When traveling in Singapore and Vietnam...?

Question

Okay, I have two questions:

1. I'm going to Saigon within a week and although I'm going to go through a tour-regimen, I'm wondering about "shopping" in Saigon--what are the "must haves" a tourist must get and what are the price ranges? The only thing I plan on getting is their National Garment but other than that, I really don't have an inkling. Although I haven't done my research yet, there are just some things that are better heard from people who've been/who live in the country.

2. By the last week of May, I've book myself on a flight to Singapore. The last time I've been there, I wasn't able to shop as much since the prices were a tad bit too expensive for me. Although I enjoyed shopping at high end stores, I just wanted to know possible night-markets that sell really cheap clothes, shoes--if possible, I'd like to know where people can get the "cheapest" finds.

That aside, THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCED FOR ANSWERING MY QUERY.

Answer 1

in saigon, visit the ben than market where you will see lots of souvenirs sold there and at nite, visit the nite market to see more souvenirs. what i found unique were pictures of scenery in vietnam that was done by sewing colourful treads. you can get one without frame for usd8 - 50 depending on the size. and there are a few interesting decorative items made from wood decorated with sea shells (tray, ornamental screen, coasters, vases) they are very vietnamese in nature. cost abt usd10 - 80 depending on the item and size.

Answer 2

I haven't spent much time in Singapore but I did some shopping in Chinatown and it was a bit cheaper than Raffles, etc.

If you want to buy an Ao Dai, I suggest that you have it tailored. It is a form fitting garment and "off the rack" probably won't be as flattering. There is a shop on Bu Dien street where my wife had her's made. I can't think of the name but it is near the beginning and right accross from Santo's Pizza. Ask them to point out the shop and after your fitting, have a club sandwitch, they're delicious. As far as the price, I think my wife paid about $65 usd and it was ready in 3 days.

I would think that "must haves" would be things like t-shirts, "knock-offs" of clothing/luggage, silk scarves, pyjamas, ect, carved wood items, and Saigon Beer. Those are the things I usually bring back for friends. They can all be found in any of the dozens of markets. Ben Thanh was mentioned, there is also Binh Tay in the Cho Lon district and there are also about a million small shops that sell everything in an around district 1.

If you find something large that you want to ship home, most shops can arange ocean freight and it is surprisingly reasonable.

Good Luck