“A man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn’t fit, you can’t exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater. And a store always smells good. A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags…” ― Sophie Kinsella, Confessions of a Shopaholic
These lines have haunted (at least) me and (I know for sure) a number of people out there, regardless of our gender, nationality or belief, for the rest of our life. And if you are one among million people who considers shopping mall smell is the pure oxygen, and the sound of card swiping action is the chant, you MUST be here, Vietnam- the real shopping heaven for shopping angels like us.
After spending your vacation traversing the land of Vietnam, enjoying its pristine beaches, serene villages and bustling cities, everyone who travels loves to buy gifts for their family and friends. Vietnam has a wide range of choices for souvenirs, including the decorative and the food ones. These kinds of souvernirs have their own charms that are really worth purchasing.
Check out 11 things to buy in Vietnam, followed by the useful information. Please, read on!
Outfits and accessories shopping
Vietnamese style is something that is really notable for all fashion “victims”. The elegance, the magnificence, the detail perfection in their traditional and handmade fashion items can attract everybody around the world.
Some suggested fashion items should be in your shopping checklist.
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| Photo by Daderot |
Traditional “Ao Dai”
The Vietnamese national costume for women and men, consists of a long tight-fitted dress that’s worn over slacks with contrasting colors, is definitely one thing that you should get in this charming land.
This special outfit can be found easily in tourist-friendly markets and fashion boutiques, at ready-made forms or you could require the service of a local tailor to get your costume fitted according to your body type.
Hoi An is renowned its professional tailoring services, where you can choose from an extensive collection of fabric and have your very own custom-made ao dai for about $35 to $100.
In Vietnam today, many young designers have created the “modern Ao dai” lines, with pretty styles and a slightly lower price, for the young market segment.
Silk
Guys and girls, if you have ever walked into a silk shop in Vietnam, the one thing we could say is YOU BETTA GRAB THEM, and grab them quick, and as much as you can, or you will die in hell of regrets!
Silk in Vietnam is made from the cocoons of silkworms using manual looms, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors, and the quality reaches the extreme level. You can find plenty of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops selling shirts, ties, accessories, and dresses at relatively affordable prices. Silk up, for your own good!
Vietnamese Embroidery
If you have an opportunity to visit Sapa and the northern highlands of Vietnam, you will find really exclusive embroidered clothes, scarfs, small bags, pillow case and more.
From different villages or weekend market like Bac Ha market. You can see how it’s made straight in your eyes in the evening market in the main square of Sapa. These colorful and spectacular things are totally hand-made, and becoming a master in this art can take 8-10 years. Therefore, with the price of around $6 per product, you are making profit by buying these handicraft and (also) fashionable goods.
Participating in the tour of Bac Ha Market is the only option to purchase these colorful costumes.
Pearl Jewelry
Pearl farms are mainly found in coastal locations such as Halong Bay, with a range of authentic and fabulous pearls and jewelry for its admirers. You will be lost in the heaven of sparkling necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and rings (and once again, they come with good prices). If you are not a fan of pearl, you will also find lovely accessories made of gold and other gemstones as well.
In the journey to visit Halong Bay cruise, you will visit pearl farm, directly view and buy pearl products.
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| Photo by Luong Dung |
Conical Hat
Also known as “Non la”, these hats have been around since the 18th century and are typically handwoven using bamboo, palm leaves, and the bark of Moc trees. It is not simply a souvenir, but also the most practical item for Vietnam travelling, especially during Vietnam’s downpours and summers.
You could find them in some many local shops or street vendors with the price of nearly $0.5, or in some souvenir shops with the more fancy forms costing between $1.5 to $5. Just like “Ao dai”, “Non la” is something deserving a place in your Vietnam shopping list.
“Guoc moc”- Wooden Clogs
These are the traditional footwear for males and females in Vietnam. Before females were wearing these with the traditional Ao Dai dress. Now it’s not so traditional wear, but you can still buy these unique footwear in stores. This is a really unique fashion items, which has been imitated in many places around the world, and even edited in many interesting forms.
International Brands
Besides Vietnamese unique fashion items, you can find many international brand stores in Vietnam, from middle level like Adidas, Zara, Topshop, Mango to luxury one like Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Burberry, Dior in big cities ‘shopping malls. The choices are endless. You are able to get whatever you want right here, even they are 100% authentic Vietnam to your homeland’s products.
Souvenir Shopping
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| Photo by Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden |
Silk paintings
Silk painting is the most iconic of traditional Vietnamese art which originates from painting and drawing on home made rice paper. Today this art has become famous around the world for its simple poetic themes and vibrant colors. Vietnamese artists find the technique to be a unique way to create a mystique in their paintings. The Vietnamese style of silk painting emphasizes softness, elegance and has a flexibility of style.
Travelers can find them in souvenir stores in Hanoi Old Quarters. Book Hanoi City tour for our local guide to help you find reliable addresses.
Lacquer ware
Lacquer ware is a traditional form of craftsmanship commonly used on furniture, dishes, bowls, vases and paintings, which takes up to four months to produce. There are several galleries along Hang Bac Street in Hanoi and An Dong Craft Market in Ho Chi Minh City sells high quality lacquer ware at reasonable prices, many of which depicting mythical creatures and the daily lives of the Vietnamese.
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| Photo by internet |
“Do” paper postcards, notebooks
“Do” paper is made from the bark of the Do tree, a wild plant commonly found around local riverbanks. It was popular for many years before the modern paper. Now Do paper is only used to make Hanoi’s ethnic greeting cards, watercolor, folk paintings and bamboo-bound notebooks. Do paper cards with embroidered squares, hemp covered notebooks cost more or less $ 2.00, bamboo bound notebooks are from $ 1.50. They are provided widely in bookstores in Vietnam.
Bamboo and wooden products: You can buy beautifully carved bamboo hats or salad bowls, trays, baskets and more such items made out of bamboo and wood. Apart from being cheaper alternatives they are also eco-friendly. It’s cost from $13.00 to $45.00
There are other exciting things you can find at the Vietnamese markets, but these souvenirs above make great memories and remind visitors of their Vietnam trip. To check out other things to buy in Vietnam, visit our travel magazine. There are other exciting things you can find at the Vietnamese markets, but these souvenirs above make great memories and remind visitors of their Vietnam trip.
To check out other things to buy in Vietnam, visit our travel magazine: VIETNAM TRAVEL MAGAZINE
