Shopping in Ho Chi Minh

1. Vincom Center

Vincom Center was completed in 2010 but it has quickly become one of the biggest shopping malls in HCMC. Vincom is right at the center of the city at 72 Le Thanh Ton street. The building is very big with many floors all covered with glass. It easily stands out from the rest of Saigon skyscrapers thanks to its marvelous exterior design which attracts attention from afar. The outside appearance somehow reflects what type of shopping venues Vincom is.

Vincom is a shopping heaven for fashion lover who are always looking for the latest trends of brand names. There are many famous brand names in Vincom such as Louis Vuiton, Armani, Jimmy Choo, Mango. Not only does it have famous brand names, it also has many well-known brands for other kinds such as jewelry, make-up products, toys and shoes.

Vincom also has a dining area with a wide variety of foods. The food area of Vincom is on the basement floors: B1 and B2 (while for Vincom Hanoi, it is adjacent to the Game center, on the 5th floor). Here you can enjoy all kinds of cuisines from Vietnamese traditional food like Pho 24, Chinese food or typical Western fare like Popeyes or Breadtalk. There are also many kinds of drinks and desserts in Vincom food court such as Bud’s Ice cream, Highlands coffee.

As much as shopping, Vincom boasts itself for having the biggest and most modern game center in Ho Chi Minh city. Visit the Game Center in Vincom to experience many new exciting games, especially car racing or air hockey. There is also a section designated for young children, called The Fairy Garden.

Although the price can be extreme compared with Vietnamese living standard, you do not need to be rich to visit Vincom. Like other shopping malls, everyone is welcome to enjoy the beautiful and marvelous architecture beside clothing stores and yummy food.

2. Parkson

Just like Vincom, Parkson stands out because of its noticeable architectural design. Parkson has different branches in Ho Chi Minh city and they bears very little similarities. The latest Parkson building is located on Le Dai Hanh street, District 11 which was finished in 2010. Like Vincom, Parkson sells premium products only. Parkson has many famous brand names for clothes like Giordano, Esprit , shoes like Converse, Adidas, watches like Casio, Tiscot and make-up accessories like The Face Shop, Lancome, to name a few.

Compared to Vincom, Parkson’s retail prices are a little bit less expensive. Coming to Parkson, you can also enjoy many different kinds of food such as Japanese Kitchen, KFC, Lotteria and Thai Hot pot. The food area of Parkson is not as big as Vincom, though. One thing special about Parkson Hung Vuong which is located on Hung Vuong street, District 5 is the Megastar Cineplex cinema. Megastar is one of the biggest and most modern movie theaters now in Vietnam. At Hung Vuong Parkson, Megastar is on the 7th floor. Therefore, it is convenient for customers to enjoy the latest movie on the 7th floor and then to have delicious meals on the 3rd floor of the same building.  

3. Diamond Plaza

Diamond Plaza is also a big shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh city. It is at 34 Le Duan street, District 1 near the Notre Dame Cathedral. Diamond Plaza is older than Vincom but it still attracts many fashion fans visiting every day. Diamond Plaza hosts many famous brand names for clothes, accessories, cosmetic and toys, etc.

The goods offered by Diamond Plaza are suitable to many walks of lives. You do not have to be extremely rich to be able to shop in Diamond, which makes it more popular to many shoppers. Just like other shopping malls, Diamond Plaza also has a food court and a game center. However, the food court of Diamond is a little special. You can find most of the foods on 3rd floor of the building. But if you want to have fast food typical fares such as KFC or Pizza Hut, you need to go to the 4th floor, which is next to the game center. 

Moreover, Diamond Plaza has a movie theatre named Lotte Cinema on 13th floor. Lotte cinema is also one of the biggest movie theatres in Ho Chi Minh city where you can see the latest movie with the most modern facility.

4. Ben Thanh Market

Even though Ben Thanh market is not a shopping mall like the above mentioned, it is still a big shopping venue in Ho Chi Minh City. With a reputation of a “historical place”, Ben Thanh attracts many foreign visitors when coming to HCMC. In Ben Thanh market, many different kinds of goods are sold every day. You can see many beautiful clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, jeans, dresses; especially the traditional clothes of Vietnam: ao dai.

In Ben Thanh market, you can find many special designs of ao dai which is unique and could not be found any where else. Ben Thanh Market also sells other goods like accessories and housewares.

The food section at Ben Thanh Market offers many different traditional kinds of food. Unlike other shopping malls where you can find a lot of Western food, Ben Thanh market has many kinds of authentic traditional Vietnamese food, though its sanitary conditions might not be up to the standard of typical shopping malls.

Besides, there are many beautiful souvenirs which are typical of Vietnamese culture that is good for souvenir gifts. That is why it attracts foreigners that much. However, since it serves foreigners as primary customers, the price at Ben Thanh market is much more expensive than other markets. it is a good idea to negotiate the prices to get good deals for goods.

5. Nowzone

Nowzone shopping mall, at 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 1, was brought into use in 2009 and since then, it has become a popular visit destination to many people in Ho Chi Minh city. It looks more beautiful at nights with all the lights hanging on the trees around the shopping mall. Comparing to other shopping malls like Vincom, Diamond or Parkson, Nowzone is suitable for average budget shoppers.

Nowzone accommodates many famous brand names of foreign fashion designers like Levi’s, Lee , Zara besides a good selection of Vietnamese brand names like Ninomax and Matanna. Its many stores with colorful mixed clothes which is suitable for teenagers. This is probably one of the reasons why Nowzone attracts mostly teenagers like students coming. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor of Nowzone is for fashion, accessories and toys.

The 4th floor is the food court. The food area here is not as big as other shopping malls. However, it still offers a wide range of options of many different kinds of foods. You have to buy a card first which is deducted every time you buy food in this food court.

Top 10 Things to do in Saigon Vietnam

Introduction

A mysteriously beautiful and historic region awaits the adventurous traveller to Vietnam. In what is now called Ho Chi Minh City lies the district still referred to by locals as Saigon. More than other large cities in Vietnam, Saigon retains a more uniquely Vietnamese flavour. Recommended stops on a trip to Saigon should balance the history of a people who have endured a violent past as well as a celebration of their resilient culture and people. The following top ten Saigon locations provide a fascinating insight into a fascination country.

1. Educate yourself at the Museums

The Museum of Vietnamese History is a great place to begin a visit to Saigon by learning about the local history and culture. Housed in a pagoda inspired building built in 1928, the museum is host to a rich collection of artifacts and art. Exhibits present a surprisingly thorough look into the history of the region going back to prehistoric times. A particularly impressive collection of ancient ceramics and armaments is worth the trip. Be sure to plan time to enjoy the botanical gardens surrounding the museum. The museum is open daily.

The aptly named War Remnants Museum, called locally Nha Trung Bay Toi Ac Chien Tranh, offers a sobering glimpse of the war-torn history of Saigon. Formerly called the Museum of American and Chinese War Crimes, the museum is spread over three storeys and portrays a vivid, and often disturbing, account of the effect war has on all people. A particularly moving collection of images taken by photographers and journalists, including a number of well-known Americans, who died in the fighting, is tastefully presented.

2. Wander the Reunification Palace

Formerly the Ngo Dinh Diem’s presidential palace, the building was made famous by photographs published around the world in 1975 as tanks from North Vietnam rolled through the gates and declared victory. Dated by its 1966 modern architecture with heavy Chinese influences, designed by the Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu the Independence Palace is home to an intriguing collection of presidential gifts in addition to a well maintained war room and bunker in the basement. Period electronics and a collection of wartime paraphernalia make this one of the tour highlights.
3. Explore the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

At one time the twin spires on the Notre Dame Cathedral were the tallest structures in Saigon. Now dwarfed by modern skyscrapers, the French inspired Cathedral was completed in 1880 by French colonists and is still considered a landmark that bridges multiple influences and time periods. Bricks from Marseille, stained glass from Chartres, as well as a more recent statue of Mary from Rome. Built under French colonial rule, the Cathedral now reflects the diverse influences of Vietnamese culture.

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4. Haggle at Saigon’s Markets

As in all cities, the market is often the center of town and a great place to truly appreciate a local culture. The robust En Thank Market opened in 1914 and is best known for its iconic clock tower. Upwards of 1,200 vendors flood the market with clothing, food, and tourist items. Towards the back of the market don’t miss the small cafes that provide the best location to sample a local dessert called ‘che.’ Bin Tay Market, while smaller, is often more crowded. Best known for the wide array of produce and livestock such as chickens and duck; Bin Tay Market offers similar products to the En Thank Market but with a discernible Chinese influence. Central Ben Thanh Market is perfect for coffee, bags, shirts and souvenirs. Ben Thanh, which is easily accessible from some of the city’s major hotels, also offers a night market with fresh food. Most night markets operate from 5pm to midnight including Ba Chieu, Hoa Hung, Cho Lon and Ky Hoa.

5. Discover the Thien Hau Pagoda

Known as “The Lady Temple,” Thien Hau Temple honours the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau. In a classic Chinese temple located in Chalon (Big Market) in Saigon, the Statue of the goddess is surrounded by the goddess of fertility and the protector of fishermen. The temple is not only popular with visitors but also with local devotees.

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6. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels were dug by hand during 25 years of conflict, first with the French, then with the United States and are located about 25km outside of Ho Chi Minh City. It is estimated that at the height of construction 155 miles of tunnel were completed. During that time, the passages housed everything from Hospitals to theatres. The majority of the network was destroyed during the fighting. In 1990 the Vietnamese government opened two to public viewing. There are two locations available for tours; both start in Ben Duoc, approximately 37 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. A short stretch of tunnels has been widened to accommodate tourists but be prepared to stoop or crawl for the full experience.

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7. Admire the skyline from the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

The best way to take in the sheer size and frenetic pace of Ho Chi Minh City is to view it from above. And at 262m the Bitexco Skydeck is an ideal location to gawp at the city. Designed by Carlos Zapata, an architect from New York, this is the tallest structure in Saigon. In all there are 68 storeys and the public skydeck is on floor 49, with a helipad on the rooftop.

8. Chill out at the Dam Sen Cultural Park

Everyone enjoys a little fun while traveling. Dam Sen Park offers something for everyone: from intricately manicured Asian gardens to the kid-friendly butterfly garden; from the historically themed venues to the impressive water-park. This entertainment oasis in the center of this urban environment is by far the most popular destination for families.

9. Admire the Central Post Office

Also located on Dong Khoi Street is the Central Post Office which stands opposite to the Notre Dame Basilica in downtown Saigon. The building is architecturally intriguing and was constructed during the French Indochina period during the early 20th century. The Post Office was designed by the legendary architect and engineer Gustave Eiffel (who also designed and constructed the Eiffel Tower in Paris) and is Gothic in style. Today the Post Office is firmly on the tourist trail and as such can be very busy.

10. Treat the family to a water puppet show

The biggest and most famous water puppet show is in Hanoi but if you’re not venturing north the check out Saigon’s version at Thao Dien Village. You can make an evening of it with local traditional Vietnamese food on offer as well as the cultural show which is held each Saturday night.