3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: From Ben Thanh to Rooftops — Shopping & Nightlife · Ho Chi Minh · CharmTour

Ho Chi Minh City is a shopping and nightlife paradise where you can experience bargaining in traditional markets, air-conditioned department stores, and nights when entire streets turn into pubs all in one city. Haggle for rattan bags and coffee at Ben Thanh Market, shop leisurely at Saigon Square and Takashimaya, and enjoy Saigon’s nights with a luxury cruise and Bui Vien Street. We’ve designed a 3-day itinerary to make the most of it.

Shopping by Day, Saigon by Night

Bargaining at Ben Thanh Market: The largest traditional market in the South with over 2,000 shops (05:00–20:00). Popular items include rattan bags, dried mangoes, and G7 coffee. The trick is to start bargaining from half the asking price.
Air-Conditioned Shopping: For authentic goods, visit Takashimaya Department Store; for branded copies and souvenirs, head to Saigon Square. With a private car, you can also include Lotte Mart and AEON Mall in a single day.
Saigon by Night: Enjoy the river’s night views on a luxury dinner cruise and experience the vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien Walking Street.

Stay at a hotel near Nguyen Hue Walking Street to easily walk between shopping and nightlife spots. On the final day, pick up any souvenirs you missed at Ben Thanh Market before heading home. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who love shopping and night culture.