Saigon Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Saigon/HoChiMinh City
Among other accolades, Ho Chi Minh City is known as a great shopping destination. Attesting to its reputation are a plethora of street markets scattered throughout the city, selling all sorts of fresh local produce, including coffee beans, and other delights, not to mention street food and souvenirs – all at extremely competitive prices. There are also designated markets specialized in niche items like war memorabilia, silks, fabrics, and artifacts.
Dong Khoi Street – dubbed “The Fifth Avenue of Saigon” – is one of the top shopping destinations in the city. Here, you'll find upscale boutiques, international brands, and high-end shopping centers like Vincom Center. Dong Khoi Street exudes a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it ideal for fashion enthusiasts and those looking for luxury items.
For a more traditional shopping adventure, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit. This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of Vietnamese handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and street food. It's a great place to haggle for souvenirs and immerse yourself in local culture. Don't forget to sample some delicious Vietnamese dishes from the food stalls while you shop.
If you're in search of military surplus, electronics, or unique items, head to Dan Sinh Market. Also known as the "War Surplus Market," it's a fascinating place to explore and discover vintage items and military memorabilia. You'll find everything from old cameras to antique compasses and more.
Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, often referred to as Backpacker Street, is the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers. It's lined with affordable hostels, street food vendors, and shops selling clothing, accessories, and travel essentials. This area is perfect for those seeking a lively and budget-friendly shopping experience.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of options, be it luxury items, unique souvenirs, or budget-friendly essentials. Saigon has it all. So, follow this self-guided tour to explore the city's vibrant shopping scene and hopefully grab some fantastic deals to bring home as memorable treasures from your journey. Happy shopping!
Dong Khoi Street – dubbed “The Fifth Avenue of Saigon” – is one of the top shopping destinations in the city. Here, you'll find upscale boutiques, international brands, and high-end shopping centers like Vincom Center. Dong Khoi Street exudes a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it ideal for fashion enthusiasts and those looking for luxury items.
For a more traditional shopping adventure, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit. This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of Vietnamese handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and street food. It's a great place to haggle for souvenirs and immerse yourself in local culture. Don't forget to sample some delicious Vietnamese dishes from the food stalls while you shop.
If you're in search of military surplus, electronics, or unique items, head to Dan Sinh Market. Also known as the "War Surplus Market," it's a fascinating place to explore and discover vintage items and military memorabilia. You'll find everything from old cameras to antique compasses and more.
Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, often referred to as Backpacker Street, is the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers. It's lined with affordable hostels, street food vendors, and shops selling clothing, accessories, and travel essentials. This area is perfect for those seeking a lively and budget-friendly shopping experience.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of options, be it luxury items, unique souvenirs, or budget-friendly essentials. Saigon has it all. So, follow this self-guided tour to explore the city's vibrant shopping scene and hopefully grab some fantastic deals to bring home as memorable treasures from your journey. Happy shopping!
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Saigon Shopping Tour Map
Guide Name: Saigon Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Vietnam » Saigon/HoChiMinh City (See other walking tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Vietnam » Saigon/HoChiMinh City (See other walking tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Dong Khoi Street
- Ben Thanh Market
- Phạm Ngu Lao Street (Backpacker Street)
- Bui Vien Street
- Dan Sinh Market
1) Dong Khoi Street
If Nguyen Hue is Ho Chi Minh City’s showpiece, Dong Khoi Street is its grand old boulevard - where history, culture, and commerce have been mingling for centuries. Once known as Rue Catinat under the French, the street was later renamed Tu Do (or Freedom) Street during the South Vietnam era, before finally becoming Dong Khoi, or „Total Revolution,” after reunification in 1975.
Strolling here feels like flipping through the city’s history book. Elegant colonial façades stand beside shiny designer boutiques and coffee chains. Iconic landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office are just steps away.
Did you know? Graham Greene’s novel The Quiet American was set here, and some scenes from the 2002 film adaptation were actually shot along this very street.
Hotels such as the Caravelle, Majestic, and Continental have hosted everyone from war correspondents to celebrities, while today they serve travelers looking for a touch of old-world charm. Peek into smaller side shops and you’ll find silk scarves, embroidered textiles, and quirky souvenirs that are more memorable than anything from a mall.
Tip: Dong Khoi is best explored on foot in the early evening, when the heat eases, the lights come on, and the street hums with life. Bring your camera-you’ll want to capture both the architecture and the atmosphere.
Strolling here feels like flipping through the city’s history book. Elegant colonial façades stand beside shiny designer boutiques and coffee chains. Iconic landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office are just steps away.
Did you know? Graham Greene’s novel The Quiet American was set here, and some scenes from the 2002 film adaptation were actually shot along this very street.
Hotels such as the Caravelle, Majestic, and Continental have hosted everyone from war correspondents to celebrities, while today they serve travelers looking for a touch of old-world charm. Peek into smaller side shops and you’ll find silk scarves, embroidered textiles, and quirky souvenirs that are more memorable than anything from a mall.
Tip: Dong Khoi is best explored on foot in the early evening, when the heat eases, the lights come on, and the street hums with life. Bring your camera-you’ll want to capture both the architecture and the atmosphere.
2) Ben Thanh Market (must see)
Ben Thanh Market is where Saigon shows its colors, flavors, and its irresistible energy all at once. The iconic market building with the clock tower has been a landmark since 1914, standing as a symbol of both colonial architecture and local commerce.
Inside the day market (open roughly 6 AM to 6 PM daily), you’ll find endless alleys of vendors selling everything from handcrafted lacquerware, vibrant textiles, silks and national dresses called Ao Dai, to dried fruits, spices, coffee beans, and fresh produce.
The four main entrances act like portals to different specialties: textiles and garments through the South Gate; seafood, flowers, and fresh food in the North; snacks and cosmetics in the East; crafts and souvenirs in the West.
As evening falls, the market transforms. The indoor stalls close off at 6 PM, and then surrounding streets light up with night-market energy: food vendors set up outside the gates, grilling seafood, serving pho, banh mi, tropical fruits, and sweet treats. The night market runs most evenings until about 10 or 11 PM depending on the crowd and what vendors are open.
Did you know? The market was originally built on what used to be a pond area (called Bo Ret), and its drainage issues during rains are still a familiar headache for vendors and visitors.
Tip: Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds, see fresh produce, and enjoy cooler temperatures. If you’re after food and local street-scene vibes, evenings are unbeatable but be ready to bargain.
Inside the day market (open roughly 6 AM to 6 PM daily), you’ll find endless alleys of vendors selling everything from handcrafted lacquerware, vibrant textiles, silks and national dresses called Ao Dai, to dried fruits, spices, coffee beans, and fresh produce.
The four main entrances act like portals to different specialties: textiles and garments through the South Gate; seafood, flowers, and fresh food in the North; snacks and cosmetics in the East; crafts and souvenirs in the West.
As evening falls, the market transforms. The indoor stalls close off at 6 PM, and then surrounding streets light up with night-market energy: food vendors set up outside the gates, grilling seafood, serving pho, banh mi, tropical fruits, and sweet treats. The night market runs most evenings until about 10 or 11 PM depending on the crowd and what vendors are open.
Did you know? The market was originally built on what used to be a pond area (called Bo Ret), and its drainage issues during rains are still a familiar headache for vendors and visitors.
Tip: Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds, see fresh produce, and enjoy cooler temperatures. If you’re after food and local street-scene vibes, evenings are unbeatable but be ready to bargain.
3) Phạm Ngu Lao Street (Backpacker Street)
Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is known as Backpacker Street because of the many low-rate guest houses, hostels, and small hotels that line it. It is named for Phạm Ngũ Lão, a national hero that lived from 1255 to 1320.
Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is lined with markets, both indoor and outdoor. It's the perfect place in town to buy cheap clothes or electronics. Not everything is on the up-and-up here, so buyer beware.
Besides shopping, there are many bars, restaurants, and cafes along the street. The street is very crowded, noisy, and alive. This is a traveler hot spot where you can get a good look at Ho Chi Minh City life from right inside of it!
A major fixture along the road is the September 23rd Park. The park serves as a quiet, tree-lined oasis of calm in an otherwise bustling neighborhood. It's a great place to eat your banh mi and drink your latte in peace.
Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is lined with markets, both indoor and outdoor. It's the perfect place in town to buy cheap clothes or electronics. Not everything is on the up-and-up here, so buyer beware.
Besides shopping, there are many bars, restaurants, and cafes along the street. The street is very crowded, noisy, and alive. This is a traveler hot spot where you can get a good look at Ho Chi Minh City life from right inside of it!
A major fixture along the road is the September 23rd Park. The park serves as a quiet, tree-lined oasis of calm in an otherwise bustling neighborhood. It's a great place to eat your banh mi and drink your latte in peace.
4) Bui Vien Street (must see)
Bui Vien Street is the vibrant heart of the city’s backpacker area and a must-visit destination for travelers seeking nightlife, culture, and energy. Often compared to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, it is a lively strip filled with restaurants, bars, hostels, and street vendors. Day or night, the street is buzzing with locals, tourists, and expats who come together to enjoy the unique mix of Vietnamese and international influences.
By day, Bui Vien offers plenty of cafes and eateries serving everything from local Vietnamese dishes to Western comfort food. Travelers can enjoy a bowl of phở, sample street snacks, or sip strong Vietnamese iced coffee while watching the world go by. Many travel agencies and shops along the street also offer convenient services such as bus tickets, tours, and motorbike rentals, making it a practical stop for those exploring the rest of Vietnam.
At night, Bui Vien transforms into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous nightlife districts. Neon lights, music, and performances fill the street as bars and clubs come alive, many with open-front seating spilling onto the sidewalks. Street performers, live bands, and DJs create a festival-like atmosphere, while vendors weave through the crowds selling everything from grilled skewers to late-night snacks. For those looking to meet other travelers or experience the city’s party scene, this is the place to be.
Despite its reputation as a party street, Bui Vien offers something for all types of visitors. Those who prefer a quieter evening can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar or explore the side alleys where smaller restaurants and local shops provide a more laid-back vibe.
By day, Bui Vien offers plenty of cafes and eateries serving everything from local Vietnamese dishes to Western comfort food. Travelers can enjoy a bowl of phở, sample street snacks, or sip strong Vietnamese iced coffee while watching the world go by. Many travel agencies and shops along the street also offer convenient services such as bus tickets, tours, and motorbike rentals, making it a practical stop for those exploring the rest of Vietnam.
At night, Bui Vien transforms into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous nightlife districts. Neon lights, music, and performances fill the street as bars and clubs come alive, many with open-front seating spilling onto the sidewalks. Street performers, live bands, and DJs create a festival-like atmosphere, while vendors weave through the crowds selling everything from grilled skewers to late-night snacks. For those looking to meet other travelers or experience the city’s party scene, this is the place to be.
Despite its reputation as a party street, Bui Vien offers something for all types of visitors. Those who prefer a quieter evening can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar or explore the side alleys where smaller restaurants and local shops provide a more laid-back vibe.
5) Dan Sinh Market
The Dan Sinh Market in Ho Chi Minh City was once entirely dedicated to selling war relics and army related objects, from uniforms and objects carried by soldiers in their backpacks to shell casings and defused land mines. However, today it is mostly a hardware and souvenirs market, most of the things sold are modern-day reproductions, notably the Zippo lighters, don't even expect to find an authentic one. You can still find an authentic item or two, but you would have to dig very deep and really know how to spot the real deal.
The main stalls in Dan Sinh Market sell genuine and/or fake objects relating to the Vietnam War. One can find Zippo lighters, dog tags, shell casings, duffel bags, genuine and fake US army helmets, field stretchers and gas masks. One can also find Soviet army relics including Soviet flight suits and helmets which have become popular after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Besides military objects, the market also features a series of hardware shops that sell industrial and motor vehicles tools, nuts and bolts of all sizes, welding equipment, lights and forklifts. A few shops sell ladies clothing and kitchen utensils.
Open every day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The main stalls in Dan Sinh Market sell genuine and/or fake objects relating to the Vietnam War. One can find Zippo lighters, dog tags, shell casings, duffel bags, genuine and fake US army helmets, field stretchers and gas masks. One can also find Soviet army relics including Soviet flight suits and helmets which have become popular after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Besides military objects, the market also features a series of hardware shops that sell industrial and motor vehicles tools, nuts and bolts of all sizes, welding equipment, lights and forklifts. A few shops sell ladies clothing and kitchen utensils.
Open every day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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