The Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City

Markets are the soul of Ho Chi Minh City and they play an important role in people's lives. You can find tons of markets when coming to the city, and the markets differ fundamentally in all kinds of goods. Besides the iconic ones like Ben Thanh Market or the traditional local wet market like Ba Chieu Market, Binh Tay Market, and Hoa Hung Market, people are still in love with ones reserved for a particular culture. Ho Chi Minh is the land of people coming from a lot of parts of the world, so it is a no-brainer that there are markets purchasing things and reflecting somehow these countries. Among the most unique and outstanding of that kind, the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City should be a must-see place for everyone.

How to Get to the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City

The market stands at the Central Garden building which is located at 328 Vo Van Kiet, Co Giang Ward, District 1. It is quite easy to come there by different means of transportation including motorbike, bus, taxi, and Grab. Also, the market is located in an ideal spot as Vo Van Kiet Street is the main road that links the west and the east of Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening hours

9 AM - 8 PM (From Monday to Sunday)

If you're driving to the Russian Market, you'll need to park in the basement and then take the stairs to the market

Entrance to the market when walking from the basement

How Did the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City Appear?

After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia faced a crisis and began to carry out reforms. Then the price escalated dramatically, and there was an increased demand from the Russians for clothes and life necessities. Making use of the situation, the Vietnamese who studied and worked in Russia at the time brought things from Ho Chi Minh City to Russia to sell and make profits.

Later, the demand for Russian goods also experienced a rise in Ho Chi Minh City, and then the Russian Market appeared in 2000 when the Central Garden came into operation.

What to Buy in the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City

The Russian Market, much like its name, reflects the country from the exterior decoration to the atmosphere inside. Inside the market, there are 3 floors the first two are for trading, and the last one is for packaging. The market additionally includes a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop that serves different people. Also, the total area of the market is approximately 2,000 square meters, consisting of about 100 booths offering different goods. The goods are various from clothes, and shoes to unique souvenirs that you don't need to bargain as the prices are really reasonable and some of them are clearly written on the merchandise.

The majority of the goods are from Russia or produced in Vietnam to export to Russia. For a long time, the Russia Market in Ho Chi Minh City has been known as the paradise of warm clothes like overcoats, windbreakers, and big-sized ones that attract Vietnamese going overseas, Russians and expats in Vietnam as well. There are also lots of high-quality sportswear displayed in kiosks. Being designed to wear in cold weather, the clothes are in plain color and thus, suited to many people's preferences and styles.

The options range from casual clothes...

...to coats/hoodies

...to winter clothes

Another interesting thing you can find in this market is that most of the sellers used to study and work in Russia; they can speak Vietnamese, English, and Russian. Sometimes they share stories with the customers like with acquaintances that they haven't seen for so long, and their sheer smiling faces brighten the bustling market. The warm and friendly atmosphere is also a factor that makes the market much loved.

Russian souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City

There are 2 floors so the choices are abundant

The aisles are a bit narrow so you'll need to squeeze yourself in a little bit

And last but not least, don't forget to go around the market, enjoy the trading scene, and shop for something useful or nice. Russian dolls, warm gloves, and big-sized shirts are among the best-seller items in this market. Also, you can find it interesting to catch sight of a line of booths with Russian names in front, standing side by side. It will make you feel like in little Russia in Ho Chi Minh City.

Conclusion on the Russian Market in Ho Chi Minh City

The Russian Market is like a miniature of Russia in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. There are a bunch of reasons that it is a must for you to pay a visit to that unique market. The place offers you another different aspect of the city and is entirely worth your time for sure. You can shop for Russian foods, souvenirs, or warm clothes at affordable prices.

Check out more local markets in Ho Chi Minh City and explore another side of Ho Chi Minh City with us.

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