Vietnam offers a unique and diverse shopping experience, ranging from traditional markets to modern malls. As a local guide, I would recommend exploring both to get a full taste of the country’s shopping culture. Traditional markets such as Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi offer a lively atmosphere where you can find a variety of goods including fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. On the other hand, modern malls like Vincom Center or Takashimaya provide a more upscale shopping experience with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment. Regardless of your preference, shopping in Vietnam is an adventure that should not be missed.

Traditional Markets

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without a visit to a traditional market. These markets are a great place to find authentic Vietnamese goods, such as handicrafts, clothing, and food. They’re also a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Vietnam.

Some of the most popular traditional markets in Vietnam include:

• Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
• Cho Lon Market in Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi Old Quarter in Hanoi
• Bui Vien Market in Hoi An
• Nha Trang Night Market in Nha Trang

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a large, bustling market with over 1,000 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, food, and more. The market is open from 4am to 11pm daily.

• Souvenirs, clothing, electronics, food, and more
• A great place to experience the local culture and pick up some souvenirs
• Bargaining is a must!

Cho Lon Market in Ho Chi Minh City

Cho Lon Market is the largest wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a great place to find fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other groceries. The market is also home to a variety of shops selling clothing, electronics, and other goods. Cho Lon Market is open from 5am to 6pm daily.

• The largest wholesale market in Vietnam
• A great place to find fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other goods
• Open 24 hours a day, so you can shop at any time

Hanoi Old Quarter in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with shops, restaurants, and temples. The quarter is a great place to experience traditional Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• A maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes
• A great place to wander and get lost

Bui Vien Market in Hoi An

Bui Vien Market is a popular night market in Hoi An. It is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and street food. The market is open from 6pm to 11pm daily.

• A popular tourist destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife
• A great place to find souvenirs, clothing, and street food

Nha Trang Night Market in Nha Trang

Nha Trang Night Market is a popular night market in Nha Trang. It is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and street food.These are just a few of the many traditional markets in Vietnam. Each market has its own unique atmosphere and offerings, so be sure to explore them all!

• A great place to find fresh seafood, local handicrafts, and souvenirs
• Open until late at night, so you can shop and eat at your leisure.

Modern Malls

In recent years, Vietnam has seen a boom in the development of modern malls. These malls offer a wide variety of stores, from international brands to local boutiques. They’re also a great place to find air-conditioned relief from the heat of Vietnam’s tropical climate.

Some of the most popular modern malls in Vietnam include:

• Diamond Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
• Parkson Paragon in Ho Chi Minh City
• Royal City in Hanoi
• Times City in Hanoi
• Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon in Ho Chi Minh City

Diamond Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City

Diamond Plaza is a 66-storey, 262-meter-tall (860 ft) skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the tallest building in Vietnam and the 10th tallest building in Southeast Asia. The building houses a shopping mall, a hotel, and an office tower. The shopping mall has over 200 stores, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. The hotel has 500 rooms and suites, and the office tower has 120,000 square meters of office space.

Parkson Paragon in Ho Chi Minh City

Parkson Paragon is a 44-storey, 165-meter-tall (541 ft) skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the second tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City and the 11th tallest building in Southeast Asia. The building houses a shopping mall, a hotel, and an office tower. The shopping mall has over 300 stores, including luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Cartier. The hotel has 300 rooms and suites, and the office tower has 100,000 square meters of office space.

Royal City in Hanoi

Royal City is a 72-storey, 331-meter-tall (1,086 ft) skyscraper in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the tallest building in Hanoi and the 12th tallest building in Southeast Asia. The building houses a shopping mall, a hotel, and an office tower. The shopping mall has over 200 stores, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. The hotel has 500 rooms and suites, and the office tower has 120,000 square meters of office space.

Times City in Hanoi

Times City is a 63-storey, 265-meter-tall (870 ft) skyscraper in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the third tallest building in Hanoi and the 13th tallest building in Southeast Asia. The building houses a shopping mall, a hotel, and an apartment complex. The shopping mall has over 300 stores, including luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Cartier. The hotel has 300 rooms and suites, and the apartment complex has over 10,000 units.

Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon in Ho Chi Minh City

Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon is a 10-storey, 137-meter-tall (450 ft) shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the largest shopping mall in Vietnam and the 14th largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia. The mall has over 2,000 stores, including a supermarket, a department store, a cinema, and a food court. The mall also has a number of entertainment attractions, such as an ice rink, a bowling alley, and a karaoke room.

These are just a few of the many modern malls in Vietnam. These malls offer a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, and they are popular destinations for both locals and tourists.

Tips for Shopping in Vietnam

• Bargaining is expected in traditional markets. Don’t be afraid to haggle with the vendors to get the best price.
• Be aware of your surroundings when shopping in crowded markets. Pickpockets are common, so be sure to keep your valuables close to you.
• If you’re shopping for souvenirs, be sure to ask the vendor if the goods are authentic. There are many counterfeit goods sold in Vietnam, so it’s important to be careful.
• Don’t forget to haggle! The prices in Vietnam are often negotiable, so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price.
• Have fun! Shopping in Vietnam is a great way to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs to take home.

Can You Bargain in Vietnam?

As a foreigner, it’s natural to feel uncomfortable and inexperienced in bargaining. But in Vietnam, bargaining is a cultural norm and can even be seen as a way to establish a relationship with the seller. So, don’t be too worried! Just keep in mind that bargaining is usually not done in grocery stores, shopping centers, food courts, pawn shops, or small local groceries. Instead, it’s more common at local markets, night markets, and tourist-friendly shops that sell souvenirs.

To get a better deal, here are some bargaining tips you can use:

1. Don’t accept the first price offered by the seller. It’s common for the seller to start with a higher price, so try to negotiate.
2. Start with half of the price offered and then gradually work your way up to around 75% of the initial offer.
3. If you’re not happy with the price, you can always walk away and come back later. But try to avoid asking for the price and then leaving without bargaining, especially in the morning before 8 or 9 AM, as some Vietnamese merchants believe it’s bad luck.
4. Use sincere and humorous non-verbal communication to establish a friendly rapport with the seller. This can help you negotiate a better deal.
5. If possible, bring along a tour guide or Vietnamese local friends who can help you navigate the bargaining process and get a better deal.

Remember, bargaining is supposed to be fun and entertaining, so don’t stress too much about it. Good luck and happy shopping!