Holidays in Vietnam don't have to be all about lounging by the sea or climbing mountains. Saigon is something of a mecca for shopping enthusiasts. Everything from handmade products to imitations of famous brands, whether clothes or shoes are available at a fraction of the price than elsewhere!
Thanks to the increasing tourism in Saigon, the rise of shopping malls and expensive boutiques didn't take long to catch on. However, various treasures can be found in different parts of the city. This article aims to guide you as best as possible in your shopping in Saigon.
Clothes.
Vietnam is a country full of manufacturers, so it's no problem to come across imitations of world brands at a fraction of the price! Of course, if you want to splurge on the originals, they are sold here too. ( Adidas, Nike, Puma, and others )
Plenty of local shops can be found on Nguyen Trai Street or in shopping malls like Saigon Square. Keep in mind that there are 3 places where Saigon Square is located ( Saigon square 2 is currently closed ), no less they all bear the same name.
All three offer roughly similar products, no less number 3 is the newest and thus seems to be the best.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Shoes
Saigon is characterized by having a street for everything and shoes are no exception. Saigon has two streets dedicated to selling shoes! As is the case with clothes, you will find imitations of well-known companies when it comes to shoes. Always be very careful when buying imitation shoes as they show signs of wear very quickly.
Ly Chinh Thang Street is literally littered with shoe shops of different sizes and styles.
Second Street is right next to the famous Ben Thanh Market and only one block from Le Loi Street. Shops on this street tend to have more sports shoes and sandals, compared to Ly Chinh Thang Street where you'll find more formal shoes.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Handbags, luggage, backpacks.
If you've decided to do some shopping in Saigon, you might want to bring a spare bag. In that case, you should visit Le Lai Street, which you will find near the New World Hotel and Ben Than Market. You will recognize it right away, the street is dotted with luggage shops of all kinds of brands such as North Face, Samsonite and more.
However, if you need something dressy like a handbag or wallet, you'll find it in the previously mentioned Saigon square, or at Bin Tay market in the Cho Lon area.
If you plan to use your handbag right away when wandering around Saigon, make sure the loops are strong enough so you don't fall victim to some kind of theft.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Watch.
Where to find the best fakes in Saigon? Whatever brand you can think of, you're sure to find it in Saigon! Most of these watches have truly impressive designs. You need to take a closer look at them and pick them up and shake them, no less. And, of course, to examine their design in detail.
Of course, Ben Thanh market has countless watch stalls, but expect to pay an exorbitant price. If you have a little time, it's definitely worth exploring Binh Tay market in Cho Lon or some of the stalls surrounding the market. Trust that you will find the same watch for a much better price.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Handicrafts, arts and crafts.
Vietnamese handicrafts are very original. Vietnam is famous for making wooden things such as plates, spoons, bowls, chopsticks, various wooden model boats and more. This fits very well as a gift and or decoration for your home.
The best place for these purchases would be An Dong Plaza, near Cho Lon market in Chinatown.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Antiques.
If you're on the "hunt" for antiques, you should visit a street called Le Cong Kieu, which can be found just across the roundabout by Ben Thanh market. On this street, you can find old coins, paper notes, stamps, figures carved from ivory and bone, and other antique treasures.
In any case, you should keep in mind that it is illegal to export genuine antiques!
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Images
Saigon has the privilege of being a city of many galleries with very important local artists! Whether you are looking for a copy of a famous painting or an original by a lesser-known artist, you will have to visit the so-called "street of paintings". Just as is the case with shoes, paintings have two streets that are literally overflowing with different paintings! You can find more local work in District 5, but you're sure to find what you're looking for right in the heart of District 1.
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
Fabrics
If you have enough time, I definitely recommend getting a tailored suit made in Saigon!
If you decide to do so, you should definitely not miss a visit to "Tailor Street" where you can find a plethora of fabrics and everything you need to make one.
You'll find this place right opposite Tan Dinh market. Right inside the market, you may even be able to negotiate a better price. The shops across the street have more choices, no less.
Or you can visit Soai Kinh Lam market, which is located in Cho Lon. Any tailor will of course charge you less if you bring your own material, but make sure you know how much you actually need first and also agree on the price for making it in advance!
![Shopping in Vietnam]()
The Vietnamese company prides itself on cash payment, which in practice means that there is not really a fixed price. For everything, it is assumed that you will haggle on the price of the goods you are interested in!
Remember that at every market there will be several shops that have the same goods you desire. Therefore, the best strategy is to not show the seller right away that you are downright interested in the product. Just ask roughly how much things cost.
In many cases, as soon as you go one stall over, the original seller will call you back and immediately offer you a better price.
In conclusion.
If you only have a limited time to visit Saigon, you can visit either Ben Thanh market, Saigon Square or An Dong Plaza for a quick purchase of everything.
However, keep in mind that Ben Thanh market is much more expensive than other markets due to its central location and the rush of tourists. If shopping at Ben Thanh market, you should start haggling somewhere around 40-50% of the original price. If the merchant is not willing to give at least some discount, there is nothing easier than just moving one stall away.
Compared to Saigon Square, you shouldn't count on more than 10-20% discount on your chosen goods. Wherever you ultimately decide to shop, I believe you will have a lot of fun and get something to take home as a souvenir or a nice gift for your loved ones.
Visit Vietnam with us and you will have the opportunity to shop with us. You can find more in holidays in Vietnam.
Fabrics
If you have enough time, I definitely recommend getting a tailored suit made in Saigon!
If you decide to do so, you should definitely not miss a visit to "Tailor Street" where you can find a plethora of fabrics and everything you need to make one.
You'll find this place right opposite Tan Dinh market. Right inside the market, you may even be able to negotiate a better price. The shops across the street have more choices, no less.
Or you can visit Soai Kinh Lam market, which is located in Cho Lon. Any tailor will of course charge you less if you bring your own material, but make sure you know how much you actually need first and also agree on the price for making it in advance!
The Vietnamese company prides itself on cash payment, which in practice means that there is not really a fixed price. For everything, it is assumed that you will haggle on the price of the goods you are interested in!
Remember that at every market there will be several shops that have the same goods you desire. Therefore, the best strategy is to not show the seller right away that you are downright interested in the product. Just ask roughly how much things cost.
In many cases, as soon as you go one stall over, the original seller will call you back and immediately offer you a better price.
In conclusion.
If you only have a limited time to visit Saigon, you can visit either Ben Thanh market, Saigon Square or An Dong Plaza for a quick purchase of everything.
However, keep in mind that Ben Thanh market is much more expensive than other markets due to its central location and the rush of tourists. If shopping at Ben Thanh market, you should start haggling somewhere around 40-50% of the original price. If the merchant is not willing to give at least some discount, there is nothing easier than just moving one stall away.
Compared to Saigon Square, you shouldn't count on more than 10-20% discount on your chosen goods. Wherever you ultimately decide to shop, I believe you will have a lot of fun and get something to take home as a souvenir or a nice gift for your loved ones.
Visit Vietnam with us and you will have the opportunity to shop with us. You can find more in holidays in Vietnam.