Yes, is truth.

Is it best to explore. The same stall does not usually have the same items

Go to drugstore or shopping center in distruct 1

All the answers above seem reasonable except the older man from Perth who was rude and demeaning. We travelers are all different ages and levels of experience. If you do not feel comfortable walking about maybe you can hire a local who wants to make some money to do your shopping. You can find through the front desk. Take a picture of Your empty tube or draw a picture. Ask front desk for guidance on price of shopper and product. Make sure you have firm understanding with shopper in advance about money. Good luck.

Это же Вьетнам: при наличии знания английского (самый примитив), калькулятора и наглости - узнаете, поторгуетесь и купите и одежду и еду)

Yes, it was held on New Year's Day last year.

The only other market we visited was near the pink church and the 7-storey pagoda. Don't know what it was called. Check it on a local map.

only if they will be boarding the mrt.

Not really, and regardless I believe you'd be better off elsewhere. Saigon has plenty of shops like this you can find. Ben Tanh market isn't a place I would recommend for this.

Most likely not. That’s almost like Dec 25th. It will be a ghost town in Ho Chi Minh those days.