VIETNAM SHOPPING

What to Buy in Vietnam

Vietnam Shopping

A good shopping session in Vietnam might start off with clothing, especially tailored suits and dresses made from quality fabrics including silk. Many women tourists also buy ao dai to fit their size.

These are the traditional Vietnamese long blouse and pants made in light, floaty, material, perfect for warm weather.

Many young local fashion designers have learned to to take inspiration from both Vietnamese and Western styles, making their designs more attractive. 

What to Buy

Traditional conical Vietnamese hats can be found everywhere, as well as such unique gifts as slippers, shoes, and handbags made from traditional materials like silk and bamboo. For those who love handicrafts, it is easy to find beautiful items such as lacquer ware, vases, trays, rosewood boxes, wood-block prints, oil or watercolor paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, ceramics and leather work. For more valuable items such as art, antiques and jewelry, you should know that some of these are subject to regulations governing the export of antiques. Ask the dealer about this.

Also, when buying really expensive items, get an expert to certify whether the item you plan to buy is a genuine antique or an imitation; copy “antiques” are not uncommon in the Vietnamese market. As for jewellery, although Vietnam is rich in gemstones, this does not mean they are cheap, so be suspicious of “special” deals. It is wise to shop for such items only at highly recommended outlets – the last thing you need is to pay large sums for coloured glass. 

How to Buy

Experienced visitors to Vietnam recommend always driving a hard bargain when shopping in this country. Hard does not mean aggressive, however. The trick is to bargain with a smile and to be polite – this way, you will probably get what you want at a price with which you and the dealer are both happy. If you have time to spare, it is always wise to compare products and prices; don’t just buy the first item you see in the first shop.

Many people will also tell you that buying from street vendors is cheaper than buying in malls or markets, but this is not always the case, so shop around. It is better to take your time and enjoy searching for good Vietnamese souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. 

 Many tourists can’t help but throw themselves head-first into shopping while in Vietnam. Why? Probably the variety of quality goods and the tempting prices have a lot to do with it. Many low-budget travelers considered Vietnam a heavenly place because in many shopping situations they can bargain the prices down to as much as a third of the original cost.

The list of Vietnamese bargains is seemingly endless and features bespoke tailoring and the national dress, the 'ao dai' from high-quality silk and many other types of material and textiles while many shoppers cannot get enough of the local handicraft, art and jewelry. 

Ha Long Bay Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Ha Long Bay

Though there are limited options for shopping in Halong Bay, what is actually available can be very interesting. Try the night market at Bai Chay Town. It is set up with many small open-air stalls with good collections of Vietnamese products includes the famous traditional Vietnamese silk dress (ao dai), lacquerware, chopsticks, trinkets, ceramic tea sets, Vietnamese conical hats (nón lá) and dolls. Experienced shoppers recommend bargaining hard to 30-50% of the original offered price. Most shops accept US Dollars as well as the local currency, Dong.

Another fun way of shopping is from small floating shops. Local people row boats filled with goods such as beer, vodka, cigarettes, potato chips, cookies and other snacks. Their small boats are usually laden with goods in a very organised way and even if you're not buying anything these vessels are fascinating to see and photograph.

It is important for shoppers not to encourage vendors selling stalagmites and stalactites as they should stay where they belong – inside Halong’s caves and grottos. 

Hanoi Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Hanoi

If you're particularly enthusiastic about quality textiles, clothes and handicrafts, shopping in Hanoi will not disappoint.

The city also has a good range of day and night markets, both indoors and outdoors and you'll find that night markets are more of a social than shopping occasion but that doesn't preclude finding bargains at night.

There's a good arts scene alive in Hanoi and let's face it; in a city this size with a shopaholic population you're going to find a lot to buy but under less stressful conditions than frenetic Ho Chi Minh City. 

Hang Bac Street

Hang Bac Street is one of the oldest streets in Vietnam and has its roots in silver making dating back to the 13th century when silver casters where brought here from rural villages by request of Le Thang Tong. Silver goods are still produced here today with most of the work being completely original made by secret methods that have been passed down for generations. This is a charming street to explore, rich in history and culture in addition to jewellers selling beautiful Vietnamese pieces.

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Location: Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District

Hang Dau Street

Shoe shoppers will be in retail heaven with hundreds of shoe sellers lining Hang Dau Street. Western men may not find much over size nine but there is plenty of choice in women’s shoes. Most of the footwear consists of brand names made at Vietnamese factories that have been rejected as seconds, making them a great purchase with usually only a small imperfection. There are also plenty of fake reproduction bags where Hang Dau Street meets Lo Su.

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 (For most stores)
Location: Northeast Corner of Hoan Kiem Lake, near the Lo Su intersection

Hang Gai Street

Personally tailored suits made to measure from superb quality silk are best bought from a tailor on Hang Gai Street, renowned for its quality and choice of craftsmen. Most stores take credit cards and you should start bargaining at around 50% of the asking price and pay no more than 70%. Suits can be ready in 24 hours and it pays to go to a better quality store and avoid the market street traders to guarantee the best quality silk. This is also a great street to buy rice paper products including paintings, notebooks, lamps and cards.

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 (For most stores)
Location: Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
TRY A TOUR TO DISCOVER VIETNAM ATTRACTION HERE!

Intimex Supermarket

Hanoi has its fair share of niche gourmet retail outlets including Intimex which sells a good selection of imported foodstuff and wines on its ground floor. There is also a department store on the second level, small but well stocked - prices are fixed so there’s no need to bargain.

Opening Hours: 07:30-20:30
Location: 22-23 Le Thai To Street, West side of Hoan Kiem Lake

Little Hanoi

The shopping area of Little Hanoi covers Nha Tho Street or ‘Church Street’ and Xuan Dieu Street where more affluent consumers and tourists seek chic souvenirs and unusual pieces of home furnishings. There are also a few upmarket flagship shops in this area including Burberry and Esprit largely due to the area’s proximity to a few five-star hotels. Nha Tho Street is a good area to pick up silk, quality lacquer ware and art. Xuan Dieu Street is a great place to look for more quirky items including trinkets, propaganda objects and cartoon memorabilia.

Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 (For most stores)
Location: Nha Tho Street (close to the Cathedral) and Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho

Pho Trang Tien

Pho Trang Tien is the street to find art from the private galleries located between the Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake. Bargaining is expected here and art works worth looking out for include those from the up and coming artists quietly making a name for themselves in this great Old Quarter location.

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
Location: Pho Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Lake

The Gourmand Shop

Exquisite wines from across the globe, gourmet cheeses, fine chocolate and a variety of other decadent deli treats to satiate the most refined palates. The Gourmand Shop is Hanoi’s vender of choice luxury foods and wines.

Opening Hours: 07:00-21:00
Location: 56 Ly Thai To, East side of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Trang Tien Plaza

Imported brand names covering the world of fashion, apparel and electronic goods pack the three-storey upmarket Trang Tien Plaza, attracting a young trendy local crowd. Most products are in the luxury bracket at this thriving western-style mall with products including jeans such as Levis and Sony Cameras. The mall is situated on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake and features a supermarket on the top floor.

Opening Hours: 08:00-21:00
Location: Southeast Corner of Hoan Kiem Lake

Markets in Hanoi

Hang Da Market

Smaller than Dong Xuan and offering a more select product range, Hang Da is the place to come for imported wine, flowers, second-hand clothes and fabrics. Read More...

Dong Xuan Market

Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan is usually found on most visitors sightseeing list. It’s a sprawling traditional Vietnamese market best visited early or late in the day. There are plenty of trinkets, bags, t-shirts, homeware, art and fake good galore in this bustling, crowded space. The market is spread out over three floors with plenty of hawker stalls inside and out; it’s an interesting place to visit in the evening when it’s all lit up and certainly a great place to get some superb holiday photos.  Dong Xuan is a three-storey market located in the Old Quarter, 900m north of the Hoan Kiem Lake. 

Opening Hours: 07:00-21:00
Location: Dong Xuan Street, North part of Old Quarter

Weekend Night Market

There are around Dong Xuan Market morphs into a night bazaar at the weekend. This is much more a social occasion than a shopping one and if you are seriously looking after bargains with little time to spare perhaps this is not the best destination. Be wary of pickpockets. 

Ho Chi Minh City Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a fun place to shop for bargains. Some goods can be unique and fascinating – old propaganda posters, for example; we found one that exhorted people to plant garlic for export.

Clothing includes silks and hand-woven fabrics with a reputation for high quality. Vietnam is also famous for handicrafts including bamboo ware, ceramics and lacquer. There are, too, all the usual holiday souvenirs such as T-shirts and beaded handbags at prices that are hard to beat. 

10 Amazing Fashion Boutiques in Ho Chi Minh

The Best Clothes Designers in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is truly a shopping paradise, whether you are looking for bespoke fashion, local silks or even handcrafted lacquerware. As the world becomes one big shopping mall of international brands, Ho Chi Minh retains its love of boutique fashion and one off collections – and all at a fraction of what you might pay for any of the European or Japanese brands. Here are our top 10 picks of the best fashion boutiques in the city:

Vincom Center Shopping Mall

The Largest Shopping Mall in Ho Chi Minh City

With more than 250 shops, Vincom Center is Ho Chi Minh City’s biggest shopping mall – so big in fact, that they have separated it into two separate buildings just across the street from each other. Vincom Center A is housed in a delightful French styled period building connected to The Continent Hotel, while Vincom Center B is just behind it, occupying the first five storeys of a modern, glass-fronted skyscraper. If you are looking for international products then this should be your first stop as this is where most international luxury brands have their flagship stores, right in the tourist heart of the city. There are also some convenient restaurants and cafes serving food from most regions including many international franchises. Vincom Center

Vincom Center A: 171 Dong Khoi, District 1
Vincom Center B: 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Tel: (+84 8) 3936 9999

Saigon Square Shopping Mall

Ho Chi Minh Shopping

Anyone looking for bargains while in Saigon should head to Saigon Square on the corner of Nam Kỳ Khởi and Le Loi in District 1. This shopping arcade is packed with stalls on two levels selling fashion, accessories and jewellery – be aware of forgeries though, and remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Even though it’s always bustling with shoppers, Saigon Square is air conditioned and under cover so it is far more pleasant than shopping in the nearby Ben Thanh Market and it’s generally accepted that prices are far better here.

Shops and stalls in Saigon Square are seemingly placed haphazardly around the mall so the best thing to do is just stroll along the aisles looking for something that takes your fancy. Bargaining is expected here and as it is so close to the tourist heart of Ho Chi Minh, prices are initially inflated. If there is something you have your eye on, shop around and enquire about prices as it is fairly easy to find different shops selling similar items. Just consider what you would be willing to pay for an item and bargain accordingly.

Hoi An Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Hoi An

For most people who visit Hoi An, the two main shopping allures are the Central or Riverside Market and the plethora of cheap tailors downtown.

With the sheer number of tailors available Hoi An is definitely a buyers' market and the visitor who doesn't bargain down the price of a suit or silk shirt is really missing out. Of course, many other items are on sale in Hoi An and the ancient charm of the town makes an afternoon or evening out shopping a delight.

Tailors speak both French and English – most stores are open from 08:00 to 21:00

Hoi An Central Market

Resting on the banks of the Thu Bon River, bustling Hoi An Central Market is certainly worth a look for its authentic slice of Vietnamese life. The market is busy throughout the day with locals bargaining hard alongside tourists so its best to arrive first thing in the morning. The negotiating over fish usually starts around 07:00 as the fishermen drop their catch off and the market vendors and local buyers dive in to get the best fish. Be warned that it can get very messy, nevertheless it's certainly a sight not to be missed.

Inside the market there are also plenty of live ducks and chickens tied together and ready for sale alongside row upon row of Vietnamese cooking ingredients. The smell can get quite strong as the day heats up and the market will also become a lot busier and louder as the day progresses. If you want to avoid this, then head to the east side and the large shed type building which houses the tailors and all manner of Asian silk and textiles.

Good to Know

As a tourist browsing round Hoi An Central Market you can expect plenty of stall holders pushing their wares on you quite hard, the best course of action is to simply smile and continue on your way. When you do decide to make a purchase then remember that the first price you will be told will be over inflated, you should then offer around half and then work up to a price that you are both happy with. Be prepared to walk away and you might be surprised by the fair price you are then offered.

Opening Hours: daily from 06:30 and is best visited early starting with a walk by the docks to watch the fish arrive before you enter
Location: Nguyen Hue and Tran Phu on the Thu Bon River
Remarks: It's a good idea to wear closed shoes as the floor in the market can get damp and sticky, especially if you are visiting the fish section.

Da Nang Shopping

Vietnam is famous for high quality silk and clothes products including hand-woven fabrics. The country is also famous for handicrafts including bamboo artifacts, ceramics and lacquerware. If you are keen on shopping in Danang, you can start your shopping day at Danang Supermarket. It is located in the centre of the city, near the railway station. The shop sells jewelry, interior decorations, electrical and mechanical appliances, books, clothing and shoes. 

Hue Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Hue

A must-buy item in Hue should include the Vietnamese Nón lá, the conical-shaped hat made by woven palm leaves.

The hat has been around almost as long as the country and is worn by men and women everywhere. The lighter the hat is the more elegant the look.

In Hue especially, the hat makers insert poems into the weaves and the poem can only be seen when the hat is held up to the sunlight, making it even more special

Where to Shop in Hue

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba market is on the north bank of the Perfume River, not far from where the Hue Citadel sits.

It has hundreds of stalls selling almost everything from clothing, house-ware items to souvenirs and all at reasonable prices. You will also find local food, fruit and Vietnamese wine sold here

Posh Boutiques

There are some really cool posh boutiques located near the junction by Trang Tien Bridge. To be exact, they are located between Duy Tan Hotel and Trang Tien Bridge. They are all tastefully decorated and usually accept credit cards. 

The Gift Shops at the Pilgrimage Hotel

These gift shops are outstanding. Divided into four types of crafts, silk/fabric, woodwork, ceramics and rattan/wicker, they feature an assortment of tasteful, traditional and local crafts. There are also local craftsmen on hand to demonstrate their work. The quality of the merchandise is good and the selection and prices are reasonable. 

Nha Trang Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Nha Trang

Nha Trang may not have the sleek designer shops of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but there is still plenty of opportunity to shop in a much more laid-back atmosphere than in the big cities. Try the daily market on Doc Lop Street and the small shops in town for some terrific local artwork. Have some clothes made for you at one of the many tailors in town. Near the port are lots of little shops selling seashell souvenirs.

Outside of established shops and supermarkets always remember to bargain and never pay the asking price. 

Anh Tai Wood Carvings

Beautiful wood carvings can be found at this family business. Observe the artisans at work. 

Address: 100 Tran Phu Street
Tel: +84 58 381 5976

Artful Gallery

Owned by French photographer Thiery Beyne, who has been living and taking pictures of Vietnam for the last 15 years. At the Artful Gallery (there’s also a café attached) you can find all his work, limited editions and original black-and-white prints, of his impression of the country he now calls home.

Address: 20A Nguyen Thien That
Tel: +84 126 376 1020

Bambou

Bambou is a popular French-run T-shirt shop in the heart of the backpacking area of Biet Thu. There are other branches all over Vietnam and quality is the byword here. These shirts are earning cult status so go for one, or two.  

Address: 15 Biet Thu Street
Tel: +84 58 391 0774

Dan Market

Need to replenish your vitamins intake? Then Dan Market is the place you want to visit, either to stock up on the variety of tropical fruits on sale here or just to browse and take photographs. The juice section of the market is popular with tourists for its young coconuts and smoothies.

Forty Thieves Clothing

Forty Thieves Clothing is located in a Deep Blue dive centre and sells totally original gear. It is open from 07:00 until 21:30 selling ginko biloba T-shirt with original design. 100% cotton.  

Address: 66 Tran Phu Street

Kim Quang

When the local painter Kim Quang, who is confined to his wheelchair, wanted to try his hand at painting T-shirts, he came up with fun cartoon characters and some unique designs. You can find a very special gift of a painted T-Shirt at Kim Quang. He is to be found in his small shop near the Sailing Club.

Address: 72-74 Tran Phu Street (within the Sailing Club)
Tel: +84 58 382 6528

My Village

My Village stocks gift items made from bamboo, fabric, glass and mother of pearl. Most popular are the brightly coloured sets of bamboo fruit bowls.

Address: 6G Hung Vuong

Nha Trang Centre

Open in 2011, Nha Trang Centre is the first shopping mall of its kind in this coastal city. Situated right on the beachfront street of Tran Phu, Nha Trang Centre is a modern shopping mall housing all the fashionable brand labels. There are also local designer fashion accessories, cosmetics, jewellery, perfume, sportswear and children's wear, a food court a cinema and an entertainment area.

Address: 20 Tran Phu Street

Nha Trang Market

Centrally located and easy to find, Nha Trang Market is a veritable treasure trove of fresh fruit, vegetables, freshly fish and squid from the sea, raw produce, footwear, textiles and trinkets. There are bargains to be had here but you have to haggle hard to get the prices down.

Don't ever pay the asking price, even if you think it's already a snip! 

Ngoc Bich Gift Shop

This shop specializes in jewelry made from jade. It also stocks a range of fine arts handicrafts including tortoise shells, lobsters, shell curtains amongst others. Small seashells made to look like animals are fun too as are mother-of-pearl pictures of the Vietnamese countryside.

Address: 12 Tran Phu Street
Tel: +84 58 359 0066

Obi Gift Shop

Obi Gift Shop sells traditional Vietnamese products including handicrafts, folk art, ceramics and paintings. 

Address: 100 Tran Phu Street
Tel: +84 58 381 2131

XQ Nha Trang

More of a craft centre than a souvenir shop, XQ Nha Trang is part of the big venture XQ, which runs similar embroidery and cultural centres in many big cities in Vietnam.
The centre is cleverly designed to look like a traditional village where women in ao dai (Vietnamese dress) produce framed embroideries of fantasy landscapes, flowers and animals of Vietnam, portraits of many important statesmen and celebrities
And of course you can have your portrait embroidered here as well.

Address: 64 Tran Phu
Tel: +84 58 352 6579

Mui Ne & Phan Thiet Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Mui Ne & Phan Thiet

The tourist industry is quite new for the fishing villages of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, but they are catching up fast, with souvenir shops opening almost every week.

Products include handicrafts such as embroidery, paintings, lacquer ware, blankets, scarves, handbags and ceramics. Many of these products are created in the ancient Cham style, making them unique and special. It is also fun to explore the local market. Don’t forget to try favorite local fruits such as Dragon Fruit. 

Markets

There are a number of good markets in the area. In Phan Thiet, you might want to start at the Co-op Mart on the corner of Nguyen Tat Thanh and Tran Hung Dao, for souvenir and jewelry shops.

Phan Thiet Central Market, which is the largest in the province, is the place for local stuff such as fresh fruit, coconut candies, dried seafood, and sand paintings.

Mui Ne Village Market, too, has a range of fresh fruits. 

Mui Ne Handicraft at Java Restaurant is a recent addition to the Mui Ne shopping scene. Stop by to watch deaf children create sand art or shop for hand-woven textiles with traditional Cham patterns, then get the local tailor to turn them into clothes at bargain prices. Java Restaurant is on the road into Mui Ne, on a hill just above the town. Tel: +84 (0) 62 324-1055.

Other restaurants that also carry interesting souvenirs include The Hot Rock, which carries an eclectic selection of locally-inspired jewellery and handbags using local fabrics and traditional designs; and Forester Shop, which stocks Cham ceramics, crocodile leather and assorted high-quality souvenirs.

For beachwear, try Good Morning Vietnam or Jibes. 

Others

If you are looking for some second-hand books to read while in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, try Victor Tour at 121A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Thiet. Tel: +84 (0) 98 959-1599. It has the largest inventory of used books in the area.

For jewelry, try Thinh & Sabine on 79a Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Thiet. Tel: +84 (0) 90 993-1192. 

Phu Quoc Island Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy on Phu Quoc Island

Markets selling a wide range of fruit, vegetable and seafood are the main shopping venues in Phu Quoc, not necessarily what tourists want to buy but very interesting to see all the same.

For tourists, shopping opportunities come in the form of handicrafts expertly made by locals and pearls which are farmed locally. 

Dinh Cau Night Market

The night market is the palace to buy souvenirs, all kinds of crafts are on sale in addition to the usual fresh produce and seafood. This can be a good place to buy pearls… while the kids are occupied in the playground. 

Duong Dong Shops

There are several shops that sell most basic items such as toothpaste, soap, beer, biscuits etc in Duong Dong, laundries are also here which are much cheaper than resort prices. There are a couple of pharmacies dotted around and the odd basic clothes shop, not high fashion obviously, but you'll find the basics that you need. 

Markets

Local markets sell a colourful variety of fruit and vegetables of all shapes and sizes in addition to seafood and other foodstuff. Markets can be busy places but don't let that put you off.

Some markets are one or two days a week however the main one in Duong Dong is a permanent fixture, you might want to avoid it when a cruise ship is in port though. 

Pearl Shops

High quality items featuring South Sea pearls can be purchased from one of the island's pearl shops – the price tags match the quality of the pieces.

One such shop is Treasures from the Deep in Duong To which is run by a New Zealand company.