Ho Chi Minh City or previously known as Saigon is home to over 9 million people. The city attracts millions of visitors every year due to its amazing culture, skyscrapers, history and of course, it has some of the best shopping in all of Southeast Asia.
The biggest shopping centre and arguably the best in Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon Square. However, this article is about the best markets in the city where you can find souvenirs, jewellery, gems, clothing, food and even military clothing from the Vietnam War. The most famous in Ho Chi Minh City called Ben Thanh Market. However, several other smaller ones that are worth checking out. Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper’s paradise, so you definitely do not want to miss this city if you like to shop.
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Visit Ben Thanh Market
The most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City if not Vietnam is the Ben Thanh Market. It is the largest and most historic market in the country.
It is located in the centre of District 1, which is the centre of the city, so near all the major tourist attractions and major hotels. Because of its history, location and how big it is, this market is the most touristy in this list. If you are looking for some souvenirs, shoes, jewellery, bags or wanting to buy a watch then this is arguably one of the best to visit. This is such a tourist attraction and being in the centre of Ho Chi Minh you are bound to visit this place anyway.
If you are hungry, then this is another great option with loads of food stalls set up making you some amazing Vietnamese food to fill you up.
A couple tips if you plan to visit the Ben Thanh Market. First, if you are not Vietnamese, the first price given is usually three or four times the normal price. Do not be scared to barter if you are interested in something and remember do not feel guilty for trying to get a cheaper price because if they are not going to make any money then they will not sell it to you. The other tip is try and go to the market early, because the vendors tend to offer better starting prices.
Go to Saigon Square Shopping Mall
Saigon Square Shopping Mall is a bustling commercial center located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. This mall is known for its wide range of fashion products and affordable prices, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike. The mall is spread over two floors and is home to a large number of retail outlets selling clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and more.
Saigon Square Shopping Mall is famous for its wide selection of knock-off designer goods, and shoppers can find almost anything they need at a fraction of the cost of the original items. The mall is also an excellent place to shop for souvenirs and gifts, with a range of handicrafts, traditional clothing, and other locally made products on offer.
The mall’s location is convenient, being in the city center, and there are plenty of food stalls and restaurants nearby to cater to shoppers’ needs. Overall, Saigon Square Shopping Mall is a vibrant and exciting destination for those looking to shop and explore the culture of Vietnam.
3. Go to the Ben Thanh Street Food Market
A bright and busy foodie destination, Ben Thanh Street Food Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers a mouthwatering selection of Vietnamese street food delicacies. This outdoor food market, which is close to the well-known Ben Thanh Market, is a sanctuary for foodies seeking out genuine regional flavours.
The aroma of grilled meats, fragrant herbs, and exotic spices fills the market, creating a sensory feast. The streets are lined with stalls and sellers selling a tantalizing array of foods, including banh mi sandwiches, pho soup, spring rolls, and crispy pancakes.
Visitors can take their time exploring the market and trying different foods from numerous sellers. The bustling ambiance, along with the clatter of conversations and the sound of sizzling pans, enhances the experience.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market offers visitors the chance to experience Vietnam’s thriving street food culture in addition to satisfying their palates. Locals and visitors congregate there to savor the nation’s illustrious culinary heritage.
The market is open early and closes late, so if you like to try affordable local Vietnamese food then this is a must see place you must check out when you are in Ho Chi Minh city. A top is try to avoid lunch or dinnertime when the market is quite busy and hard to find a seat.
Visit the Binh Tay Market
The French constructed the Binh Tay Market in the 1880s. The busy Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s thriving Chinatown (Cho Lon) neighborhood in District 6 provides an iconic look into the country’s regional commercial culture. The market, which was built in the 19th century, is a centre of commerce and activity that draws both locals and visitors.
The market’s elaborate façade and minute detailing serve as a visual representation of Chinese influence. Visitors are welcomed inside by a lively and colorful scene where sellers sell a variety of things, including fresh produce and spices as well as apparel, home goods, and souvenirs.
Narrow lanes and busy aisles that lead to hidden treasures and intriguing finds make Binh Tay Market exploration an immersive experience. The market is a sanctuary for foodies, with kiosks selling a huge selection of delicious Vietnamese and Chinese street foods.
With the constant bustle of haggling and the aromas of exotic spices filling the air, the market has a bright and bustling atmosphere. It’s a great location for experiencing local culture firsthand, seeing daily living, and tasting traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
A trip to Binh Tay Market is a fascinating excursion into the center of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, where local customs, business, and history are intertwined.
5. Visit the An Dong Market
The An Dong Market is a four-storey indoor market that is located on An Duong Vuong Street in District 5, so about 10-15 minute from the city center and district 1.
An Dong Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving marketplace that caters to both locals and tourists by providing a variety of shopping options. This multi-level market is renowned for its extensive selection of goods, which ranges from apparel and accessories to furniture and handmade goods.
You will be met by a lively atmosphere filled with colourful stalls and the animated shouts of traders as soon as you enter An Dong Market. The market is especially well-known for its wide variety of apparel, which includes both modern fashion items and traditional Vietnamese attire. This enables tourists to find one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable costs.
An Dong Market sells a wide range of products in addition to apparel, including fabrics, textiles, shoes, purses, and souvenirs. Wholesale goods are located on the market’s higher levels, drawing both domestic and foreign shoppers.
Discover hidden gems, become immersed in the neighborhood’s shopping scene, and haggle for lower prices by exploring An Dong Market. In the center of Ho Chi Minh City, this location embodies the bustling spirit of Vietnam’s commercial culture and offers a distinctive shopping experience.
6. Visit the Dan Sinh Market
The Dan Sinh Market is located at Yersin in District 1 and is open daily until 6pm.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Dan Sinh Market is a singular and fascinating location well-known for its extensive collection of wartime artefacts and military surplus products. Dan Sinh Market, often known as the “War Surplus Market” or the “Yard Sales Market,” is significant historically.
A wide variety of things connected to the Vietnam War are on display for visitors, including uniforms, helmets, military equipment, medals, and even deactivated weaponry. It’s a location where history comes to life, providing a window into the turbulent past of the nation.
Dan Sinh Market provides a range of additional goods in addition to military memorabilia, including electronics, tools, home goods, and antiques. Searching for rare and unusual things, haggling, and interacting with pleasant vendors are all opportunities presented by exploring the market.
The purpose of going to Dan Sinh Market is to learn more about Vietnam’s history and the effects of war, not just to purchase. It is a place that draws history buffs, collectors, and people looking for a distinctive shopping experience with a dash of nostalgia.
7. Visit the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh
The Russian Market or sometimes known as Cho Lon Market or Phu Nhuan Market located on Vo Van Kiet in District 1, which is right in middle of the city.
Due to the substantial population of Russian expats and the amount of Russian goods offered, this market has acquired a reputation.
Explore a variety of products at the Russian Market, including apparel, accessories, electronics, and mementos. Vodka, caviar, chocolates, and traditional Russian handicrafts are just a few of the imported Russian goods that are popular in this market.
Beyond Russian goods, the market also sells a wide range of domestic Vietnamese goods and imports, creating a mashup of cultures and things. Visitors can take in the lively spirit, barter, and find one-of-a-kind treasures while strolling through the market’s busy aisles.
Both locals and visitors like visiting the Russian Market, which offers a distinctive fusion of elements from both Russia and Vietnam. In the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it is a place where several cultures converge, resulting in a vibrant ambiance and an engaging shopping experience.
8. Visit the Tan Dinh Market
Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Dinh Market was built in 1925, which makes it one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. It is considered a historical monument with its amazing architecture and yellow façade.
It is a neighborhood market that provides a lively and genuine shopping experience. This market, which is a favorite among locals and offers a look into daily life in the city, is located in the busy District 1.
Fresh produce, seafood, and a broad variety of local products may all be found in Tan Dinh Market. It’s a refuge for home cooks and food aficionados interested in learning about Vietnamese cuisine. Visitors can take in the market’s sights and noises while perusing the vibrant fruit and vegetable stands and sampling regional specialties.
Tan Dinh Market provides more than just food; it also sells fabrics, apparel, and home goods. It’s an excellent spot to pick up inexpensive, distinctive gifts or traditional Vietnamese clothing to bring back home.
The market is lively and crowded, and the pleasant vendors are ready to barter and show off their wares to customers. Tan Dinh Market gives a genuine window into the community’s culture as well as a chance to get a feel for the city’s vivacious attitude.
