If fashion and textiles are your passion then a visit to Soai Kinh Lam fabric market should be included in your itinerary while in Vietnam. This market is a hotspot for fabrics as well as an insight into local culture and craftsmanship.

In this insightful article, Vietnam Adventure discusses why the shoppers love this market so much.

Where Is the Market and How to Get there?

This wholesale market is located at 465 – 473 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 14, District 5, Saigon (or more recently known as Ho Chi Minh City).  The market buzzes with trade from early morning until late evening, except at noon when locals escape from the scorching heat, except during the midday hours when locals escape from the scorching heat.

The market is approximately 6 kilometers from the center of Saigon, and you can reach it by bus, taxi, or motorbike. While taking a taxi or motorbike offers a chance to observe vibrant local street activities, it does come at a slightly higher cost compared to the public bus.

Why Should You Visit Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market?

Located in the middle of Saigon, Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market is the oldest textile center known by most Saigon inhabitants whose products vary from silk and many other kinds of fabrics.

Soai Kinh Lam fabric market is a textile lover's paradise
Soai Kinh Lam fabric market is a textile lover’s paradise

The name of the market derived from a popular flower restaurant called Soai Kinh Lam that was situated beside it. Gradually, people began calling the market by its name.

Soai Kinh Lam fabric market is famous for its huge collection of textiles that includes Vietnamese traditional silk as well as contemporary designs and materials. It is an ideal place for fashion designers, tailors or anyone interested in exclusive top quality wholesale fabrics.

What Are Sold At Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market?

There are various types of clothes made out of cotton which can be mixed together with other types like synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex or rayon, linen, cashmere, silk and wool.

Actually, all the fabrics you need for vests, skirts, shirts, blouses, pants, ao dai ba ba shirts as well as performance costumes and nightgowns are available in the market. They have an array of easily accessible fabrics as well as a couple of those that are almost impossible to find.

A dazzling array of fabrics awaits you here
A dazzling array of fabrics awaits you here

Many stores also stock up on sewing materials such as threads, buttons, needles , scissors tape measures. You will also find decorative items like beads, flowers, ribbons chains.

Prices vary from 40,000 to 1,000,000 VND. Feel free to bargain to get a better deal, but remember don’t go too far and negotiate respectfully with the seller.

Bargaining tips:

  • Bargaining is a common practice here.
  • Begin by offering around 50% of the seller’s initial price.
  • Keep your negotiations friendly and polite to ensure a positive experience.

Where to Stay Near Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market

  • Cheap accommodation: Budget travelers find Saigon Backpackers Hostel (~$15-25 per night) a good choice for overnight stays. The place gives you more than just a comfortable bed as it is conveniently located next to the market and some street food.
  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Another hotel with Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (~$50-100 per night) provides excellent value for money due to its prime location and stunning views of the city. What is more, this hotel is in short distance from many attractions including the market.
  • Luxury Accommodation: It has been said that The Reverie Saigon (~$200-400 per night) stands out for its extravagant interiors and an ever attentive staff. This hotel offers luxurious respite close to both the market and a lively nightlife of the town.

Activities and Dining Around Soai Kinh Lam

  • Entertainment: Unearth local cultural attractions such as the Thien Hau Temple or take a leisurely stroll up and down Nhieu Loc Canal.
  • Food: Find pleasure in local specialties at nearby street food stands or eating outlets. Don’t forget to try pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.
  • Price range: Street food ranges from $1-5 while a meal at an average restaurant can cost anything between $15-20.

Pro Shopping Tips

  • Know your fabrics: Acquaint yourself with different types of materials and what they usually cost to enable you to make informed choices.
  • Sample swatches: If not willing to buy in bulk, request for sample swatches to take home and think about them.
  • Carry cash: Although some stalls can accept electronic payments, cash is predominantly used in the Vietnamese market and it can help during bargaining fits too.
  • Mind the details: Prior purchasing, analyze the fabric’s colorfastness, texture and weave quality.

Who Typically Shopping at Soai Kinh Lam Market

From large-scale merchants to small-scale traders, designers, shop owners, and even individual buyers, everyone can find what they want at Soái Kình Lâm Market. Many come here to purchase fabric for resale or to find unique materials that other markets lack. 

You can bargain, but don't push it too far
You can bargain, but don’t push it too far

The market’s reputation and the allure of its luxurious fabrics also attract those who simply enjoy strolling through, exploring, and gathering inspiration.

Many students from design schools also frequent the market in search of unique and exceptional fabric samples for their studies. Additionally, tourists often drop by to buy a few yards of fabric as meaningful gifts for friends and family.

How to get to Soai Kinh Lam fabric market

  • By Bus: Many local bus lines have stops near the market, making public transport a practical choice.
  • By Grab: Grab services are readily available, offering a convenient and affordable way to get to the market.

Conclusion

So you have all the information about the Soai Kinh Lam fabric market just now. Once again, come here if you are interested in fashion and textiles!