Dubbed as a veritable paradise for quirky souvenirs and bargain hunters, Ho Chi Minh City is a venue brimming with retail possibilities for those who are willing to venture down its shopping districts. Famed for its fine silks, embroidered tablecloths, beady handbags and bamboo/lacquer handicrafts the capital city of Vietnam is renowned for offering visitors a plethora of quality goods that are easy on the wallet. Those in the mood for exploring Ho Chi Minh’s mallscape should head down to the sky piercing Diamond Plaza located in the CBD where luxury brands share shelf space with Vietnam’s hottest designer labels. Perfect for top-of- the- line leather wear, footwear, cosmetics, cloths and ornaments the multi-storied complex also stocks exquisite wooden artworks and elegant interior decor items fit for a palace. Travellers in search of silk scarves, lacquer goods, funky T’s and bargain priced CDs and DVDs on the other hand should head down to the Tax Department Store in District One while the Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza is an equally popular mall down Le Thanh Ton.

Boutique lovers will enjoy the stunning hats, dresses and one-off designer items on offer at Minh Hanh while chic Vietnamese wear is found at Minh Khoa and Khai Silks where silk robes, tops and scarves are also available. The Indochina Boutique is also a hot pick among seasoned visitors while those who want branded perfumes and colognes at amazing rates should step on over to the Saigon Duty Free Shop on Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

Vietnam’s bustling local markets are also a great place to find fantastic gift items, locally produced ware and a cultural experience to remember as the bargains at these markets are only beaten by the sheer number of shoppers flocking to their environs. Ben Thanh Market on Southwest Le Lai offers shoppers their pick of souvenirs, T-shirts, jeans and other produce such as pickled fruits, sweets, kitchen ware and condiments. Fast food stalls are also found at every corner while the Chợ Bình Tây market is a Mecca for Vietnamese silks, spices, velvet, Chinese medicines and even dried seafood. The air-conditioned market atmosphere of Saigon Square is another highlight for shoppers in addition to the American Market also known as the War Surplus Market where one finds everything from t-shirts and electronics to military gear. Cheap electronics are also available down Huynh Thuc Khang whereas several shops selling oil paintings are situated along Bui Vien Street. Visitors can also have their portrait painted at this market where the artworks are sold at unbelievable rates.

Those in search of conveniently located Ho Chi Minh city serviced apartments should look no further than the luxurious Somerset Chancellor Court. Ideally located within close range of the city’s business and entertainment hub the elegantly furnished suites at this service apartment in Ho Chi Minh City are also some of the finest in the capital.