Vietnam Historical Tour - 12 Days / 11 Nights
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.
1. Best Souvenirs to Buy in Vietnam
Vietnam is famous for its high-quality handicrafts, textiles, and specialty goods. Here are the top souvenirs to bring home:
1.1. Vietnamese Silk – A Luxurious Gift
Why Buy It? Vietnam produces some of the finest silk in Southeast Asia, often woven by traditional artisans.
Best Places to Buy:
✔ Van Phuc Silk Village (Hanoi) – The best place for authentic handmade silk.
✔ Hoi An Silk Village – Famous for custom silk dresses and scarves.
✔ Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) – A great spot for affordable silk fabrics.
Pro Tip: Always check the texture and weight—real silk is smooth and slightly reflective under light.
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.
Top Picks for Shoppers:
Best Night Market: Hoi An Night Market
Best Place for Bargains: Dong Xuan Market
Best Coffee Shopping: Trung Nguyen Coffee (Nationwide)
Ready to shop in Vietnam? Pack light and bring an extra bag for souvenirs!
Best Itinerary Services: 10-Day Culture & Shopping Tour in Vietnam
Day 1-2: Hanoi – Traditional Markets & Silk Street
⭐ Where? Hanoi, Northern Vietnam
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its French colonial charm and historic streets.
- Visit Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest traditional market, perfect for souvenirs and fabrics.
- Walk along Hang Gai Street (Silk Street) for Vietnamese silk, scarves, and áo dài (traditional dress).
- Try Egg Coffee at a hidden café and experience Hanoi’s vibrant coffee culture.
⭐ Best Shopping Experience: Buying handwoven silk scarves and embroidered áo dài.
Day 3: Bat Trang Ceramic Village & Van Phuc Silk Village
⭐ Where? Hanoi (Short day trips)
- Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village, famous for its handmade pottery and ceramics.
- Try a pottery-making workshop and create your own ceramic masterpiece.
- Explore Van Phuc Silk Village, known for its high-quality silk production for centuries.
⭐ Best Shopping Experience: Buying hand-painted teapots and delicate silk fabrics.
Day 4-5: Hoi An – Tailor-Made Fashion & Lantern Markets
⭐ Where? Hoi An, Central Vietnam
- Get a custom-made suit or dress at Hoi An’s world-famous tailor shops.
- Stroll through Hoi An Night Market, filled with handmade lanterns, leather goods, and souvenirs.
- Visit a lantern-making workshop and craft your own colorful lantern.
- Relax at An Bang Beach, with stylish beachfront boutiques selling handmade jewelry.
⭐ Best Shopping Experience: Getting a custom áo dài or silk dress tailored in 24 hours.
Day 6: Da Nang – Luxury Malls & Local Markets
⭐ Where? Da Nang, Central Vietnam
- Shop at Vincom Plaza Da Nang, home to Vietnamese designer brands & luxury stores.
- Visit Han Market, perfect for dry seafood, coffee, and handicrafts.
- Enjoy a sunset walk at My Khe Beach, stopping by boutique shops selling eco-friendly products.
⭐ Best Shopping Experience: Finding handmade pearl jewelry and authentic Da Nang specialties.
Day 7: Hue – Royal Treasures & Traditional Crafts
⭐ Where? Hue, Central Vietnam
- Explore the Imperial City, home to ancient temples and royal artifacts.
- Visit the Dong Ba Market, a local favorite for conical hats, silk, and Vietnamese snacks.
- Try Hue’s famous Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối) at a traditional café.
⭐ Best Shopping Experience: Buying handcrafted conical hats and royal-style embroidered art.
Recent post
Most viewed articles
Top 5 Best Shopping Destinations in Vietnam
- Hanoi Weekend Night Market – A Street Shopping Experience
- An Dong Market – The Best for Fashion & Textiles
- Hang Gai Street (Silk Street) – The Best for Vietnamese Silk
- Bac Ha Market – A Colorful Ethnic Market
- Saigon Square – Affordable Fashion & Accessories
⭐ Where? Hanoi
- A lively night market held every Friday to Sunday in the Old Quarter.
- Great for cheap clothing, accessories, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
- Features live performances and delicious Vietnamese street food.
⭐ Must-Buy: Handmade lanterns, ethnic jewelry, and Vietnamese snacks.
⭐ Where? Ho Chi Minh City
- A four-story market specializing in fabrics, clothing, and accessories.
- Perfect for buying silk, cotton, and tailor-made outfits.
- Also offers handicrafts, shoes, and lacquerware.
⭐ Must-Buy: Vietnamese silk fabric and custom-embroidered clothing.
⭐ Where? Hanoi
- Known as "Silk Street," famous for high-quality silk products.
- Home to boutique shops selling áo dài, scarves, and silk accessories.
- Great for custom tailoring and elegant Vietnamese fashion.
⭐ Must-Buy: Silk scarves, áo dài, and embroidered silk paintings.
⭐ Where? Lao Cai Province (Near Sapa)
- A traditional hill tribe market with handwoven textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Best place to see ethnic minorities in traditional clothing.
- A cultural experience and shopping in one.
⭐ Must-Buy: Handmade brocade bags, silver jewelry, and ethnic textiles.
⭐ Where? Ho Chi Minh City
- A popular indoor market selling affordable brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Perfect for bargain shopping and finding export-quality fashion.
- Great alternative to Ben Thanh Market for lower prices.
⭐ Must-Buy: Trendy clothing, leather bags, and sunglasses.
You will also like
There are 0 comments, reviews about Shopping in Vietnam – What to Buy and Where
AAdminAdmin
Welcome, honored guests. Please leave a comment, we will respond soon