Since the monumental policy shift to create a market economy in Vietnam, buying and selling is as ubiquitous as breathing. Housewives shop the market by the day or even by the meal, rather than weekly.

Street-front shop houses abound and sidewalk vendors don't hang their shingle, they just lay down their mat and display their wares. Everywhere!

You will fill your suitcase when shopping in Saigon. Read on and we will tell you all you need to know to get the best deals and learn about the best places to shop in Saigon. If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or relax in one of the Saigon Restaurants along the city's shopping streets. For things to see and do during your stay, our Saigon Destination Travel Guide will point you in the right direction. More general information about shopping around the country can be found at our Vietnam Shopping Guide .

Saigon Shopping Guide

The range of merchandise available in Saigon is truly fantastic. It's true; if you can't buy it here, you don't need it! The list we have collected below should give you a place to start looking for that special something. We've divided into categories to make it easier for you to find a place in Saigon that sells what you are looking for.

Bargaining is still the most common way to buy things in Saigon. Some people relish bargaining, others loathe it. The rules are not very complicated if you think of it like this.

The whole thing is a harmonious Yin-Yang balance. You want the item. The vendor wants your money. Yin-Yang! The maximum price you are willing to pay is the value of your desire for the item. The minimum price the vendor is willing to accept is the value of their desire for your money. Yin-Yang! Bargaining is simply a search for the Yin-Yang balance between your desire and the vendor's.

If items for sale have price labels there is normally no bargaining (the vendor might lose a cent or two on buying the labels!).

Antiques

Bags

Books and Journals

Clothing

Embroidery

Ready-made

Silk

Sportswear

Tailors

Crafts/Souvenirs

Glass/Crystal

Huynh Mai
32 Le Cong Kieu, Dist. 1, tel: 822-4316

Pottery/Ceramics

Cosmetics

Interiors

Jewellers

Music CDs, DVDs and VCDs

Shopping Centres

Food Stores

Vietnamese Covered Markets

Supermarkets