Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s undisputed retail capital, a city where gleaming malls, department stores, and curated boutiques sit within walking distance of century-old markets. Whether your clients are luxury shoppers hunting for Gucci and Hermès in District 1 or families looking for an all-day outing at AEON Mall HCMC, Saigon’s retail scene covers every budget, preference, and travel pace.
In this guide, Viet Dan Travel breaks down the top Ho Chi Minh shopping malls by district, shopping style, and traveler type, everything a travel agent or tour operator needs to build a well-rounded Saigon itinerary.
1. District 1: The Heart of Luxury Shopping in Saigon
Visitors staying in District 1 are within walking distance of the city’s highest-density concentration of shopping centres. This is where you’ll find Saigon’s most prestigious retail addresses.
1.1. Saigon Centre Mall (Takashimaya)
- Address: 65 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Mon–Thu) | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Fri–Sun)
Saigon Centre is the flagship of upscale retail in Ho Chi Minh City. Developed by Singapore’s Keppel Land, the complex spans approximately 55,000 m² of leasable retail space across multiple levels and is anchored by Takashimaya, Japan’s iconic 180-year-old department store chain, which opened its first Vietnam location here in July 2016.
What makes Saigon Centre Mall distinct from other Ho Chi Minh shopping malls is its dual identity: Takashimaya occupies a curated department store section with a Japanese service philosophy (attentive floor staff, gift wrapping, and structured floor layouts by category), while the wider Saigon Centre podium houses standalone boutiques spanning fashion, cosmetics, dining, and lifestyle.
Brands and floors at a glance:
- Cosmetics & Beauty (B1–L1): Chanel, Dior, NARS, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, Clinique, The Body Shop
- Fashion (L1–L3): Gucci, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Coach, Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo, Zara, H&M
- Dining (L4–L6): Paul’s Bakery, Runam Bistro, Miyama Japanese Restaurant, plus a varied food court
- 6th Floor Terrace: A rooftop garden balcony offering views over Le Loi Boulevard toward Ben Thanh Market, a popular photo spot
The mall attracts an estimated 10 million visitors annually and maintains near-100% occupancy, reflecting its status as the most sought-after retail address in the city. Phase 3 of the Saigon Centre complex received its Investment Registration Certificate in October 2025, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2026, signaling continued confidence in central Saigon retail.
Best for: Luxury shoppers, business travelers, Japanese brand enthusiasts, and clients who want a full-day premium mall experience in walking distance of the Opera House and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
1.2. Vincom Center Dong Khoi
- Address: 72 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
One of the most visited shopping centres in Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Center Dong Khoi occupies over 50,000 m² across six levels in the geographic centre of District 1. Opened in 2010 by Vingroup, it is consistently ranked among the best-performing malls in the city by footfall.
Its ground-floor architecture blends a restored French-colonial facade with a modern glass tower extension, giving it a distinctive look from Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The tenant mix covers:
- Fashion staples: Zara, H&M, Mango, plus premium Vietnamese labels
- Electronics and accessories
- Basement food court with both Vietnamese and international options (Starbucks, Sumo BBQ, Seoul Garden)
- CGV cinema and Vuivuiland children’s play area
Vincom Dong Khoi is also green-certified, making it one of the few energy-efficient malls in the city center. Its location is walkable to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Bitexco Financial Tower. This means shoppers can combine retail with sightseeing on the same afternoon.
Best for: Mid-range shoppers, families on city tours, travelers wanting to combine shopping with central Saigon sightseeing.
1.3. Union Square
- Address: 171 Dong Khoi Street, District 1
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Positioned next to the Saigon Opera House, Union Square is the city’s most concentrated collection of ultra-luxury retail. The mall spans nine levels and houses names including Hermès, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier in a colonial-heritage setting. It also features an exclusive concierge service tailored to high-net-worth visitors and business travellers.
Best for: UHNW clients, incentive travel groups with dedicated luxury shopping time, high-end MICE delegates.
1.4. Diamond Plaza
- Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1
- Location: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
One of the oldest large-scale malls in the city, Diamond Plaza opened in 2000 directly across from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office. Its French-European-inspired architecture makes it a recognizable landmark. Beyond fashion and cosmetics, the mall is notable for its upper-floor entertainment mix: cinema, bowling alley, and family play zones. For travelers visiting the historic center, Diamond Plaza is a convenient lunch or rest stop built into a sightseeing circuit.
Best for: History-focused itineraries, families, and travelers who want air-conditioned comfort near District 1’s heritage corridor.
2. District 7: Malls for Families and Expatriate Communities
Phu My Hung in District 7 is Saigon’s planned satellite city. It features wide boulevards, international schools, expat-heavy residential towers, and some of the city’s largest lifestyle malls. Day-trip shoppers from District 1 take 20–30 minutes by car.
2.1. Crescent Mall
- Address: 101 Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Crescent Mall was the first shopping centre in Vietnam to be developed to international standards upon opening in November 2011. Its distinctive curved architecture is inspired by the “ruyi” symbol and the outdoor Crescent Plaza faces the scenic Crescent Lake and the illuminated Starlight Bridge, creating a waterfront retail promenade unlike anything in central Saigon.
The mall spans over 112,000 m² across six floors and three basement levels, hosting more than 200 local and international brands including H&M, Marks & Spencer, and Calvin Klein Jeans. Its dining zone consists of 37 restaurants on upper floors, including a Lakeview food court with direct views over the lake, is one of the most attractive in the city. Entertainment highlights include an 8-screen CGV cinema, Kidzone children’s play area, and Crescent Wall, described as Vietnam’s premier indoor climbing gym.
Best for: Family groups, expat-market visitors, weekend leisure itineraries, MICE post-conference activities.
2.2. SC VivoCity
- Address: 1058 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Modelled after Singapore’s original VivoCity (named one of the world’s top 10 shopping destinations in 2011), SC VivoCity spans five floors with more than 200 retail brands including Adidas, Levi’s, and Charles & Keith. Its most-talked-about feature is the Sky Park,. which is a rooftop garden with playground equipment and water features, popular with families on weekends. The mall also houses a Co.opXtra supermarket, CGV cinema, and a Playtime kids’ zone, making it a full-day destination.
Best for: Families with young children, budget-to-mid-range shoppers in District 7.
Read more:
- Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Complete Seasonal Guide
- Ho Chi Minh 3 Day Itinerary: The Complete 2026 Local Guide
3. AEON Mall HCMC: Japanese-Style Shopping for Every Budget
The AEON Mall network represents a different category of shopping experience compared to the luxury malls of District 1. Japanese retailer AEON’s HCMC locations are large-format, family-oriented, and built around everyday value: a massive AEON hypermarket anchors each mall, surrounded by fashion, electronics, dining, and entertainment. They are not in the tourist centre, but they are where Saigon residents actually shop, making them an authentic local experience.
3.1. AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon
- Address: 30 Tan Thang Street, Tan Phu District
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (weekdays) | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (weekends)
The first AEON mall in Vietnam, Tan Phu Celadon opened in January 2014 and remains one of the most popular shopping centres in Ho Chi Minh City for local families. The site spans approximately 70,000 m² of land and about 116,000 m² of total floor area across four floors and a basement, housing around 200 retail outlets.
The tenant mix leans toward accessible international brands (Uniqlo, seasonal fashion boutiques) alongside the large Japanese-style AEON hypermarket and electronics specialist Digibox (Apple-authorized retailer). Entertainment facilities include a multi-screen CGV cinema, Timezone arcade (90+ game machines), and a Finnish-inspired children’s play area even more variety than most District 1 malls. Dining spans Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisines across more than 100 outlets.
Best for: Budget-to-mid shoppers, families, travellers who want to experience a “local mall” rather than tourist-facing retail.
3.2. AEON Mall Binh Tan
- Address: No. 1 Street 17A, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AEON Mall Binh Tan opened on 1 July 2016 as AEON’s second major Ho Chi Minh City mall, with a total investment of approximately USD 120 million. Spanning 114,000 m² of total floor area on a 46,800 m² site, it hosts approximately 160 stores with a tenant mix that is 80% Vietnamese brands and 20% international, including Uniqlo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Innisfree.
What distinguishes this AEON Mall HCMC location from Tan Phu is scale of convenience: free parking for 1,500 cars and 4,000 motorbikes, a CGV cinema, Dream Games arcade, dedicated bowling alley, and a food court with Vietnamese, Asian, and Western cuisines. It attracts up to 50,000 visitors per day at peak. The mall has run regular community-focused events such as its “Green Sunday” eco-market.
Note for travel planners: Binh Tan is approximately 10 km southwest of central Saigon, a 30–45-minute drive in traffic. This is a suburban destination best suited to clients with half-day flexibility, particularly those interested in observing everyday Vietnamese consumer culture rather than tourist-facing retail.
Best for: Extended stays, clients curious about local Vietnamese shopping culture, family groups on a budget.
4. Other Notable Shopping Centres in Ho Chi Minh City
4.1. Vincom Center Landmark 81
Address: 772 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
Situated inside Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building at 461 meters, this mall occupies the lower floors of the tower overlooking the Saigon River. It features over 100 premium international brands, including Versace, Dior, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, alongside Haidilao hotpot, Peach Garden, a CGV IMAX cinema, and Vietnam’s largest indoor ice skating rink. The observation deck (floors 79–81) and Sky Bar make this as much a sightseeing stop as a shopping venue.
Best for: Groups combining sightseeing with luxury retail, MICE incentive itineraries, clients staying in Binh Thanh District.
4.2. Van Hanh Mall
Address: 11 Su Van Hanh Street, District 10
A 55,000 m² mall across seven levels in District 10, Van Hanh Mall is one of the most architecturally distinctive in the city. Notably, its central atrium is designed like a spiralling skylight. More than 200 stores include Uniqlo, H&M, and Nike, plus a CGV cinema, CoopXtra supermarket, and PowerBowl bowling centre. It is popular with students and young professionals from nearby universities.
4.3. Gigamall
Address: 240–242 Pham Van Dong, Thu Duc City
The largest single-building mall in Ho Chi Minh City, Gigamall spans over 110,000 m² across seven above-ground floors and two basements. Its piano-inspired architecture and seasonal decorations (red maple leaves, cherry blossoms) make it a photogenic destination. Technology-focused entertainment such as VR attractions, J. PARK dinosaur-themed park, JP World interactive 3D mapping sets it apart from other shopping centres in Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Practical tips for International Visitors
Saigon’s malls are easy to navigate, but a few ground rules save time and avoid surprises, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some practical tips for your clients:
- Tax refund (VAT refund): International visitors purchasing goods worth VND 2,000,000 (approximately USD 80 / INR 6,700) or more from VAT Refund-approved stores are eligible for a VAT refund at the airport. Saigon Centre (Takashimaya) and most major malls in District 1 participate in the scheme. Retain all original receipts and request a VAT refund form at the point of purchase.
- Payment methods: All major shopping centres in HCMC accept Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay. Cash in VND is accepted everywhere. Currency exchange counters are available inside most large malls.
- Getting between malls: District 1 malls (Saigon Centre, Vincom Dong Khoi, Union Square, Diamond Plaza) are within a 10–15-minute walk of each other, making a half-day walking retail circuit feasible. AEON malls and Crescent Mall require a Grab car or taxi (20–45 minutes from District 1 depending on traffic).
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) offer the quietest conditions in District 1 malls. Weekend afternoons, especially at AEON Mall HCMC locations, are significantly busier as local families treat mall visits as leisure outings.
- What to buy: Vietnam-made goods available in malls include silk, lacquerware, hand-embroidered textiles, Vietnamese coffee (particularly from Highlands Coffee and other specialty roasters), and custom tailoring (available from street-level tailors near Le Thanh Ton and Ben Thanh Market rather than inside malls).
Planning a Saigon itinerary that includes shopping? Contact our Ho Chi Minh City operations team via our partner with us page or reach out directly to discuss your group’s profile and requirements.
6. FAQs
What is the best shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists?
Saigon Centre (Takashimaya) at 65 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1 is consistently regarded as the top luxury shopping destination for international tourists thanks to its central location, English-speaking staff, VAT refund participation, and the widest range of premium international brands under one roof.
Where is the largest AEON Mall in Ho Chi Minh City?
AEON Mall Binh Tan (No. 1 Street 17A, Binh Tan District) is AEON’s largest HCMC site by total floor area at 114,000 m², followed by AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon at approximately 116,000 m² total floor area (though Tan Phu’s leasable retail space is smaller). Both qualify as large-format shopping centres in Ho Chi Minh City with full cinema, dining, and entertainment facilities.
Is Saigon Centre the same as Takashimaya?
Saigon Centre is the overall mixed-use complex (retail, office, serviced apartments) at 65 Le Loi. Takashimaya is the anchor department store tenant occupying approximately 15,000 m² of the retail podium. In practice, locals and visitors often use both names interchangeably when referring to the shopping mall component.
Which shopping mall in District 1 is closest to Ben Thanh Market?
Saigon Centre at 65 Le Loi is the closest major mall to Ben Thanh Market, approximately 300 metres on foot. Vincom Center Dong Khoi is also within a 10-minute walk.
Do Ho Chi Minh City malls have tax-free shopping for tourists?
Yes. Major malls including Saigon Centre and Vincom Center participate in Vietnam’s VAT refund scheme for foreign visitors. Minimum spend thresholds and eligible stores vary, request a VAT refund form at the time of purchase and present it with receipts at Tan Son Nhat International Airport’s VAT refund counter before departure.
What are the opening hours of shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City?
Most Ho Chi Minh shopping malls open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and close at 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM daily. AEON malls typically open slightly later (9:30–10:00 AM weekdays) and may extend weekend hours. Individual stores within malls may vary.
