Officially operating since 2013, the second-hand and antique market is considered a place to trade nostalgia and rediscover old Saigon memories.

The market is located in an alley cafe on No Trang Long Street. Every week, the market starts from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is 40,000 VND per person but can be exchanged for a dish or drink.

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People who love old things, Saigon antiques are here almost every week. Some people come to buy and sell, but also many people come just to sip a cup of coffee and look at things.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, 61 years old, in District 3 is a regular guest. She said, for nearly 10 years now, every weekend after finishing the housework, she visits the market.

“The antique market cafe is crowded but not chaotic, here is like a slow-motion movie, echoing memories with so many memorabilia that cause me many dear nostalgia. I often look to buy bronze items. that the family used to use as incense burners, lampstands, pepper mills …”, Ms. Nga shared.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Danh, 54, the owner of a stall selling antique bicycle parts, said that the market is also a place for people who share the same passion for antiques to exchange or display their collectibles.

“I like the atmosphere of the market because I can both sell goods and enjoy old music to help relax and reduce old age stress,” Mr. Danh said.

Uncle Ba (blue plaid shirt) is 80 years old, but every weekend he comes here to see antiques. “Every time I come here, I don’t have the intention to buy something right away, just go around and buy whatever I like. In the middle of Saigon, there’s a very interesting place for a weekend exchange like this,” he said.

Thanh An and you first came to the antique market cafe and were overwhelmed by the many stalls displaying old memorabilia. “Just now, when I happened to pass by a stall, I was touched by a bronze chicken table,” the 28-year-old girl shared.

In addition to nostalgic enthusiasts, the market also attracts tourists, especially foreigners, to visit, shop and learn about Vietnamese culture.

Mr. Jon Allsop (French) has lived in Vietnam for 7 years. He and his wife (Vietnamese) specialize in selling antiques bought from France.

Zippo lighters are often hunted by men. This is one of the best selling items at the market.

The old banknotes are also sought after by many people, especially young people who buy them as souvenirs.

Mr. Thanh, a stall owner for 9 years specializing in selling old coins and zippo lighters, said that in order to have a place to display and sell goods, sellers must come early and find a suitable place by themselves but without paying a fee.

Antiques here are mainly bought from the family members of deceased collectors, overseas Vietnamese or from contacts introduced by regular customers. “Goods must be transparent about origin, origin as well as price. If the seller intentionally makes a mistake, it will not be sold in the next market,” Mr. Thanh said.