Saigon Square and Local Markets in Ho Chi Minh City
Part of the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — see every topic in All Ho Chi Minh City Guides.
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to shop. Beyond Ben Thanh Market, there are busy indoor shopping halls, huge wholesale markets and small local markets where people buy their daily food. This guide covers Saigon Square, Binh Tay Market, Tan Dinh Market and other good places to explore, plus tips for bargaining.
Saigon Square
Saigon Square is an indoor shopping hall a short walk from Ben Thanh Market in the old District 1 centre. It is packed with small stalls selling clothes, shoes, bags, sportswear, sunglasses, watches and electronics accessories. Many items are copies of famous brands, so do not expect real brand goods. The hall is air-conditioned, which makes it a good place to shop on a hot afternoon. Prices are usually marked higher than the seller expects to get, so bargaining is normal. Check the quality, zips and stitching before you pay. It is open every day from morning until evening.
Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market is one of the biggest markets in the city. It sits in Binh Tay ward, in the old District 6, west of the centre, in the Cho Lon area. The market opened in 1930 and was restored in 2016 to 2018. The building has a central courtyard with a clock tower and a garden. Inside, hundreds of stalls sell goods by wholesale: dried food, spices, tea, sweets, cloth, kitchen items and household goods. It is a busy working market, so morning is the best time to see trade at its peak. There are food stalls inside for a cheap lunch.
Tan Dinh and other local markets
Tan Dinh Market is a local market north of the centre. It is known for cloth and fabric, and many people buy material here to take to a tailor. It also sells fresh food, dried goods and snacks. Ba Chieu Market in the Binh Thanh area is another lively local market with fresh food, clothes and cheap eats. Ho Thi Ky flower market is a narrow lane full of fresh flowers, with a street food alley next to it. These markets are less touristy than Ben Thanh, and prices are usually lower. They are best in the morning.
Malls and modern shopping
If you prefer fixed prices and air-conditioning, the city has many modern malls. Large malls in the centre sell international and Vietnamese brands, and most have food courts, supermarkets and cinemas. Vincom and other large malls are easy to find in many parts of the city. Landmark 81 has a big mall at its base. Local Vietnamese fashion and design brands are growing, and many small shops in the centre and Thao Dien sell clothes, ceramics and gifts made in Vietnam. Supermarkets are good for buying coffee, tea and dried fruit to take home.
Bargaining and tips
In markets and shopping halls, bargaining is normal. Ask the price, then offer less and meet in the middle. Smile and stay friendly. If the price is too high, walk away politely. Sometimes the seller will call you back. Do not start bargaining if you do not want to buy. Carry small notes, because sellers may not have change. Some stalls take QR payment or cards. Keep your bag closed and your phone safe in busy markets. Most markets open early and start to close in the late afternoon, while shopping halls and malls stay open into the evening.
Saigon Square and Local Markets at a glance
| Getting there | Saigon Square is a short walk from Ben Thanh; Binh Tay Market is about 20 to 30 minutes west by Grab |
|---|---|
| Hours | Markets from early morning to late afternoon; shopping halls and malls into the evening |
| Cost | Prices are low but not fixed; bargain politely in markets |
| Best time | Mornings for local markets; hot afternoons for indoor halls and malls |
| Pay | Cash in small notes; some stalls take QR or cards |