Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to shop. There are many shops that sell items from all parts of Vietnam. Dong Khoi Street runs from the Cathedral to where the waterway (see map). There are many shops along the side streets of Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Boulevard, which run parallel to Dong Khoi. The best thing about shopping in this area is the abundance of coffee shops and restaurants. You can take a break from your shopping and go for a cup of coffee.
One of the many markets in the city offers a less touristy shopping experience. Ben Thanh, at the traffic circle on one side of Le Loi Boulevard, is likely to be the most popular, but also the most touristy. The French built this covered market in 1914. The market is home to stalls that sell everything, from clothing to household ware to fresh produce. You can know about Ben Thanh’s night market hours here.
Dong Khoi shops have prices in US Dollars. This is the currency that you will need to use when shopping. The Vietnamese Dong is the most common currency used in markets. You can often bargain even if the prices are high, even if you buy more than one item.
We were struck by the fact that many of the marked prices for items were lower at international airports than in any shops along Dong Khoi. It may not be a wise idea to wait until you leave the country to purchase those “must-have” souvenirs, but you might want to shop at the airport.
What to Buy in Ho Chi Minh City
Although you can find almost anything in Vietnam, these are some of the local specialties you will want to be aware of.
Carved Marble
Red and cream marble from central Vietnam can be carved into beautiful shapes like fine wood. Most common items include boxes, candle lanterns, and incense burners. Chinese-inspired motifs are common. Commonly, you’ll find dragons and birds along with flowers. You may also find Chinese-style marble stamps in some places. While you wait, they can translate your name and carve it into the stamp.
Lacquerware
Lacquerware is a common item in Southeast Asia. However, it has become a highly sought-after art form in Vietnam. You’ll also find many metallic finishes, in addition to the basic red and black colors. There are many items to choose from, including tableware and vases as well as boxes. Accents for the home can be made with colorful lacquerware.
Silk / Clothing
Vietnam is home to dazzling iridescent silks, as well as other fabrics. There are many options for casual wear. You can either buy ready-made items at markets like Ben Thanh or have your clothes tailored at any of the tailor shops along Dong Khoi Street. The traditional Ao Dai is a popular item among women.
Ceramics
There are many shops that sell everything, from everyday china to Celadon in many styles and motifs.
Fine Art
Even though they are mostly reprinting works by Western masters, Vietnam seems to have an abundance of talented painters. You will still find beautiful scenes from the local area if you take the time to look. These are still beautiful, even though they are mass-produced.
Coffee
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer worldwide, although you may not be aware of it. Although most of the coffee is of poor quality, you can still find high-quality coffees. You can try the coffees in one of the many shops before you buy. Phuc Long is one of the biggest local producers. Their products can be found in many supermarkets and their own shop near Ben Thanh market. They specialize in flavored coffees and teas. Trung Nguyen is another big producer in the area. They make Vietnamese coffee with cherry wood. You can know about the best markets in Saigon Ho Chi Minh.
Saigon Shops & Shopping Centers
We thought it was worth mentioning a few shops and areas of shopping:
Saigon Centre
At the corner of Le Loi and Pasteur streets.
The modern office building has three floors of shops at its base. Three cafes and a shop for golf are located on the ground floor. The second floor contains a supermarket and children’s products, while the home furnishings are concentrated on the third floor. The majority of shops sell products imported from Thailand. The offices upstairs house the Thai government trade mission. These goods are cheaper if you travel to Thailand from Vietnam after your Vietnam stay.
Computer Alley
Many shops sell computer wares, such as software and peripherals, all along Huynh Thuc Khang Street from Nguyen Hue Street to Pasteur Street. Most of the software and games sold are copies.
Parksons
A branch of the Malaysian department store chain, Dong Khoi, has opened recently. It is located just one block away from the Opera House. There are many international brands of clothing and cosmetics available.
Saigon Kitsch & Gallery Dogma
29A Dong Khoi Street
We were attracted to this shop by the name, located on Dong Khoi Street close to the Majestic Hotel. The shop actually has two shops, one with Gallery Dogma and Saigon Kitsch. Saigon Kitsch has everything you would expect, including lots of little quirky knick-knacks. Gallery Dogma sells communist memorabilia and party posters. This is the right place to go if you ever wanted a Cuban-made tracksuit. Gallery Dogma has a second location on Ton That Thiep Street.
Gallery Thanh Mai
52 Dong Khoi Street
There are many shops that sell mass-produced art, but Thanh Mai has the best. You will find some stunning works and they are affordable for high-end modern art.
