This bustling market, in District 1, which has occupied this corner since 1899, is listed in every guide book, but it’s very touristy. Beware: the wares sold here are mostly made in China, and there’s a rampant pick-pocket problem. If you love prowling markets, ask your guide to take you to an authentic one in one of the residential districts.

Similar to another famous Catherine (Paris’ Catherine Memmi), Denoual specializes in exquisite linens for the home. Denoual worked in Paris as a fashion editor before relocating with her family to Vietnam in 1995. Her gorgeous creations are not inexpensive but quality-wise there’s nothing that rivals the wares of this boutique. Don’t miss the lovely baby clothes.

The shimmering lacquerware sold at this boutique comes in many colors and swirling shapes. The designs include everything from small bowls to large trunks, and the beautiful patterns run the gamut from traditional (red-black) to edgy (modern monochromatic). The gallery works with twenty-two artists and three designers, and the range of lacquer is striking and better than you will find anywhere else. If you fall in love with a larger piece, the gallery is happy to arrange for shipping.

The selection is not as extensive as the one found in the Hanoi flagship, but devotees of Christina Yu’s whimsical designs should not miss this chic store. The selection ranges from wallets and slender embroidered clutches to oversized leather bags. Yu is known for mixing and matching materials and colors, then embellishing the results with rhinestones, mother-of-pearl, brass, horn, embroidery or beads. (There’s a second branch at 76 Le Lai St., District 1.)

Opened in 2010, L’Usine remains one of Saigon’s most popular hot spots. The eatery-cum-concept shop is located on Art Arcade alley, and was one of the first speakeasies to open in the city. Housed in a transformed warehouse, L’Usine boasts an industrial décor, floor-to-ceiling windows and a curated selection of wares from international and local designers. The walls are lined with contemporary artworks and a selection of small finds ranging from hip prints to artisanal chocolates and hand made jewelry.

The über-cool interiors of this fashion boutique looks like it took a wrong turn from New York’s Lower East Side. The edgy, industrial space showcases splashy, original art work, a glowing chandelier, framed retro propaganda posters and several motorcycles. This provides the backdrop for the edgy fashion and accessories created by Mai Lam, a former boat person who fled Vietnam to Australia. The designer returned to her home country and quickly made a name for herself in the fashion world. Her fashion and accessories feature sumptuous embroidery and hand-stitching on natural fabrics.

This elegant boutique specializes in turning stunning, traditional fabrics into modern designs. There are heavy silk jackets, asymmetrical tops and embroidered blouses. It’s a great spot for style mavens who want a Vietnamese-inspired design but can’t commit to the traditional aodai.

Like its sister boutique in Hanoi, this cavernous boutique carries everything from antiques to handmade accessories. It’s set up like a market, with lots of tables, racks and bowls overflowing with the goods.