Where to Shop in Ho Chi Minh City

“The best thing about shopping in Vietnam is the unexpected pleasures,” says Kiralee McNamara, founder of Murkani Jewellery. Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City since 2011, the designer knows where to find the exciting shops and precincts in this lively city. Her favourite thing about shopping in the Vietnamese capital? “Ho Chi Minh City is such a vibrant and growing city of entrepreneurs that you never know what new shops are going to open next.”

Best for high-end wear

“Pop into Valenciani by Adrian Anh Tuấn for the latest in high-end fashion. He uses gorgeous materials such as lace in his well-cut pieces; the result is fabulous one-off dresses perfect for special occasions.”

89 Mac Thi Buoi, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Best for streetwear

“L’Usine is the best store for street fashion, stocking cool labels from all around the world. Part café and part store, the space itself is an old converted sewing factory and has fabulous wooden floorboards, high ceilings, exposed brick walls and huge wrought-iron window frames. Brands stocked here include Maison Kitsuné, Cheap Monday, Baggu and Valérie Cordier.”

70B Le Loi, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Best for jewellery

“Wish in the expat enclave of Thao Dien. It stocks gorgeous brands from all around the world, such as Mariana Jewellery and Moko jewellery, which is handmade in Australia.”

61 Thao Dien, Quan 2, Ho Chi Minh City

Best for homewares

“The newly relocated Sadec homewares store on Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien (District 2) is a haven for homewares enthusiasts. The shop sells products produced using traditional techniques in villages along the Mekong, after which contemporary elements are added for an up-to-date design. It carries tableware, kitchenware, ceramics, glass vases, rattan pieces as well as cutlery and table runners.”

Best for antiques

“Take a wander down Le Cong Kieu street, commonly known as ‘Antique Street’. It sells a mishmash of genuine and fake antiques and is a real experience in itself. The street is known for its vintage ceramics and pottery, furniture, statues and knick-knacks.”

Best for a souvenir

“One of the best souvenirs to buy in Vietnam is a Vietnamese propaganda poster. They provide a window into the spirit of revolution, political ideology and patriotic nationalism before and during the Vietnam War. Most designs were created between the mid-1950s and the end of the 1970s. The posters are great reminders of a holiday in Vietnam but they’re also gorgeous artworks to hang on your walls. There are loads of places to get them but I recommend Artbook.”

Various locations