By: Bianca Valerio
As a diehard fan of Vietnamese cuisine and having heard the rumor that when in Vietnam, your dollar will go a really long way; I just had to visit the country myself! As for whether things are really cheap… They weren’t lying.
[Picture credit: Wan of Words Manifest]
Unfortunately no one told me that if I was on the hunt for chic fashion finds, Saigon wasn’t exactly the hotspot as it’s really more of a haven for beautiful handicraft and home furnishings.
There’s nothing wrong with that but first, I didn’t have my own place and second, Orientalia isn’t really up my alley.
But as any serious shopper would know, with patience comes a couple of great buys. In places like the famous Ben Thanh Market, where it’s a mix of dry and wet goods, you’ll find both locals and plentiful tourists getting great deals on everything from food and fake goods to jewelry and handicrafts.
In terms of fashion, the only apparel you’ll find here are mostly tourist tees, traditional Vietnamese outfits and fake Roxy boardshorts or Ralph Lauren polos, to name a few. But when it comes to make-up, fragrances, eyewear, bags and shoes; there are more exciting prospects especially for the latter mentioned.
Here are some steals I spotted at Ben Thanh Night Market:
Classic with a twist: Quilted ankle boots for just $15.
YSL-inspired colorful paneled bag with wooden handle for $30.
Rockin’ style with this multi-zipper leather bag with optional handcarry strap for $55.
I’ve always wondered where this style of fabric was from. Lo and behold, it’s from the Northern Vietnamese tribe of Sapa. They make them into curtains, bags, clothes and what have you. Bags range from $10-$25 at Benh Thanh Market but are available almost anywhere.
Hand-beaded shoulder bag which comes in a variety of colors and sizes found at the airport and handicrafts stores in Saigon. This one in particular is $28 at the airport but you can get it for $10 at Benh Thanh Market if you haggle really well!!
No need to exchange your dollars as they actually much rather get paid in dollars than their local currency.
Another piece of advice? Haggle, haggle, haggle!
Ben Thanh Market is located in District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
