THE TRADITIONAL MARKET IN HO CHI MINH CITY: FROM COMMERCIAL SPACE TO POTENTIAL FOR URBAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Traditional markets function as a significant institution within the cultural dynamics of Vietnam broadly and Ho Chi Minh City more specifically. This research delineates the distinctive characteristics of the commercial environments inherent to traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City and assesses the efficacy of these markets in fostering the advancement of urban tourism in the contemporary milieu. The discourse and analysis presented in this article are grounded in primary data derived from survey findings conducted at Ben Thanh market, supplemented by qualitative insights and composite sources. The outcomes of the research substantiate the pivotal role and substantial potential of traditional markets in the realm of urban tourism development. Furthermore, the study proposes a set of strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing prominent traditional markets located in the central district of Ho Chi Minh City, thereby transforming them into cultural tourism hubs that contribute to the evolution of modern urban tourism.