Field trips and activities

We'll visit Saitex to witness the initiatives taken by the company to address the triple bottom line issues. This half day tour will be a great memory for many to witness some of the latest technologies (Ozone, Laser, RFID etc.), recycling plants and recycled products, natural dyeing, hydroponic farming and many more.

Please note that while the entire tour takes half a day, this is due to 2 hours of transport each way. The tour of Saitex itself should take 2 hours. Water will be provided on the bus.

Professor Rajkishore Nayak, Professor of Fashion (Enterprise) Program, RMIT University Vietnam 

• A shuttle bus will be provided by RMIT Vietnam for this activity
• Please be at pick-up point at 7:30 AM. The bus will leave at 7:45 AM sharp.
• Personal expenses during the tour are not included and will be at your own cost.

Join Saigon Social in their centrally located District 1 tasting room, where they host experiences such as Vietnamese Coffee Omakase.

Saigon Social offers 2 workshops at a 10% discount for IFFTI delegates.

• Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
• Price: 650,000VND/person before discount
• Min. 2 people.
• Register and pay here (code <IFFTIVN10>): https://saigon-social.com/workshops-and-tasting/ 

• Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Price: 700,000VND/person before discount
• Min. 2 people
• Register and pay here (code <IFFTIVN10>): https://saigon-social.com/workshops-and-tasting/

Saigon Social is Vietnam’s first food and drink experience space, showcasing over 40 Vietnamese artisanal brands across coffee, tea, chocolate, craft spirits and sauces. Founded by Singaporean food writer Jovel Chan, the tasting room and retail space in District 1 partners with local makers to host experiences such as Vietnamese Coffee Omakase, craft liquor tastings, and artisanal fish sauce flights. 

• A 10% discount is offered for IFFTI delegates and family members (maximum of 4 persons including the delegate). You can pay at the door or register on their website with the code <IFFTIVN10>.
• Please bring and show them your IFFTI badge or IFFTI registration email to verify and claim the discount.
• Participants are responsible for the workshop fees and any personal expenses incurred during the activity.
• To ensure the best experience for all participants, a minimum attendance of 2 people is required. 

The activity includes a curated talk by an RMIT lecturer.

After the talk, participants are welcome to explore and shop independently.

Step into the pulse of Saigon’s fashion scene with Rue Miche, one of the country’s most dynamic multi-label retail spaces redefining how fashion is experienced.  

In this guided tour, Ethan Wang, Associate Lecturer of Fashion Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation for Fashion at RMIT Vietnam, will take participants inside both spaces, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on Saigon’s evolving fashion ecosystem.

Through this experience, participants will uncover the real opportunities and challenges shaping emerging designers today, from brand building to retail strategy and creative positioning. 

Most importantly, you get to shop the coolest designers that Saigon has to offer. 

Ethan Wang, Associate Lecturer, Fashion (Enterprise) Program, RMIT University Vietnam

Ethan is currently developing a new fashion incubator at RMIT Vietnam, hence bringing firsthand insight into how the next wave of regional designers and entrepreneurs are launching and scaling their ventures. This tour is not just a walkthrough, it’s an insider’s look into the potential future of fashion in Vietnam. 

• Rue Miche has two locations - Rue Miche Boutique and Rue Miche L’édition, both having different assortments of designers. Since opening in July 2025, Rue Miche has quickly established itself at the forefront of Vietnamese fashion retail and entrepreneurship, championing a new generation of designers through a carefully curated blend of fashion, lifestyle, and culture. More than just a store, it is an immersive environment where storytelling, identity, and experimentation come to life.

• Participants are responsible for any personal expenses incurred during the activity
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Transport will not be provided to Rue Miche Boutique. You can get a grab or walk there - it is 1.5km away. We will head there after you have done your shopping at Rue Miche L’edition. Don’t spend all your money at one place because the merchandise has its own appeal in both locations.
• Disclaimer: Ethan works for RMIT Vietnam and not for Rue Miche. This is not a sponsored post. 

Pronounced Som Chew. We will meet on the corner of Tôn Dản and Đoàn Văn Bơ. The walk will take us along a narrow market street before turning into the hẻm network. This urban form can be found replicated across the country, even in rural villages and towns. Its unique qualities are built around family and community. We will complete the walk with a rooftop bar with spectacular views across District 4. 

Until the early 1960s much of D4 was marshland. Only Tôn Đản, the Saigon port, and the areas adjacent to the canals were developed. The Area was a notorious gangster hangout until authorities removed them in the early 2000s.

Today it is a ‘foody haven’. Street food dominates the whole district. The food is high quality and very fresh.  

• Dr. Andrew Stiff, Senior Lecturer, Design Studies Program, RMIT University Vietnam

• This is an outdoor walking activity through narrow alleyways, also known as a “hẻm”.
• Weather conditions are expected to be hot and humid (around 34°C). Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and sun protection are recommended.
• Please bring water and some Vietnamese Dong (cash), especially if you wish to try local street food.
• Participants are responsible for any personal expenses incurred during the activity 

Nestled in District 5’s historic Chợ Lớn, Soái Kinh Lâm and Đại Quang Minh are cornerstones of Ho Chi Minh City’s textile heritage. Closely tied to the local Chinese Vietnamese community, these markets remain essential hubs for designers and crafters alike.

Soái Kinh Lâm Market

Known as a "fabric paradise," this wholesale landmark hosts nearly 500 stalls. Each vendor specialises in specific materials, offering a vast spectrum of colors and patterns ranging from everyday wear to upholstery.

Đại Quang Minh Market

The go-to destination for garment accessories, stocking everything from ribbons and lace to leather cords and beads. It is a creative sanctuary for those seeking affordable sewing tools and unique embellishments. While quieter than in their prime, these markets still offer a remarkably diverse selection. A visit provides a unique look into Vietnam’s traditional trading networks and the perfect opportunity to source high-quality materials for your own projects. 

• Titi Rylander, Associate Lecturer, Fashion (Enterprise), RMIT University Vietnam
• Hanh Nguyen, Research Assistant for the Vietnam Design Research Studio for Sustainable and Resilient Fashion Futures. 

• The activity includes walking between two nearby markets.
• Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes/sandals, and travel light, as the markets will be crowded with narrow walkways.
• Bring cash if you wish to purchase materials (small purchases are encouraged to support local vendors).