Located in District 5, An Dong Market Ho Chi Minh is one of the city’s most iconic commercial and cultural landmarks. With its 306-cell concrete grid facade, Hong Kong-style architecture, and thousands of vendors, the market offers everything from tailor-made Ao Dai and dried seafood to street food classics like pho and spring rolls. Recognized for both wholesale fashion and rich culinary diversity, it’s a favorite among locals and traders alike. At Vietpower Travel, we bring you closer to these authentic experiences through custom Vietnam tours that explore markets, cuisine, and cultural life.
An Dong Market, located in District 5, is one of the most historically significant and culturally rich markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1951 and reconstructed in 1991 by the Chinese-Vietnamese community, the market has played a vital role in the development of commerce within Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown.
Today, it is not only a major wholesale fashion hub but also a cultural icon that reflects the authentic daily life of Saigon’s residents and traders. The market remains active with over 2,700 stalls offering a vast array of goods from fashion and food to handicrafts and raw materials.
An Dong Market was one of the first traditional markets in Vietnam to adopt the ISO 9001-2000 quality management system. This rare application of international standards enhances trust in the market’s organization, hygiene, and service quality—something rarely mentioned in mainstream travel content.
As one of the largest wholesale markets in southern Vietnam, An Dong Market is a top choice for business owners, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts. Its offerings are diverse, competitively priced, and neatly categorized across multiple floors.
The first and second floors of the market feature hundreds of fashion stalls selling men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. Whether you’re looking for casual streetwear, office attire, or sleepwear, you’ll find countless styles and sizes, including big-size options.
Many shops stock Vietnam Export Goods (VNXK), Guangzhou imports, and seasonal fashion pieces.
One of the standout features is the availability of custom-tailoring services. Shoppers can choose their desired fabrics downstairs and have a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai tailored by skilled artisans, often on the same day.
This section is a must-visit for fashion designers and boutique owners. An Dong Market offers an impressive range of fabrics such as silk, lace, cotton, denim, and chiffon, as well as tailor supplies like buttons, zippers, and thread.
A wide variety of shoes—from sandals and sneakers to high heels—are available at reasonable prices. Bags, wallets, backpacks, and belts are also common, with some made from genuine crocodile leather.
An Dong is also known for handcrafted items and souvenirs. Popular options include lacquerware, embroidered scarves, handwoven wallets, and cultural crafts that make ideal gifts for friends and family.
You’ll find a rich selection of dried goods such as squid, beef jerky, tropical fruits, herbal teas, and snacks. This makes the market a convenient stop for travelers who want to take home a taste of Vietnam.
Apart from dried food, the basement includes a traditional wet market selling fresh seafood, meat, and produce—a feature rarely mentioned in most travel guides but cherished by local chefs and long-time residents.
You’ll frequently encounter pushcarts and pavement stalls selling delicious Vietnamese snacks that are both budget-friendly and full of flavor. Local favorites include:
These meals typically cost between 20,000 and 40,000 VND, making them accessible to all.
If you’re after a more filling meal, don’t miss these local dishes served at the basement food court and nearby eateries:
Elevator and Escalator System: Accessing the basement-level food court is hassle-free, thanks to the functional escalators and elevator system. This infrastructure makes it easier for elderly visitors and those carrying shopping bags to reach food stalls without difficulty.
Finish your food journey with something sweet and cooling:
Planning a smooth visit to An Dong Market is easier when you're equipped with key details. Below is everything you need to know before you go.
Gimiko Clock with Brick-Red Frame: You can easily spot the market from afar thanks to the iconic brick-red Gimiko clock mounted on the front facade—a nostalgic marker and photo-friendly spot that helps travelers locate the market without confusion.
Getting to An Dong Market from central districts like District 1 or 3 is straightforward:
Tip: Download Vietnamese ride-hailing apps for ease of transport—especially useful during peak shopping hours.
To get the best deals and a smoother experience:
Currency Exchange at Jewelry Shops: If you’re short on Vietnamese Dong, visit the jewelry shops in the basement. Many of them offer currency exchange services—often with better rates for crisp $100 bills than commercial banks.
Porter and Goods Transportation Network: The market operates an internal network of professional porters who help traders and bulk buyers move heavy loads efficiently using handcarts and fabric sacks. This behind-the-scenes operation offers a glimpse into the market's lesser-known logistics side.
One of the most culturally rich areas in Ho Chi Minh City, Chinatown (Cho Lon) is a must-visit near An Dong Market. The neighborhood is famous for:
This is one of the few areas in the city where Chinese-Vietnamese culture is still alive in everyday life. It’s a great place to explore after a visit to An Dong Market.
Right next to An Dong Market is An Dong Plaza, a large building with fashion vendors, jewelry shops, and Chinese restaurants. Just a short walk away, The Garden Mall offers a modern space with lantern displays, art exhibitions, and Vietnamese cultural events.
Both An Dong Market and An Dong Plaza feature architectural elements inspired by Hong Kong’s 1980s–1990s style—concrete grid facades, narrow hallways, and vintage signage. This makes the area feel like a preserved scene from another era, offering a nostalgic visual experience that’s unique in Ho Chi Minh City.
Some of the best food spots in the city are just around the corner:
1. What’s unique about An Dong Market architecture?
The building features a 306-cell concrete grid facade, which improves air flow, reduces heat, and creates a recognizable appearance. It’s a rare architectural detail not commonly found in Vietnamese markets.
2. Does An Dong Market offer currency exchange?
Yes. Jewelry shops in the basement offer currency exchange—often with better rates for crisp $100 bills than nearby banks.
3. What time should I visit for the best deals?
The best time to visit is between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when vendors are freshly stocked and more flexible with pricing.
4. Is it better to buy clothes or fabric here?
If you're looking for ready-made fashion, head to the first and second floors. If you prefer to custom-make your clothing, the fabric section on the ground floor is ideal—many tailors are available on-site.
5. Can I find vegetarian or halal food options?
Yes. The market and surrounding area offer vegetarian dishes like tofu spring rolls and noodle soups. Some nearby restaurants also accommodate halal diets, particularly in the Chinatown area.
Whether you’re browsing for rare fabrics, sampling authentic street food, or wandering toward nearby Chinatown, An Dong Market delivers a vibrant slice of daily life. From its vintage architecture to the lively wet market and porter services, this place captures the true spirit of a Ho Chi Minh Market. With Vietpower Travel, you can enjoy guided tours designed around your pace, interests, and love for genuine local experiences. Book your trip today and discover Saigon through its most dynamic marketplaces.
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