Shopping at Vietnam

Vietnam is a bargain hunter's paradise and the streets are awash with little shops selling all manner of items. Hanoi's Old Quarter is particularly excellent for visitors, with shops selling clothes, gold, embroidered tablecloths and handbags. Markets are always great places to enjoy the local flavour and buy souvenirs. Silk goods are particularly prominent, however the quality can differ vastly. 

Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan market in Hanoi are worth a visit. Local specialities include lacquer painting, reed mats, embroidery, tailor-made ao dais (female national costume) and mother-of-pearl inlay on ornaments and furniture, not to mention the ubiquitous conical hat. Water puppets are also popular and great cheap souvenir.

The hill tribes of the Central Highlands and the north of the country now sell colourful woven bags and clothing, often from cooperatives of women workers. Good souvenirs are marble figurines and vases, ceramics from Bat Trang village, silk paintings and hand-painted greetings cards. VAT is included on most items sold, but at the moment there is no system for foreign visitors to be able to claim this back. Bargaining is expected in markets and many souvenir shops.

Shopping hours: Daily 0800-2100.