Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City generally falls into one of two categories: bustling, negotiable-price markets, or fixed-price modern malls with international and Vietnamese retail brands. They serve different purposes, and most visitors end up using both at different points in a trip.
Markets: atmosphere, souvenirs, negotiation
Ben Thanh Market is the best-known, but Binh Tay Market in Cholon and various neighbourhood markets offer a similar experience with fewer tourists. Good for souvenirs, textiles, conical hats, lacquerware and the experience itself — less good for guaranteed quality, fixed pricing or larger clothing sizes, which can be limited.
Malls: fixed prices, air conditioning, familiar brands
Vincom Center, Saigon Centre, Diamond Plaza and similar malls in District 1 offer a Western-style shopping experience with fixed prices, familiar international brands, food courts and reliable air conditioning — a useful break from the heat as much as a shopping destination. Crescent Mall in District 7 serves a similar role for that side of the city.
Tailoring: a Saigon speciality
Custom tailoring (suits, dresses, ao dai) is widely available and can be excellent value compared with Western prices, though quality varies considerably between tailors. See our tailoring guide for what to expect and how to choose a reputable shop.
| Markets for | Souvenirs, atmosphere, negotiable prices |
|---|---|
| Malls for | Fixed prices, familiar brands, air conditioning |
| Also try | Custom tailoring for suits, dresses and ao dai |