The thrill of bargaining. The sights and sounds of the markets. Sensational street food. And a little luxury. However you want to shop, Ho Chi Minh City always obliges.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh is all about mixing with the locals at the biggest markets in the country or visiting some sleek and sophisticated shopping malls. This is where you’ll want to spend your Vietnamese Dong.
1
Ben Thanh Market
YOUR FIRST STOP FOR A VIETNAMESE EXPERIENCE
Ben Thanh Market is an iconic market building in District 1 that always promises an authentic Vietnamese experience. The square building with its red roof dominates the area – you can’t miss it.
Head inside during the day and wander the warren-like maze to pick up silk, clothes, and Vietnamese souvenirs. Early morning is all about fresh produce and the night-time adds some pop-up food stalls into the mix too.
Insider tip:
If you love coffee and want to take some back home to Australia or on your onward travel, you can pick up the good stuff at Ben Thanh. Border force should let it in back home if the beans have been roasted.
2
An Dong Market
SILK IS THE SPECIALITY
If you’re on the hunt for clothes, textiles or specifically silk, An Dong is the place to go. Plus, you can also pick up plenty of souvenirs from the craft stalls on the top floor of the indoor market. You’ll find local artisan sellers that are highly skilled in the country’s proud heritage of woodwork and lacquer.
Just like Ben Thanh, this is a proper Vietnamese experience and a slice of real life in HCMC. An Dong is in District 10, which is about 10km southwest of the city centre. Your best bet is to hop in a taxi or jump on a xe om for the 10-minute journey from District 1. If you would like to stay a little closer, there are plenty of hotels available nearby.
3
Russian Market
GET YOUR FILL OF NEW CLOTHES
The Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a little bit of a misnomer – it’s not packed to the rafters with traditional Russian goods. In fact, it’s only called the Russian Market because it was started by a Vietnamese soldier with Russian training. It did originally sell Russian products, but things have moved on these days.
Instead, inside this indoor market in the southern part of District 1, you’ll find clothes galore. If you’re looking for a cheap deal on winter clothes and larger sizes (ideal for an Aussie frame) you’ll find it here.
There are more than 200 stalls with sellers hawking their wares, and the prices are much more affordable than home. It’s perfect if you’re travelling on to somewhere cooler after Vietnam and need a few warmer clothes. You might even see the odd Russian doll too.
Insider tip:
This isn’t the spot to go to for a unique Vietnamese experience. It’s all a little chaotic and all about the clothes. If you want to soak in the atmosphere, make a beeline for either Ben Thanh or An Dong.
If you’re getting a taxi here, have the address written down as locals don’t always refer to it as the Russian Market. Or use the Grab app to make sure your driver knows exactly where you’re going.
4
Binh Tay Market
AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE
Head to Cholon (Chinatown) and immerse yourself into the largest market in Vietnam. Binh Tay Market is in District 6 (Chinatown spreads across parts of both District 5 and 6) and is best experienced in the morning when the residents of the city shop for fresh produce and seafood.
Ben Thanh is arguably more geared up for tourists, while Binh Tay is all about the local residents -meaning the atmosphere is 100% authentic. You’ll come for the atmosphere and stay for the food. Enjoy steaming bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches, fresh fruit, traditional sweets, and pastries.
Shopping malls
FROM BARGAIN PRICES TO LUXURY BOUTIQUES
As well as its markets, Ho Chi Minh is packed with shopping malls too. Some of the best include:
Diamond Plaza
An upscale department store in District 1, offering luxury shops, fashion boutiques, speciality stores, and a fantastic shopping experience. It’s also surrounded by many attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral. There’s a bowling alley and cinema inside too.
Saigon Square
This two-storey wholesale fashion mall offers some of the best prices in HCMC. Like a market, it’s separated into separate stalls selling men’s and women’s clothes, handbags, swimwear, jewellery, textiles and more.
Insider tip:
Bargaining is expected at Saigon Square – the prices on the tags are slightly inflated. You’ll also see different sellers with the same items at different prices. Use this to your advantage when bargaining but remember don’t go overboard as you want to remain respectful to the local traders.
Parkson Hung Vuong
This international-level department store stocks some recognisable clothing brands including Calvin Klein and Lacoste. The ground floor is filled with cosmetics and makeup, and the second and third floors are all about fashion. You’ll find homeware and restaurants on the top floor. It’s in District 1 too, so nice and central.
Takashimaya Vietnam
This huge, air-conditioned mall in District 1 is from the big-name Japanese shopping centres. It’s all about luxury shopping, high-end cosmetics, jewellery, fashion, and a little sophistication. There are also many authentic Japanese restaurants on the third and fifth floors if you want to mix it up away from Vietnamese cuisine.
Vincom Centre
Split across two buildings, Vincom A and Vincom B, it’s old and new Ho Chi Minh in a nutshell. Vincom A is set in a low-rise colonial building and is home to international brands like Ralph Lauren and Hermes. Behind it is a modern glass skyscraper (Vincom B), where you’ll find high-street brands and homeware.
Now you know where to spend your Dong in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s time to check out the best districts to stay in, what to see and do, and how to get around.
Thinking of travelling to Ho Chi Minh? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
