The ONLY Shopping guide you need for Ho Chi Minh City!
Updated: Aug 28, 2020
Welcome to the shoppers’ paradise that is Ho Chi Minh City. There is something here for everyone, and every budget!
For a traditional shopping experience
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh market is a one stop shop for all your needs- cheap clothing, food, bags, and souvenirs. If you have very little time dedicated to shopping and you want a taste of local shopping, this is where you come. Bear in mind that Ben Thanh is a tourist trap, so the prices are fairly inflated, so you have to bargain hard to get a reasonable price.
Ben Thanh Night Market
Post 7PM, the area outside Ben Thanh market is converted into the night market which offers an array of freshly cooked food, and cheap shopping. The variety is far lesser than the market itself, but the vibe of the open air night market is worth visiting it for.
There are some really good restaurants and boutiques around the Benh Than market area- so walk about with your eyes wide open and try them out!
Don't know what food to eat-my food guide to Vietnam breaks down the names of the popular food to make it easy for you to order food in Vietnam!
Wondering where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City? Check out my list of tried & tested restaurants & markets!
Check out my detailed guide to Ho Chi Minh City!
Tip: Keep a close watch on your phone, bag, and other belongings-there have been several cases of pickpockets & phone/bag snatching at the market and around the area.
Address: Cho Duong Le Loi, Phuong Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000
Operating Hours: 7AM- 7PM
Check out my detailed guides for Vietnam!
Pham Van Hai Market
This market sees more locals, and very few tourists, as it is out of the tourist route. Prices here are cheaper, and the clothing here is reasonably priced, but as always, you need to bargain with the sellers to get the best possible price.
This market sells fresh produce, other household items, and has a host of freshly cooked food on offer as well.
Address: 128 Pham Van Hai, Phuong 3, Tan Binh, Ho Chi minh 700000
Operating Hours: 4AM- 12AM
Shopping on the high street
If shopping in a huge, noisy, market, bargaining with sellers is too stressful for you- worry not! Head to the following spots, for a more relaxing retail experience.
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City only for 24 hours-Check out my 24 hour guide to Saigon!
Nguyen Trai High Street
This is one of my favourite places to shop in Ho Chi Minh city, as it has a mix of international and homegrown brands. I love the clothing from the homegrown brands, as they are different, and one of a kind. The street is lined with cute shops in multilevel buildings-so don’t forget to climb up the stairs wherever you see them!
Tip: Don’t confuse it with the Nguyen Trai shopping street in District 5 (Quan 5)-this will be more like market shopping, but housed in small shops, or on the street.
Address: Nguyen Trai, Phuong Pham Ngu Lao, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000
The Old Apartment buildings of Saigon
Ho Chi Minh city’s heritage architecture has been preserved in the most beautiful ways by enterprising young locals and expats. Many old buildings have now been converted upscale shopping and dining destinations.
Cafe Apartments
Located on the Nguyen hue walking street, this building is strategically located and is the most popular. It has more cafes than boutiques, but should definitely be on your list of places to check out when in Saigon.
Address: 42 Nguyen hue Pedestrian Street, District 1
42 Ton That Tiep
This old apartment building has a lot of home grown labels that are definitely worth stopping by for. The architecture of the building is beautifully preserved and the fun & colourful interiors of the boutiques pull you in for a better look at what they have to offer.
Address: 42 Ton That Tiep, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
26 Ly Tu Trong
This is a beautiful old apartment building with cute cafes and boutiques.
Address: 26 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Shopping Malls
If shopping at malls are more your thing, Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of that as well.
Takashimaya-Saigon Centre
Find all the luxury brands from around the world here. There is a food court and a few stand alone restaurants as well.
Address: 92-94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000
Vincom Centre
A high street shopping centre that hosts international brands- prices are more or less the same as everywhere else in the world. (Zara, Mango, etc)
Address: 72 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh
Shopping centres
There are a couple of shopping centres in the heart of the city which all tourists will stumble upon. They have many stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, bags, and shoes.
Saigon Square
Located right opposite Takashimaya, Saigon Square has on offer clothes, shoes, coffee, tea, souvenirs, bags, & accessories at reasonable prices- but go prepared to bargain. Most stalls will accept only cash.
Address: 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh
Operating hours: 9AM- 8PM
Lucky Plaza
An entrance to Lucky Plaza is beside the Cafe apartments while the other is on Dong Khoi street, so it is hard to miss this one.
There are stalls selling bags, souvenirs, and accessories here. Be prepared to bargain to get the best price. Most stalls will accept only cash.
Address: 69 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh
Shops to buy Propaganda posters & Souvenirs
Saigon Kitsch
This is a really cool store that sells posters, t-shirts, beautiful, quirky, ceramics, and other souvenirs.
Address: 43 Ton That Tiep, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh
Operating Hours: 9AM-9PM
Artbook
Another store that I liked, that sells posters, books, coasters, art, and other souvenirs.
Address: 43 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe 1, Ho Chi Minh
For luxury ceramics
Amai Central
This store has beautiful handcrafted ceramics.
Address: 87 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe 1, Ho Chi Minh
Hope you find my suggestions helpful when shopping in Ho Chi Minh city!
Do leave me a comment below to let me know your thoughts!