For decades, avid golfers have flocked to Southeast Asia for the pristine fairways and year-round sunshine. Thailand has its beaches, and the Philippines has its islands. But in 2026, a new trend has emerged among savvy golfers from Korea, Japan, Australia, and the US. They are flying to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) not just to play, but to shop.
If you are a golfer, you know the pain of the price tag. A single branded polo shirt can cost $100. A pair of technical trousers? Another $120. Updating your wardrobe for the season can easily cost as much as a new set of irons.
This is where Ho Chi Minh City changes the game. It is arguably the best city in Asia for golf shopping, offering an unbeatable combination of price, quality, and style. Here is a deep dive into why your next golf trip needs to be in Saigon, and why you should arrive with an empty suitcase.
1. The “Factory of the World” Advantage
The secret to Ho Chi Minh City’s shopping scene lies in global macroeconomics. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs for textiles and garments. Major global sportswear giants—including Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, and premium golf brands like Titleist, PXG, and Malbon—have massive production lines right here in Vietnam.
This proximity to production creates a unique market for what is locally known as “Export Surplus” or “Factory Stock.”
- The Quality: You aren’t buying cheap tourist souvenirs. You are often finding goods made with the exact same high-performance fabrics used in the items sold in pro shops in New York or Seoul. We are talking about genuine moisture-wicking materials, UV-protection fabrics, and 4-way stretch technologies.
- The Logistics: Because the clothes are made here, there are no international shipping fees, no import tariffs, and no middleman retail markups. You are buying as close to the source as possible.
2. The Math of Savings: A Cost Comparison
Let’s look at a realistic shopping basket. Suppose you want to buy a full outfit for a weekend round. Here is a comparison between average retail prices in the US/Korea versus prices in Ho Chi Minh City (specifically at places like Saigon Square).
As you can see, for the price of one outfit back home, you can buy six or seven full outfits in Vietnam. For many travelers, the money saved on shopping literally pays for their flight ticket and hotel.
3. Saigon Square: The Golfer’s Paradise
While Ben Thanh Market is famous for general tourism, Saigon Square is the undisputed champion for fashion and sportswear.
Located in the heart of District 1, Saigon Square is an indoor, air-conditioned market. This is crucial because trying on clothes in the humid tropical heat can be exhausting. Here, you can shop in comfort.
Why it’s better for golfers:
- Specialized Stalls: Unlike other markets where vendors sell everything from magnets to dried fruit, Saigon Square has stalls dedicated entirely to golf apparel. The vendors know the product. They know what “Dry-Fit” is. They can recommend the latest styles.
- High-End Brands: You will find labels that are currently trending on the PGA and LPGA tours. Whether you prefer the classic look or the trendy, youthful “street-golf” style popular in Korea, you will find it here.
4. The “Asian Fit” and Style Trends
Vietnam is geographically and culturally positioned between the Western manufacturing orders and the Eastern fashion trends (heavily influenced by the sophisticated Korean golf market).
In 2026, golf fashion is moving away from the baggy, “dad-style” clothes of the past.
- Modern Cuts: In Ho Chi Minh, you will find slim-fit trousers, tapered joggers, and mock-neck shirts that look athletic and sharp.
- Sizing Tip for Westerners: Note that “Asian Fit” tends to be smaller. If you usually wear a US Medium, you will likely need a Large or XL here. Don’t worry about the tag size; just focus on the fit. Most stalls have fitting rooms—always try before you buy.
5. Instant Tailoring Services
Here is a service that truly sets Ho Chi Minh City apart. Did you find the perfect pair of golf pants, but the inseam is one inch too long?
In many Western countries, tailoring is expensive and takes days. At Saigon Square and surrounding shops, alterations are:
- Fast: Usually done in 15 to 30 minutes.
- Cheap: Hemming a pair of pants often costs less than 50,000 VND ($2 USD).
- Professional: These tailors work with garment-quality machines all day. The stitching is original factory quality.
You can buy your pants, grab a Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee), and come back to collect your custom-fitted gear.
6. How to Shop Smart (Checklist)
To ensure you get the best experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Fabric: Feel the material. It should feel cool to the touch and stretchy. Avoid stiff cottons if you plan to play in the heat.
- Check the Stitching: Turn the shirt inside out. Good quality items have clean stitching with no loose threads.
- Bring Cash: While some stalls accept transfers, Cash (VND) gives you the best bargaining power.
- Bargain Politely: Prices at Saigon Square are already reasonable, but you can usually negotiate a discount, especially if you buy multiple items (e.g., “I’ll take 5 shirts”).
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City offers a golf shopping experience that is unmatched in Asia. It combines the low costs of a manufacturing hub with the high fashion standards of the modern game.
So, for your upcoming trip, pack light. Bring your clubs, your shoes, and your glove—but leave the rest of your suitcase empty. You are going to need the space.