Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a shopper’s paradise, but it can also be overwhelming. The traffic is intense, the heat is sweltering, and the sheer number of shops is endless.
If you are in Saigon for a layover, a short business trip, or just a quick weekend getaway, you don’t have time to waste in traffic jams. You need a plan.
This is the Ultimate 1-Day Shopping Itinerary for 2026. We have designed this route to keep you in the heart of District 1, minimizing travel time and maximizing your shopping bags. We combine the traditional market experience with modern comfort to give you the best of both worlds.
The Strategy: Beat the Heat
- Morning: Visit the open-air markets while it is still relatively cool.
- Afternoon: Retreat to air-conditioned shopping centers during the hottest part of the day (12 PM – 3 PM).
- Evening: Enjoy the walking streets and night vibes.
09:00 AM – Start at Ben Thanh Market (The Icon)
Start your day at the city’s most famous landmark. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a must-see for the atmosphere.
- What to Buy Here:
- Coffee & Tea: Look for Weasel coffee (Ca Phe Chon) or Lotus tea.
- Dried Goods: Dried mango, lotus seeds, and nuts are great gifts.
- Local Handicrafts: Bamboo items, lacquerware, and fridge magnets.
- Pro Tip: Do not buy clothes here yet. The prices are higher, and you can’t try them on. Save your clothing budget for the afternoon stop.
- Bargaining: Essential. Start at 40-50% of the asking price. (Read our [Ultimate Guide to Bargaining] for more tips).
11:30 AM – Early Lunch: Authentic Pho or Pizza
By now, the market is getting hot. Step out and grab an early lunch to recharge.
- Option A (Local): Pho 2000 is right next to the market. It’s famous (Bill Clinton ate here), clean, and delicious.
- Option B (Fusion): Pizza 4P’s (near Ben Thanh). It’s widely considered the best pizza in Vietnam, fusing Italian style with Japanese precision.
01:00 PM – The Main Event: Saigon Square (The Fashion Hub)
Now that the midday sun is blazing, it’s time to move indoors. Take a short 5-minute walk or a quick Grab ride to Saigon Square. This is where the real shopping happens.
- Why Here? It is air-conditioned, cleaner, and focuses on high-quality “Export Surplus” fashion.
- What to Buy Here:
- Winter Coats: North Face, Columbia, and other winter gear are made in Vietnam. You can find them here at incredible prices.
- Sportswear: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour gym wear.
- Golf Apparel: This is the best spot in the city for golfers. (Check out our guide on [Golf Shopping in Asia]).
- Strategy: Spend at least 2 hours here. The aisles are narrow, but the treasures are endless. This is where you upgrade your wardrobe.
03:30 PM – Takashimaya / Saigon Centre (The Luxury Fix)
Located directly across the street from Saigon Square is Takashimaya (inside Saigon Centre). It offers a complete contrast.
- Why Here? After the hustle of the market, enjoy the pristine, high-end department store vibe.
- What to Buy:
- Cosmetics: All major global brands are here.
- Local Designer Brands: Visit the 2nd and 3rd floors for high-quality Vietnamese local fashion brands that offer unique designs you can’t find in the West.
- The Basement Food Court: A perfect spot for a snack, bubble tea, or Japanese dessert.
05:00 PM – Nguyen Hue Walking Street & The Cafe Apartment
As the sun starts to set, walk towards the river to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This is the modern heart of the city.
- The Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyen Hue): This old apartment block has been converted into dozens of cute cafes and boutique shops.
- Take the elevator up (small fee) and walk down the stairs.
- Browse unique local boutiques selling vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and indie fashion.
- Stop for a coffee on a balcony overlooking the city.
- Photo Op: The Ho Chi Minh Statue and the French colonial City Hall are right here.
07:00 PM – Dinner & Night Market
For dinner, you have two great options depending on your energy level.
- Option 1: Ben Thanh Night Market. The streets flanking the market close to traffic and fill with food stalls. It’s touristy, but fun. Great for seafood and beer.
- Option 2: Street Food Market. Located just a block from Ben Thanh, this is a trendy, semi-outdoor food court with live music and tons of food options from Vietnamese Banh Mi to Indian curry.
Practical Tips for Your 1-Day Trip
- Transport: Download the Grab app before you arrive. It’s the safest and easiest way to move around if you get tired of walking.
- Cash vs. Card:
- Ben Thanh & Saigon Square: Cash (VND) is king. It helps you bargain.
- Takashimaya & Shops: Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
- Safety: District 1 is safe, but watch your phone. Don’t text while standing near the edge of the road (motorbike snatching can happen). Keep your bag in front of you.
Conclusion
24 hours is not enough to see everything in Ho Chi Minh City, but it is enough to fill a suitcase with amazing deals. By following this route—Ben Thanh for culture, Saigon Square for fashion, and Nguyen Hue for the vibe—you experience the full spectrum of Saigon’s shopping scene without wasting a minute.