Central Market — Local services in Ho Chi Minh City

During my recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to check out the Central Market based on its high Google reviews. The market is conveniently located, and I was particularly intrigued by the promise of air conditioning – a big deal in a city known for its sweltering heat. Upon entering, the cool air enveloped me, providing a much-needed respite from the outside temperature. The spacious interior was a welcome change, and I appreciated the effort to create a comfortable shopping environment. However, my enthusiasm waned as I explored further. The shopping experience left much to be desired. The stalls offered a predictable array of goods – clothing, accessories, souvenirs – but nothing stood out as unique or exceptional. If you're looking for authentic local crafts or distinctive items, you might want to explore other markets in the city. Adjacent to the shopping area, there's a food court. While it beckoned with the promise of sustenance, the menu didn't impress me. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but the offerings seemed standard – nothing that would make me linger. Still, I can see how it might serve as a convenient spot for a quick meal or a place to rest your feet after browsing the stalls. In all honesty, my visit was brief. Spending less than ten minutes inside, I decided to move on. Perhaps my expectations were skewed by the glowing reviews, or maybe I simply didn't connect with the market's offerings. Regardless, the Central Market remains an option for those seeking a cool refuge...

We accidentally found this place while walking to go to a popular Banh Mi place and no joke, this is the only place that I really like to shop in Saigon. I had a really bad experience at Ben Thanh Market, but this one made my stay better. Locals like to hang out here, mostly young ones. There's this variety of food courts in the middle that you can choose from. I think this mall just opened and right outside is a park where there are lots of street vendors too, where locals eat and chill. This place is organized, air conditioned, though there's not as much stores as Ben Thanh, but sellers here are way nicer. They don't touch nor harrass you, you can walk away when you both couldn't agree with the last price. In short, you go out in a good mood and in one piece and they don't give you a sour expression when you won't buy. I am so regretful I bought a wallet at Ben Thanh for 500k and I got a purse here (that I fell in love at first sight) for the same price and with a nicer quality! Seriously, check this place out before going to Ben Thanh Market and you will surely see the difference (price and attitude).

P.S. I've attached the card of the lady's store where we got our super nice LV purses, her store is the one in the picture and it's right by the entrance on the right next to the...

Been to hcmc many x but my first to central market (also known as Taka Plaza) given the convenience of grab. They opens at 10am not 9.30am per Google list. So we went to highland coffee opposite side to have some coffee breaks while waiting for it to open. Ok. It’s somewhat like the Saigon square I used to know 10 years ago. Spacious browsing with ease. The stalls are similar to Saigon square and less crowded. Bought a good pair of ck jeans at usd 15 and my friends bought some sneakers and wallets for casual use. Price are really reasonable as most of their item is kinda one and only piece in this colour and this size. So it’s a treasure find for you at such great prices!

I also observed a particular asia country tourists which I have not seen them before in Vietnam was haggering with the sellers to lower their price and then just take their goods and stuffed the money to them insisting on the lowered price. The seller have to snatched back their goods! Unbelievable. It’s a shame to their country to have such mannerisms. As it is, their goods are already so reasonable and they are in business. For goodness sake. If you can’t afford these items don’t buy. Be fair to the sellers! Terrible...