Shopping in Vietnam: Best Markets, Malls and Souvenirs to Buy
From colourful street markets to elegant boutiques, shopping in Vietnam is a cultural experience as much as a pastime. Wander through lantern-lit alleys filled with the aroma of local food, or explore shopping centres where traditional crafts meet modern design. Whether you are after hand-made souvenirs, tailored clothing or contemporary fashion, every region of Vietnam has something unique to offer.
Australian visitors will find excellent value here, with quality goods and local crafts often available at surprisingly low prices. But shopping in Vietnam is not just about finding bargains, it is about connection, creativity and discovery.
Shopping in Hanoi (Northern Vietnam): Best Markets, Silk and Souvenirs
Hanoi is where traditional craftsmanship meets modern style. The city is famous for fine silk scarves, elegant ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses), and lacquerware- decorative bowls and vases made from resin and polished to a glossy finish. You can also find hand-carved wooden puppets inspired by Hanoi's famous Water Puppet Theatre, a traditional Vietnamese performance art where wooden puppets dance on water to live music and storytelling.
Key Locations:
Dong Xuan Market: 15 Cau Dong Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The city's largest indoor market, selling everything from clothing and electronics to souvenirs and street food.
Old Quarter Night Market: Runs Friday to Sunday evenings along Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Duong Streets, ending near Dong Xuan Market. A lively night-time experience with street food, T-shirts, handicrafts and local music.
Hang Gai Street ("Silk Street"): Known for silk, scarves and tailor-made ao dai.
Boutiques around Hoan Kiem Lake: Ideal for Vietnamese lacquerware, embroidered art and hand-crafted water puppets.
Shopping in Da Nang (Central Vietnam): Top Markets, Malls and Souvenirs
Da Nang offers the perfect mix of coastal charm and city convenience. Local markets are filled with regional specialties like coffee, dried seafood and handmade crafts. Nearby Marble Mountains, a group of marble and limestone hills dotted with temples and caves, are renowned for intricate stone carvings. Many nearby workshops sell beautiful marble ornaments and jewellery.
Key Locations:
Han Market: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Da Nang.
A traditional market for souvenirs, dried foods, coffee and local snacks.
Con Market: 318 Ong Ich Khiem Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
A favourite among locals, offering food stalls, produce and low-priced clothing.
Vincom Plaza Da Nang: 910A Ngo Quyen Street, Son Tra District.
A modern mall with fashion, cosmetics, home goods and entertainment.
Shopping in Hoi An (Central Vietnam): Tailor-Made Clothing, Lanterns and Markets
Hoi An is world-famous for its tailoring and creative craftsmanship. Here you can have a custom suit, dress or pair of shoes made in just a few days. The colourful paper lanterns that line Hoi An's streets are another local specialty, along with hand-stitched leather goods and aromatic spices.
Key Locations:
Hoi An Central Market: 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An.
A vibrant market filled with lanterns, spices and handcrafted items.
Hoi An Night Market: Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi Island.
Famous for handmade lanterns, jewellery and souvenirs.
Tailor Shops: Scattered throughout Hoi An's Old Town; most can complete custom garments within one to three days.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam): Best Markets, Streets and Malls
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's shopping hub, offering everything from traditional markets filled with spices and textiles to sleek malls with international brands. Lacquerware is particularly popular here, ranging from classic patterns to modern minimalist designs.
Key Locations:
Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
The city's most iconic market, known for souvenirs, clothing and local street food. Bargaining is expected.
Binh Tay Market: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6 (Cholon, Chinatown).
A busy, authentic market offering spices, teas, dried fruits and home goods.
Dong Khoi Street: District 1.
A stylish shopping avenue lined with art galleries, fashion boutiques and designer stores.
Nguyen Trai Street: District 5.
It is packed with local fashion outlets and trendy high-end stores.
Saigon Centre (Takashimaya): 65 Le Loi Street, District 1.
A modern complex with international fashion, restaurants and cafés.
AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon: 30 Bo Bao Tan Thang Street, Son Ky Ward, Tan Phu District.
A popular local shopping mall offering variety and value.
Bargaining in Vietnam
Bargaining is part of daily life in Vietnam's traditional markets, and it's meant to be friendly and fun. Always smile and start by offering around half the asking price, then work toward a fair middle ground. The key is to stay polite and relaxed, it's about connection as much as cost.
You can bargain at street markets, small souvenir stalls and independent shops. However, fixed prices apply in malls, supermarkets and larger retail stores, where prices are clearly marked. If you can't agree on a price, simply thank the seller and walk away, they may even call you back with a new offer.
Before you go Shopping
Market locations and opening hours in Vietnam can occasionally change due to local events, renovations or seasonal schedules. To make sure you have the latest details, it's best to confirm with your hotel, a local tourism office or a trusted map app before heading out to shop.
Stories in Every Stall
Whether you are browsing silk stalls in Hanoi, commissioning a tailor in Hoi An or sampling snacks in Saigon's bustling markets, shopping in Vietnam is an adventure for the senses. Every lane, shopfront and stall has a story to tell, and each purchase becomes a lasting reminder of Vietnam's vibrant, creative spirit.