Being the biggest city of Vietnam, there is nothing you cannot find on the streets. It seems to have a specific for everything, from clothes, shoes, handbags, luggage, watches, handicrafts, antiques, fabric, paintings, etc. If you are trying to find some special gifts for your family after a memorable trip in Saigon and now worrying because of everything-on-everywhere, read the recommendations below.
Handicrafts
Unique and intricate, that’s all you can tell about Vietnamese handicrafts. You can give your beloved ones the lacquer ware, coconut dinnerware or wood items to bring them a traditional breath of Vietnam. With a variety of bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks, fabulous fabric creations with patchwork and threadwork embroidery in size and material; you will immediately fall in love with skillful works of arts in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese traditional dress
If you want to bring your family closer to Vietnam, don’t miss Vietnamese traditional dress named “ao dai”. With unique design – which is said to make the woman’s body look more beautiful and attractive – “ao dai” is the best choice for your mother and your girlfriends. You can buy ao dai in many tailor shops in Ho Chi Minh City, just choose the type of material you like with your favorite color and beautiful pattern then receive the “ao dai” as your wish within 3-4 hours.
Dried food
To bring Vietnamese taste back home with you, dried food is the best choice. There are many different kinds for your needs, from the salty, spicy ones to the sweet ones. Try dried squid, dried beef and many different kinds of dried fruit such as jack fruit, coconut or banana – the favorite ones you might miss it when you’re coming back to your home country.
WHERE TO BUY IN SAIGON?
If you are finding somewhere to have one-stop shop experience, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square and An Dong Market are the good choices.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is very convenient with its central location and easy-to-find-everything. Besides going there to find something to bring back home, many tourists come to Ben Thanh to enjoy the fast pace of the hustle and bustle Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a must-see destination and fun at any time of day and well into the night.
- Location: Ben Thanh Dictrict, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 –24:00
Saigon Square
If you don’t know where to buy fashion things, Saigon Square, a two-storey wholesale fashion mall, is definitely the best choice. There are seemingly endless aisles of small stalls selling t-shirts, men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, swimwear, luggage, jewelry, and textiles. Saigon Square also is the place that offers some of the best prices in Ho Chi Minh City.<.p>
- Location: 77 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 22:00
An Dong Market
An Dong Market – a fashion wholesalers for locals – is where you can buy fashion things and also crafts on the top floor. If you are trying to buy handicrafts from the skilled artisans who practice Vietnam’s proud heritage in lacquer and woodwork, this market is the ideal choice. Located outside the city centre in District 10, you have to grab a taxi and go there in 10 minutes.
- Location: An Duong Vuong Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 14:00
Binh Tay Market
Also known as Cho Lon Market, Binh Tay Market is located at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5. Come there and you will have chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, opulent Chinese architecture, experience the local Buddhist culture and have a wide selection of handicrafts, lacquer ware, textiles and fresh produce.
- Location: 57 Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 18:00
Diamond Plaza
Surrounded by many popular attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and April 30th Park, Diamond Plaza is a good choice with several floors of shopping separated into men’s and women’s fashion, home ware, and sports goods. There also have many dining and entertainment venues for you to explore and try after a day spending for shopping.
- Location: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 – 22:30
Parkson Plaza
As known as an international standard department store, Parkson Plaza is where you can find the tried and tested formula of cosmetics and perfumes, fashion for men and women and home ware and restaurants on different floors. The products range from mid to high, so you can easily choose things that suit you the best.
- Location: 45 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 – 22:00
Vincom Center
Vincom Center is the largest shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City. With 250 shops spread out over two separate buildings (Vincom Center A and Vincom Center B), you can find high street brands, sporting apparel, and home ware.
- Location: 171 Dong Khoi (Vincom Center A) and 72 Le Thanh Ton Street (Vincom Center B)
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00
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