People say “Sai Gon never sleeps”, and it’s 100% true! Even day or night, every corner of the street is always bustling. Whether it’s the early morning hustle or the late-night food stalls lighting up the sidewalks, there’s this nonstop energy that makes the whole city feel wide awake 24/7. Well, to be honest, who knows that between food carts and hidden alleys, I can easily find outfits or garments that are even cheaper than a bánh mì or my morning cup of coffee!
Here’s the truth from a self-proclaimed shopaholic: You don’t actually need lots of money to shop! Let me take you shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, to the place where real Saigon shoppers always go. Are you ready to follow the trail with us? Let’s go!
Why do the Saigonese like shopping in Ho Chi Minh City?
As much as Saigon is known for its bustling, neon-lit streets at night, there’s something else that locals love even more: shopping in their own city. Why? Because there are so many things for you to buy! From famous designer brands at shopping malls to small, independent shops in hidden alleyways, Ho Chi Minh City offers everything, all in one place. Also, many stores sell a wide range of souvenirs in Saigon at affordable prices. Plus, Saigonese love supporting domestic products. In Saigon, every purchase tells a story—whether it’s streetwear from a well-known designer or a handcrafted bag woven from recycled silk. This isn’t just shopping; it’s falling in love with the soul behind these garments.
Another reason? Definitely the price! When going shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, you can collect tons of high-quality souvenirs at the lowest price. Moreover, whether it’s fresh fabrics, custom-made items, or local brands that you can’t find on the map, the locals are pro at knowing all the hidden places for affordable prices.
Last but not least, shopping in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about buying things—it’s about the experience. You’ll often see groups of friends or families hanging out together, grabbing lunch after going shopping or chatting over coffee in boutique cafes, talking about style tips. It’s more of a community experience than just ticking off a shopping list!
Pro Tip: If you want to experience shopping in Ho Chi Minh City like a Saigonese local, head to the less popular districts! You may find a wide range of unique garments, vibrant markets, local designers, and friendly store owners who will treat you like a regular.
Best local places to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Let’s kick-start the journey with the absolute classic: Ben Thanh Market. Let’s be real: Ben Thanh Market is a non-skippable destination for every tourist who first travels to Vietnam. Ben Thanh Market has four gates: South Gate (facing Le Loi Street), North Gate (facing Le Thanh Ton Street), East Gate (facing Phan Boi Chau Street), West Gate (facing Phan Chu Trinh) and you can enter the market by any gate. Walking into Ben Thanh Market feels like stepping into a different world, where you can find colourful fruit and vegetable stacks, as well as lantern-lit aisles with friendly, smiling vendors.
When shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is an ideal place for visitors to purchase a variety of signature local items, including handcrafted souvenirs, clothes, shoes, handmade jewellery, ceramics, embroidered linens, and lacquerware. You can also buy Vietnamese local specialities for your loved ones, such as aromatic coffee beans, spices, dried fruits, nuts and snacks at very fair prices.
Ben Thanh Market might be in every travel guidebook, but it appears for a reason. Ben Thanh Market is not just a place to buy things—it’s also the place where you feel a moment of Saigon’s wild, wonderful atmosphere.
- Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nguyen Hue Apartment
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Once a French colonial-era apartment complex, the Nguyen Hue Apartment has transformed into a creative destination bursting with indie cafes, local fashion stores, bookstores, and even more. The outside of the apartment might look a bit rough around the edges, but inside is full of surprises. At Nguyen Hue Apartment, you will explore the rustic charm of the building by using the stairs to climb up floor by floor. You can also try experiencing the ambience of various cafe apartment buildings at this fantastic place!
You will be surprised to find out that each café in this building has its own aesthetic—some cosy, some minimal, some full of plants and polaroids. Nguyen Hue Apartment is also a low-key shopping paradise for those who love hunting for something unique, such as art prints, streetwear, minimalist designs, or handmade pieces. Don’t forget that this place has a total vibe for social media check-ins.
- Address: 42 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: All Day
Ton That Dam old apartment
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Ton That Dam is an old residential apartment building in District 1, just a short stroll from Bitexco Tower. The Ton That Dam residential building is located next to Ton That Dam market, one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Locals come here for their freshly picked morning produce, enjoy breakfast with a hot, steaming bowl of noodles, and gossip with their acquainted vendors. Once a humble place where families lived, Ton That Dam old apartment is now one of the city’s most creative shopping hubs, transformed by a new generation of indie business owners, artists.
Climb the creaky stairs (no elevator here—this is part of the charm), and each floor opens into a different universe. Shops are scattered throughout like hidden treasures, with no clear direction. Here are things that you can buy at Ton That Dam’s old apartment: hand-drawn tees with Vietnamese slang, oversized blazers, minimalist dresses, or edgy streetwear. Each store has its own vibe—some sleek and minimal, others playful and colorful. You’re not just shopping here. You’re discovering. That’s what makes it fun when you go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Address: 14 Ton That Dam, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 11 PM (Monday-Saturday)/ 8 AM – 00 AM (Sunday)
Ba Chieu Market
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Located in Binh Thanh District, Ba Chieu Market doesn’t scream for attention: no fancy signage, no tour groups in sight. But when walking inside, you’ll instantly feel the buzz of real Saigon life. In this market, tourists can easily buy items at affordable prices such as basic clothes for daily wear, cheap jewellery, air clips, earrings, cute bags and home goods.
Don’t worry if you feel hungry while going shopping, in Ba Chieu Market, countless shops always sell delicious, steaming dishes at the most reasonable prices, like a glass of fresh sugarcane juice, a hot bowl of bánh canh cua (thick crab noodle soup), or a bánh tiêu (puffy sesame donut). Whenever you want to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to set foot in Ba Chieu Market!
- Address: 40 Dien Hong Street, Ward 1, Binh Thanh District
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon Chinatown Market)
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Nestled in the heart of Cho Lon – Saigon’s historic Chinatown, Binh Tay Market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a magic portal that leads you to another place in the city. While Ben Thanh might get all the tourist buzz, Binh Tay Market is where the locals go, and that’s exactly why it’s worth a visit. Dating back to the 18th century, Cho Lon is one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in the world. Hence, Binh Tay Market is a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences, full of temples, Saigon’s herbal tea, noodle stalls, and old-world charm.
From the outside, Binh Tay Market is a beautiful, colonial-era building with yellow walls, green tiles, and a central clock tower. Take a walk inside and you will be surrounded by many local stores that sell piles of clothing at wholesale prices, kitchenware, local snacks, candy, bulk spices and dried goods. If you desire to experience the fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese culture when shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Tay Market is a must-visit destination.
- Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6
- Opening hours: 2 AM – 11 PM
An Dong Market
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes a little mystery in your shopping trip—a little “What’s around this corner?” and “Should I buy this sequin jacket?” energy, then An Dong Market is your perfect option. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own outfit, the levels of An Dong Market will make you feel like a candy store, since there is a wide variety of fabrics, ranging from soft, breezy linen, bold tropical prints, delicate lace, to luxurious silks and velvets.
This is also the place where local designers and tailors come to source design materials. Even if you’re not a sewing expert, just running your hands along the fabrics is definitely addictive. Here’s a secret: An Dong Market has been around for many generations, where mothers bring their daughters to pick fabric for their graduation Ao Dai, or tailors spend hours sourcing materials for custom suits.
Beyond fashion, An Dong Market has its own enchanting beauty, with a combination of retro-style architecture and numerous food stalls hidden in corners, serving delicious sticky rice and traditional Vietnamese iced coffee. So, don’t hesitate to spend a day travelling to An Dong Market, you’ll be surprised at its rustic charm!
- Address: 34-36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Russian Market
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re looking to buy padded jackets, winter clothes, woollen scarves, fur coats, or any kind of outfits to wear in cold weather, then the Russian Market is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. Located in District 1, the Russian Market was established in 2009 by a Vietnamese student who studied in Russia, with the aim of creating a place for trading Vietnamese goods exported to Russia and imported Russian specialities. The Russian Market is designed in a classic Russian architectural style, adorned with vibrant murals that highlight the elegance of the Tsarist era.
Inside the market, there are over 100 stalls selling a wide range of merchandise, including cold-weather outfits, thermal accessories, Russian Matryoshka dolls, ceramic dishes, handcrafted pillow covers, porcelain dishes, and packaged foods. For food enthusiasts, the market features stalls offering a variety of traditional Russian dishes worth trying, including vodka, smoked carp, caviar, buckwheat, and rye bread. So, whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, stocking up on cosy winter wear, or craving Russian cuisine, the Russian Market can offer you a fascinating glimpse into the harmonious cultural blend between Vietnam and Russia.
- Address: 328 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Quick tips for you to shop like a real local
Rule 1- Always bring cash
Before beginning your adventurous shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, here’s a tip that Saigonese locals won’t tell you: Cash is king! (especially small bills). Most traditional markets or small local stores prefer or only accept old-school payment methods, so make sure your wallet is full of money and small bills. Trust me, your shopping will be smooth like butter!
Now, let’s talk a bit about bargaining. Bargaining is a common thing in many local stores, and it can be fun if you know the trick. Remember to smile, be friendly and make a reasonable offer. Bargaining is a win-win, so all you need to do is stay relaxed and haggle in a respectful manner. Also, you shouldn’t lowball too hard- that’s a fast track to creating awkward vibes.
Finally, if you see clear price tags, it means the price is fixed. Trying to bargain there could come off as rude. So read the room and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
Rule 2- Only buy things that are worth your purse
When shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, you should notice what the locals are buying, not just what’s being sold to tourists. Seek out locally made, limited-edition finds—they make unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. (e.g., custom clothes, streetwear, textiles, and locally made jewellery, ceramic pots). That’s usually where the good stuff lives. Remember: Go for stuff that you can actually use or wear when you get home.
Rule 3- Ask the locals for more information
Here’s another valuable tip: take every moment to ask the locals for more detailed information. For example, ask your Grab driver where they usually shop for clothes, chat with your Airbnb host about local markets, or just compliment a local person’s earrings and ask where they got them. Most locals love to share their favourite spots—especially if you’re genuinely curious and not just looking for “cheap souvenirs.” Trust me, this tip is a real game-changer!
Rule 4- Time is money
If you want to buy the best products and get the best prices, just go early! The reason is that most Vietnamese believe the first sale of the day is lucky, so you might gain a great deal just for being early! Also, morning is when you’ll find the “freshest”, newest garments, meet many friendly vendors, and cooler breezes that make shopping feel like a breeze too
Late afternoon can also be good, especially if vendors want to clear stock before closing. But midday is a no-no, you won’t be in the mood to shop if you’re drenched in sweat and have messy hair.
Rule 5- Wear like a real local
“Stay at Saigon, Dress Like a Saigonese”– Keep this phrase in mind wherever you go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, especially at local stores. Remember: Saigonese locals tend to dress very casually, so a simple outfit, a hat, comfortable shoes (or even flip-flops or sandals), and a small cross-body bag will do just fine. Keep it low-key, the goal is to vibe harmoniously with the locals, not stand out.
Explore Saigon’s local stores and markets with Jackfruit Adventure!
If going shopping in Ho Chi Minh City makes your heart skip a beat, then wait for it, the real magic lies in the city centre’s hidden alleys and authentic local stores. What truly sets Ho Chi Minh City apart isn’t just the bustling street corners and the buzz of motorbikes, but also the streets decorated with rustic graffiti, the fresh local markets, and the old buildings that have carried heartwarming memories for every decade.
So, put all your worries aside, because you deserve to have some wonderful time for yourself and visit places you’ve never been before. Our crew will be your companion and guide you through various tourist-friendly spots that you rarely find elsewhere. Together, we’ll cycle around Saigon and explore the charming beauty of the city, where every pedal stroke unveils a surprising experience.
Ready to ride with us around Sai Gon? Our crew will guide you through every vibrant corner of the city, and we will experience various “unusual” yet unique activities through cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City. Jackfruit Adventure is waiting for you to create beautiful memories!
