Colorful fabrics and clothing stalls at Tan Dinh Market draw international shoppers seeking traditional Vietnamese items. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre The 100-year-old Tan Dinh Market in Ho Chi Minh City has become an unexpected magnet for foreign tourists seeking authentic Vietnamese experiences, with visitors queuing to commission custom ao dai gowns and assemble traditional wooden clogs at local stalls. What was once primarily a local shopping destination has emerged as a cultural hub where international visitors actively engage with Vietnamese crafts and traditions. On Thursday afternoon, Malaysian tourist Ahkeesuel browsed the market's fabric stalls before selecting a dozen pieces of cloth at the Huy Linh stall, where she commissioned a custom ao dai. Two British tourists at adjacent stalls expressed similar intentions—seeking traditional clothing to take home. The scene has become routine: foreign visitors carefully examining fabrics, negotiating prices, and waiting for tailored outfits to be completed same-day or next-day. Custom Tailoring Drives Revenue GrowthHuy Linh stall representative Nguyen Thi Bich Loan reported surging demand for on-site tailoring services among foreign visitors. The stall produces approximately 50 outfits monthly—including ao dai, ao ba ba (traditional southern garment), suits and dresses—primarily for customers from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Tailoring costs range from VND600,000 to 1.2 million (US$23-46) per outfit including fabric. "We have skilled tailors and decades of experience, so customers know about us through word-of-mouth and social media videos," Loan explained. "They can pick up clothes same-day or next-day, and we can deliver to their destination if needed." Wooden Clogs Experience New Demand SurgeThe neighboring Hong Ha wooden clog stall reports equally strong international interest. Indonesian tourist Rhona and two companions were selecting straps and assembling clogs on-site—a hands-on activity that appeals strongly to visitors seeking memorable experiences. "The prices are reasonable and the quality impressed us," Rhona said. "My friends and I chose several pairs for ourselves and as gifts." Stall owner Ma Hong Ha has operated at the market for decades and noted wooden clogs typically cost VND100,000 to 350,000 (US$4-13) per pair, depending on design and materials. Handmade straps command premium prices. "Demand had declined in recent years, but since early 2026 it has picked up significantly. On busy days, I sell 40-50 pairs, with roughly half going to foreign visitors," Hong Ha said. Social Media Driving Market DiscoveryMany foreign visitors said they learned about Tan Dinh Market through friend recommendations and social media videos posted by other tourists. Curious about the experiences they'd seen online, they decided to visit the market themselves to shop and engage with traditional crafts. Other established markets including Ben Thanh, An Dong and Binh Tay also offer similar tailoring and handcrafts experiences. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade has actively partnered with tourism and culture sectors to promote visits to traditional markets, viewing tailoring and handmade crafts as key attractions. As Tan Dinh Market celebrates its 100th anniversary, it continues attracting international shoppers who value authenticity, affordability and the chance to participate directly in Vietnamese cultural traditions. 27 July 2026
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