While French colonial architecture, exotic and cheap food along with
the countless tourist attractions are the main draws to Ho Chi Minh
City, the city is a mecca for shopping diehards.
There are plenty of options for those looking for a high-end shopping experience or if you are searching for a bargain.
Vincom Center
Located smack dab in the middle of town, Vincom is one of Ho Chi Minh
City's newest shopping centres. It boasts has eight levels that house
more than 250 shops and you can find international brands such as Aldo,
Armani, FCUK alongside high end local outlets such as Fanny Ice Cream
. The food court at Vincom Center feels more like a collection of nice
restaurants rather than a hodgepodge of unrelated greasy chains.
Local insight: They have recently opened Vincom A, which is located down the street on 171 Dong Khoi.
Address: 72 Lê Thánh Tôn and 45A Lý Tự Trọng, District 1
Dong Khoi
Ho Chi Minh City’s high street, Dong Khoi has local boutique shops
competing with international brands along with chic restaurants set in
beautifully restored French colonial buildings.
Local insight:The street was known as Rue Catinat during the French colonial days and Tu Do in the 1960’s.
Saigon Square
A cross between a shopping mall and a bazaar, Saigon Square is
literally packed to the roof with everything from DVD’s to ersatz luxury
watches and blue jeans. Frequented by expatriates and locals alike,
cheap copies of designer sportswear rub shoulders with fashion brands.
The quality is fake, but the price is right, that is if you can bargain
hard.
Local insight: There is a second location on 7-9 Ton Duc Thang which has just slightly better prices than the original.
Address: 77 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1
Ben Thanh Market
The granddaddy of the Saigon markets, this market opened it’s doors
in 1914. A bustling affair, this is a great place to pick up a souvenir
or three. As it is the main tourist market in the city, prices tend to
reflect it and you have to bargain hard, even if there is a price tag on
the item you would like. It is also a great place to get some local
cuisine. Prices are just above what locals pay but pretty tasty all the
same.
Local insight: At night, the streets outside the market turns into a night bazaar with souvenir shops and ad hoc restaurants.
Address: Intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, and Le Lai
Binh Tay Market
Built in 1928, this is the central market of Cholon, which is known
as the Chinese district. The largest market in town spanning four
blocks, most of the business is done wholesale here. While the market
doesn’t stock souvenirs and other tourist fare, it does house some of
the most interesting architecture in the city and the dominant yellow
clock tower makes it a photographer’s dream.
Local insight: Just down the road on Tran Hung Dao street are a swath of textile shops where you can get some of the cheapest deals in town.
Address: 57 Tháp Mười, 2, District 6
Hope this list gives you some options for shopping in Ho Chi Minh City!
Famous for it’s breathtaking scenery and rich cultural diversity, Sapa is one of Vietnam’s best draws for tourism. However, your experience will be dependent on the time of the year you plan to visit.
The best time to visit Sapa is just before wintertime from June to October. The area is exceptionally picturesque during the rice harvest months of September and October. The hills are awash in greens and yellows and make for picture perfect postcards.
Local insight: Wake up early for stunning vistas of the terraced rice paddies of Sapa.
While it is the best time to visit So
uthern Vietnam, the months of November to February are wet and misty. It can also get very cold with temperatures generally hovering in the single digits. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing and some rooms will have electric blankets or space heaters to keep you warm at night.
Local insight: Remember that the air conditioner that kept you cool in the South can also keep you warm in the North
The rainy season starts in March and doesn’t really finish until May. Not only will you have to contend with rain but also with thick heavy fog. If you plan to visit during these months, be prepared for a muddy slogfest.
Local insight: Bring some sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty during this time of the year.
Hope you enjoyed our post on the best time to visit Sapa!
