Shopping in Vietnam – What to Buy and Where

Find the best souvenirs in Vietnam, silk and lacquerware to Vietnamese coffee. Explore local markets like Ben Thanh and Hoi An, and learn bargaining tips to shop smartly.

Shopping in Vietnam – A Complete Guide

Shopping in Vietnam is an exciting experience, offering a mix of local markets, handicraft villages, and boutique stores. Whether you’re looking for handmade silk, traditional lacquerware, or high-quality Vietnamese coffee, the country has amazing souvenirs at affordable prices.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best souvenirs to buy, top shopping destinations, and insider tips on bargaining to ensure you get the best deals while shopping in Vietnam.

Find the best souvenirs in Vietnam, silk and lacquerware to Vietnamese coffee. Explore local markets like Ben Thanh and Hoi An, and learn bargaining tips to shop smartly.

Shopping in Vietnam – A Complete Guide

In this guide, we’ll explore the best souvenirs to buy, top shopping destinations, and insider tips on bargaining to ensure you get the best deals while shopping in Vietnam.

1.2. Vietnamese Coffee – A Must-Have for Coffee Lovers

Why Buy It? Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, known for its strong, bold Robusta beans.

Best Places to Buy:

✔ Trung Nguyen Coffee (nationwide) – One of Vietnam’s top coffee brands.

✔ Original Weasel Coffee (Da Lat) – A luxury civet coffee experience.

✔ Local markets (Ben Thanh, Dong Xuan, Hoi An) – Buy freshly ground coffee.

Pro Tip: Try Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee) before choosing your beans!

1.3. Vietnamese Lacquerware – A Stunning Handmade Craft

Why Buy It? Lacquerware is a centuries-old Vietnamese art, featuring hand-painted trays, vases, and jewelry boxes.

Best Places to Buy:

✔ Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi) – Affordable handmade lacquerware.

✔ Saigon Craft (Ho Chi Minh City) – High-end artisan lacquer products.

✔ Hoi An Night Market – Beautiful hand-painted souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Authentic lacquerware takes months to make, so avoid cheap, plastic imitations.

1.4. Ceramics & Pottery – Perfect for Home Decor

Why Buy It? Vietnam’s ceramics are durable and beautifully decorated, often inspired by ancient dynasties.

Best Places to Buy:

✔ Bat Trang Pottery Village (Hanoi) – The best place for handmade ceramic bowls and vases.

✔ Ba Tre Ceramics (Ho Chi Minh City) – A great spot for modern ceramic art.

Pro Tip: If you’re flying, ask vendors to pack fragile ceramics carefully for travel.

1.5. Handmade Lanterns – Hoi An’s Iconic Souvenir

Why Buy It? Hoi An’s silk lanterns are a symbol of luck and prosperity, available in vibrant colors and patterns.

Best Places to Buy:

✔ Hoi An Night Market – The best selection of handmade lanterns.

✔ Nguyen Hoang Lantern Shop – Customizable silk lanterns.

Pro Tip: Foldable lanterns are easier to pack for travel.

2. Best Shopping Spots in Vietnam

Vietnam has amazing markets and shopping streets where you can find unique goods. Here are the top shopping destinations:

2.1. Ben Thanh Market – The Most Famous Market in Ho Chi Minh City

Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Why Shop Here? One of Vietnam’s oldest and largest markets, selling everything food to fashion.

✔ Best Things to Buy:

Vietnamese silk scarves & textiles
Local street food (Banh Mi, Pho, fresh fruit)
Coffee and dried tropical fruits
Pro Tip: Bargain aggressively—start at half the quoted price!

2.2. Dong Xuan Market – The Best Wholesale Market in Hanoi

Location: Old Quarter, Hanoi

Why Shop Here? A massive indoor market with cheap prices and bulk shopping options.

✔ Best Things to Buy:

Handmade lacquerware and ceramics
Traditional Ao Dai (Vietnamese dresses)
Dried seafood and spices
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning for fresh goods and the best deals.

2.3. Hoi An Night Market – The Most Beautiful Shopping Spot

Location: Hoi An Ancient Town

Why Shop Here? A picturesque night market with lantern-lit streets and local handicrafts.

✔ Best Things to Buy:

Handmade silk lanterns
Custom-tailored suits and dresses
Leather bags and shoes
Pro Tip: Many tailor shops offer custom-made clothing within 24 hours!

3. Bargaining Tips & How to Avoid Scams

Shopping in Vietnam’s markets involves bargaining—it’s part of the experience!

✔ How to Bargain Like a Pro:

Start at 50% of the given price, then slowly negotiate.
Act disinterested—if you walk away, vendors may lower the price.
Shop around before buying to compare prices.

Common Scams to Avoid:

Tourist Price” Trick – Vendors may inflate prices for foreigners.

Fake Silk & Lacquerware – Check for authenticity before buying.

Misleading Weight in Markets – Always watch vendors weigh goods before paying.

Pro Tip: Use Google Translate or a calculator to negotiate if you don’t speak Vietnamese.

Final Thoughts

Shopping in Vietnam is an adventure filled with beautiful souvenirs, vibrant markets, and exciting bargains. Whether you’re buying silk in Hanoi, coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, or lanterns in Hoi An, there’s something for every traveler.