Saigon department stores - Ho Chi Minh City shopping malls
Escape the heat in modern air-con malls
Ho Chi Minh City has experienced some radical changes in the last few decades, but few are as noticeable as the increased number of shopping venues, in particular glitzy malls, that seem to epitomise the country’s economic success. Although an admittedly alien concept to purists of Marxist theology, shopping malls in Saigon have been embraced by the economically-liberal communist administrations of Asia.
They are still a relatively new concept for many Vietnamese, however, and you might spot a few out-of-towners tripping over the escalator or looking hopelessly lost, but Saigon’s youth have taken to them like ducks to water and can frequently be seen sipping on milkshakes or window shopping as they plot their next purchase.
As in the West, these malls consist not only of department stores and designer boutiques, but also smart cafes and bars as well as cinemas and even bowling alleys, so it’s not impossible to spend a whole day exploring just one mall.
Diamond Plaza
This was the first of Saigon’s stylish new malls and it instantly transformed the downtown skyline, towering above Notre Dame Cathedral with its green glass walls. The complex covers an area of around 13,000 square meters, and despite high rental rates it is packed with shops selling designer clothes, cosmetics, jewellery and home décor items. On the second floor is a restaurant, and the fourth floor is given over to games – ten-pin bowling, billiards and video games. 34 Le Duan, (08) 3822 5500, open 10:00 to 22:00.
Saigon Centre
This compact mall contains a department store, a supermarket and several souvenir shops and boutiques. It also enjoys a great location between downtown and budget district hotels. 65 Le Loi, (08) 3823 2505, open 09:00 to 21:00.
An Dong Plaza
Occupying the first three floors of the same building that accommodates the Windsor Plaza Hotel, this place is a bit of a trek from the downtown and budget district hotels, but for serious shoppers the trip is worth it for its competitive prices for jewellery, household goods, cosmetics, clothes and shoes. 18 An Duong Vuong, District 5. Open 09:00 to 22:00.
Parkson’s
You’ll need your pockets well-lined to shop here, as it is located among the city’s top hotels and is geared towards well-heeled shoppers. Four floors of shops sell top quality jewellery, designer clothes and perfumes. 35-45 Le Thanh Ton, (08) 3913 5623, open 09:30 to 22:00.
Thuong Xa Tax Market
Located just opposite the Rex Hotel on Le Loi, this place is something like a discount mall, with stalls selling electronic goods, cameras, jewellery and leather goods at knock-down prices. Though bargaining doesn’t usually work in shopping malls, this place is an exception, so if you spot something that catches your fancy, test out your haggling skills. 135 Nguyen Hue, (08) 3821 3849, open 09:00 to 21:00.
Zen Plaza
This is another compact mall that won’t tire you out with its huge size, though it does offer eight floors of household goods, cosmetics, clothing and toys. If you need a break, there’s a handy café on the top floor with great views. 54-56 Nguyen Trai, (08) 3295 0339, open 09:30 to 22:00.
