Ben Thanh Ward: Multifunctional center of Ho Chi Minh City after merger

The new Ben Thanh Ward, established on the basis of merging Ben Thanh Ward, Pham Ngu Lao Ward and part of the area of Cau Ong Lanh and Nguyen Thai Binh Wards, has officially come into operation. The ward's administrative headquarters is located at 92 Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh City.

This merger not only expands the administrative boundaries but also turns Ben Thanh into the new "heart" of Ho Chi Minh City, converging many cultural and tourist symbols and becoming an important multifunctional center.

Ms. Huynh Mai (60 years old) shared: "After the merger, many old place names of Ho Chi Minh City were used as new ward names, making us very emotional."

Ben Thanh Market, located on an area of 13,056 square meters, was recognized as a city-level historical and cultural relic in 2024. With the image of a large clock at the South Gate and bustling stalls, Ben Thanh Market is a must-see destination, retaining the characteristics of old Saigon despite having undergone many restorations.

Independence Palace, a unique architectural work and special historical relic, is also located in Ben Thanh ward. This place preserves the mark of the victory day, the end of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Construction began in 1868 and completed in 1871, Independence Palace was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 2009, one of the first 10 special national relics in the country.

Tao Dan Park and 23/9 Park, with dense greenery and many ancient trees, are considered "peaceful oases" in the heart of the city, providing cool green space for residents and visitors.

Ms. Chau Phung Chi, Chief of Office of People's Council - People's Committee of Ben Thanh Ward, emphasized: "With advantages in location, infrastructure and potential for modern urban development, Ben Thanh Ward plays a core role in the process of building Ho Chi Minh City into a civilized, modern, humane and sustainably developed urban area". The ward owns many main roads such as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Tran Hung Dao, Vo Van Kiet.

The new Ben Thanh Ward is also a place of multicultural identity with the presence of temples, pagodas and churches. Phung Son Tu, one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, is associated with the Chinese community, and stands out for its unique architecture and quiet space.

The temple is surrounded by ancient trees, creating a cool, pleasant atmosphere, along with a small garden with carefully tended bonsai and miniature landscapes.

Huyen Sy Church (Saint Philip the Apostle), nearly 130 years old, built by Queen Nam Phuong's maternal grandfather with his property, is an ancient Catholic church that has existed for more than a century, belonging to Cho Duoi parish.

Traditional markets such as Dan Sinh Market and Thai Binh Market continue to meet the shopping and living needs of local people, and are also familiar destinations for tourists looking for items bearing the mark of the past.

Part of Le Loi Street, from Nam Ky Khoi Nghia intersection to Ben Thanh market, with high-rise buildings and bustling shopping centers, is also in the new Ben Thanh ward, affirming the central position of this area.

Bui Vien Western Street, a vibrant area known as a tourist paradise, with a diverse range of services from bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels to street art performances, was also incorporated into the new Ben Thanh ward, creating a top entertainment space in the city center.

In particular, the central station of Metro No. 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien has become a modern and inter-regional traffic connection point of the city. This metro line has been honored by the US Time Magazine in the list of 100 most wonderful destinations in the world in 2025.

The new Ben Thanh Ward, with its convergence of cultural and tourism symbols and modern infrastructure, is affirming its role as a multifunctional center, making an important contribution to the sustainable development of Ho Chi Minh City.