A shopping guide to Ho Chi Minh City
Souvenirs often get a bad reputation – tacky novelty T-shirts, plastic fridge magnets and mass-produced postcards rarely do your adventure justice. But in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find souvenirs of genuine value. You might leave with a designer piece crafted from heritage textiles, coffee beans shaped by Vietnam’s tropical terroir or a handcrafted chocolate bar. Whether you’re drawn to handmade ceramics or the thrill of bargaining in an atmospheric market – here’s where to shop in Ho Chi Minh City.
Credit: GIA STUDIOS
Credit: Lam Gia Khang/GIA STUDIOS
Gia Studios
Founded by designer Lam Gia Khang, Gia Studios expresses a restrained sense of luxury through elegant silhouettes and a muted palette, producing pieces that transcend seasons. Yet its appeal extends beyond wearability. Each collection opens a conversation about Vietnamese craftsmanship and heritage, reimagining time-honoured materials through a contemporary lens. For its latest SS26 collection, Khang turns to Lanh My A, a black silk from Southern Vietnam prized for its depth, texture and labour-intensive production.
In contrast with brands built online, Gia instead encourages you to encounter its creations in person. The Ho Chi Minh City flagship offers an intimate introduction to the brand’s world and a thoughtful glimpse into Vietnam’s emerging luxury scene.
No. 125 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ben Nghe Ward
Credit: ROI Workshop
Compound Garment
After launching in 2023, multi-brand concept store Compound Garment has quickly become a top destination for Ho Chi Minh’s streetwear enthusiasts. Hidden down a central alleyway, it brings together more than 20 emerging designers under one roof, including T.REDX, Hypnotism Studio, Rieti Eyewear and Gamble. Expect limited runs, fresh ideas and a snapshot of the city’s fast-moving creative scene.
No. 158/5 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ben Thanh Ward
Credit: tomo coffee
Credit: Y2k Thriftshop
Credit: Daspace Saigon
42 Ton That Thiep Apartment
No shopping trip is complete without a detour into the city’s vintage apartment buildings. Tucked away from the main thoroughfares, these timeworn spaces offer a more leisurely shopping experience, punctuated by hidden cafés and food stalls. Just steps from Nguyen Hue Walking Street, 42 Ton That Thiep has become a favourite gathering place for Gen Z creatives and tastemakers. Browse vintage finds, independent local labels and charming handmade souvenirs while soaking up the building’s distinctly old-Saigon charm.
Ton That Thiep Street, Ben Nghe Ward
Credit: Maison Marou
Credit: Maison Marou
Maison Marou
With its signature paper packaging and shimmering foil logo, Maison Marou has become one of Vietnam’s most recognisable craft chocolate brands, with products found in speciality shops across the country. Using carefully sourced local cacao beans, the company creates award-winning chocolates that reflect the growing international reputation of Vietnamese cacao. At its Ho Chi Minh City venues, settle in for a rich hot chocolate and delicate pastries, or sign up for a hands-on masterclass to learn more about the bean-to-bar process.
Multiple locations, including No. 167-169 Calmette Street, Ben Thanh Ward
Credit: KOKONIC
Credit: KOKONIC
Credit: KOKONIC
Kokonic
Next door to Maison Marou’s Thao Dien outlet is another standout spot: Kokonic . Guided by the philosophy of “bringing a piece of Vietnam home”, this space offers a curated selection of high-quality products. From thoughtful keepsakes to contemporary handicrafts, each item reflects the culture, landscapes and stories that make Vietnam distinctive, making this a reliable stop for meaningful gifts.
No. 113 Xuan Thuy Street, An Khanh Ward
Credit: amaï
Credit: amaï
Amaï Contemporary Vietnamese Design
Amaï is equal parts ceramics haven and design inspiration. Meaning “East meets West”, the brand blends influences from both traditions in a collection of handcrafted pieces. Each one is intentionally understated, feather-light and created through a meticulous 10-step production process. Minor variations add character, while pieces with slight imperfections are often available at significant discounts at the Xuan Thuy showroom. Located along the same stretch of Thao Dien as Maison Marou and Kokonic, Amaï makes it easy to explore three of the neighbourhood’s most rewarding shopping destinations in a single afternoon.
Multiple locations, including No. 83 Xuan Thuy Street, An Khanh Ward
Credit: Hong Dang
Credit: Every Half Coffee Roasters
Every Half Coffee Roasters
Every Half Coffee Roasters has quickly become a fixture of Ho Chi Minh City’s speciality coffee scene. Here, you can see why Vietnamese coffee is having a moment beyond its familiar condensed-milk-and-ice stereotype. Alongside expertly brewed drinks, the café offers a range of retail products designed to showcase the nuanced flavours of Vietnamese beans, including whole-bean roasts, traditional phin filters and convenient drip bags.
No. 8-24 Ngo Duc Ke Street, Ben Nghe Ward
Credit: Ho Ngoc Binh
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous market, may not offer polished luxury, but a visit remains a must. Beneath its century-old clock tower lies a glorious sensory overload – a live masterclass in local bartering and street-level energy. You can find almost anything here, from colourful fabrics and handicrafts to classic Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs. Before leaving, stop for a bowl of che (sweet soup) or a plate of the market’s beloved banh beo (steamed cake). By the time you emerge back into the sunshine, you’ll have experienced something no shopping centre can replicate: an authentic taste of shopping in Saigon.
Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward