Shopping in Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City - Markets - Part Two

Continuing from my post last week on Saigon / HCMC shopping and the markets.. here are another three (my personal favourites), especially if you're looking for clothes rather than souvenirs .. Indeed you'll be truly surprise to find what these markets have in store for you!

Russian Market - 225 Ben Chuong Duong Street, District 1




The Russian Market in Saigon / HCMC is my number 1 personal favorite, don't be fooled by the one you see at Lucky plaza in the city center.. this one is nicely tucked away along the canal bordering District 4. Why it's called Russian Market... the name came about because many Russian dealers would shop there, and then sell the products in their home country. So assuming that Russians do shop there.. yes.. the sizes are more average than what you would find in most places in Vientam... so for all you girlies who find Vietnamese sizes way too small.. this is the place for you...


This place to me is Vietnam's kept secret.. you can find Zaras.. MnGs.. Dorothy Perkins.. and some say Vera Wang in this place.. no I kid you not! Where they come from.. your guess is as good as mine.. while some are fakes.. some are stolen goods.. out from the factories.. yups.. next time you look at your Zaras with the label "Made in Vietnam" you're sure to know that the stolen goods are selling out there!


There is a shop there worth mentioning.. "Logos".. It's on the ground floor as you enter to the left... you can't miss it.. it's a Christian store.. so you get those Christian plaques hanging for sale.. prices are a bit on the high side compared to the rest.. also... all prices are fixed.. but they sell some unique designs worth taking a look..although.. i must say.. i could never resist the urge to buy some pieces..=P

Saigon Square 1 - 77-89 Nam Ky Koi Ngia Street, District 1 [Left pic]
Saigon Square 2 - 7-9 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1 [Right pic]
















Although they both share the same name, these Sister stores are at different locations and have different styles..


Saigon Square 1 , a two and a half story building cramped with clothes.. bags.. and accessories.. with too many people..locals and foreigners alike.. almost no where walk.. nor to try out your clothes.. Your Bargaining skills would have to come in handy here as sometimes the 'walk away trick' doesn't work here... Sellers are bias as they would sell at higher prices to foreigners..

Bags and clothes at your reach at every nook and corner

Because some stores are really tiny only 3m X 2ms wide.. it's hard to look into the shop to really find what you want.. sometimes.. the angry store keepers wouldn't let you touch unless you show genuine interest .. and would get even angrier if you try.. bargain.. but don't buy...

When I'm not in a mood to bargain.. but wanna get a good deal.. I usually hop over to Russian Market... cos some of the clothes sold here can be found at Russian market at a much cheaper price...

 Saigon Square 2, is the trendier more people friendly sister.. with more shops.. much wider walk way.. and also bigger shops... The clothes here a trendier.. more interesting... and you'll get some local designers trying to sell their funky outfits here.. price at a slight premium of course.. Same concept as Saigon Square 1.. Bargaining is a good tool to bring along with you here..=)

The next time you think Saigon, don't just think about the Viet Kong tunnels or Mekong Delta.. Think Market Shopping Haven! till then.. *smile and stay Fabulous!