Best shopping places in Vietnam for travelers 2023
Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of markets, malls, and boutiques to explore. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, or electronics, you can find them at affordable prices and high quality. In this blog, Prime Travel will introduce you to some of the best shopping places in Vietnam and also discover the best deals, the most unique products, and the most authentic experiences in Vietnam’s shopping places.
I. What to buy at shopping places in Vietnam ?
Vietnam is a great destination for shopping lovers. Whether you are looking for traditional handicrafts, local specialties, or modern fashion, you can find them all in Vietnam.
Here are some types of souvenirs that you can buy at different shopping places in Vietnam:
- Silk and embroidery: Vietnam is famous for its silk and embroidery products, which are handcrafted with exquisite designs and colors. You can buy silk scarves, dresses, shirts, ties, bags, and more at various shops and markets.
- Dried fruits and nuts: Processed from fresh fruits and nuts, which are abundant and varied in Vietnam. They are dried using low-temperature or natural methods to preserve the original taste and nutrients. Some of them are also coated with honey, sugar, or spices to enhance the flavor and texture like: mango, lychee, papaya, almond nuts, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds,…etc.
- Lacquerware: Lacquerware is a traditional art form in Vietnam, where wooden or bamboo objects are coated with layers of lacquer and decorated with inlaid materials, such as eggshells, mother-of-pearl, or gold leaf.
- Coffee: Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee, and you can taste and buy some of the best coffee varieties in the country. You can buy coffee beans, ground coffee, or instant coffee at many coffee shops and stores.
- Ceramics and pottery: Vietnam has a long and rich history of ceramics and pottery making, dating back to thousands of years ago. You can buy ceramics and pottery items, such as bowls, plates, cups, teapots, and more at various places, such as the Bat Trang Ceramic Village in Hanoi, or the “Bau Truc Pottery Village” in Ninh Thuan.
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II. Best places for shopping in Hanoi
1. Dong Xuan market
This is the largest and oldest market in Hanoi, dating back to the 19th century. It is located in the Old Quarter, and sells everything from clothes, accessories, electronics, to fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs.This shopping place is divided into four main sections: the east, the west, the south, and the center. Each section has its own specialties, such as silk, handicrafts, food, or household items. You can find some of the cheapest and most authentic items here.
- Opening hour: 6 am to 6 pm
- Location: Dong Xuan street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- What to buy: ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), non la (conical hat), lacquerware, embroidery, and coffee.
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2. Lotte Center
A modern and luxurious shopping mall, located in the west of Hanoi. It has a variety of international and local brands, such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo, Furla, Coach, Pandora, and Samsonite. The mall has six floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or entertainment. The mall also has a cinema, a supermarket, a food court, and a rooftop observation deck. You can find some of the latest and most fashionable items here, but be ready to pay a higher price.
- Opening hour: 9:00 am to 10 pm
- Location: 54 Lieu Giai Str, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- What to buy: Clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, and cosmetics.
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3. Big C Thang Long
This is a large and popular supermarket chain in Vietnam covering an area of over 18,000 square meters and located in the south of Hanoi. It has a wide range of products, from groceries, household items, cosmetics, to clothing, toys, and electronics. The supermarket has two floors, with the first floor selling food and beverages, and the second floor selling non-food items. You can find some of the best deals and discounts here, but be aware of the crowds and queues.
- Opening hour: 8 am to 10 pm
- Location: 222 Tran Duy Hung Str, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District,Hanoi
- What to buy: fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, snacks, drinks, detergents, shampoo, toothpaste, and tissues.
4. Vincom Ba Trieu
This is another modern and upscale shopping mall, located in the center of Hanoi,covering an area of over 40,000 square meters. . It has a mix of international and local brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, Dior, Versace, Lacoste, Levi’s, The Face Shop, and Biti’s.he mall has five floors, each with its own theme, such as luxury, fashion, beauty, or lifestyle. The mall also has a cinema, a gym, a spa, and a food court.
- Opening hour: 9:30 am to 10 pm
- Location: 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, watches, perfumes, and skincare products.
5. AEON Mall Long Bien
This is a Japanese-style shopping place, located in the east of Hanoi. It has a variety of Japanese and Vietnamese brands, such as Muji, Uniqlo, Miniso, Daiso, Owndays, Koi, Highlands Coffee, and Phuc Long. Covering an area of over 120,000 square meters. The mall has four floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, entertainment, culture, or dining. The mall also has a cinema, a game center, a bookstore, and a food court.
- Opening hour: 9 am to 10 pm
- Location: 27 Co Linh Str, Long Bien District
- What to buy: stationery, accessories, home decor, toys, glasses, and tea.
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III. Best shopping places in Da Nang
1. Han Market
This is the most famous and busiest market in Da Nang, dating back to the 1940s. It is located near the Han River, and sells everything from clothes, shoes, bags, to seafood, fruits, and souvenirs.The market is divided into two main sections: the east and the west. The east section sells food and beverages, and the west section sells non-food items.
- Opening hour: 6 am to 7 pm
- Location: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
- What to buy: silk, t-shirts, sandals, dried fish, lychee, and magnet.
2. Con Market
This is another large and popular shopping place in Da Nang, dating back to the 1980s. It is located near the city center, and sells everything from clothes, accessories, cosmetics, to food, drinks, and souvenirs.The market has three floors, with the first floor selling food and beverages, the second floor selling clothes and accessories, and the third floor selling cosmetics and souvenirs.
- Opening hour: 6 am to 8 pm
- Location: Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
- What to buy: jeans, dresses, hats, sunglasses, lipstick, and keychain.
3. Non Nuoc Fine Arts Village
This is a traditional and artistic village in Da Nang, dating back to the 18th century. It is located at the foot of the Marble Mountains, and specializes in stone carving.The village has hundreds of workshops and stalls, each with its own style and skill. You can find some of the most beautiful and exquisite sculptures, statues, and jewelry here.
- Opening hour: 7 am to 5 pm
- Location: Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
- What to buy: marble, granite, jade, agate, and pearl.
4. Lotte Mart Da Nang
This is a modern and convenient shopping place, located in the south of Da Nang. It has a variety of international and local brands, such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo, Furla, Coach, Pandora, and Samsonite.The mall has four floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or entertainment. The mall also has a cinema, a supermarket, a food court, and a playground.
- Opening hour: 8 am to 10 pm
- Location: 6 Nai Nam Street, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, and cosmetics.
5. Vinh Trung Plaza
This is another modern and lively shopping mall, located in the center of Da Nang. It has a mix of international and local brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, Dior, Versace, Lacoste, Levi’s,..etc. The mall has three floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, entertainment, or dining. The mall also has a cinema, a game center, a bookstore, and a food court.
- Opening hour: 9 am to 10 pm
- Location: 255-257 Hung Vuong Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, watches, perfumes, and skincare products.
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IV. Best shopping places at Ho Chi Minh city
1. Ben Thanh market
This is the most iconic and crowded shopping place in Ho Chi Minh City, dating back to the 17th century. It is located in the heart of the city, and sells everything from clothes, jewelry, watches, to food, coffee, and souvenirs.The market has four main gates, each facing a different direction. Each gate has its own specialties, such as north gate for clothing, south gate for food, east gate for jewelry, and west gate for handicrafts.
- Opening hour: 6 am to 12 am
- Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- What to buy: ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), non la (conical hat), lacquerware, embroidery, and coffee.
2. Vincom Centre
This is a modern and luxurious shopping place, located in the center of the city. It has a variety of international and local brands, such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo, Furla, Coach, Pandora, and Samsonite.The mall has two buildings, each with six floors. The first building is for fashion and beauty, and the second building is for lifestyle and entertainment. The mall also has a cinema, a supermarket, a food court, and a sky garden.
- Opening hour: 9:30 am to 10 pm
- Location:Vincom Centre A: 171 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City and Vincom Centre B: 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, and cosmetics.
3. Binh Tay market
This is the largest and oldest market in Ho Chi Minh City, dating back to the 1920s. It is located in the Chinatown area, and sells everything from clothes, fabrics, electronics, to herbs, spices, and souvenirs. The market has two floors, with the first floor selling food and beverages, and the second floor selling non-food items.
- Opening hour: 6 am to 6 pm
- Location: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
- What to buy: silk, brocade, lanterns, incense, and tea.
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4. Saigon square shopping mall
This is a modern and popular shopping mall, located near the city center. It has a variety of international and local brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, Dior, Versace, Lacoste, Levi’s, The Face Shop, and Biti’s.The mall has two floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, beauty, or lifestyle. The mall also has a food court and a spa.
- Opening hour: 9 am to 9 pm
- Location: 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, watches, perfumes, and skincare products.
5. Diamond Plaza
This is another modern and upscale shopping mall, located in the center of the city. It has a mix of international and local brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Armani, Dior,..etc.he mall has four floors, each with its own theme, such as fashion, entertainment, culture, or dining. The mall also has a cinema, a bowling alley, a bookstore, and a food court.
- Opening hour: 9:30 am to 10 pm
- Location: 34 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- What to buy: clothes, shoes, bags, watches, perfumes, and skincare products.
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V. Tips for shopping in Vietnam
- Make bargains: Bargaining is a common and expected practice in Vietnam, especially in markets and street stalls. You can try to negotiate the price down by 50% or more, depending on the item and the seller. However, be polite and respectful, and don’t be too aggressive or rude. Also, know when to walk away if you can’t reach a deal.
- Payment: Most places in Vietnam accept cash only, so make sure you have enough Vietnamese dong with you. You can exchange your foreign currency at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange shops. You can also use your credit card or debit card at some malls, supermarkets, or restaurants, but be aware of the fees and exchange rates. You can also use online payment platforms like PayPal, ZaloPay, or Momo, but only at some places that have a QR code scanner.
- Pickpocket: You should be careful and vigilant of your belongings, and avoid carrying too much cash or valuables with you, wear a backpack or a cross-body bag, and keep it close to your body. You should also avoid flashing your phone or camera, and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the police.
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With a variety of valuable and cute souvenirs for tourists to buy as gifts when coming to Vietnam, we hope that after reading the above post, you will have a detailed viewpoint of the shopping places and make a good decision when choosing some of the best shopping places in Vietnam.
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