Located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the Russian Market is a popular shopping destination known for its wide variety of clothing items. Despite its name, the market offers not that many Russian products but mainly a diverse range of winter clothing options. With three floors and its establishment in 2000, the Russian Market attracts both locals and tourists looking for stylish and affordable garments.
Visiting information
- Address: 328 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening times: 9 AM–6 PM
To get to the Russian Market in the southern part of District 1, near District 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, it is recommended to take a taxi if you are not within walking distance. The taxi fare from other places in District 1 should be around 50,000 VND (2.13 USD), depending on your exact location. It is advisable to have the address handy, as some taxi drivers may not be familiar with the term “Russian Market.” Alternatively, you can use a taxi app like Grab to just input the exact place where to go and see the price beforehand.
Tip: One tip for visiting the Russian Market is to keep in mind that it is primarily a shopping destination rather than a place for a local authentic experience or to admire a beautiful market building.
Why is it called “Russian Market”?
It was started by Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, a Vietnamese soldier who had training in Russia. He opened a store in the Central Garden building and invited vendors who sold Russian products to join the market. Over time, the market expanded and became a popular place for locals and foreigners, attracting both Vietnamese and Russian-speaking sellers and buyers. Many sellers in the market have studied or worked in Russia and can communicate in multiple languages. The majority of the goods are either from Russia or produced in Vietnam for Russian dealers who resell the products in Russia.
What to buy at the Russian Market?
The Russian Market in Saigon offers a wide range of products for shoppers. With nearly 200 stalls spread across three floors covering an area of approximately 2,000 m2, the market is a bustling hub of activity.
It is particularly renowned as one of the best places in the city to buy winter clothes and larger clothing sizes.
The building itself is equipped with convenient facilities, including a spacious ground car parking area and a motorbike parking area in the basement. Inside the market, modern escalators and air-conditioning provide a comfortable shopping experience. You can also find benches where you can take a break and rest.
The market’s main focus is on warm clothes produced in Vietnam, specifically tailored for export to countries with colder climates such as Russia and Korea. Walking through the market, you will notice that many stores have billboards and signs in Russian.
The items sold at the Russian Market are of high quality and are popular in foreign markets. Prices are affordable, making it a great option for budget travelers. Additionally, the market offers a variety of products from Russia as well as other countries such as the USA, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. You can find Russian souvenirs like Matryoshka dolls (nesting dolls), Raffaello chocolates, sunflower seeds, canned foods including salted herring and canned peaches, Russian dumplings, BBQ shashlik marinade spices, caviar, cured pork fat, ketchup, and more.
