Hidden within the bustling streets of District 5, An Dong Market is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most time-honored marketplaces, yet it is often overlooked by tourists. Although An Dong Market is not as well-known as the legendary Ben Thanh Market, it still holds a rustic yet strangely captivating charm. For generations, An Dong Market has been a cornerstone of Saigon’s commercial heartbeat since the 1950s, as it is the go-to hub for every local tailor, designer, wholesaler, and fashion enthusiast searching for high-quality fabrics, trendy clothes, and traditional handicrafts.
Until today, this market remains an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience Vietnam’s thriving textile industry and wholesale fashion scene. If you’re looking for authentic shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, grab your tote bag and hop on a bike—let’s dive into the sights, sounds, and secrets of An Dong Market!
A Brief History of An Dong Market
Built in the 1950s during a time when Saigon was rapidly expanding and modernising, An Dong Market was envisioned as a key hotspot for the textile and garment industry; the industry that has long been at the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
From its earliest days, An Dong Market has attracted many tailors and designers from every corner of Saigon, who seek quality fabrics to sew traditional Ao Dai, suits, and dresses.
Today, An Dong Market still plays that vital role, but it goes far beyond just aisles of fabrics. It’s a living piece of District 5’s local identity, a place where old family-run shops sit side by side with trendy new showrooms, and generations of vendors greet loyal customers by name. This market is a window into the everyday rhythm of Saigon that you won’t see at touristy spots like Ben Thanh. So if you want a glimpse of genuine Saigon life, then An Dong Market is where you’ll find that irresistible beauty.
Why does An Dong Market deserve a Spot on your Saigon Itinerary?
Ho Chi Minh City is full of vibrant markets, but if you want to tap into the city’s true rhythm — the place where daily Saigon life plays out away from the typical postcard scenes — then An Dong Market deserves a prime spot on your travel itinerary.
Nestled in the heart of District 5, An Dong Market is a four-story maze packed with colour, energy and the everyday bustle of Saigon’s local market life, a place where past and present collide seamlessly. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel there will be no polished tourist veneer, just authentic daily life buzzing around you.
With its central location and souvenir-heavy stalls, Ben Thanh Market is often tailored to tourists looking for quick gifts and snapshots of Saigon. Meanwhile, Binh Tay Market in District 6 is another major wholesale hub, bustling with bulk-buy traders and offering goods at competitive prices for both locals and regional vendors.
On the contrary, An Dong Market greets you with a genuine vibe that’s entirely welcoming. The first floors of An Dong Market sell a wide range of ready-to-wear fashion, shoes, handbags, and jewellery — a treasure trove for wholesale shoppers and bargain hunters. The upper floors are a labyrinth of fabric stalls, where grandmothers select cloth to sew Ao Dai —a traditional Vietnamese dress for family celebrations, and where travellers can freely choose a unique textile to bring home.
Of course, no Vietnamese market is complete without its food corners. Between fabric stalls and clothing booths, you’ll find pockets of local eats that fuel both vendors and shoppers through the day. Take a break with a bowl of steaming Hu Tieu or signature Chinese dishes, enjoy Vietnamese coffee, or treat yourself to a cup of Che — a beloved Vietnamese dessert of beans, fruit, and coconut milk served cold.
It’s these simple moments that make An Dong Market feel like a living, breathing piece of local culture, not just a place to buy things, but a place to soak up Saigon’s everyday life.
How to reach An Dong Market?
An Dong Market is located at 34–36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5, opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, and is close to the historic Chinatown (Cho Lon) Saigon. The simplest way to reach An Dong Market is by Grab or other ride-hailing apps, with fares typically ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 VND ($3–$5) per ride. Moreover, several bus routes stop near the market, and you can ask your hotel staff or a local for the best route to take.
If you’re driving your own motorbike or car, you’ll find a large parking lot around the market building, just remember to bring small bills to pay the parking attendants. It’s also wise to lock your bike and avoid leaving valuables behind, as the surrounding area can get very unruly, especially during weekends. No matter how you get there, exploring An Dong Market is a breeze once you know the way.
Best time to visit An Dong Market?
Timing your visit right can make all the difference when exploring An Dong Market. If you want to soak up the local atmosphere, head there in the morning. Honestly, early hours bring a tremendous buzz, when vendors are full of energy, fresh goods are being delivered, and the market hums with the energy of tailors, buyers, and shopkeepers catching up on neighbourhood gossip.
Midday is prime time if you’re planning to browse for fabrics. By late morning, the textile stalls at An Dong Market stay well-stocked, so you’ll have a wide range to pick from. Please note that the market tends to close early in the late afternoon, as some vendors take breaks or pack up early. Therefore, it’s advisable to do your shopping during the morning.
What to Shop for When Visiting An Dong Market?
Fabrics & Tailoring Supplies
One of the biggest draws of An Dong Market is its impressive selection of fabrics, which is primarily located on the second and third floors. These levels are a haven for fashion designers, local tailors, and curious visitors who want a custom creation or simply enjoy purchasing high-quality, velvety materials. At these floors, you’ll find piles of gorgeous fabric—soft silk, shiny brocade, and easy-to-wear linen, cotton, and chiffon.
Many shoppers come here specifically to select fabric for traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, but the variety also suits a range of customers’ needs, from formal wear to innovative contemporary variations. Prices are generally calculated by the meter, with minimum purchases starting from one to two meters, depending on the store owner. You may even have to bargain politely, and you can gain a better deal, especially if you’re buying in large quantities.
If you’re desirous to turn your fabric into a graceful piece of Ao Dai, many skilled tailors in the surrounding stalls can make your dream come true. In a city where mass production is standard, An Dong Market still offers a distinctly personal shopping experience for those seeking unique and made-to-measure pieces.
Ready-to-Wear Fashion & Accessories
Now we arrive at the ground floor of An Dong Market, where the buzz intensifies and the atmosphere comes alive. Here, you’ll find numerous mazes of stalls selling everything from trendy dresses and graphic tees to handbags, stylish sneakers, and statement jewellery. This section primarily caters to wholesale buyers, offering highly competitive prices, especially for bulk purchases.
However, don’t let the word “wholesale” put you off if you’re shopping for just one or two pieces. Many vendors are willing to sell single items to customers if asked respectfully and politely. When browsing, remember to pay attention to materials and stitching. Sure, some items might be mass-produced and not built to last, but if you take your time, you’ll find hidden gems with solid craftsmanship and surprisingly modern designs.
Regarding the sizes, they tend to run small compared to Western standards, so it’s always a good idea to hold items up or ask if you can try them on. For travellers, the ground floor of An Dong Market offers an exciting mix of style, speed, and affordability, which is perfect for picking up fashion finds that you won’t see in chain stores.
Unique Handicrafts & Souvenirs
For something more traditional or handmade, make your way to the busy sections and into An Dong Market’s quieter upper floors and out-of-sight areas. This is where you’ll uncover a more local, artisan side of this remarkable market. You’ll want to notice stunning lacquerware, including jewellery boxes, serving trays, and decorative plates inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Nearby, stalls offer hand-embroidered linens, including pillowcases, table runners, and handkerchiefs, many of which showcase Vietnamese floral motifs or cultural symbols.
Stroll a bit longer, and you’ll come across some handmade jewellery crafted with shiny beads, silver, and natural stones, often influenced by ethnic styles from the central highlands of Vietnam. Furthermore, don’t miss the selection of bamboo and rattan goods (baskets, hats, and rustic home décor items that make lightweight, practical souvenirs). Ceramics lovers will appreciate small, elegant teacups, bowls, and vases, perfect for packing in your luggage. Here’s a pro tip: these unique items are usually found in the quieter back corners, so give yourself time to explore past the obvious spots.
From custom-made clothing to fashionable picks and memorable souvenirs, An Dong Market captures the essence of Saigon’s retail charm in every corner.
A Culinary Guide for Tourists at An Dong Market
Inside the Market
Here’s a significant fact for you: You don’t have to go far to find flavourful local dishes when wandering through An Dong Market’s bustling aisles. On the ground floor, you’ll find a small but vibrant food court area tucked away among the stalls.
Here, vendors serve up dishes to customers in just five minutes, yet every dish has its own unique flavour and looks beautifully presented, while the prices couldn’t be more affordable; perfect for a mid-shopping snack. Be sure to look out for food stalls near the main entrances or hidden in the corners — these are often where the best surprises are found.
You can sit shoulder-to-shoulder with market-goers at plastic tables and savour steaming bowls of Pho, Bun Rieu, or Com Tam, freshly made Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) packed with fragrant Vietnamese herbs, or traditional sweet treats like sticky rice cakes and colourful Vietnamese Che. It’s simple, cheap, and wonderfully authentic — precisely the kind of local food experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
If you’re craving something refreshing and unique, look out for stalls selling freshly mixed fruit bowls. Fruit bowls are a vibrant combination of tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, watermelon, and dragon fruit, often topped with shaved ice or drizzled with sweet coconut milk or condensed milk. It’s simple, cheap, and wonderfully authentic, precisely the kind of local food experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
Outside the Market
If you step just beyond the market walls, you’ll discover some of the tastiest dishes waiting right on the sidewalks surrounding An Dong Plaza. The An Dong residential area here buzzes with the sounds and tempting scent of classic Saigon street food. Tiny plastic stools and makeshift tables spill onto the pavement, inviting you to sit down with locals for a quick, satisfying meal under the open sky.
Around An Dong Market, you’ll find plenty of classic Vietnamese dishes — from beloved breakfast staples and affordable rice plate stalls to long-standing family-run dim sum and dumpling shops that have been here for generations. If you’re thirsty, you can stop by stalls selling refreshing sugarcane juice, aromatic Vietnamese coffee, herbal drinks, fruit smoothies or chilled winter melon tea near the market area, all at reasonable prices. With just a few dozen thousand VND, you can easily fill your hungry stomach after an exciting day exploring An Dong Market.
Eating Tips for Tourists
To truly enjoy the flavours of An Dong Market like a local, keep a few simple tips in mind. Go early, as the best dishes often sell out fast and the ingredients are freshest in the morning. Always bring small bills or cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards and may not have change for large bills.
Don’t be shy about sharing a table with other locals — it’s part of the lively market experience and a great way to soak up the atmosphere. And if you have a sensitive stomach, stick to cooked dishes and hot soups rather than raw ingredients or ice-loaded beverages.
More Than Just Shopping: What to Do Near An Dong Market
An Dong Market is more than just a paradise for bargain hunters. This is any tourist’s starting point for a rich cultural journey through one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most historic districts. After browsing the market’s many levels filled with fabrics, handicrafts, and trendy fashion, step outside and discover the deeper soul of Cho Lon, the city’s vibrant Chinatown. Just a few minutes away lies the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, a sacred space dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Once you reach this pagoda, the scent of burning incense fills the air as worshippers light candles and offer prayers beneath the temple’s elaborate roof carvings.
From there, let yourself wander through Cho Lon’s narrow lanes and old shopfronts, where daily life is alive with a unique mix of Vietnamese and Chinese traditions. Don’t forget to stop at a retro-style café nearby, where you can sip iced coffee or lotus tea while taking photos of the neighbourhood’s nostalgic charm.
To round out your visit, you might want to join Jackfruit Adventure’s Trails of Quach Dam tour, which conveniently starts just around the corner from An Dong Market. This relaxed half-day cycling route offers a closer look at the neighbourhood’s layered history, winding through quiet alleys, old temples, and corners of Chinatown that most visitors overlook, especially if you’re curious about the stories that shaped Saigon beyond its busy shopping streets.
Local Secrets to Maximise Your Trip at An Dong Market
To truly make the most of your time at An Dong Market, there are a few insider tips that can help you experience like a seasoned local.
Bring cash
- Most vendors don’t accept cards — An Dong Market is largely cash-based.
- Carry small denominations for easier purchases at food stalls or accessory shops.
Bargain respectfully
- Haggling is part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price.
- Be polite and friendly — vendors appreciate sincere and good-natured bargaining.
Secure your belongings
- While the market is generally safe, keep your bag zipped and close at all times.
- Opt for a crossbody bag or wear your backpack on the front for better control in crowds.
Dress comfortably
- The market can get humid despite some air-conditioned areas.
- Wear breathable clothing and comfy shoes, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main floors.
See An Dong Market Differently with Jackfruit Adventure!
An Dong Market may be well-known for its textiles and bustling stalls, but what many visitors miss is the living history that surrounds it, the ageing temples tucked between modern buildings, the quiet alleyways where artisans still work by hand, and rich tales shaped by journeys, trading routes, and cultural encounters.
This is precisely the kind of space Jackfruit Adventure’s cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City are designed to uncover. By venturing beyond the market’s walls on a bicycle, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re moving at a pace that lets you notice how incense drifts from a nearby temple, how the sound of a sewing machine hums through an open window, or how generations of change are written into a single alley.
If you’re seeking unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this experience offers something different: an opportunity to slow down, listen, and see a side of the city that most overlook. Let the city unfold around you, as the journey unfolds wheel by wheel!
