Saigon's history is only 300 years old. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochinchina. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City is located in the centre of the well-off are of the North Vietnam. The north of the city borders on Binh Duong Province; its north-western meets Tay Ninh Province; the east and north-eastern are contiguous to Dong Nai Province; the south-eastern stays next to Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province; and the west and south-western are surrounded by two provinces Long An and Tien Giang.

Ben Thanh Market is situated at the intersection of Le Loi Avenue, Ham Nghi Avenue, Tran Hung Dao Avenue and Le Lai Street, 700m south-west of the Rex Hotel. At first, the market was situated near the Ben Nghe River Dike. After being moved many times, it is now standing in the centre of the city where consumers can conveniently find all sorts of products.