Vietnam offers so much more than people think. Are you visiting Vietnam? Looking for what to buy? Then you are in the right place. In this blog, we are going to talk about what you can buy in Vietnam and where. Additionally, the country is known as a shopping paradise for travellers worldwide. And guess what? You don’t just buy things, you discover culture, connect with people, and bring home a piece of Vietnam’s soul. From handmade crafts and silk scarves to coffee beans and much more. Be ready for an amazing Vietnam shopping guide.
Vietnam Shopping Guide for First-Time Visitors
In this Vietnam shopping guide, you are going to know that the country is not only known for its natural landscape, vibrant culture, and delicious dishes. This place is heaven for people who love shopping, where you will get full value for your money. So, are you ready to explore? Let’s turn your shopping trip into a joyful adventure. Here are some of the best things to buy in Vietnam.
Vietnam Handicrafts
Handicrafts are the top things you can buy in Vietnam. The country is known for its craft village, which offers different types of handicrafts. From the eco-friendly bowls and baskets to silk products, you can buy anything. So, let’s see what the top handicrafts you can buy in Vietnam are.
- Lacquerware: You can find bowls, trays, vases, and jewellery boxes in souvenir shops.
- Silk Products: Vietnam offer the best silk products in the world, which are perfect for scarves, shirts, dresses and accessories.
- Bamboo and rattan products: You can buy handmade bamboo baskets, lamps, home decor and Vietnamese chopsticks.
- Pottery: Vietnamese ceramics come in blue patterns, rustic earth tones, or modern styles.
- Puppet and Masks: This unique art form features intricately crafted puppets that dance and perform on water. Additionally, the performances are often accompanied by traditional music and storytelling, bringing Vietnamese folklore to life right before your eyes.
- Embroidery: You can buy beautiful tablecloths, napkins, garments and artworks.
From Where Can You Buy
Vietnam offers a diverse range of handicraft shopping experiences, from bustling urban markets and curated boutiques to dedicated craft villages. So, let’s see where you can buy handicrafts in Vietnam. Additionally, if you are looking for the best International tour packages, you can book a Vietnam tour package.
- Hanoi: The best destination for traditional art, antiques, and silk.
- Hoi An: Famous for lanterns, leather goods, and world-class custom tailoring.
- Traditional Craft Village: Bat Trang (Near Hanoi) | Van Phuc (Near Hanoi) | Thanh Ha (Near Hoi An) | Kim Bong (Near Hoi An)
Expert Tips for Handicrafts Shopping
- The Weight Test: Real lacquerware is surprisingly heavy because of the solid wood or bamboo base.
- The “Burn Test”: If you can pull a loose thread, burn it. Real silk smells like burnt hair and turns to ash; synthetic silk melts and smells like plastic.
- Fragile Packing: Vietnamese artisans are masters at packing. For ceramics, they often use a “box within a box” method with husks or shredded paper.
Vietnamese Food and Drinks
Do you know that Vietnam is the world’s second-largest producer of coffee beans? You will come across a wide variety of brews that will take you into a new world altogether. Additionally, there are other souvenirs which are famous in Vietnam that you can buy. So, let’s see what souvenir shopping in Vietnam you can do.
- Coffee: You can buy good stuff like Trung Nguyen, G7 or ca phe chon. The prices of coffee depend on the quality of coffee. However, the price range starts from 150,000 VND to 500,000 VND.
- Nước Chấm: It is a sauce that is used in many Vietnamese dishes. Additionally, it is known for its bold umami flavour, this high quality fish sauce. The price range you are going to see for the sauce is 50,000 VND to 300,000 VND.
- Snake Wine: By the name, we know you are thinking what is this. But it is a traditional Vietnamese rice wine. Whole snakes are steeped in rice wine for months, allowing the flavours to blend into a bold, distinctive spirit. It can be the best thing to buy in Vietnam because of its uniqueness. Additionally, the price of the wine can be from 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND.
- Dried Fruits: Shopping in Vietnam is so easy because you can buy items at street shops. You can buy local favourites, which are nutrient-rich and naturally satisfying.
- Spices: Vietnam’s diverse climate produces exceptional spices. But the question is, how can you go there? You can book your Vietnam tour package with Travel Saga at a reasonable price. You can buy spices like star anise, cinnamon, black cardamom, and five-spice powder.
From Where Can You Buy
Whether you’re wandering through a bustling market in Hanoi, browsing local art in Ha Long, or sipping coffee in a quiet village in Da Lat, you’ll find something truly special.
- Hanoi: You can visit the Dong Xuan market or the Hanoi Old Quarter
- Ho Chi Minh: You can visit Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Square
- Hoi An: Hoi An Night Market or Ancient Town
- Sapa: Sapa Market or Bac Ha Sunday market
Expert Tips for Souvenirs Shopping
- The 50% Rule: Start by offering roughly half the initial asking price. Aim to settle around 65–75% of the original quote.
- The “Walk Away” Strategy: If you can’t reach a deal, politely thank them and start to walk away. This often triggers a final, lower “last price” offer.
- Early Morning Etiquette: Steer clear of aggressive haggling with the first shopkeeper of the day, as many vendors think a lost initial sale will bring bad fortune for the remainder of their day.
Electronics and Gadgets
In this Vietnam shopping guide, you are going to know the best things to buy in Vietnam. Additionally, in Vietnam, you will find everything from the latest smartphones to quirky accessories. You can buy the latest smartphones and cameras for yourself.
From Where Can You Buy
In Vietnam, the most reliable places to buy electronic items are major retail chains and modern shopping malls. So, let’s see the famous malls where you can buy electronic items.
- Vincom Centre Dong Khoi: Located in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, these malls house electronics stores like VinPro and official brand outlets.
- Saigon Centre: Features premium electronics and high-end tech accessories.
- Nhat Tao Electronics Market: A bustling area in District 10 known for retail and wholesale of cables, speakers, adapters, and electronic components.
Expert Tips for Electronics Shopping
- Warranty Awareness: Be careful, as certain warranties in Vietnam may not be recognised abroad or might only be enforceable at the original store where the product was purchased.
- Price Comparison: In Vietnam, certain electronics such as MacBooks and iPhones can be more affordable compared to neighbouring countries like India.
- VAT Refunds: Tourists may be eligible for an 8% VAT refund at large retailers when spending over 2 million VND, so make sure to obtain the correct tax refund paperwork.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this Vietnam shopping guide will help you to make your Vietnam journey memorable. Additionally, in this blog, you will get to know what the best things to buy in Vietnam are. You can book your tour package with travelsaga.com hassle-free and comfortably. So, make your shopping in Vietnam enjoyable with your family, friends and partner.
