Shopping Saigon

Some tourists, it seems, come to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon to locals and Americans who can’t get the history out of their heads) simply to shop. And why not? The extensive markets, unique boutiques, and world-class outlets offer just about everything someone could want.

Vietnam’s markets are places to sightsee as much as shop. Bargaining is usually expected of a customer, making shopping a sport more than a mere exchange of currency for goods. Ben Thanh Market, in the center of the city, is the mother of all Saigon markets. The commerce seems to spill out to the streets in the form of shops and street vendors who sell their wares from storefronts and pushcarts for several blocks around the market. Inside, everything from food to textiles to tampons is one sale. There are great finds, especially in the shoe, clothing, and handcraft departments. Cholon’s (District 5) name literally means “Big market” in Vietnamese. Several of the district’s venues are multi floor affairs that are easy to get lost in. The deals are fast and furious, but these places are not as tourist friendly as Ben Thanh, so bring your phrasebook if your Vietnamese is not up to par. A favored method of bargaining in Cholon is to punch the price into a calculator. You then push the clear button and enter in a counter-offer. The price first quoted is probably double the local price, maybe even higher.

Boutiques are different. Prices are set, usually, and service is what you’d expect in a neighborhood shop. The clothing shops along Le Thanh Ton and Ly Tu Troung Streets are good bets for nice clothing. Check the quality (stitching, buttons, zippers) as best you can before purchasing anything. Some of the zippers are notoriously bad.

Downtown is the best place to buy from outlets. The art and handcrafts might seem overpriced compared to the cheap goods available at markets, but there is a greater chance of authenticity, here. Electronics shops are downtown, although there are new shopping centers popping up everywhere offering similar goods.

The last thing to keep in mind is that shops often open up next to similar shops. This makes for streets that are lined with clothing shop (as mentioned above) or bookshops or handcraft shops. This makes finding what you are looking for easier. It also takes a lot of the work out of comparing prices. A good strategy is to case each shop out and inquire about prices before making a purchase.

Patience and good humor are requirements of shopping, especially when bargaining at a market. Still, if you have a good approach, shopping in Saigon can be a delight.