Markets, Streets and the Art of Bargaining
When you think of shopping in Asia places like Hong Kong, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur stand out above most and shopping in Saigon is often overlooked. It can be great fun and many bargains are waiting to be found, though it's not necessarily known for dirt cheap electronics nor will you wander across a sea of mesmerizing mega-malls.
Overall, stuff is generally cheap here and how you buy your things in this city varies somewhat though the best deals and most fun is definitely found on the streets, or rather their pavements. Local markets can also be a lot of fun and for some, even a life changing experience.
A street seller wanders along Bui Vien St.
Where to Shop?
Street/sidewalk sellers -
A humbling part of this country’s lifeblood is the support for all kinds of people, allowing anyone the opportunity to sell something and earn a living. Even without a shop front, the poorer Vietnamese can still deliver their snacks, meals or products to any potential customers in this lively city.
In Saigon’s District One, you’ll even see small vendor’s set-up right outside shop fronts, some with tiny trays selling anything from cigarettes to souvenirs. Want a pair of fake Ray Bans? Fancy a bag of peanuts or some green mango to go with your beer? Just pull up a seat anywhere in the Pham Ngu Lao area and they’ll eventually find you – even in the confines of a café or restaurant. If you don’t want what they're offering, don’t keep looking at their goods and politely just say “Khong cam on” or “No thank you”.
As the sun goes down in certain parts of the city, empty daytime pavements quickly become makeshift night markets. Blankets are loaded off the back of bikes and unrolled to reveal dozens of ‘designer’ shoes, leather belts, wallets, hats, backpacks, t-shirts, kitchenware and spare motorbike parts... even live chickens!
Local Markets -
Local markets are heaving with life and the chaotic order seems to have grown from successful street sellers having too much stock for the back of their motorbike. They can be messy, noisy hot and smelly places – and the fun is only just beginning!
Local markets (“chợ”) are where you’ll find more food, household goods, clothes, toys and stationary. There’s always a ‘wet area’ where fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are usually sold by the always smiling and gorgeous stall holders. Going to a real local market is a special experience for all travellers visiting Vietnam.
Certain markets in greater Saigon are well-known for their own specialties. Synonymous with Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is famous for souvenirs more than anything else. Saigon Square, on Le Loi Street, not far from Ben Thanh, is more popular with locals and is the place to go for clothes accessories and luggage. Tan Dinh Market is small, old and well-known for fabrics. While not too far from downtown Saigon it has a bit more of a local vibe.
Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon), in Saigon’s Chinatown, is the biggest wholesale market in the city and is known as the place to find a decent fake Rolex watch or some unique snacks. It’s an captivating old building too and a must see for anyone visiting Saigon. Please note: shopping for individual things here is not so great as the sellers mostly move stock large quantities.
Some fantastic local markets of the tourist trail include Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District and the ‘Chess Market’ in District 10 - mostly small clothing stalls packed into the tiny alleys.
Saigon Square, on Le Loi St, is one of the city's most modern and best market's
Shopping Streets -
Asian cities developed a little differently to the west. “Success breeds success” here and when there is a certain shop in the past that did well, many others gravitated to the surrounding shop fronts and sold the same. As customers are drawn to one business, they’ll generally check out the others in the area to see who can offer a better deal.
Clothing Street –
Nguyen Trai Street, leading from District 1 to District 10, becomes an even busier street at night as the pavements are lined with racks upon racks of clothes, accessories and helmets. They’re complemented by air condition and quieter branded shop fronts behind them. If you’re a little on the larger side you could get lucky and actually find something that fits!
Ao Dai Streets -
Locals say the end of Pasteur St in District 3 is the best place to get an Ao Dai, the traditional dress of Vietnam, either off the shelf or tailor made.
Painting Streets -
Saigon is also famous for paintings, or rather hand painted copies, and the shop fronts of the talented artists are found on Tran Phu St in District 10 and Bui Vien in District 1 (the backpacker area).
Antique Street -
Le Cong Kieu Street in District 1 is where you’ll find thousands of antiques but be warned, there are many counterfeit fakes here amongst the genuine, so unless your knowledgeable about this kind of stuff, don’t invest too much money in that ‘priceless’ sculpture.
Luxurious Street -
Dong Khoi St, in the center of District 1, was the epicenter of French colonial Vietnam and it’s still full of trendy boutiques and the city’s most expensive labels like Gucci and Versache.
Fake Products -
Street sellers and local markets will have a lot of counterfeit products though don’t always assume fake means bad quality. Some products are actually poorly made, that probably won’t last more than a few weeks, while others can be actually exceptional value. Check the products carefully before you agree on a price and use you own judgment to decide if it’s what you’re after.
Nguyen Trai Street becomes somewhat of a night market after dusk.
Bargaining -–
Bargaining in markets and at street stalls can be stressful. What’s it worth? Is it the best deal? Am I getting ripped off? Keep in mind, the prices in ‘brick and mortar’ shops are generally not negotiable unless you’re buying more than a few items. Prices of snacks, food and drinks are never bargained.
Unless it’s labeled, it’s sometimes hard to tell what the price is and the only advice I can give would be to shop around first. Ask a few different sellers the price of their goods, it’s not rude, but don’t start to seriosuly negotiate until you’re serious about buying.
Baragaining in Vietnamese markets is the norm, but style can vary depending where you’re shopping. Ben Thanh Market, for example, is notorious for setting high prices and therefore encourages some more assertive skills. Unless the price is stated, initially drop 40-50% off the asking price then go from there. Other markets are less aggressive with their pricing so knock a little less off your initial offer.
Never get angry with or try to massively under-cut the seller - when a seller states a price, make an offer then be prepared to meet somewhere in the middle. If you’re not happy with a price, just remain calm, say ‘No thank you’ and walk away. There are many other stalls in the sea!
Local tip: Don't loose your cool and keep in mind what you’re really bargaining for – sometimes it might end up being such a small amount that you’re disagreeing over.
Shopping is more than shopping in Saigon and that’s why it’s so good! You truly meet some amazing people on the streets and markets and no doubt you’ll have an amazing time. So don’t be shy; get out and go spend your money - wisely!
Baragining can be a stressfull but fun experience
