Anyone looking for bargains while in Saigon should head to Saigon Square on the corner of Nam Kỳ Khởi and Le Loi in District 1. This shopping arcade is packed with stalls on two levels selling fashion, accessories and jewellery – be aware of forgeries though, and remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Even though it’s always bustling with shoppers, Saigon Square is air conditioned and under cover so it is far more pleasant than shopping in the nearby Ben Thanh Market and it’s generally accepted that prices are far better here.

With more than 250 shops, Vincom Center is Ho Chi Minh City’s biggest shopping mall – so big in fact, that they have separated it into two separate buildings just across the street from each other. Vincom Center A is housed in a delightful French styled period building connected to The Continent Hotel, while Vincom Center B is just behind it, occupying the first five storeys of a modern, glass-fronted skyscraper. If you are looking for international products then this should be your first stop as this is where most international luxury brands have their flagship stores, right in the tourist heart of the city. There are also some convenient restaurants and cafes serving food from most regions including many international franchises.

Shri Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at Centec Tower overlooks some of Ho Chi Minh’s top attractions, including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Kumho Plaza, and Lotus Building, as well as the Phu My Suspension Bridge over Saigon River. Open all day, you can savour modern European and Vietnamese fare at the indoor dining area before enjoying the rest of the night at the rooftop bar and lounge. Shri Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is fitted with modern decor, ample sofas, and a sleek-looking bar serving cocktails, beers, spirits, and wines from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 24:00, Sunday 16:30 – 24:00 Address: Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 28 3827 9631