Shopping in Vietnam: what to expect
Vietnam is a genuinely good country for shopping, but it helps to go in with realistic expectations. The best finds are not always in the most obvious places, and not everything marketed at tourists is worth buying or even authentic. The shopping experience varies enormously depending on where you are and what you are looking for — from chaotic covered markets selling everything in bulk to quiet boutique streets where skilled artisans sell work they have spent weeks producing.
Prices are low by Western standards, but that does not mean everything is a bargain. Tourist-facing markets in particular tend to inflate prices significantly, and the assumption that you can always negotiate down to a fair price is not always correct. Knowing what something should cost before you start shopping saves both money and frustration.
The cities with the best overall shopping are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An. Hanoi has the strongest handicraft and silk tradition. Ho Chi Minh City has the best malls and the widest range of modern goods. Hoi An is the clear first choice for custom-tailored clothing and has the most organized and pleasant shopping environment in the country. Outside these three, most cities have at least one market worth visiting, but dedicated shopping is harder to plan for.
Best things to buy in Vietnam to bring home
Not everything cheap in Vietnam is worth buying, and not everything worth buying is cheap. The items below stand out because they offer genuine value — either in quality, price, or both — compared to what you would pay at home.
1. Vietnamese coffee
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and the quality is high while the price is low. A 500g bag of good ground coffee costs between 80,000 and 150,000 VND ($3–6), and even premium single-origin beans from the Central Highlands rarely exceed 300,000 VND ($12) per 500g. Brands like Trung Nguyen and Me Trang are widely available and reliable. For better quality, look for beans from Buon Ma Thuot or Dalat rather than generic blends. Do not forget to pick up a phin filter — the small metal drip brewer used to make Vietnamese coffee — for around 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1–2). It makes the coffee far more useful once you get home.
Vietnam also produces good quality tea, and it is significantly cheaper here than abroad. The most well-known growing regions are Thai Nguyen in the north, which produces a clean, mild green tea, and the high-altitude areas around Ha Giang and Moc Chau, where older tea trees produce more complex, earthy varieties. Lotus tea — green tea scented with lotus flowers — is a Hanoi specialty and makes an excellent gift. Prices start at around 50,000 VND ($2) for a basic pack and go up to several hundred thousand VND for premium hand-picked varieties. Local tea shops and market stalls in northern Vietnam are the best places to buy.
2. Clothing
Vietnam manufactures clothing for many of the world’s biggest fashion brands, and that has led to a common misconception: that branded clothing is cheaper here. It is not. International brands like Nike, Adidas, and Zara are not discounted in Vietnam — if you find them at a low price, they are counterfeit. The factories that produce for these brands do not sell directly to the public.
What is genuinely cheap is unbranded clothing. Markets and local shops across the country sell well-made cotton and linen basics — shirts, trousers, dresses, light jackets — at prices far below what you would pay at home. Quality varies, so it is worth checking stitching and fabric before buying. Expect to pay 100,000–300,000 VND ($4–12) for a decent basic item at a local market. Tailor-made clothing in Hoi An sits at the higher end of the price range but represents far better value than anything you would have made at home.
3. Silk and custom-tailored clothing
Vietnam produces quality silk, and the price difference compared to Europe or North America is significant. More importantly, Hoi An has a well-established tailoring industry where skilled tailors can make custom clothing — suits, dresses, shirts, ao dai — within one to three days at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere (Reading tip: best tailors in Hoi An). Prices vary widely depending on fabric and complexity, but a well-made linen suit typically starts around 2,500,000 VND ($100) and a custom dress from 800,000 VND ($32) upward. The key is allowing enough time for fittings. Ordering on your last day in Hoi An rarely ends well.
For silk scarves, fabric, and ready-made silk items, Hang Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the main destination in the north. Quality varies between shops, so it pays to visit a few before committing. Custom leather shoes and sandals are also available in Hoi An at reasonable prices — less well known than the tailoring offer but worth considering if you are already there for clothing.
More about: tailor made clothes in Vietnam
4. Lacquerware and ceramics
Vietnamese lacquerware is one of the few souvenirs that is genuinely handcrafted and difficult to find outside the country. Quality pieces involve multiple layers of lacquer applied over weeks, sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl or eggshell. Prices range from around 150,000 VND ($6) for small decorative items to several million VND for larger, high-quality pieces. Ceramics from Bat Trang village near Hanoi are another strong option — well-made, practical, and not expensive. The challenge with both is that low-quality factory imitations are common, so buying from reputable shops or craft villages directly tends to produce better results.
5. Spices, sauces and food products
Vietnamese spices, fish sauce, and dried foods travel well and are dramatically cheaper here than in Asian grocery stores abroad. Phu Quoc fish sauce is the most well-known export — a large bottle of good quality sauce costs around 80,000 to 150,000 VND ($3–6). Vietnamese pepper is another standout buy. Phu Quoc and the surrounding region produces pepper that is considered among the best in the world, and buying it here costs a fraction of what the same quality sells for in Western supermarkets. Black, red, and white varieties are all available, and a generously sized bag costs around 50,000–120,000 VND ($2–5).
Star anise, cinnamon, and dried chilies from northern markets are worth picking up if you cook Vietnamese food at home. Cashews from the south are another practical buy — vacuum-sealed bags are easy to transport and cost a fraction of supermarket prices in the West.
6. Jewelry and gemstones
Vietnam has a long tradition of silver jewelry, particularly among ethnic minority communities in the north. Hmong and Dao silver work — rings, bracelets, earrings, and decorative pieces — is genuinely handmade and priced reasonably when bought directly from makers at village markets. In cities, silver jewelry is widely available on streets like Hang Bac in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, though quality and purity vary between sellers.
Gold is sold everywhere in Vietnam and follows international spot prices closely, so do not expect a bargain on the metal itself. What can be good value is the craftsmanship — Vietnamese gold jewelry has a distinct style and the workmanship is generally high quality. Gold shops are easy to find in any city, and prices are transparent.
Pearls are worth considering if you are visiting Phu Quoc, which has an established pearl farming industry. Quality ranges from genuine cultured pearls to cheap imitations, so a basic check before buying is worthwhile. The simplest test: rub the pearl lightly against your teeth — genuine pearls feel slightly gritty, fakes feel smooth. A cultured pearl necklace from a reputable Phu Quoc shop starts at around 500,000–1,500,000 VND ($20–60) depending on size and grade.
Gemstones are popular but risky. Vietnam does produce genuine rubies and sapphires, but the market also has synthetic stones, glass, and heavily treated gems sold as natural. Unless you have real expertise, keep gemstone purchases modest in price and treat any expensive piece with skepticism. Stick to silver or pearl jewelry where the value is easier to assess.
7. Paintings and art
Vietnam has a strong tradition of fine art, and original paintings — oil, lacquer, and silk — are available at prices well below what comparable work would cost in Europe or the US. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both have gallery streets where you can find genuine original work starting from around 1,000,000 VND ($40). Propaganda posters are a popular and distinctive option — both original vintage prints and high-quality reproductions are available, with reproductions typically costing between 100,000 and 300,000 VND ($4–12). Be aware that what is sold as an original is not always one, so buying from established galleries rather than street stalls reduces the risk.
8. Souvenirs
Vietnam has no shortage of souvenir options, from hand-embroidered linens and woven baskets to lacquered chopstick sets and silk scarves. Quality and price vary enormously. The dedicated guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Vietnam covers the most worthwhile options in detail, including what to pay and where to find them.
What to buy in Vietnam for your trip
There is no need to arrive in Vietnam with a suitcase packed for every situation. Several practical items are cheaper here than at home, widely available, and easy to find within the first day of arrival. At the same time, some things are genuinely better brought from home — either because local options are limited, more expensive, or unreliable in quality.
Useful things to buy in Vietnam on arrival
The items below are all easy to find in any city or town, cost less than they would at home, and save you packing space.
- Rain poncho — Sudden downpours are common across Vietnam, especially in the north and central regions. A basic disposable poncho costs around 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–0.80) at any convenience store or market stall. A reusable one goes for around 50,000–80,000 VND ($2–3).
- Flip flops and sandals — Cheap, widely available, and practical for the heat. Expect to pay 50,000–150,000 VND ($2–6) for basic sandals at local markets.
- Light cotton or linen clothing — Vietnam is hot, and lightweight clothing is sold everywhere at low prices. Local markets stock basic cotton shirts and trousers from around 80,000–150,000 VND ($3–6).
- Reusable bag — Sold at every market for next to nothing. Useful for daily shopping and avoids dealing with plastic bags.
- Local SIM card — Far cheaper than roaming on a foreign plan. A SIM with a generous data package costs around 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–8) and is available at the airport on arrival or at any phone shop. (more on that: buying simcard in Vietnam)
- Travel adapter — Vietnam uses type A, B, and C outlets. Adapters are widely available at electronics shops and markets for around 30,000–80,000 VND ($1–3). No need to bring one from home.
- Motorbike helmet — If you plan to rent a motorbike, buying a helmet in Vietnam makes sense. A basic but certified helmet costs around 150,000–300,000 VND ($6–12). The helmets sometimes provided with rental bikes are often old and poorly fitted.
What to always bring from home
Some things are better packed before you leave. The following items are either harder to find, more expensive, or lower quality in Vietnam than what you are used to at home.
- Cosmetics — Most international cosmetic brands sold in Vietnam are imported, which means prices are higher than at home. There is also a genuine risk of counterfeit products, particularly for skincare and makeup sold in markets or small shops. Bring what you need.
- Sunscreen — Options are limited outside of major cities, and what is available is often expensive for the factor and quantity you need in a tropical climate. This is covered in more detail in: sunscreen in Vietnam.
- Medication — Basic medication is available in Vietnam, but specific prescriptions and branded products may not be. Bring a sufficient supply of anything you take regularly. Read more about: bringing medication to Vietnam.
- Specialty electronics accessories — Charging cables, specific adapters, and branded accessories for electronics are available in Vietnam but quality is inconsistent. If you rely on a specific cable or accessory, bring a spare.
Bargaining in Vietnam
Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in Vietnam — but only in certain situations. Knowing when it is expected, when it is pointless, and when it is simply inappropriate saves time and avoids awkward exchanges.
Where bargaining is expected
Bargaining is standard practice at street markets, souvenir stalls, tourist markets, and with independent vendors selling clothing, handicrafts, or goods without marked prices. If there is no price tag and the seller names a number when you ask, that number is almost always a starting point. Night markets, covered local markets, and roadside vendors generally all fall into this category.
As a rule, the more tourist-facing the location, the more inflated the opening price tends to be — and the more room there is to negotiate.
Where bargaining is not appropriate
Fixed-price shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, shopping malls, and most restaurants do not negotiate on price. Attempting to bargain in these settings will not work and can come across as disrespectful. Many mid-range and higher-end boutiques — including most reputable tailor shops in Hoi An — also operate on fixed or near-fixed prices. A polite ask never hurts, but do not expect movement.
Grab and other app-based transport is priced automatically and cannot be negotiated. Traditional xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers do negotiate, and agreeing on a price before you get on is always a good idea.
How to bargain effectively
The most important rule is to only start bargaining if you genuinely intend to buy at a fair price. Walking away after agreeing on a number is considered rude, and rightfully so.
A few practical points: starting at roughly half the asking price is a reasonable opening in most tourist market situations, but the right counter-offer depends on the item and location. Staying calm and friendly throughout gets better results than being aggressive. Buying multiple items from the same seller is one of the most reliable ways to get a meaningful discount without a drawn-out negotiation. And comparing prices at two or three stalls before committing gives you a realistic sense of what something actually costs.
For a more detailed breakdown of how to negotiate in different situations across Vietnam, the guide to bargaining in Vietnam covers this in full.
What to watch out for when shopping in Vietnam
Counterfeit goods
Counterfeit products are common in Vietnam, particularly in tourist-facing markets and street stalls. The most frequently faked items are branded clothing and shoes, silk, cosmetics, alcohol, and medication. In tourist markets, a “North Face” jacket or “Nike” shirt is almost certainly not genuine — and in most cases, everyone involved knows it. That is fine if you are buying it as a cheap functional item and the price reflects that. The problem arises when counterfeit goods are sold at near-authentic prices, or when the product itself carries a health risk.
Counterfeit cosmetics and skincare are the category to be most careful about. Fake versions of popular brands — particularly Korean and Western skincare — are widely sold in markets and small shops, and some contain harmful ingredients. Buying cosmetics from reputable pharmacies or official brand stores eliminates this risk, which is one more reason to bring what you need from home.
For silk, the basic test is to pull a few threads and burn them. Genuine silk burns slowly, smells like burning hair, and leaves a crushable ash. Synthetic fabric burns faster, smells chemical, and leaves a hard bead. Most “silk” scarves sold at tourist markets for 50,000–100,000 VND are not silk.
Counterfeit alcohol — including locally branded rice wine and fake imported spirits — exists and carries genuine health risks. Stick to sealed, commercially produced bottles from supermarkets or reputable shops, and be cautious with very cheap spirits from market stalls.
Electronics and appliances
Vietnam is not the bargain electronics destination some travelers expect it to be. Phones, laptops, and tablets are generally not cheaper than in Europe, the US, or Australia — and in many cases cost more, partly due to import taxes. More importantly, buying electronics in Vietnam means dealing with a local warranty that is difficult or impossible to use once you leave the country.
Voltage in Vietnam is 220V at 50Hz, the same as Europe and Australia, which means appliances from North America (110V) will not work without a converter. This is worth checking before buying any electrical item locally.
What is genuinely cheap and worth buying electronically: USB cables, phone cases, basic earphones, travel adapters, and small accessories. These are widely available at low prices in phone shops and markets, and the risk of a bad purchase is low.
Overpriced tourist traps
The price gap between tourist-facing markets and local shops for the same item can be significant — sometimes three to five times higher. Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and the souvenir stalls around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi are well-known examples of locations where opening prices are set with tourists in mind. This does not mean avoiding them entirely, but going in knowing the rough price of what you want makes a real difference.
A common situation to watch for: a vendor approaches you on the street or near a tourist site, starts a friendly conversation, and steers you toward a nearby shop. The prices in that shop are almost always inflated, and the vendor receives a commission. This happens most frequently in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and around major temples and markets.
Jewelry and gemstones
Jewelry is one of the easier categories to overpay or get misled on in Vietnam. Fake gemstones — including synthetic rubies, sapphires, and treated stones sold as natural — are common, and once you have left the shop there is no recourse. Pearls sold outside of reputable Phu Quoc shops are frequently imitations. Gold follows international spot prices, so any seller offering it at a significant discount should be treated with suspicion. Keeping purchases modest in value unless you genuinely know what you are looking at is the safest approach. The section on jewelry and gemstones earlier in this guide covers what to check before buying.
Customs and what you cannot bring home
A few categories of goods that are easy to buy in Vietnam can cause problems at customs on the way home. Items made from protected species — certain shells, coral, products using animal parts — are regulated under international wildlife trade laws and can be confiscated, or worse. When in doubt about an item made from natural materials, ask the seller directly and be skeptical of vague answers.
Most countries have limits on how much alcohol and tobacco you can bring back duty-free. Vietnam’s airports also have restrictions on exporting antiques, and anything presented as a genuine antique should come with documentation. In practice, most items sold as antiques in tourist markets are reproductions — which from a customs perspective is actually the less complicated outcome.
Where to go shopping in Vietnam
Local and covered markets
Local markets are where Vietnamese people actually shop, and they are the best place to buy food products, spices, fresh produce, and everyday goods at honest prices. They are not set up for tourists, which means less hassle, lower prices, and a more authentic experience — but also less English spoken and fewer concessions to browsing. Covered central markets in larger cities, like Dong Ba Market in Hue or Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon district, sit somewhere between a local market and a tourist market, with a wide range of goods under one roof.
Night markets
Night markets are found in most tourist destinations across Vietnam and are primarily aimed at visitors. Dalat’s night market, the walking street markets in Hoi An, and the various night markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the most well-known. They are convenient and atmospheric, but prices are tourist-facing and the range of goods is similar from city to city — clothing, souvenirs, snacks, and accessories. Worth visiting for the experience, but not the place to find the best prices or the most unique items.
Souvenir and tourist markets
The most famous examples are Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and the market stalls around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. These markets are convenient for picking up souvenirs in one place, but prices start high and the quality of goods varies widely. Bargaining is expected and necessary. They are worth a visit, but experienced shoppers tend to find better value elsewhere.
Malls and shopping centers
Vietnam’s major cities have modern, air-conditioned malls with international brands, local designers, and fixed prices. Vincom is the most widespread chain, with large branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Aeon Mall, a Japanese chain, has several locations around Ho Chi Minh City and offers a wide range of goods at reliable quality and transparent pricing. Malls are the right choice when you want certainty — about price, quality, and authenticity — and are particularly useful for electronics, cosmetics, and clothing from known brands.
Specialty streets and boutique shops
Some of the best shopping in Vietnam happens on specific streets known for a particular product. Hang Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the main destination for silk, embroidered goods, and custom clothing in the north. Hoi An’s Old Town has the highest concentration of quality tailor shops, art galleries, and handicraft boutiques in the country, and the compact layout makes it easy to compare and browse. Ho Chi Minh City’s Dong Khoi Street and the surrounding area in District 1 has a mix of local designer boutiques, lacquerware shops, and art galleries at the higher end of the market.
Craft villages on the outskirts of Hanoi — including Bat Trang for ceramics and Van Phuc for silk — are worth the short trip if you want to buy directly from producers, see how things are made, and generally pay less than you would in the city center.
Ethnic minority crafts and village markets
The ethnic minority regions of northern Vietnam — particularly around Sapa, Bac Ha, and Ha Giang — offer some of the most distinctive and genuinely handmade goods in the country. Embroidered textiles, hand-woven fabric, silver jewelry, and indigo-dyed clothing are made by communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay using techniques passed down through generations. These are not mass-produced items, and they are not available in city markets in the same form.
Buying directly at a village or at a weekly ethnic minority market is the best approach — both for authenticity and because the money goes directly to the maker. Bac Ha Market in Lao Cai province on Sundays and the weekly markets around Ha Giang are among the most authentic in the country, drawing local minority communities rather than being staged for tourism. Prices are generally low and bargaining is normal, though aggressive haggling over handmade goods that took days to produce is worth reconsidering.
The range of what is available depends heavily on which communities live in the area you are visiting. In Ha Giang, Hmong embroidered bags, hand-woven hemp fabric, and silver accessories are the most common finds. In the Sapa area, Dao and Hmong women sell embroidered patches, pouches, and clothing at markets and along trekking routes. Quality varies — some items are genuinely handmade, others are machine-produced imitations brought in from China — so taking a moment to look closely at the stitching and fabric before buying is worthwhile.
