Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a thriving and lively city with a wide range of shopping possibilities that will satisfy even the pickiest consumer. From bustling traditional markets overflowing with unique treasures to modern shopping malls showcasing the latest trends, this city has it all, making it the Best Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re a foodie seeking exquisite street cuisine, a fashionista hunting for trendy apparel, or a culture enthusiast looking for traditional handicrafts, Ho Chi Minh City is your shopping haven. Join us as we embark on a shopping adventure through the top destinations in this energetic city.
1. Explore the Bustling Markets for the Best Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
When it comes to best shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling markets are an absolute must-visit. These lively marketplaces provide you with a very realistic shopping experience by immersing you in the local way of life through an overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Come along with us as we explore the vivid and energetic world of the city’s busy markets, where you’ll find hidden treasures, bargain with vendors, and experience a bit of the exciting local way of life.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a unique combination of history, architecture, and a lively environment. Completed in 1912, it blends French colonial influences with traditional Vietnamese style to create a fascinating setting. The market sells a wide variety of products, including fresh vegetables, spices, apparel, handicrafts, and street food. It acts as a cultural hub, providing a genuine experience for both locals and tourists. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a popular hangout for individuals from all walks of life.
Address: Le Lai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours:
- Day market: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Night market: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
An Dong Market
An Dong Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a popular shopping destination owing to its big wholesale market, which offers a diverse choice of items at affordable costs. It is well-known for its textile and garment concentration, with a diverse assortment of textiles, materials, and ready-made garments. The market’s local vendor culture, passed down through generations, cultivates a sense of authenticity and community connection. Visitors may learn about the textile business, buy in bulk, and support local sellers, providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that appeals to both residents and visitors.
- Address: 36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2. Where to Shop in Ho Chi Minh City for Designer Brands and Upscale Fashion
Aside from the busy marketplaces, Ho Chi Minh City boasts several modern retail complexes that contribute to its reputation for having the Best Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. As you walk in, you’ll be met by a compelling mix of well-known international and trendy local stores, cutting-edge tech stores, and an array of food options to satisfy your taste buds. With these shopping malls, you can immerse yourself in a world of luxury, discover the newest trends, and have a shopping experience that caters to your every want.
Saigon Centre/Takashimaya
Saigon Centre, which houses Vietnam’s only branch of the famous Japanese department store chain Takashimaya, offers a diverse range of stores to cater to various shopping needs. Here are some of the notable stores you can find in Saigon Centre/Takashimaya:
Stores:
- Burberry
- Bvlgari
- Christian Dior
- Estee Lauder
- Gucci
- Hermes
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Coach
- Versace
- Dolce&Gabbana
Address:
- 65 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 92 – 94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours:
- Mon-Thu: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri-Sun: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Vincom Center
Vincom Center, located in District 1, is a premier shopping destination and a major contributor to making Ho Chi Minh City the Best Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s most famous and well-established chain of malls, Vincom offers a wide range of stores, entertainment options, and dining establishments. Here are some of the highlights of what you can find in Vincom Center District 1:
Stores:
- Adidas
- Charles&Keith
- Crocs
- Pull&Bear
- H&M
- Mango
- Nike
- Pandora
- Zara
- Tommy Hilfiger
Address:
- 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 45A Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. Discover Specialty Shopping Streets
Specialty shopping streets are gateways to unique charm, offering a world of distinct flavors, craftsmanship, and culture, and are some of the reasons why these streets are considered to have the best shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. Step away from the mainstream and let these enchanting avenues transport you to a realm of captivating shopping experiences.
Dong Khoi Street
Dong Khoi Street is renowned as Ho Chi Minh City’s “fashion avenue” with a concentration of luxury and stylish boutiques featuring foreign and Vietnamese brands. So, take a trip down Dong Khoi Street to observe the latest fashion trends, immerse yourself in the dynamic retail scene, and experience first-rate service with these stores.
Stores:
- Louis Vuitton
- Lacoste
- Omega
- Tudor
- Long Beach Pearl
- Mystere
- Tic Tac
- Rolex
- Amai
- Hublot
Hai Ba Trung Street
It is located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, near popular attractions including Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office. The street is recognized for its numerous fashion boutiques, which range from trendy to luxurious and cater to different audiences and styles. While certain businesses may change over time, below are some examples of the sorts of stores you could find on Hai Ba Trung Street:
Stores:
- Charles&Keith
- Converse
- PNJ Next
- Pedro
- Shondo
- Pierre Cardin
- Giordano
- Ninomaxx
- Couple TX
- PT2000
- Đông Hải
- Habanos Specialist
Nguyen Trai Walking Street
Nguyen Trai Street is probably one of Saigon’s busiest shopping districts. Nguyen Trai Street is notable for its length, which runs throughout Districts 1 and 5. While District 1 has more local upscale boutiques, the District 5 side of Nguyen Trai has many economical stores and street vendors, where you can try out your bargaining skill.
Stores:
- MLB
- Charles&Keith
- Lyn
- Libé
- Levents
- Levi’s
- Dear José
- Secodee
- Magonn Design
- Vans
- New Balance
- Crocs
- Nike
- Innisfree
- Beauty Box
- The Body Shop
- The Craft House
Tips for Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
How to Bargain in Ho Chi Minh City
Bargaining is an exciting and important part of the shopping experience in Ho Chi Minh City. As you browse the crowded markets and street stalls, participating in friendly negotiations can add a fascinating element to your shopping trip. The first thing you want to do is research the average price beforehand to establish an acceptable starting point, then approach the seller in a friendly and respectful manner. If you cannot communicate through language, make use of nonverbal clues and progressive offerings to communicate your goals. Remember that sometimes walking away can result in a beneficial outcome.
However, it is critical to maintain a balanced viewpoint and respect the item’s value for sale in order not to offend the sellers. These are some basic steps to explain how you can bargain in Ho Chi Minh City, so if you want to know more details on the bargaining culture, check out “The Culture of Bargaining in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide 2024”
What to buy when shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
When shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, there are many goods to pick from that represent the spirit of Vietnamese culture and make excellent mementos. It can be the Ao Dai, a traditional dress that makes a timeless fashion statement for Vietnamese culture, or the Non La, the conical hat that represents the country’s charm and cultural identity. For decor, it can be traditional handicrafts such as lacquerware, bamboo products, ceramics, or artwork that showcases the craftsmanship of Vietnamese people and the country’s rich artistic traditions and cultural history.
To know more about where and how much these goods cost, check out the article “What souvenirs should I buy in Ho Chi Minh City”
