Joanna James
Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Far East', Vietnam's beautiful commercial hub is a medley of exotic sights and sounds, the most enticing of which are its gorgeously shoppable strands, galleries, and revived colonial haunts. Here's a shopaholic's guide to this vibrantly fashion-forward cityscape.
Saigon holds fast to its past while looking forward to a hopeful future, which is evident dazzling skyline of skyscrapers contrasting with gentle neighbourhoods of rustic charm and atmospheric street markets. If an upmarket multi-purpose mega-mall housed in a modernized yet picturesque period building sounds like the dream, visit the Diamond Plaza department store, where you can find an enticing range of top-notch brands and a myriad of avant-garde entertainment options for the family.
If you're looking for a sprawling all-in-one central market with a traditional flavour hawking everything you could desire, from fresh and dried fruits, flowers, and souvenirs to clothes, footwear, and beauty products. This is also a great spot to try out authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as Pho and Banh Mi washed down with bubble tea or iced coffee. If you're looking for sophisticated Saigon apartments in Ho Chi Minh City strategically located near its lively hotspots, venture no further than Citadines Regency Saigon.
Even if you aren't a lover of splurging, this venue deserves an A-star for novelty as it combines an affordable state-of-the-art shopping complex with an adorable animal sanctuary! A favourite with the locals, this bizarre and eye-catching marketplace hosts over 1000 vendors and creatives selling everything from high-quality DIY decorative materials to clothes, accessories, and yummy treats.
If you're missing the familiar glamour of your favourite international brands in a foreign land,
this spacious shopping centre will instantly cure your homesickness with its selection of world-
class storefronts. From Calvin Klein and Coach to The Face Shop, Vans, and Timberland, you'll
be spoilt for choice with an abundance of renowned favourites and high-end local stores.
This style-saturated Saigon Lane is rich in luxe boutiques run by talented local designers often inspired by the traditional artisanship of Vietnam with modern embellishments and imaginative flair. For instance, Mai Lam Boutique stands out in terms of reworking old-fashioned techniques to create contemporary masterpieces. When you step into her chic workshop, it's like entering an art gallery; a medley of colours, textures, and paintings, and you can actually take an exquisite piece home and make it a wardrobe staple! Another iconic stop on this nature-kissed shopper's boulevard of Instagram-worthy coffee shops, eclectic boutiques, and quaint bookstores is none other than hip and rustic L'Usine, stocking up on your favourite Vietnamese designer brands and selling everything from incense sticks and artsy homeware to original totes and sandals.
If you've got an eye for unique art and cultural craftsmanship, this historic market has a vintage feel and presents visitors with an array of traditional and contemporary treasures, from exquisite lacquerware and woodwork to homeware, fabrics, rattan accessories, and more, from neighbouring countries like Thailand and Japan.
If you enjoy great bargains with an exhilarating ambience, Saigon square is upbeat without being chaotic and, more often than not, you can barter your way to a surprisingly high-quality purchase!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
