Saigon’s markets

The best place to shop in Saigon, in terms of value and choice, is at the markets. Saigon’s markets are a treat for all the senses. Visiting these lively trading arenas is as much a social occasion, as a shopping trip.

At the southwest end of Le Loi, Ben Thanh Market, is easily spotted with its clock tower on the roundabout. This market is the city’s largest and has been divided into two sections: one side targeting tourist shoppers, and the other selling regular every-day goods. You can find everything from jeans and souvenirs, to flowers and fruit, in the warren of stalls. Always haggle in order to get a fair price.

Situated in the heart of Chinatown, Cho Binh Tay market is a more specialised affair. Here you can find Chinese medicine, spices, fermented fish and dried seafood. However, the best buy at this market is the vast array of silks and velvets.

The Night Market sets up each evening neat Ben Thanh Market, and is a great place to try different Vietnamese dishes. Stalls serve up food from all over Vietnam, and at very cheap prices. Once you have refuelled, you can browse the many market stalls selling everything imaginable.

The War Surplus Market is a maze of military style paraphernalia. Each stall is draped with combat clothing, cheap t-shirts and fake Marine Zippo lighters. The authenticity of much of the goods is questionable, but if you haggle you can usually get a good price.