Tax Department Store

(c) VAMP TM Lam Tran

When I am in the city, I go shopping on Sundays. Many times, Saigon Tax Department Store is the place I choose, at the intersection of Nguyen Hue St and Le Loi St in District 1 (across Rex Hotel).
It may be a rather common department store, but it spares you the hassle and bustle of the city, the heat, and the madding crowds of other shoppers and bikers. The place is air-conditioned and managed after Western standards.

It sells everything, from jewelry and electronics, to food and touristy stuff: lacquer ware, silk scarves and T-shirts,bags, fridge magnets, paintings, etc. The selection is wide, but you may not get deals as good as in Pham Ngu Lao area. Anyway, everything is affordable and turns it into a good shopping spot both for middle-class locals and for tourists.

What I find really useful is the supermarket on the first floor (first - by European standards; second - by American). It's convenient and well stocked, both with Vietnamese and Western stuff.

The Supermarket in Tax

Hosehold items isle in Tax

Apparel isle in Tax

You can pay cash (in VND or even dollars) and by credit card. We usually pay around 1 million VND in one shopping round (under $50) for several piece of clothing, food for one week, cosmetics, and occasionally household items.

You can take a break from shopping at SenViet Restaurant or at the Highlands coffee place on the 3rd floor.