Vietnam is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of visitors every year with its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical heritage. But Vietnam is not only a place for sightseeing and adventure, it is also a paradise for shoppers who are looking for quality products, variety, and bargains. Whether you are looking for traditional handicrafts, modern fashion, or local delicacies, you will find them all in Vietnam’s shopping malls.
Shopping malls are a relatively new phenomenon in Vietnam, as the country opened up to the global market and embraced consumerism in the past few decades. However, they have quickly become an integral part of the urban landscape, offering convenience, comfort, and entertainment to the growing middle class and the young generation. Shopping malls in Vietnam are not just places to buy things, they are also social hubs where people can meet, dine, watch movies, play games, and have fun.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best shopping malls in Vietnam, located in different regions and cities across the country. We will give you an overview of what each mall has to offer, from the brands and products they sell, to the services and facilities they provide.
We will also give you some tips on how to make the most of your shopping experience in Vietnam, such as how to bargain, how to avoid scams, and how to get around. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our guide to the top shopping malls in Vietnam.
The 10 Best Vietnam Shopping Malls
Whether you’re looking for traditional handicrafts, modern fashion, or local delicacies, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in one of the many shopping malls in Vietnam. Here are some of the best shopping malls in Vietnam that you can check out:
1. Vincom Plaza:
A number of cities in Vietnam, including Viet Tri, Bien Hoa, Buon Ma Thuot, Long Xuyen, and Can Tho, are home to this chain of shopping centers. Vincom Plaza has a wide selection of stores, from pricey ones like Gap, Mango, and Levi’s to high-end ones like Dior, Burberry, and Chanel. A food court, a movie theater, an ice skating rink, and a playground for kids are all available at Vincom Plaza.
Shopping, dining, and having fun with your loved ones are all fantastic things to do at Vincom Plaza.
2. AEON Mall:
There are various cities in Vietnam where this chain of shopping centers is present, including Binh Duong Canary, Long Bien, Ha Dong, and Tan Phu Celadon. The Japanese AEON Group, which manages a number of malls around Asia, includes AEON Mall. Japanese retailers including Muji, Uniqlo, and Miniso are available at AEON Mall, along with national and worldwide names like Nike, Adidas, and The Face Shop.
Additional amenities at AEON Mall include a food court serving Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine, a movie theater with beds and reclining chairs, an arcade, and a bowling alley. You may enjoy Japanese culture and excellence in Vietnam at AEON Mall.
3. Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City:
This is a shopping mall located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, inside the Saigon Centre complex. It is the first and only branch of the Japanese department store Takashimaya in Vietnam. Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City features luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as mid-range ones such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.
It also has a food court with Japanese and international cuisines, a supermarket with imported products, and a beauty salon. Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City is a place where you can enjoy the elegance and sophistication of Japanese service and style in Vietnam.
4. Taka Plaza:
This is a shopping mall located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, near Ben Thanh Market. It is a popular destination for bargain hunters who are looking for cheap clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Taka Plaza has four floors of retail space, filled with small stalls selling items such as T-shirts, jeans, dresses, bags, shoes, hats, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Most of the items are priced from VND50,000 (~USD2.15) to VND200,000 (~USD8.62), and you can haggle for lower prices. Taka Plaza is a place where you can find some great deals and unique items in Vietnam.
5. Nha Trang Center:
This is a shopping mall located in Nha Trang City of Khanh Hoa Province. It is the largest shopping mall in the city and one of the most modern ones in Vietnam. Nha Trang Center has five floors of retail space, featuring international brands such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, and Uniqlo, as well as local labels such as Kelly Bui and L’Usine.
It also has a food court with a variety of cuisines, a cinema with 3D technology, an aquarium with exotic fish, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Nha Trang Center is a place where you can shop, eat, watch movies or fish or enjoy the nightlife in Nha Trang.
These are just some of the many shopping malls in Vietnam that you can explore.
The 10 Best Ho Chi Minh City Shopping Malls
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant and modern metropolis that offers a variety of shopping options for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, local designers, or bargain deals, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in one of the many shopping malls in the city.
Here are some of the best shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City that you can check out:
1. Saigon Centre:
This is a popular shopping mall located in the heart of District 1, near the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Opera House. It has seven floors of retail space, featuring international brands such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, and Uniqlo, as well as local labels such as Kelly Bui and L’Usine. It also has a food court with a variety of cuisines, a cinema, a bookstore, and a supermarket. Saigon Centre is a great place to shop, dine, and relax in the city center.
2. Vincom Center:
This is another shopping mall in District 1, occupying two buildings across the street from each other. Vincom Center A is housed in a colonial-style building that dates back to 1914, while Vincom Center B is a modern glass tower that stands out among the skyscrapers. Together, they offer more than 250 shops, ranging from high-end brands such as Dior, Burberry, and Chanel, to affordable ones such as Gap, Mango, and Levi’s. Vincom Center also has a food court, a cinema, an ice skating rink, and a children’s playground.
3. Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon Shopping Centre:
This is a large shopping mall located in Tan Phu District, about 10 km from the city center. It is part of the Japanese Aeon Group, which operates several malls across Vietnam. Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon Shopping Center has four floors of retail space, featuring Japanese brands such as Muji, Uniqlo, and Miniso, as well as local and international ones such as Nike, Adidas, and The Face Shop. It also has a food court with Japanese and Vietnamese dishes, a cinema with reclining seats and beds³, an arcade, and a bowling alley.
4. Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City:
This is a shopping mall located in District 1, inside the Saigon Centre complex. It is the first and only branch of the Japanese department store Takashimaya in Vietnam. Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City has five floors of retail space, featuring luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as mid-range ones such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. It also has a food court with Japanese and international cuisines, a supermarket with imported products, and a beauty salon.
5. Taka Plaza:
This is a shopping mall located in District 1, near Ben Thanh Market. It is a popular destination for bargain hunters who are looking for cheap clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Taka Plaza has four floors of retail space, filled with small stalls selling items such as T-shirts, jeans, dresses, bags, shoes, hats, sunglasses, and jewelry. Most of the items are priced from VND50,000 (~USD2.15) to VND200,000 (~USD8.62), and you can haggle for lower prices.
These are just some of the many shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City that you can explore.
How to get to the shopping malls in Vietnam by public transportation or taxi?
There are different ways to get to the shopping malls in Vietnam by public transportation or taxi, depending on the city and the mall you want to visit. Here are some general tips and information:
1. Flights in Vietnam:
For those short on time, flying is the most convenient way to see several destinations within Vietnam. Many travellers underestimate the distance (and state of the roads) between cities and opt for buses or trains instead of flying. It’s good to note that train rides from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can run up to 30 hours, and from Central Vietnam to either point, 16 hours is quite common.
In light of this, it makes a lot of sense to opt for a one- or two-hour plane ride and spend more time in your destination. Prices for domestic tickets are surprisingly reasonable, and there are daily flights to all of the country’s top destinations.
2. Trains in Vietnam:
Averaging about 40km an hour, Vietnam’s trains are an insightful and relaxing way to journey through the country. The North and South are connected by a single, 2,600km-track network managed by Vietnam Railways. The track snakes through the country from Ho Chi Minh City all the way to the Chinese border.
Spring for the soft seats and four-berth cabins for a little extra comfort, or splurge on one of the private tourist sleeping cars that are now available for several key routes. You can buy your train tickets at counters in Vietnam’s train stations days or months in advance of your trip, depending on the route. Train tickets are also sold through many travel agencies and online through Vietnam’s official train ticketing website.
3. Buses in Vietnam:
Second to motorbikes, buses are the next most popular option for transportation in Vietnam. There are two types of buses; tourist buses and local buses. Tourist buses are catered for tourists and hit all the major holiday destinations. They usually pick up in the centre of tourist hubs and some even pick up directly from your hotel. With that luxury, they are slightly more costly than public transport.
You can book a tourist bus from most hotels or hostels or from the many tour operator shops you will find dotted around town. Public buses are cheaper than tourist buses, but you usually have to make your way to a bus station on the outskirts of town. For this reason, they are an unpopular option for tourists.
4. Taxis in Vietnam:
Taxis are widely available in most cities and towns in Vietnam, and they are relatively cheap and convenient. However, you should be careful of taxi scams, such as rigged meters, fake taxi companies, or drivers taking longer routes.
To avoid these problems, you should only use reputable taxi companies, such as Mai Linh or Vinasun, or use online apps like Grab or GoViet to book your ride. You should also agree on the fare or use the meter before getting in the taxi, and have small change ready to pay.
Tips on how to make the most of your shopping experiences in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a great destination for shopping lovers, as it offers a wide range of products, from traditional handicrafts and silk to modern fashion and electronics. You can find many bargains and unique items in the markets, shops, and malls across the country. However, you also need to be aware of some things to avoid scams, overpricing, and low-quality goods. Here are some tips below:
1. Bargaining:
In most markets and street stalls, bargaining is expected and even encouraged. You can start by offering 50% of the initial price and then negotiate until you reach a reasonable amount. However, don’t bargain too hard or be rude, as this may offend the seller. Also, don’t bargain if you are not interested in buying the item, as this is considered disrespectful.
2. Sale / Discount:
Vietnam does not have a sale culture like many other countries. Most shops and malls do not offer discounts or promotions regularly. However, you may find some seasonal sales during festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) or Christmas. You can also look for shops that display signs like “Giam Gia” (discount) or “Khuyen Mai” (promotion) to get some deals.
3. Have it tailored:
One of the best things to buy in Vietnam is custom-made clothing. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, styles, and designs, and have your clothes made to fit your measurements in a few days or even hours.
Hoi An is the most famous place for tailoring, but you can also find good tailors in other cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some popular items to have tailored are silk dresses, suits, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), and shoes.
4. Price matters:
Do not buy things just because they are cheap. Sometimes, cheap items may be of low quality, fake, or even illegal. For example, some products like DVDs, software, or branded goods may be pirated or counterfeit, and you may get into trouble if you try to bring them back to your country.
Also, some items like antiques, ivory, or endangered animal products may be prohibited or restricted by law. You should always check the quality and authenticity of the items before buying them, and ask for a receipt if possible.
5. Don’t overload:
Taking into account your luggage’s size and weight is important when shopping in Vietnam. You don’t want to have to forfeit some of your items or incur additional charges for oversize baggage. To avoid any issues at the airport, you should also review Vietnam’s and your country’s customs policies.
For the export or import of certain goods, special licenses or certificates could be needed. If some of your belongings are too large or heavy to carry, you can also think about sending them home via mail or courier service.
CHECK OUT:
- Top online shopping apps in Austria
- Top online shopping Apps in Belarus
- Top online shopping sites in Australia
How to bargain and get the best deals at the shopping malls in Vietnam?
Bargaining is a skill that can help you get the best deals at the shopping malls in Vietnam, especially if you are shopping for items that are not fixed in price, such as clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
However, bargaining can also be challenging and frustrating if you don’t know how to do it properly. Here are some tips on how to bargain and get the best deals at the shopping malls in Vietnam:
1. Do your research.
Before you start bargaining, research the market and see what competitors are offering so you have an idea about what you want, what a reasonable price would be and any reasons that might persuade a seller to offer you a special deal.
2. Have a good opening line.
Initiate bargaining by asking something like, “Is that your best price?” or “Can you give me a discount?” Be polite and friendly, but also firm and confident.
3. Be aware of your body language.
Body language and your facial expressions play a big part in communicating. Look interested enough for the seller to feel hopeful of making a sale so that it’s worth putting in the effort to haggle, but not so eager they’ll feel confident you’ll buy regardless of any concessions on their part. Smile and be friendly, but be prepared to walk away if necessary.
4. Look for opportune times to buy.
The end of the day, or the month, or the financial year are times when a salesperson might have an eye on their sales targets and be keen to strike a last-minute deal to up their tally. You can also try to bargain during off-peak hours or seasons when the mall is less crowded and the sellers are more eager to make sales.
5. Think about the situation from the seller’s perspective.
What reasons might they have for wanting to offload the item you wish to buy? Perhaps that model is being discontinued, or has had bad press recently, or they’re releasing a new version soon, making the older one harder to sell. Draw attention to unique features that might make it unappealing to other buyers, but aren’t a deal-breaker for you, such as an unpopular color or a less attractive style.
6. Ask for add-ons.
What sort of extras would be relatively painless for the seller to offer instead of a discount? For example, you can ask for free shipping, free gift wrapping, free accessories, or free warranty. You can also ask for a bundle deal if you are buying more than one item from the same seller.
7. Seek price adjustments.
If you find out that the item you bought is sold at a lower price elsewhere within a certain period of time, you can ask for a price adjustment from the original seller. Some malls have policies that guarantee to match or beat any competitor’s price within a specified time frame. You can also ask for a refund or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
I hope this information helps you plan your shopping trip in this amazing country. If you have any questions or need more suggestions on what to do or see in Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam in general feel free to drop your questions and comments in the box below.
