An Dong Market: Location, What To Buy & Shopping Tips In Saigon

An Dong Market is a multi-story maze that stands as a testament to the city's vibrant trading culture. Located in the Chinatown in Saigon, this sprawling complex is far more than just a place to shop. For travelers seeking an authentic alternative to the more tourist-centric Ben Thanh Market, An Dong offers a deeper dive into local life. Here, the air hums with the chatter of negotiation and the aisles are packed with everything from high-fashion textiles to exotic dried delicacies. In this GTrip guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from its rich history and complex layout to pro tips for shopping and eating like a local.

Overview of An Dong Market in Saigon

• Address: 34 - 36 An Duong Vuong Street, An Dong Ward (formerly District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily (some food stalls may stay open later)
• Entrance fee: Free
• Best time to visit: The market is most lively from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when all stalls are open and the full range of goods and food options are available.

Often referred to as the city’s premier wholesale "fashion paradise", An Dong Market is one of Saigon's oldest and largest indoor markets. Its sheer scale and the diversity of its offerings set it apart. While it proudly serves as a major wholesale hub for boutique owners from across Southern Vietnam, it warmly welcomes retail shoppers looking for unique finds and bargain prices. Its strategic location in District 5, the heart of Cholon, makes it a cornerstone of the area's commercial and cultural identity. Unlike the open-air chaos of some other markets, An Dong’s organized, multi-level structure provides a more focused, albeit equally energetic, shopping environment.

An Dong Market, Saigon’s iconic wholesale “fashion paradise” offers a vast, organized shopping experience with diverse goods

What to buy at An Dong Market?

As Saigon's largest wholesale fashion hub, An Dong Market presents a staggering variety of goods that cater to both bulk buyers and individual shoppers. The sheer volume and diversity are what make this market a must-visit destination for anyone interested in fashion, fabrics, or local specialties.

• Fashion and accessories: This is the market's main draw. It is most famous for its enormous selection of wholesale and retail fashion. You can find everything from casual t-shirts and jeans to elegant dresses and formal wear. The stalls brim with clothing, shoes, and bags from Guangzhou, Thailand, and local workshops, offering diverse styles and quality.
• Fabrics: The upper floors are a textile paradise for designers, tailors, and anyone with a creative spark. You'll find aisle after aisle of materials like silk, brocade, embroidered lace, raw cotton, and chiffon. It's particularly famous as a destination for those looking to buy fabric for a custom-made ao dai.
• Dried foods and specialties: The basement level offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine and medicine. Here you can find high-end dried goods such as bird's nests, sea cucumbers, shark fins, and medicinal herbs. You'll also discover a huge variety of packaged treats, such as banh pia (durian pastry), dried fruits, and various nuts, perfect for taking home as gifts.
• Jewelry, cosmetics, and leather goods: A dedicated section in the basement glitters with gold, silver, and gemstone shops. On the ground floor, you can browse stalls selling a wide range of cosmetics, perfumes, and unique leather goods like belts and wallets, offering alternatives to mainstream brands.
• Cuisine: While not a "product" in the traditional sense, the food is a key part of the An Dong experience. The basement food court and surrounding street food stalls are an essential stop to refuel and taste authentic local dishes.

As Saigon’s largest wholesale fashion hub, An Dong Market dazzles with its vast selection of clothing, fabrics, jewelry, dried foods, and local cuisine

Things to do at An Dong Market

Beyond just buying goods, visiting An Dong Market is about immersing yourself in the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating local culture. It’s an experience for all five senses.

Shopping at the bustling "Fashion Hub"

The primary experience at An Dong Market is, without a doubt, shopping. As you wander through the narrow aisles of the ground and first floors, you'll be surrounded by towering walls of clothing, shoes, and accessories. This is the beating heart of Saigon's fashion wholesale trade. The energy is palpable as boutique owners haggle over bulk orders while individual shoppers sift through racks searching for a unique dress or the perfect handbag. Unlike more curated shopping malls, this is a treasure hunt. You might find a high-quality, locally designed piece right next to a stack of trendy, fast-fashion items. Remember that this is a true local market, so bargaining is an essential part of the experience. Mastering the friendly art of negotiation is key to walking away with incredible finds at equally incredible prices.

Discovering the world of fabrics and handicrafts

For the creatively inclined, the upper floors of An Dong Market are a dream come true. This is where the pace slows slightly, and the focus shifts from ready-to-wear fashion to the raw materials of creation. The "fabric neighborhood" is a dazzling spectacle of color, texture, and pattern. You can run your hands over smooth silks, intricate brocades, delicate lace, and sturdy cottons. Many visitors come here specifically to choose their favorite material for a custom-tailored ao dai, the elegant national garment of Vietnam. You can select your fabric and then take it to one of the many skilled tailors in the surrounding area for a bespoke creation. The handicraft stalls also offer beautiful, hand-embroidered textiles and other artisanal products that make for meaningful, authentic souvenirs, a world away from mass-produced trinkets.

The upper floors of An Dong Market are a paradise for creatives, brimming with vibrant fabrics, handcrafted textiles, and materials perfect for custom-tailored ao dai

Indulging in a culinary paradise

A trip to An Dong Market is incomplete without exploring its incredible food scene. The basement food court is a legendary destination for foodies in the know, offering a concentrated dose of authentic Saigon and Cholon flavors. The air is thick with the aromatic steam from bubbling pots of broth and the sizzle of frying pans. This is the place to taste iconic local dishes that have been perfected over generations. Seek out famous stalls like Bun moc Ngoc Mai for its flavorful pork and mushroom noodle soup, or grab a quintessential Vietnamese sandwich from Banh mi Co Cuc. For a comforting local snack, try the sticky rice from Xoi Cay Hai Co. Don't leave without sampling some Chinese-style sweet soups (che), a Cholon specialty, with their delightful mix of beans, jellies, and fruits in a sweet, often coconut-infused syrup. This culinary journey is as memorable as any shopping you'll do.

How to get to An Dong Market

Located in former District 5, An Dong Market is easily accessible from the main tourist areas of Ho Chi Minh City, such as District 1. Here are the most common ways to reach it:

• By taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab/XanhSM): This is the most convenient and hassle-free option, especially for first-time visitors. Simply input "An Dong Market" or "Cho An Dong" into the app. A trip from the center of former District 1 typically takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic, and offers a comfortable, air-conditioned ride directly to the market entrance.
• By public bus: For the budget-conscious traveler, the public bus system is an excellent choice. It offers a chance to see more of the city like a local. Key bus routes that stop near An Dong Market include numbers 11, 38, 56, and 96. Check a local bus app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules from your location.
• By motorbike: If you're confident navigating Saigon's chaotic traffic, renting a motorbike gives you the most freedom. However, be aware that parking can be challenging. Look for designated, paid parking areas near the market to ensure your vehicle is secure while you shop. Avoid parking haphazardly on the crowded sidewalks.

Easily accessible from central Ho Chi Minh City, An Dong Market can be reached by taxi, bus, or motorbike, each offering a different way to experience local life

Nearby attractions to An Dong Market

An Dong Market's location in the vibrant Cholon district means you are surrounded by a wealth of cultural and historical sites. You can easily combine your market visit with a half-day or full-day exploration of Saigon’s fascinating Chinatown.

• Thien Hau Pagoda: Just a short drive away, this is one of the city's most beautiful and sacred temples, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Its ornate architecture and incense-filled courtyards offer a peaceful escape.
• Binh Tay Market: If one market isn't enough, head to Binh Tay Market. It's another major wholesale hub in Cholon, known for its stunning Sino-French architecture and a focus on bulk goods and dried produce.
• Giac Ngo Pagoda: A significant and peaceful Buddhist temple in District 10, close to the border of District 5. It's known for its serene atmosphere and social charity work.
• Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: Experience a riot of color and fragrance at the city's largest and most vibrant wholesale flower market. It’s best visited in the early morning or late at night when the activity is at its peak.
• Van Phat Pagoda (Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda): A truly stunning and lesser-known temple, famous for its main hall which is lined with thousands of intricate, small Buddha statues, creating a breathtaking visual effect.

An Dong Market is surrounded by temples, markets, and cultural landmarks, perfect for pairing shopping with a Chinatown exploration

Tips for visiting and shopping

To make the most of your visit to An Dong Market and shop like a seasoned local, keep these essential tips in mind. A little preparation can transform your experience from overwhelming to amazing.

• Bring cash: While the city is modernizing, cash remains king in traditional markets. Most vendors, especially the smaller stalls, do not have credit card facilities and vastly prefer cash (Vietnam Dong). Some may accept bank transfers, but having enough cash on hand is the safest bet.
• Bargain respectfully: Bargaining is not just accepted. The initial price quoted is almost always inflated for tourists. A good strategy is to start your offer at around 50-70% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Always do it with a smile and a friendly, respectful attitude. If you can't agree on a price, it's perfectly fine to politely walk away.
• Check goods carefully: Before you hand over your money, thoroughly inspect your items for any defects, such as stains, tears, or broken zippers. In markets like this, all sales are final. Returns or exchanges are nearly impossible, so due diligence is crucial.
• Secure your belongings: Like any crowded place in the world, busy markets can be prime spots for pickpockets. Wear your backpack on your front, keep your wallet and phone in a secure pocket, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in tight aisles.
• Go with a local: If you have a Vietnamese friend or can hire a local guide, their presence can be invaluable. They can navigate the market with ease, communicate with vendors, and almost certainly help you secure a much better price than you could on your own.
• Know your size: Be aware that clothing sizes are often based on Vietnamese or Chinese standards, which tend to run significantly smaller than US or European sizes. Don't rely on the "S, M, L" tags. If possible, ask for a tape measure or try the item over your clothes.

Make the most of your An Dong Market visit with smart tips, bring cash, bargain politely, check items carefully, stay alert, and shop confidently like a local

An Dong Market is so much more than a collection of stalls, it’s a living, breathing institution that captures the commercial spirit and cultural soul of Saigon. It stands as a powerful symbol of the city's history, a paradise for fashion hunters, a mecca for fabric lovers, and an unmissable destination for adventurous foodies. Here, you can feel the city’s pulse, engage with its people, and walk away with a truly memorable story. If you're searching for the perfect ao dai fabric, hunting for wholesale fashion deals, or simply want to taste authentic local cuisine, a visit is an essential Saigon experience. With these tips from GTrip, you're now ready to dive in, explore with confidence, and discover one of Ho Chi Minh City's most authentic local treasures.