By Chris Thai
If you’re a thrifter, vintage lover, or just someone hunting for secondhand gems while traveling, Ho Chi Minh City is a goldmine. Saigon offers some of Southeast Asia’s most exciting secondhand shopping. In this guide, we’ll explore the top vintage and đồ si (Vietnamese for second-hand) markets that locals will usually go to.
Two types of thrifting and Second-hand shopping
Lets clarify this idea of “2 types of thrifting” first and foremost so that you can understand why shops like Inspirée Vintage, the 80’s vintage, So vintage, etc…, exist.
Type 1: Local thrifting – This happens at the local markets, with the intention of selling to the Vietnamese locals. Thusly, it’s not airconditioned, dirty, open air, crowded, and often disorganized. Massive amounts of clothes are packed to the brim with stalls back to back from one another. Some of these clothes are not second-hand, but are factory knockoffs of major brands (what you’ll see at Ben Thanh market). If you’re willing to brave all the above, and spend some time sifting and negotiating, this is for you. There is some gold in the disheveled mess.
Type 2: Vintage and Second hand shops – These shops, ourselves included, curate our collections based on our own preferences and personal beliefs in style. Aside from going to local markets for bargains, the process of finding gems generally involves spending a significant amount of time, sorting, buying, filtering literally tons of clothes. This involves purchasing 100kg bales of clothes at a time. These bales are then opened up, sorted by category and quality, and then put on the shelves where you see them. Each shop has its own experience, style and collection of curated clothes worth exploring.
With this being said, this article is for type 1 thrifters who want to go and spend some time in the local markets. Let’s get into it.
Overview of Featured Markets:
- Bà Chiểu Secondhand Market – Bình Thạnh
- Bàn Cờ Secondhand Market – District 3
- Nhật Tảo Secondhand Market – District 10
- Hoàng Hoa Thám Secondhand Market – Tân Bình
- Nguyễn Tri Phương Market – District 10
- Trần Hữu Trang Market – Phú Nhuận
- Phạm Văn Hai, Phường 1, Tân Bình District– Tân Bình
1. Bà Chiểu Secondhand Market – Bình Thạnh District
Address: 40 Diên Hồng, Ward 1, Bình Thạnh District, HCMC
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
This is the go-to place when talking about “đồ si” shopping in Saigon. Originally built in 1942, Bà Chiểu Market is a sprawling local market that comes alive especially in the evenings. It offers everything from food and bedding to fashion and footwear. Off the main roads, the market extends into side streets shaded by trees, creating a raw and vibrant space to explore.
Behind the main market is a dedicated secondhand clothing area, famous for its endless rows of fashion items: second hand pieces, branded garments, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and more. You can find name-brand men’s and women’s shirts for as low as 100,000 VND (~$4.00). Many young women love it for the range of colorful jackets, sweaters, dresses, and tees. Toward the end of Bà Chiểu street, you’ll find plush toys, bags, belts, and jeans galore. Be prepared to negotiate. Whatever price they pitch, halve it immediately with a smile.
Strengths: Massive variety. A surprising number of authentic branded items. Occasionally, you can even snag a Lacoste T-shirt for 190,000 VND or a pair of Levis jeans for just 150,000 VND.
Weaknesses: One of the pricier wholesale spots. Vendors are known to be gruff; asking for prices without buying may earn you a scolding. Only inquire if you’re serious.
2. Bàn Cờ Secondhand Market – District 3
Address: 664 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Ward 3, District 3, HCMC
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Located in the heart of District 3, Bàn Cờ Market has been a wholesale hub for over 30 years. Shoes and women’s clothing dominate, with imports from Korea, Japan, China, and Cambodia.
Strengths: Central location. Great for shoes and handbags. With some luck, you might score high-end items.
Weaknesses: Prices will be inflated. You must negotiate.
Bàn Cờ Secondhand Market Google Maps
3. Nhật Tảo Secondhand Market – District 10
Address: 366 Đ. Nguyễn Duy Dương, Khu phố IV, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Nhật Tảo is well-known for electronics, but tucked in a quiet corner is a treasure trove of đồ si. You’ll find wedding dresses, accessories, and plenty of affordable used fashion.
Strengths: Friendly vendors, easy to haggle (for the most part).
Weaknesses: Selection isn’t as broad compared to other markets.
4. Hoàng Hoa Thám Secondhand Market – Tân Bình District
Address: 19 Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Ward 13, Tân Bình, HCMC
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Possibly the largest secondhand market in the city, this market is packed with over 50 stalls. You’ll find everything from denim to handbags and household goods.
Weekends are “new bale” days (khui kiện), when vendors open fresh shipments. Prices range from 60,000 to 200,000 VND. By Thursday or Friday, leftovers drop to as low as 10,000 to 20,000 VND and quality varies big time.
Strengths: Incredibly diverse inventory. New bale prices are still cheap. Separate sections for shoes and bags.
Weaknesses: Some stock is from China. Prime pieces often go to regulars such as vintage shops in town. Quality varies, so inspect items carefully.
5. Nguyễn Tri Phương Market – District 10
Address: 68 Nguyễn Lâm, Ward 6, District 10, HCMC
Located near Nhật Tảo, this market is perfect for those looking for kids clothes. It’s especially known for baby and toddler clothes, with tons of cute, colorful outfits for kids.
Strengths: Great for moms and families. Open until late. Budget-friendly (30,000–50,000 VND per item). A full closet on a budget is very possible here.
Weaknesses: Limited options for adults. Accessories and shoes are scarce.
6. Trần Hữu Trang Market – Phú Nhuận District
Address: 84C Trần Hữu Trang, Ward 10, Phú Nhuận, HCMC
This newer but beloved market has about 20 stalls filled with dresses, pants, vintage shoes, bags, and accessories, although whether they are actually second hand or not is questionable. Shoppers are drawn to the near-mint condition of many items.
Strengths: Imports from Japan and Australia. Many unused items. With patience and a good eye, you might snag some pieces at a fraction of the original price.
Weaknesses: Prices range from 150,000 VND to a few million. But the quality, especially for leather goods, justifies it.
7. Chợ Phạm Văn Hai, Phường 1, Tân Bình District
Address: 128 Phạm Văn Hai, Phường 1, Tân Bình, HCMC
A large local, market that caters mostly to nearby residents. The size is relatively large with lots to offer in terms of stalls and booths. This market can get quite dirty, however there are lots of local sights to see.
Strengths: Dirt-cheap prices. Fewer crowds. Great for quirky or unique finds.
Weaknesses: Only open in the mornings. Vendors have irregular schedules. Inventory is limited and not updated often. Closes early at 6pm
Final Thoughts:
When shopping for vintage or secondhand fashion at the local markets in Saigon, the best strategy is to go in the afternoon, bargain confidently, inspect items closely, and bring a friend to help spot hidden gems.
Thrifting (đồ si) is no longer just for budget-conscious shoppers—it’s become a beloved hobby for fashion lovers and a bold form of self-expression for the young and stylish. I recommend that you also check out our shop and other local vintage shops and see how the shopping experience differs. There’s plenty of room for the Type 1 and type 2 crowd. Happy Shopping!
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