Shopping in Vietnam is heaven especially if you are a shopaholic. From night markets to floating markets that sell all kinds of unique local products and food that are not available anywhere else, Vietnam will definitely scratch your shopping and bargaining itch.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to shop in Vietnam.
A visit or tour of Hoi An is incomplete without visiting Hoi An Central Market. Located on the banks of Thu Bon River, this market has long been famous for its herbs, spices, exotic fruits and vegetables, and fresh fish. But out of all the items that are sold in Hoi An Central Market the most famous has to be its fine silk.
The market also has an entire section dedicated to silk tailors who sit in their shops making silk clothing for customers and the best part is that you can buy fine silk material or even a full silk clothing set for cheap.
Location: 73 Phan Boi, Hoi An
Timings: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re looking to buy fresh flowers or a great place for a photo op, Quang Ba Flower Market should be at the top of your list. It is one of the biggest flower markets in all of Hanoi and is a sight for sore eyes.
Walk into the market and you’ll be transported into a different world because of the colorful and fragrant flower displays. Locals and tourists flock to this market to buy flowers for cheap and take photos among the colorful display of different flowers.
Location: Au Co Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Timings: Daily, 2 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter come alive with the sound of hawkers selling and people buying. The market has a laid-back vibe with music constantly playing, unlike other markets in Vietnam.
Stalls sell all kinds of items like handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and even hiking equipment. One thing you should definitely try out here is the food from one of the many food stalls scattered around the market. In addition to the shopping and eating, the market also holds cultural and musical events.
Location: 8 Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Timings: Friday to Sunday, 8 p.m. onwards
Read about what other things you can do in Hanoi with this guide.
Ben Thanh Market is undoubtedly one of the best places to go shopping in Vietnam. The market has been a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City since its inception. With over 3000 vendors and stalls, the market is a treasure trove of souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing. It is also one of the few places where you can get authentic Vietnamese coffee beans for cheap.
When the sun sets, the market turns into a food festival. Food stalls start opening up around the market selling Vietnamese street food making the market even more livelier.
Location: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Timings: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dam Market is one of the busiest markets and major tourist attractions in Nha Trang. The market’s 3 story building with its unique architecture which resembles a lotus flower has long been a symbol of Nha Trang city.
Inside the densely packed stalls, you’ll find all kinds of items to fill up your shopping list from fresh local produce to seafood both dried and fresh as well as handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home.
Location: Ben Cho Street, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang
Timings: Daily, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Find the perfect accommodation in Nha Trang here.
One of the largest floating markets in Vietnam, Cai Rang Floating Market promises a unique shopping experience for anyone who visits it. The lively and bustling market with its floating stalls makes for great shopping as well as photo-op moments. Unlike other floating markets, the vendors here do not show out the wares that they are selling. Instead, they have a long stick on the back of their boats with a few samples of the items they sell.
You can buy local products like coconut candy, fresh and dried seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as try out various street foods. To reach the market you’ll need to either rent a car ( more cost-friendly) or fly to Can Tho.
Location: 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
When shopping in Vietnam remember to keep these tips in mind.
Tip 1: Be prepared to bargain for what you want to buy. You can bargain up to 20-30% sometimes even 50% off the original asking price.
Tip 2: Be polite when asking for the price of an item. Don’t be rude to the vendors. Remember that this is their livelihood.
Tip 3: Always keep a careful watch on your belongings, especially your phone and wallet. Marketplaces are densely packed making it a prime hunting ground for pickpockets and petty thieves.
Tip 4: Bring cash with you, preferably in Vietnamese Dong even though US dollars can be accepted by some vendors. Most marketplaces in Vietnam do not accept cards.
