Recently, the travel magazine Travel And Tour World (TTW) of India announced the list of 50 top shopping destinations in the world in 2026. Ho Chi Minh City ranks 16th, surpassing many famous destinations such as Amsterdam (Netherlands), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Mumbai (India).
The ranking is built on research and analysis of retail trends, shopping travel behavior, destination attraction, luxury goods market, tourist tastes and factors related to shopping experiences.
The magazine assesses that Ho Chi Minh City brings one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in Southeast Asia, when traditional markets, local brands and modern retail centers coexist.
The city is considered attractive to tourists who want to find products with Vietnamese imprints such as silk, lacquerware, coffee, handicraft bags, embroidery, ceramics, domestic fashion and typical food.
In the affordable segment, locations such as Ben Thanh market, Saigon Square and many local markets provide clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at easily accessible prices. Some items at traditional markets can also be negotiated prices.
In the central area, Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh market, Saigon Centre and the old District 1 area are considered prominent shopping spots. The combination of markets, independent stores, handicraft workshops and fashion boutiques creates a unique feature for shopping activities in the city.
According to Travel And Tour World, shopping culture in Ho Chi Minh City is also associated with street trade and a network of small traders and independent stores. Bustling markets, craft workshops and local fashion stores create a combination of tradition and modern urban appearance.
The assessment of the Indian magazine appears in the context that Ho Chi Minh City is increasingly being noticed by international media for fashion, design and retail.
In early September, Condé Nast Traveler assessed that the old District 1 area is becoming the focus of the youth fashion wave in Vietnam, and at the same time assessed that Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as a noteworthy shopping destination for international tourists thanks to the increasing appearance of Vietnamese brands.
This magazine records retail models focusing on many domestic brands developing in the city. Rue Miche currently gathers nearly 90 Vietnamese brands at 2 locations, while The New Playground has more than 70 domestic brands.
In July, Condé Nast Traveler also introduced Thao Dien as a prominent creative area of Ho Chi Minh City, with the presence of domestic fashion brands, concept stores and spaces introducing contemporary Vietnamese design.
