Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [80]
Books, newspapers and magazines
Bookazine 28 Dong Khoi. Stocks a range of newspapers and magazines, as well as detailed maps of Vietnamese provinces and an intriguing hotch-potch of second-hand books, some of which look like collectors’ items.
Fahasa 40 Nguyen Hué, 185 Dong Khoi and 60 Le Loi. Probably the best-stocked bookshops in town, with a range of titles, including some novels, and magazines.
Lao Dong 104 Nguyen Hué, opposite the entrance to the Rex. Stocks a wide range of magazines and newspapers.
NV Tours 179 Pham Ngu Lao. A wide selection of second-hand books on sale, tucked away behind the tour desk.
Ho Chi Minh City and around | Markets and shopping |
Handicrafts, fabrics and antiques
A.M. Lacquerware 185 Pham Ngu Lao. Lacquerware, ceramic, stone, bamboo, shell and horn products at affordable prices.
Art Arcade 151 Dong Khoi. Paintings, lacquerware and ceramics, plus Buddha statues, old watches and trinkets.
Bich Lien 125 Dong Khoi. General souvenirs-cum-handicrafts, plus a good range of Tin Tin paintings on lacquer.
Khai Silk 81 Dong Khoi. One of several downtown outlets for the creations of one of the city’s top designers, selling exclusive outfits at high prices.
Nhat Uyen 237 De Tham. Striking designs on bags, scarves, cushion covers and silks.
Nhu Y 257 De Tham. Tasteful pieces of lacquerware, Buddha images and reproduction art.
Phuong Tam 153 Dong Khoi. Tin Tin lacquerware, copies of old French advertisements, antique watches and handicrafts.
Saigon Kitsch 43 Ton That Thiep. Mao T-shirts, propaganda posters, gaudy tea trays and retro bags.
Sapa 223 De Tham & 7 Ton That Thiep. Attractive garments and artefacts from Vietnamese ethnic minority groups.
Song 76D Le Thanh Ton. Beautifully designed garments made with natural materials and organic dyes but big prices.
Tay Son 198 Vo Thi Sau. Frequented by tourist groups, since you can watch processes such as making lacquerware as well as browse their large warehouse of furniture, wooden carvings and lacquered art.
Ho Chi Minh City and around | Markets and shopping |
Paintings
Apricot Gallery 50–52 Mac Thi Buoi. One of the city’s most exclusive galleries, with intriguing, original oils by local artists from $650 upwards.
Nam Phoung 105 Bui Vien. One of many artists making a living by reproducing classic images in the travellers’ quarter; good work and reasonable prices.
Nguyen Thanh Gallery 53 Bui Ven. Original paintings and reproductions.
Van Gogh Art Gallery 114b Nguyen Hué. Reproductions of classic paintings.
Ho Chi Minh City and around | Markets and shopping |
Tailors
Chuong 270 Hai Ba Trung. A long-established and reliable tailor located a few blocks north of downtown.
Nhut Van 107 Bui Ven. Reports of good work by this tailor in the budget district.
T&V 39 Dong Du. Slightly more expensive than other places but worth it for the fresh and original designs.
Zakka 134 Pasteur. High-quality tailor, also sells divine ready-to-wear silk creations.
Ho Chi Minh City and around |
Listings
Airlines Air France, 130 Dong Khoi 08/3829 0981; British Airways, 170–172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 08/3930 2933; Cathay Pacific, ground floor, Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hué 08/3822 3203; China Airlines, 132–134 Dong Khoi 08/3825 1388; China Southern Airlines, 52b Pham Hong Thai 08/3829 1172; Emirates, 170–172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 08/3930 2939; Garuda, 170–172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 08/3930 3033; Japan Air Lines, 88 Dong Khoi 08/3821 9098; Jetstar, 112 Hong Ha, Tan Binh District 08/3955 0550; Lufthansa, 14th floor, Bitexco Building, 19–25 Nguyen Hué 08/3829 8529; Malaysia Airlines, 235 Dong Khoi 08/3829 2529; Philippine Airlines, 229 Dong Khoi 08/3822 2241; Qantas, PetroVietnam Tower, 1–5 Ton Duc Thang 08/3827 3888; Singapore Airlines, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan 08/3823 1588; Thai Airways, 29 Le Duan 08/3822 3365; United Airlines, 17 Le Duan 08/3823 4755; Vietnam Airlines, 116 Nguyen Hué 08/3832 0320.
Banks and exchange Most banks now have ATMs and exchange cash or traveller’s cheques. Sacombank at 211–213 Pham Ngu Lao (Mon–Fri 7.30