The southern metropolis secured 16th place on TTW's 2026 list, released on September 10. The city was recognised for having one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant shopping scenes, blending bustling markets with modern malls and independent boutiques.

The publication described the city as a destination for travellers seeking Vietnamese silk, lacquerware, coffee, tailored clothing, handicrafts and contemporary local fashion. It recommended Ben Thanh Market and other traditional markets for clothes and souvenirs, as well as a chance to bargain like a local. London topped the ranking, followed by Milan, New York, Shanghai, Paris, Tokyo, Zurich, Sydney, Seoul and Vienna.

The ranking considered a range of factors, including Shopping Diversity, Local Shopping Culture, Luxury Retail, Budget Shopping & Bargains, Iconic Shopping Areas, Unique Shopping Experiences, Accessibility & Infrastructure, Traveller Appeal, and Sustainability & Local Value.

TTW, an Indian travel trade publication owned by Keshan Infotech Pvt. Ltd., regularly releases thematic destination rankings covering areas such as shopping and solo travel. Its rankings are based on editorial assessments, comparative research and publicly available data from tourism authorities and retail industry reports.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 43.2 million visitors in the first eight months of 2026, including 7.8 million international arrivals. Tourism revenue was estimated at nearly VND260 trillion (approx. US$ 10.03 billion).

HCM City boosts two-way tourism with Australia, targeting high-spending market

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying tourism promotion efforts in Australia, forging strategic connections with major travel groups to expand two-way visitor flows, particularly targeting high-spending travelers.