Shopping in Vietnam is fun and enjoyable for every shopaholic. From small local markets to the crowded shopping malls, you may enjoy the experience of getting lost by heaps of thing to see and buy in each corner. Where to go and what to buy in Vietnam – those are what you will discover in this article!
Before you go
In Vietnam, the US dollar (USD) is as popular as the Vietnam Dong (VND). However, living standard and product price in Vietnam is pretty affordable; therefore, you can buy many products starting at 1 USD (equivalent to 23,000 VND). All the bank counters at the Vietnamese arrival airport include currency exchange service, depends on the rate. Only bring an amount of cash that you need, then keep the rest in your bank card in case they may get lost somewhere.
Meanwhile, debit and credit cards are accepted in big shops and shopping departments. However, Vietnamese people still prefer using cash to trade goods.
Where to go shopping in Vietnam
Local markets & shopping malls
Just like other South-East Asian countries, Vietnam is famous for its local markets. Every market has heaps of thing to buy, from local street food to clothes and souvenirs, which attracts either local people or visitors.
Besides, shopping malls in Vietnam offer you luxury goods from both domestic and international brands. You can easily find high-quality products originally from Vietnam, Japan, America, and Europe in those bustling departments. Pretty sure you will not forget them quickly, where it has sparkling lights, luxury scents, and professional services in every premium shops. Burberry, Prada, Hermès are where you can find the best fashion products and accessories. Premium footwear brands like Adidas and Nike are represented in those shopping malls as well. Food courses and luxury restaurants are available at a different price range.
Shopping by region
North-West highland of Vietnam
In North-West Vietnam, highland markets have their charm and beauty. You can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of localities with tons of goods such as raw meat, home-grown fruits, and vegetable. Meanwhile, the high spirit is such a beauty that you may feel in every corner of this land: foggy morning, verdant rice terraces, colorful traditional clothes and friendly local citizen. Sa Pa market (Lao Cai province), Quyet Tien market (Ha Giang province), Sin Thang market (Dien Bien province), etc. are some must-see destinations if you decide to have a tour to Vietnam North-West highland. The most popular goods in those highland markets are hand-made brocade goods (e.g., bag, clothes, handkerchief), Rosaceae wine, dried buffalo meat, etc.
Hanoi
Down to the Red River Delta, Hanoi capital is a city that has many local markets. Dong Xuan market – the most famous indoor market of Hanoi, is willing to give you unique shopping experience in Vietnam. Apart from selling essential food and household, the market also offers you T-shirts, handbags, and handicrafts at a reasonable price. Besides, Hanoi Old Quarters is another destination to visit. Even it is not a bustling trading area anymore; you can still find exciting products to bring them home.
Located in Hanoi’s countryside area, Bat Trang ceramic village is also the right place for you to buy delicate clay products like teapots, drinking cups, flower vases, etc. Primarily, you can make your pottery products and bring them home as a memorable part of your shopping trip.
If you are a nature lover, visiting Quang Ba flower market must be on your bucket list. Opening from the early morning, this market sells plenty of beautiful flowers stocking from Ha Dong, Dong Anh, Me Linh, Da Lat and so on.
If you are into shopping malls, Vincom Plaza, Trang Tien Plaza, and Lotte Building are worth visiting.
South Central Coast – Hoi An
In the South Central Coast, Hoi An central market is the highlight of this ancient town. It has beautiful French-style architecture and used to be the most crowded trading area in the 17th century. Handicrafts, handmade textiles and high-quality clothing material are the main items trading in this market. Especially, silk is the most popular goods in Hoi An. You can order your customized clothes made from silk and have them returned within 1-2 days.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has many critical local markets that have been established for years: Ben Thanh, Binh Tay, An Dong, Dan Sinh, etc. Those are the most ancient landmarks of the city where you can get local handicraft, branded goods, souvenirs at a reasonable price (50,000 VND – 200,000 VND). Mainly, you can taste local junk food or just a cold drink like sugar cane juice or soy milk – to cool yourself down when the temperature is high outside.
There are many shopping malls to visit in case you want to purchase premium branded goods. Vincom Center, Takashimaya, Aeon Mall, Diamond Plaza, etc. are highly recommended for all shopping addicts. Perfume, cosmetics, sunglasses, etc. are all available here.
Mekong Delta
Meanwhile, the floating market is a fascinating culture in the Mekong Delta. Shopping in Vietnam, especially in these floating markets has a lot of fun. You will see people sitting on small boats selling fresh fruits, flowers, and fish while chatting happily with the local around. As the early bird gets the worm, you should go in the early morning to buy the freshest good while enjoying the cinematic scene in this wet area. Cai Rang market is the biggest boat-based market in the entire region, which offers you an authentic experience of shopping in Vietnam.
What to buy when shopping in Vietnam
Conical hat
The conical hat was mainly used by Vietnamese farmers to stay away from heat and rain. Later then, it has become one of the standard symbols of Vietnam. It is formed as a circular cone in leaf material, with a small string come under your chin to help the hat stay stable. All the conical hats are hand-made because no machine could imitate this form of art. There will be Hanzi letters or painting on the hat sometimes, to complete its beautiful look with a unique pattern.
Vietnamese clothing
If you are looking for high-quality clothes at an affordable price, the Vietnamese dress will be the right option straightaways. By selling different models made in functional fabrics, the local fashion brands offer buyers at all ages with the highest satisfaction.
You can also have your customized outfit as our tailors are talented and proficient. They merely need your measurements and materials; then you will have your beautiful garments exclusively made within 1-2 weeks.
Vietnamese silk
Silk is what you can not miss when shopping in Vietnam. It has a large variety of colors and patterns for you to choose from. The regular natural silk will cost around 70,000 VND per meter while the premium one costs from 100,000 VND. Hoi An Silk Village is a reputed address to go.
Vietnamese artwork
Vietnamese art is well-developed in recent years. Postcard, notebook, T-Shirts and other artworks represented by young Vietnamese artists are what you should bring home from your trip. Tired City (84 Quan Su, Hanoi) is an exciting art center with creative and dynamic products.
Pearl jewelry
Pearl accessory is an ideal gift to be on your shopping list. You can buy authentic pearl earrings, necklace, wrist lace, etc. from 800,000 VND. Do not forget to buy from the authorized sellers only. Otherwise, you may get low-quality pearls or no warranty for the products at all.
Dried fruits
Are there any tropical fruits that you love, but you can not bring home? Then the dried fruit snack is the perfect choice for you when shopping in Vietnam! Those snacks capture intense flavors, beautiful color, and proper nutrition that help you taste great food on the go. Many local stores and supermarkets have dried fruits on their shelves. You may miss the delicate taste of jackfruit, papaya, and mango so getting some dried fruits home is a good idea.
Ultimate tips while shopping in Vietnam
Shopping with a local guide
If you have a local guide to go shopping in Vietnam with you, you are lucky. They will let you know which product is worth-buying, make sure you pay the right amount of money and help you avoid low-quality goods. Then you can save money but still get the products at their proper value.
Bargaining
There is no need to bargain if you visit big shopping malls and supermarkets. However, in local markets and small grocery stores, the price is not printed as a label, so it is difficult to know the exact value of the product.
Here’s how you should do it: offer the sellers one-third or half of the initial price at first. If they don’t agree, slightly begin to increase the amount up until your resistance point. And if they still don’t agree, pretend to walk away. Before that, do not express any overwhelming emotion in the goods you want to buy.
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