Shops in Vietnam
Markets have not changed in Vietnam for centuries
Compared with nearby countries like Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam is comparatively new as a tourist destination and as such its infrastructure and facilities for tourists are not as developed. However, it is catching up fast, and many first-time visitors must be pleasantly surprised at the fantastic range of items on sale that make ideal souvenirs.
Besides the variety of products on sale, another bonus for visitors is the variety of locations in which to go shopping. Vietnamese markets are well-organized, bustling centres of commerce that offer a new experience for Western visitors, with vendors just as interested in getting to know their customers as in making a sale.
Shops and boutiques may be stacked with cheap trinkets where everything costs less than a couple of dollars, or they may display a few exclusive garments or artwork of which the prices will make you gasp. Shopping malls are likely to make you think of home, though some of the products on sale will remind you where you are.
The big cities of Saigon and Hanoi are starting to embrace mall culture, and young well-to-do Vietnamese consumers like to hang around in air conditioned sterility and enjoy browsing shops before playing computer games or trips to the movies. These may not be what you traditionally associate with Vietnam shopping, but it is quickly becoming the norm for the burgeoning middle classes.
Shopping A-Z of Vietnam
Accessories: It may come as some surprise, but Vietnam is a very fashion-conscious country, especially in the big cities where the well-to-do like to flaunt their comparative wealth in the form of flashy clothes, jewellery and gadgets such as smart phones. To cater for such demand, many big-city stores sell nothing but accessories, so if you need an accessory upgrade, keep your eyes open for that special something.
Art and antiques: Most Vietnamese have an artistic leaning, so it is easy to find works of art, whether they be paintings, sculptures or sketches that make memorable souvenirs. If you’re looking for something inexpensive, consider the reproductions of famous paintings that display wonderful talent and could pass as the real thing.
Beware of buying antiques unless you are an experienced dealer, as most Vietnamese ‘antiques’ are in fact also convincing reproductions. These are still great pieces to decorate you home, just do not take out a second mortgage to obtain them.
Books: Considering the huge variety of products on sale in Vietnam, it’s disappointing that it’s still difficult to find a good selection of English-language books, even in Saigon or Hanoi. You’ll see vendors (often kids) hawking photocopies of guide books and best-sellers in travellers cafes, but the best advice, if you want some good reading material throughout your stay, is to bring books from home.
Clothing: Prices for all types of clothing, whether it be for everyday wear or for a special occasion, are so much cheaper than Vietnam than in Western countries that it pays to stock up here; that is, if you can find your size. If you can’t, it may be worth having some things tailor-made, since you won’t have to wait more than a day or two, and should still be great value.
Electronics: Though Vietnam is still playing catch-up with other countries in terms of its general development, there’s no problem with electrical goods. Since Asia is where many new electronic gadgets are made, you may find that things like digital cameras and mobile phones are even cheaper than back home. Certainly you’ll have no problem if you need to buy some extra memory for your camera or a SIM card for your phone.
Gems and jewellery: Buying gems or jewellery in Vietnam can be a worrying experience, especially if you are not an expert in identifying quality goods, as there are so many tricksters around who are eager to separate tourists from their money. Nevertheless, if you buy from a reputable source such as a major shopping mall, you may find a necklace or set of earrings with a distinctly Vietnamese design that makes an ideal gift.
Camera memory cards are easy to find
Handicrafts: There’s a good range of Vietnamese handicrafts to choose from, including conical hats, laquerware trays, embroidered purses, wood carvings, woven masks, hilltribe dolls and musical instruments. You’ll see the entire range on sale in any tourist centre, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Luggage: If, as often happens, you buy so many souvenirs that you can’t squeeze them all into your suitcase, don’t worry. Just go out and buy a new suitcase. There’s a good range of luggage on sale, including backpacks, shoulder bags and trunks. Check the workmanship carefully, as some items are not as sturdy as they seem, but with a thorough examination it should be possible to find just what you need at a price that pleases you.
Silk: There’s something irresistibly exotic about silk for Westerners, and armed with this knowledge, Vietnamese vendors offer it in every form imaginable. Besides the obvious suits, ties, dresses and bags, you’ll find silk scarves, cushion covers, bedspreads and napkins that make light, practical and colourful gifts for family and friends back home.
War souvenirs: It’s perhaps inevitable that visitors in a country so strongly associated with war should look for war souvenirs to take home. Yet the reality is that the American War finished over 30 years ago and any significant memorabilia is now in museums or private collections. Still, that doesn’t stop vendors selling old-looking Zippo lighters, rifle cartridges and dog tags that look like they may have a history to gullible visitors who don’t see them as fake. Don’t be fooled – avoid such purchases.
