Ho Chi Minh City: Districts 1 & 3, Thảo Điền

Central Districts 1 and 3 and Thảo Điền across the river are 20–40 minutes apart by car, so the map is split using the switch above. Choose an area to see its description and the shops there. Tap a dot to open the shop’s details.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Area boundaries and street descriptions are approximate guides by our editorial team. Shop locations are estimated from street numbers unless they match OpenStreetMap address or shop data. Pins for estimated shops are confirmed when we visit.

Areas and streets

Around Đồng Khởi Street

The heart of District 1, where French colonial buildings remain. Along Đồng Khởi Street, which runs down from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office to the river, long-established lacquer and embroidery shops mix with new ceramics and lifestyle stores. Shops are within walking distance of each other — a great starting point for first-time souvenir hunting.

Around Bến Thành Market

The area centered on Bến Thành Market, with shops spreading along Lê Lợi and Lê Thánh Tôn Streets. It ranges from the market’s lively souvenir stalls to ceramics and jewelry shops hidden on upper floors. Many entrances are hard to find, so check the Getting there section on each shop page before heading out.

Đa Kao · Tân Định

The residential area north of District 1, from the pink Tân Định Church to the alleys of Đa Kao. Small ceramics shops and select shops are scattered among old apartment blocks and deep in the alleys. A calmer area to walk than the city center.

District 3

A leafy residential area. Vintage and ceramics shops can be found deep in alleys (hẻm) and in old villas. Shops are spread out, so hopping between them by ride-hailing app works best.

Thảo Điền

An area across the Saigon River with many expat residents. Concept stores in renovated villas and shops with cafés abound — the place to go for design-forward goods and brand flagship stores. About 20–40 minutes by car from District 1 (depending on traffic).

Đồng Khởi Street (Đồng Khởi)

The main boulevard, about 1 km from the cathedral to the riverside. Traditional lacquer and embroidery shops line the same street as new ceramics and lifestyle stores.

Lê Lợi Street (Lê Lợi)

The boulevard running from the Opera House to Bến Thành Market, with brand street shops and embroidery and eco-craft stores.

Lê Thánh Tôn Street (Lê Thánh Tôn)

A street with so many Japanese restaurants it’s nicknamed “Japan Town.” Some shops double as homeware stores or cafés, making it easy to drop by after a meal.

Antiques Street (Lê Công Kiều)

A short street near Bến Thành Market known for its antique and secondhand-goods shops. Antiques over 100 years old may be restricted from export, so check the age when you buy.

Trần Ngọc Diện Street (Trần Ngọc Diện)

A street running through the middle of Thảo Điền. Multi-brand stores and select shops are clustered here, making it easy to visit several in a row.

Xuân Thủy Street (Xuân Thủy)

One of Thảo Điền’s main roads. Ceramics and homeware brand shops sit among the cafés and restaurants.