Vietnam Shopping

Thanks to the dexterity and creativity of its people, Vietnam is a country rich in handicrafts.

This has long been a source of cultural pride and income for local people for centuries, with the skills being handed down through countless generations.

It should be noted that the export of Vietnamese antiques is forbidden.

Hanoi

Dong Xuan Market

Hanoi's biggest market, was destroyed by fire and reconstructed in 1996. Now a 3-storey structure, Dong Xuan has a very interesting ambience and employs several thousand people.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

A large indoor market spilling out into the surrounding streets. It was built in 1914, originally called the Halles Centrales, and occupies an area of 11 square km.

Best Buys

Ceramic and porcelain items

Produced in Vietnam for centuries and still glazed in the traditional method, ceramic and porcelain products are well known in Bat Trang (Hanoi), Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong.

Copperware

Fabricated by the skillful hands of coppersmiths in Nam Ha, Ngu Xa (Hanoi), Dong Son (Thanh Hoa), and Long Tho.

Embroidered articles and silk products

The most famous are from the regions of Ha Dong, Nam Ha, Thai Binh and Hu?.

Jewellery & Metalwork

Can be found in Hanoi, Thai Binh and Hai Hung, while stonework is produced mainly in Da Nang

Lacquerware

With 2,000 years of history, Vietnamese lacquerware has established an enviable reputation for quality and detail - functional, decorative, and as the highest forms of artistic expression. A wide variety of attractive items are available, including vases, trays, furniture, boxes, decorative items, jewellery, and office products.

Wool tapestries

Available in Hanoi and Hai Phong. Jute tapestries from Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Hanoi and Thai Binh, are much sought after.

Wood products & Carvings

The best can be found in Phu Xuyen, Hai Phong, and Hue.

Woven

tapestries and "tho cam" handbags are fabricated by the dexterous fingers of ethnic ladies living in the Northwest regions such as Cao Bang.