Where to shop in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City and its allure of modernity seamlessly blend the charms of traditional culture and a bustling metropolis. Locals and tourists can indulge in a delightful fusion of local traditions and high-street fashion at its vibrant shopping scene.

Markets

While Ho Chi Minh City boasts glamorous boutiques and popular malls, a significant part of its shopping experience lies within the local markets.

Ben Thanh Market: A Wonderland

When the sun sets, Ben Thanh Night Market comes to life. The colorful lights illuminate the surroundings as stalls are set up along the main hall. It's a lively and enjoyable atmosphere where you can find a diverse range of products, including clothes, hats, bags, watches, lacquerware, bamboo goods, handicrafts, arts, crafts, and textiles. Moreover, the market also boasts a variety of food shops and cafes, allowing you to indulge in a late-night bite while exploring the vibrant stalls.

An Dong Market: A Textile Paradise

Recognized as the largest textile market in Vietnam, An Dong Market offers an extensive collection of textiles in every color, shape, size, pattern, and material imaginable. Whether you're in search of conventional fashion items, wholesale goods, or delectable treats, the market has it all. While bargaining is generally not encouraged unless purchasing in bulk, the reasonable prices make it a favored destination for textile enthusiasts.

Nguyen Tri Phuong Market: An Undiscovered Treasure

For a less crowded alternative to Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Tri Phuong Market presents a wide variety of articles ranging from clothes, jewelry, and shoes to fresh fruits and vegetables. This market offers a diverse shopping experience, providing you with the opportunity to explore various goods without the tourist crowds. Additionally, don't miss the chance to try the traditional Vietnamese cakes sold by a vendor just outside the market—it's an absolute must-try delicacy.

Ho Chi Minh Flea Market: Unveiling Local Artistry

As one of Vietnam's oldest and busiest shopping places, Ho Chi Minh Flea Market showcases the beautiful and unique works of local artists. Fashion and décor enthusiasts should make it a point to visit this market, where they can discover distinctive pieces that reflect the city's vibrant creative scene.

Artisan Markets: Where Creativity Flourishes

• Hello Weekend Market: This lively night market, popular among locals and foreigners alike, offers trendy clothing, fun socks, jewelry, bags, and an array of other exciting items. Live music and entertaining activities further enhance the vibrant atmosphere. It's important to note that the market changes its location every week, so be sure to check its Facebook page for the latest updates.

• The Box Market: Similar to the Hello Weekend Market, this market also changes its location weekly and appeals to the young and fashionable crowd of Saigon. Stay updated through their Facebook page to catch the market at the right time and place.

• Saigon Outcast: Situated in the Thao Dien neighborhood, Saigon Outcast serves as an event space hosting a regular weekend flea market and other engaging events throughout the week. While exploring the market, take the opportunity to explore Thao Dien itself, a vibrant area popular among expats, featuring delightful restaurants, charming boutiques, and a thriving international community.

Urban Shopping Streets

To truly experience the essence of Ho Chi Minh City's shopping culture, exploring the city's shopping streets is a must. These vibrant streets cater to various needs and offer an exciting opportunity to engage in the art of bargaining. Most street stalls are active during the evening hours, creating a lively ambiance.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street: A Haven for Footwear Lovers

Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street stands out as a unique destination dedicated solely to footwear. Divided into sections for women's, men's, and children's shoes, this street showcases an extensive array of styles, sizes, and shapes. You'll be delighted by the exceptional quality and diverse selection available here.

Hipster Shopping Centers: Unveiling the Trendiest Styles

The New Playground: A trendy underground mall where young locals flock for affordable yet stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories. While it may feel more suitable for teenagers, taking a stroll through this unique mall provides fascinating insights into the Vietnamese hipster scene.

Student Market: Discover the Hidden Gems

The Student Market offers a colorful, affordable, and stimulating experience for those seeking something different. Catering primarily to university students, this market showcases vibrant street food options, ranging from crisp spring rolls to delicious rice pancakes filled with corn, shrimp, and herbs. Exploring the Student Market promises a fresh and offbeat shopping adventure.

Shopping Malls

Dubbed the 'Paris of the East,' Ho Chi Minh City boasts a wide array of shopping malls, each offering a unique blend of entertainment, food, and diverse retail experiences. These modern shopping havens are home to both local and international brands, ensuring a wide range of choices for shoppers.

Vincom Center: A Shopper's Paradise

As the largest shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Center features over 250 retail outlets. Divided into two complexes, Vincom Center A, housed in a refurbished colonial-era building, offers a diverse range of electronics, home décor, and upmarket brands such as Ralph Lauren. The complex also features a food court, family-friendly games, a bowling alley, and a cinema theater. On the other hand, Vincom Complex B, located in a tall skyscraper across the road, hosts elite sports apparel brands and clothing stores.

Aeon Mall: A Taste of Japan

Aeon Mall, a Japanese mall located in Tan Phu District, goes beyond being a mere shopping destination. It serves as an everyday hub, housing a sprawling supermarket on the ground floor. Japanese products are the highlight here, with an extensive variety worth exploring. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the finest sushi in town at the mall's exceptional food section. Aeon Mall also offers free shuttle services from various downtown locations, making your visit convenient and hassle-free.

Takashimaya Vietnam: Exclusivity at Its Finest

Takashimaya Vietnam, a Japanese mall with five floors housed in a premium skyscraper, caters to the affluent and discerning shoppers. The mall features renowned European brands in jewelry, cosmetics, and fragrances such as Clarins, L'Occitane, Christian Dior, Bobbi Brown, Shiseido, and Estée Lauder. Additionally, it showcases ladies' apparel from Banana Republic, Bebe, Bonia, and Braun Buffel, as well as footwear from Clarks, Geox, and Cole Haan. The top floor is dedicated to upscale men's apparel, children's clothing, imported watches, and belts. To complete your shopping experience, explore the sprawling food court and indulge in delectable culinary delights.

Saigon Square: Where Bargains and Quality Meet

Saigon Square stands out as a shopping destination that defies conventional categorization. It may resemble a traditional market, but with its central location, air-conditioned facilities, and accessible toilets, it offers a unique shopping experience. Renowned for reasonable prices, high-quality merchandise, and a wide variety of products, Saigon Square is a treasure trove for shoppers. From affordable synthetic t-shirts to exquisite boutique designs, shoes, jewelry, perfumes, and cosmetics, you'll find everything you desire.

Diamond Plaza: Unleash Your Sophisticated Side

Located in a colonial-style building near major tourist attractions, Diamond Plaza exudes an air of elegance. This shopping complex houses high-end brand stores specializing in clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, watches, and accessories. Conveniently positioned, Diamond Plaza offers a delightful shopping experience during your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.

There is a seamless blend of cultural heritage and contemporary trends in the shopping scene in Ho Chi Minh City. Take a stroll through this bustling city's diverse shopping landscape, embrace the vibrant atmosphere, and create memories to cherish.