Saigon has a good selection of silk, fashion, lacquer, embroidery, and housewares. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but the selection is more sophisticated, and Saigon's cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it somewhat easier to shop (meaning, shop owners aren't immediately pushing you to buy). Stores are open 7 days a week from 8am until about 7pm. Credit cards are widely accepted, except for the markets.

Dong Khoi is Saigon's premier shopping street. Formerly Rue Catinat, it was a veritable Rue de la Paix in colonial times. The best blocks are the last two heading toward the river. Notable shops include Heritage, 53 Dong Khoi (tel. 08/823-5438), for wood carvings and other ethnic arts. Les Epices, at 25 Dong Khoi St.(tel. 08/823-6795), also has a nice collection of lacquer ware and other gift items, and Authentique Interiors, 38 Dong Khoi (tel. 08/822-133), specializes in gorgeous pottery and table settings. Viet Silk, at 21 Dong Khoi (tel. 08/823-4860), has a quality selection of ready-made clothing and can, of course, whip something up for you in a day.

Nearby Le Thanh Ton Street is another shopping avenue. Look for Kenly Silk, at 132 Le Thanh Ton (tel. 08/829-3847), a brand-name supplier with the best ready-to-wear silk garments in the business. Unique, tasteful, hand-embroidered pillows, table linens, and hand-woven fabrics can be found at MC Decoration, 92C5 Le Thanh Ton, across from the Norfolk Hotel (tel. 08/822-6003).

Stop in at the Saigon Duty Free Shop, at 102 Nguyen Hue (tel. 08/823-4548), catty-corner from the Rex Hotel, a full-size department store of bargains. You must have an international plane ticket, and you can pick up your goods at the airport upon departure.