Returning to Ho Chi Minh City after a decade felt like my first visit all over again. My initial trip was as part of a media delegation for an inaugural flight, but this time, I was travelling with a dear friend during Ramadhan.
My friend, an avid shopper, chose a hotel conveniently close to Ben Thanh Market and other major shopping spots like Vincom, Union Square, Saigon Square, and Saigon Centre. With only two nights to explore, we wasted no time after checking in and headed straight to the market, which was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Crossing the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, teeming with motorcycles and scooters, was initially daunting. However, remembering advice from my first visit, we bravely made our way across, finding that motorcyclists expertly avoided pedestrians.
The market, a shopping haven for tourists, offers everything from Vietnamese art and handicrafts to clothing, food, and textiles.
You can even have custom outfits tailored and delivered to your hotel the same day. The market’s rich history dates back to 1859 and includes several rebuilds after devastating fires.
History recounts that the old market was originally built with stones and wood. In 1859, it was burned down twice: once following a fire attack by Vietnamese soldiers on the entire city, two days after the French conquered Gia Dinh City, the ancient name of Ho Chi Minh.
In 1870, the market burned down again and was subsequently rebuilt by the French. When the market threatened to collapse in the early 1900s, it was demolished, rebuilt and relocated. It underwent a thorough renovation in mid-1985 and today stands as one of the city’s famous landmarks.
After shopping, we headed to Malaysian Street to break our fast. This street, full of halal restaurants run by Muslim locals, didn’t exist during my last visit.
It was a pleasant surprise to find familiar Malaysian cuisine and language in Vietnam.
Post-iftar, we strolled to Vincom Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in the country, housing both international and domestic brands. Union Square, located nearby, features high-end brands in an elegant French colonial-style building.
After a productive evening of shopping, we returned to our hotel to rest. As we strolled through the city, we passed several landmarks, including the bustling Ho Chi Minh Square.
Despite the heavy traffic and crowds lasting late into the evening, the square maintains an oasis of tranquillity and elegance with its French colonial architecture.
At the centre stands a statue of the communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, proudly positioned in front of the City Hall.
This area, featuring a building constructed by the French in the early 19th Century, has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The surroundings are adorned with perfectly manicured hedges, fragrant and beautiful flowers, and streets lined with high-end boutiques and major brand stores.
As we approached the statue, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful Rex Hotel nearby.
Built by the French in 1927, the hotel is steeped in history. Its rooftop was once a popular haunt for military officials, diplomats and war correspondents during the Vietnam War.
We spent quite some time capturing the beautiful scenery and stunning architecture, including nearby attractions such as the Saigon Opera House. Naturally, we also took numerous photos of the vibrant hibiscus and poinsettia blossoms, enjoying their fragrance carried by the gentle evening breeze.
The next day began with a visit to Saigon Square, a bustling market similar to those in China and Thailand. We then crossed over to Saigon Centre, featuring a mix of local and international brands at reasonable prices.
After a full day of shopping, we returned to Malaysian Street for iftar and spent our final evening exploring the area before packing for our departure. Though our trip was brief, it was filled with memorable experiences and successful shopping missions.
For those planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, there are many historical landmarks and attractions to explore, such as the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, Bui Vien and Nguyen streets, War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi Tunnels.
The War Remnants Museum stands out in my memory, offering a poignant look at Vietnam’s history through photos and exhibits.
The Cu Chi Tunnels provide a unique, albeit claustrophobic, experience of Vietnam’s wartime past.
To be honest, the brief trip didn’t do it justice, yet we had a wonderful time together. My friend was especially satisfied, having accomplished her shopping “mission”.
If you are planning to visit the city for leisure, there are many places of interest and landmarks to explore, even though we didn’t have the chance to visit them this time.
Additionally, you should also consider using Malaysian ringgit for convenience, as many shops accept it. For halal food options, staying near Malaysian Street is advisable.
This trip was a wonderful blend of nostalgia and new experiences, made even more special by the company of a dear friend. Our adventure in Ho Chi Minh City was a refreshing and memorable getaway. – Lyna Mohammad
