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
best shopping in ho Chi Minh City at 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
Discover unique treasures, from textiles and clothing to local handicrafts and souvenirs | Source: Collections
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
Discover the best designer brands and upscale fashion at Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City's premier shopping destination | Source: Collections
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
Discover your favorite designer labels at Vincom Center, Ho Chi Minh City | Source: Collections
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, Ho Chi Minh City's fashion avenue, showcases luxury boutiques with Vietnamese & international brands | Source: Collections
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
From high-end designer labels to trendy local brands, Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City | Source: Collections
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
Saigon's shopping haven for both upscale boutiques (District 1) and bargain finds (District 5)| Source: Collections
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
detail 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”
