Shopping in Vietnam
From noisy night markets to artisan workshops
What it is and why
Shopping in Vietnam is always immersion in culture. In the North in Hanoi, it is worth looking for traditional silk and bamboo products in the old quarter. Central Vietnam is famous for ateliers for custom clothing: in Hoi An you can order a suit or dress to your measurements in just 24 hours.
In the South, in Ho Chi Minh City, the atmosphere changes: here huge modern shopping centers with luxury brands and colorful markets like Ben Thanh coexist, where you can buy almost everything — from spices and dried fruits to handmade goods. Do not forget that bargaining at markets is not just possible, but necessary — it is part of Vietnamese etiquette.
Where to do it in Vietnam
Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.
- Hoi An Old TownQuang Nam
Capital of ateliers and workshops. Best place for custom-made clothing.
- Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi
Narrow streets with specialization: each street sells its goods from silk to silver.
- Ben Thanh MarketHo Chi Minh City
Heart of shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. Food, textiles, souvenirs.
- Da Lat MarketDa Lat
Best place to buy highland Vietnamese tea, coffee and berry jams.
Tips
- Always bargain at markets, especially when buying souvenirs — price can be reduced by 1.5–2 times.
- If buying coffee, choose roasted beans in specialized coffee shops to avoid surrogates.
- Check seams and quality of leather/silk when buying from street vendors to avoid poor quality goods.
- Best time to go to market is morning right after opening or evening a couple of hours before closing: sellers are more likely to concede on price.
Caution
- Beware of fakes of famous brands (especially electronics and cosmetics) in stores with questionable reputation.
- Watch your pockets and personal belongings in busy markets — pickpockets often work here.