Asian Garden Mall is also known as Phuoc Loc Tho. This location needs to have both names on Google Maps, as many Vietnamese folks go by the Viet name.
The restrooms here are not clean, but there are diaper changing tables in the women's restrooms.
The mall has an indoor market vibe with a great food court. Food court has a wide variety of vendors with small dishes, entrees (soups, noodles, rice, dim sum), drinks (fresh fruit options and typical boba teas), and wide range of desserts. There's even a mini market that sells a good variety of ice cream, including the viral fruit ones.
There's a stage area downstairs with some good backgrounds for photos. Very handicap accessible downstairs, but I don't ever recall seeing an elevator to go upstairs. Upstairs, there's a good photo taking area too. On the other side of the photo op area is a monument. There are escalators in the front and back of the mall, as well as staircases in the front, back, and center/middle.
Parking in the front is open when they're not having festivals or night markets. Otherwise, there is decent parking options in the back (it's not hard to get to with some right turns or left turns). The parking is mostly one way turns, so bad or confused drivers can make it annoying. There is a crosswalk straight down the middle in the back lot, so it's very pedestrian friendly and handicap accessible. However, the handicap spaces are all taken usually. Although there are at least 8 handicap spots, the business may want to consider adding at least 3 more. Well-lit at night. If this lot is full, many folks park across the street at the bigger shopping plaza.
The clothing vendors aren't too aggressive. I was able to comfortably go through options and buy ao dai's for my 3 kids. They each love the different styles to choose from. Good/decent quality for the prices. I paid about $15 for infant-toddler. $25-30 for girls. $30-35 for boys.
There are lots of jewelry vendors. I felt safe here, but still on alert as it is an open mall with 2 other side entrances/exits. Most of the inside vendors close by 8pm, even during night market. There's a bakery (kinda cramped to explore and not easy to walk around folks inside. So, make 2 rounds if it's your 1st time or if you're indecisive. I didn't buy any baked goods, so no review on that). There are toy vendors (of course not great in quality, overpriced). My brother was a sucker and bought 2 Hello Kitty purses for $15 each and a broken yelping puppy for $8 (vendors need to make a living too). The female vendor was not wiling to let us swap out the puppy, although we never left the stall after he paid for it.
There were other vendors, but they weren't open Fri 2-5pm (about 1/2 of the places closed their doors then). At night market (Co Đem) on a Sun between 8pm-10pm, most of the jewelry, ao dai, and other vendors were closed. The toy vendors, food stalls, and mini market were still open at the...
Read moreI recently visited Asian Garden Mall with my family, and it’s still one of the most iconic landmarks in Little Saigon. Architecturally, the mall is notable for its high wooden ceilings, exposed trusses, and natural light from the clerestory windows — giving the space a blend of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with a touch of postmodern openness. The red lanterns and decorative elements add warmth and cultural identity, especially during the Tet and Mid-Autumn seasons when the space feels most alive.
Commercially, the mall is a mix of charm and repetition. There’s a heavy dominance of jewelry stores, áo dài boutiques, and gift vendors, which reflect the strong cultural and ceremonial focus of the Vietnamese community — but the lack of diversity in store types limits the browsing experience. Many vendors sell similar inventory, which can make the layout feel redundant if you’re not looking for something specific.
The food court is well-maintained, but nearly all the vendors offer overlapping Vietnamese dishes (pho, bún bò Huế, cơm tấm, etc.), so you’re not getting the kind of variety you might find in newer Asian malls like Rodeo 39 or The Source. That said, the pricing is reasonable, and the quality is authentic, if not cutting edge.
Despite the commercial homogeneity, the mall still serves as a social and cultural gathering point. The center stage regularly hosts performances and community events, which is a nice anchor that adds life to the space. On our visit, my kids especially enjoyed the cotton candy vending machine — a small touch of fun amid the more traditional retail offerings.
Final thoughts: Asian Garden Mall is a cultural landmark first and a shopping destination second. It’s worth visiting if you want to experience Vietnamese-American heritage in Orange County. Just be aware that it’s more nostalgic than innovative — which may appeal to some and underwhelm others depending on...
Read moreA Cultural Gem with Endless Discoveries
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visiting the Asian Garden Mall was an immersive experience that transported me to a vibrant world of cultural richness and commercial diversity. Right from the entrance, I was greeted by an architectural style that speaks volumes of its cultural heritage.
The array of shops inside is astonishing, offering everything from unique ethnic clothing and intricate jewelry to a variety of household goods that are hard to find elsewhere. Each store showcases its own specialty, making the shopping experience an endless journey of discovery.
What impressed me the most was the food court, a haven for food lovers like myself. The variety of authentic Asian cuisines available was simply overwhelming, and every dish I tried was bursting with flavors that seemed to tell its own story.
Beyond shopping and dining, the mall hosts several cultural events, providing a platform for community gatherings and celebrations. It was delightful to see traditions being kept alive and shared so passionately.
The atmosphere is very welcoming, with shop owners and staff always ready to share insights about their products or just have a friendly chat. Their warmth really added to the overall experience.
In terms of facilities, the mall is well-maintained, clean, and organized, considering the vast number of visitors it accommodates. There's something for everyone here, making it a perfect destination for families, tourists, or anyone looking to explore or relive the nuances of Asian culture.
I left the Asian Garden Mall with a heart full of joy and bags full of treasures, counting the days until I can return to this wonderful epicenter of culture, commerce, and community. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable...
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