Cheap Market in Ho Chi Minh: Food, Fashion & Souvenirs

Exploring a cheap market in Ho Chi Minh is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture. From affordable fashion and fabrics to tasty street food and authentic souvenirs, these markets highlight the vibrant lifestyle of Saigon. Whether you visit Ben Thanh for gifts, An Dong for clothes, or Binh Tay for spices, each market offers its own unique charm. With Vietpower Travel, a licensed Vietnam tour operator, you can combine shopping with guided tours for a seamless journey.

1. Fashion Finds – Affordable Clothes & Fabrics

An Dong Market – Fashion Wholesale & Fabrics

Address of An Dong Market: 34–36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

How to Get There: About 15 minutes by taxi from District 1; buses 06, 139, and 150 stop nearby.

Atmosphere: Busy wholesale market with three main sections: the old market, An Dong Plaza, and a food court. Expect narrow aisles, lots of chatter, and piles of fabrics.

Products:

• Fabrics for Ao Dai (silk, lace, velvet, chiffon).
• Ready-to-wear fashion: jeans, dresses, shirts, kids’ clothing.
• Fashion accessories: handbags, jewelry, belts.
• Footwear: sandals, casual shoes, sneakers.

Price Range:

• Clothes: 50,000–250,000 VND (USD 2–10).
• Fabrics: from 80,000 VND per meter (≈ USD 3). Premium silk can reach 200,000–400,000 VND per meter.

Pro Tips:

• This is a wholesale hub; buy 3+ pieces to get better deals.
• Bargaining is part of the experience; start with 60–70% of the asking price.
• Many stalls don’t accept cards—carry small cash.

Hanh Thong Tay Market – Student-Friendly Night Fashion

Address of Hanh Thong Tay Market: Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City

How to Get There: About 30 minutes by Grab/Taxi from District 1; bus 18 connects to the area.

Atmosphere: Lively night bazaar with hundreds of street stalls lit by neon lights. Crowds of students, couples, and families gather every evening.

Products:

• Clothing: cheap T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, dresses, skirts.
• Streetwear: sneakers, caps, backpacks.
• Accessories: earrings, hair clips, phone cases.
• Food stalls: bubble tea, banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza), grilled skewers.

Price Range:

• T-shirts: 30,000–60,000 VND (USD 1–2.5).
• Jeans: 100,000–200,000 VND (USD 4–8).
• Accessories: from 20,000 VND.
• Street food: 15,000–40,000 VND per snack.

Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM daily.

Pro Tips:

• Best time: 6:30–8:30 PM, before it gets too crowded.
• Wear light clothing—it gets hot and packed.
• Bring small bills for faster payment.

Ba Chieu Market – Vintage & Second-Hand Treasures

Address: 40 Dien Hong Street, Ward 1, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

How to Get There: Around 20 minutes from Ben Thanh Market; accessible by bus 14 or 18.

Atmosphere: Traditional neighborhood market with narrow alleys, old-style signage, and busy food stalls surrounding the clothing area.

Products:

• Second-hand clothing: imported from Japan, Korea, Cambodia.
• Vintage finds: jackets, denim, unique dresses.
• Accessories: belts, scarves, handbags.
• Daily wear: local brand clothes, school uniforms.
• Food section: banh cuon, rice dishes, fresh fruits.

Price Range:

• Thrift clothes: 10,000–50,000 VND (USD 0.5–2).
• Better-condition items: 80,000–150,000 VND (USD 3–6).
• Shoes and bags: 100,000–300,000 VND (USD 4–12).

Pro Tips:

• Go in daylight for easier sorting of second-hand items.
• Wash all second-hand clothes before wearing.
• Combine shopping with trying authentic local snacks around the market.

2. Food Adventures – Street Snacks & Local Flavors

Ben Thanh Market – Iconic Food & Night Market

Address of Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: This landmark is a must for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine in the city center. The food court inside and the night market outside both serve up an incredible variety of flavors.

Signature Dishes:

• Crab noodle soup (bun rieu cua)
• Fried spring rolls and fresh rolls (cha gio, goi cuon)
• Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo)
• Colorful sweet soups (che)

Price Range: From 40,000–100,000 VND per dish (USD 1.5–4).

Pro Tip: Visit after 6 PM to enjoy both shopping and dining. The night market outside is lively, combining food with souvenirs, making this spot a key highlight of Food Markets in Saigon.

Binh Tay Market – Chinatown’s Culinary Mix

Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City (Cholon area)

Highlight: Known as the “Chinatown market,” Binh Tay offers a genuine blend of Vietnamese and Chinese flavors.

Signature Dishes & Goods:

• Cantonese-style dim sum
• Herbal soups and tonics
• Dried seafood such as squid and shrimp
• Spices, tea, and traditional Chinese herbs

Price Range: Everyday dishes and snacks cost 30,000–80,000 VND (USD 1–3.5). Dried goods vary from 100,000–400,000 VND per kilo.

Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a short walk around Cholon’s temples for a full cultural experience.

Xom Chieu Market – Student Snack Paradise

Address: 57 Vinh Khanh Street, Ward 8, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: A favorite among students and young locals, Xom Chieu is famous for its budget-friendly street food.

Food Scene: With more than 200 food stalls, you’ll find endless options: grilled seafood, sticky rice, sweet soups, and Vietnamese pizza (banh trang nuong).

Price Range: Almost every snack is under 200,000 VND total for a filling meal for two. Individual dishes usually cost 15,000–50,000 VND (USD 0.5–2).

Pro Tip: Come in the evening when the market is at its most vibrant. Bring cash and arrive hungry—you’ll want to try multiple dishes.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – Cambodian Street Food Lane

Address of Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: While this market is primarily known for flowers, it has become equally loved for its Cambodian-inspired food alley.

Signature Dishes:

• Papaya salad with dried beef (goi du du kieu Khmer)
• Cambodian noodle soup (kuy teav)
• Grilled skewers and sticky rice cakes

Price Range: Dishes are typically 20,000–50,000 VND (USD 1–2).

Pro Tip: Combine a food stop with a stroll through the flower stalls, which stay open late into the night. It’s a perfect mix of colors, fragrances, and flavors.

3. Souvenir Shopping – Gifts Without Breaking the Bank

Ben Thanh Market – Souvenir Central

Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: Ben Thanh remains the most popular place to buy keepsakes in central Saigon. Its central location makes it convenient for travelers staying in District 1 hotels.

Souvenirs to Look For:

• Local coffee beans and drip filters
• Lacquerware and handicrafts
• Embroidered tablecloths and purses
• Vietnamese-style T-shirts

Price Range: From 50,000–300,000 VND (≈ USD 2–12), depending on size and quality.

Pro Tip: Visit after 6:00 PM when the night market opens—the food and souvenir stalls combine for a lively experience. It’s one of the best examples of Ho Chi Minh market shopping, where food and gifts come together.

Russian Market – Unique Gifts & Winter Wear

Address of Russian Market: 328 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: A quirky stop in District 1, Russian Market is known for its unusual inventory of cold-weather clothing and imported Russian goods.

Souvenirs to Look For:

• Russian nesting dolls (Matryoshka)
• Wool scarves, jackets, and blankets
• Vodka and caviar
• Soviet-style memorabilia

Price Range: Jackets and winterwear from 200,000–800,000 VND (USD 8–30), smaller souvenirs from 100,000 VND.

Pro Tip: This market caters mostly to expats, but it’s fun for travelers seeking something unexpected to bring home.

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Binh Tay Market – Bulk Souvenirs & Spices

Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City (Cholon area)

Highlight: As the wholesale hub of Cholon (Chinatown), Binh Tay is ideal if you want to bring home larger quantities of local products.

Souvenirs to Look For:

• Dried fruits (mango, jackfruit, banana chips)
• Spices and herbs used in Vietnamese cooking
• Ceramic bowls, teapots, and plates
• Packaged tea and coffee

Price Range: Spices and tea from 30,000–100,000 VND per pack, dried fruit from 80,000–200,000 VND per kilo, ceramics from 150,000 VND upwards.

Pro Tip: Bargain if you’re buying in bulk. Combine your shopping with a visit to Cholon temples and food stalls, which are part of the wider Food Markets in Saigon scene.

Dan Sinh Market – War Memorabilia & Antiques

Address: 104 Yersin Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Highlight: Also known as the “War Surplus Market,” this spot attracts history buffs and collectors.

Souvenirs to Look For:

• Military gear (helmets, backpacks, uniforms)
• Vintage cameras and film equipment
• Camping tools and old household items

Price Range: Small collectibles start from 100,000 VND; authentic or rarer items can reach several million VND (USD 50+).

Pro Tip: Some items are reproductions, so ask carefully before purchasing. Even if you don’t buy, browsing through the stalls offers a fascinating glimpse into Saigon’s history.

Let’s continue exploring more about Vietnam and all the incredible places it has to offer. Visit our Vietnam tourist attractions section to discover in-depth guides, travel ideas, and hidden gems across the country.

4. Practical Tips for Exploring Cheap Markets

Bargaining: Friendly and Fair

Haggling is part of the shopping culture in Ho Chi Minh City. A good approach is to start at 50–70% of the initial asking price and negotiate from there. Always stay polite and smile—vendors are more likely to give you a fair deal if you show respect.

Payment: Cash is King

Most stalls do not accept credit cards, so carry cash in small bills to make transactions smooth. This also helps avoid situations where sellers can’t give proper change.

Timing: Morning Freshness & Evening Energy

Markets are busy throughout the day, but each time they offer something different.

• Morning: Fresh stock, quieter crowds, and sometimes better prices for the “first customer of the day.”
• Evening: Cooler weather, vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of night snacks. This is when markets like Hanh Thong Tay or Ben Thanh come alive, blending Ho Chi Minh market shopping with street food culture.

Safety: Stay Alert

Cheap markets can be crowded, especially in narrow alleys. Keep valuables secure in a cross-body bag or money belt. Stay mindful of your phone and wallet when browsing or taking photos.

Conclusion

Exploring a cheap market in Ho Chi Minh is an experience that combines affordable shopping with authentic culture. From clothes and fabrics to souvenirs and street food, each market brings travelers closer to the daily life of Ho Chi Minh city.

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