Saigon Shopping Tour, Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Saigon Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Among other accolades, Ho Chi Minh City is known as a great shopping destination. Attesting to its reputation are a plethora of street markets scattered throughout the city, selling all sorts of fresh local produce, including coffee beans, and other delights, not to mention street food and souvenirs – all at extremely competitive prices. There are also designated markets specialized in niche items like war memorabilia, silks, fabrics, and artifacts.

Dong Khoi Street – dubbed “The Fifth Avenue of Saigon” – is one of the top shopping destinations in the city. Here, you'll find upscale boutiques, international brands, and high-end shopping centers like Vincom Center. Dong Khoi Street exudes a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it ideal for fashion enthusiasts and those looking for luxury items.

For a more traditional shopping adventure, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit. This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of Vietnamese handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and street food. It's a great place to haggle for souvenirs and immerse yourself in local culture. Don't forget to sample some delicious Vietnamese dishes from the food stalls while you shop.

If you're in search of military surplus, electronics, or unique items, head to Dan Sinh Market. Also known as the "War Surplus Market," it's a fascinating place to explore and discover vintage items and military memorabilia. You'll find everything from old cameras to antique compasses and more.

Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, often referred to as Backpacker Street, is the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers. It's lined with affordable hostels, street food vendors, and shops selling clothing, accessories, and travel essentials. This area is perfect for those seeking a lively and budget-friendly shopping experience.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of options, be it luxury items, unique souvenirs, or budget-friendly essentials. Saigon has it all. So, follow this self-guided tour to explore the city's vibrant shopping scene and hopefully grab some fantastic deals to bring home as memorable treasures from your journey. Happy shopping!

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Lerdsuwa.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Saigon Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Vietnam » Saigon/HoChiMinh City (See other walking tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Saigon/HoChiMinh City?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Saigon/HoChiMinh City Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Saigon/HoChiMinh City?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City, Vietnam

Create Your Own Walk in Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Creating your own self-guided walk in Saigon/HoChiMinh City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Chinatown Walking Tour

The relationship between Vietnam and China traces back over 2,000 years. Over this time, Vietnamese culture, customs, administrative system, and even the language have been heavily influenced by the great northern neighbor. So much so, in fact, that although Vietnam had its own spoken language, until the late 1800s its official written language was Chinese.

Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Historical Religious Sites

For centuries, Vietnamese people have practiced Confucianism and Buddhism brought over from neighboring China. Added to these Eastern teachings, in the 16th century, was Christianity – introduced to Vietnam by Western missionaries. The result of this variety of faiths has become a mixture of gorgeous Confucian and Buddhist temples and Catholic churches in Ho Chi Minh City. Some of these... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles

Saigon/HoChiMinh City Introduction Walking Tour

While many people still fondly say “Saigon,” the city officially became Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC in 1976, to honor the revolutionary leader who led North Vietnam. But call it what you will – Saigon still lives in the names, food stalls, and in locals’ hearts, especially in District 1, the area most of us think of when we say “Saigon.”

Long before colonial buildings and skyscrapers,... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles