Cheap Things To Buy In Vietnam

Before moving on to the best things to buy in Vietnam, let’s throw some light on why Vietnam is considered a paradise among shopping enthusiasts.

Affordable Goods

Vietnam is known for its incredibly affordable goods. From chocolates to handicrafts to electronics to garments, you can purchase a range of top-class products at pocket-friendly prices in this country. Prices for these items in Vietnam are estimated to be around 60% to 70% lower than in other neighbouring Asian countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and even India.

Lower Cost of Living

Lower cost of living is another factor which contributes to goods being priced affordably in Vietnam. It’s the reason why merchants and artisans can sell their products at cheap prices while still making decent profits for a comfortable lifestyle.

Exchange Rate Advantage

The Vietnamese dong gives foreign travellers strong purchasing power, making things cheaper in Vietnam than India in most categories. For instance, ₹100 INR will convert into approximately 30,000 Vietnamese dong, which reflects the strength of the Indian currency in Vietnam.

High-quality Products

When in Vietnam, affordable products do not mean they are of inferior quality. Vietnam’s rich heritage of handmade goods ensures that you get unique, culturally infused products you can’t find elsewhere.

Diverse Shopping Options

Whether you prefer shopping at busy street markets or luxurious malls, Vietnam has on offer everything for everybody. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you will find a plethora of traditional markets where haggling is an art form. The concept of Night Markets is also highly prevalent in Vietnam.

Friendly Vendors

You will come across some super-friendly street vendors while shopping in Vietnam. You will find everything from the latest gadgets to fashion accessories to local snacks. Shopping in Vietnam is not just about buying stuff; it’s about experiencing the local way of life.

Now comes the fun part. What is famous in Vietnam to buy? Well, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of authentic and affordable items, ranging from electronics to clothing to handcrafted objects and more.

Whether you are looking for a perfect gift for your loved ones, a little souvenir that can remind you of your trip, or Trademark Class 30 items to satisfy your taste buds, you will find everything in this Land of the Blue Dragon.

Below is the list of the most popular Vietnam things to buy:

Traditional Vietnamese Handicrafts

When it comes to Vietnam special things, handicrafts top the list. They are not just aesthetically pleasing but also reflect the country’s history and craftsmanship. From timeless lacquerware and exquisite ceramics to nature-conscious bamboo crafts, every piece whispers the unique story of the artisan who created it.

Vietnamese lacquerwares are made using the ancient technique of layering lacquer over wood or bamboo to create bowls, trays, glasses, and decorative items. You can purchase them for personal use or gifting. You can also buy intricately crafted ceramic products and pottery items, which you will hardly find anywhere in the world.

Where to buy - For the best Vietnamese handicrafts, you can head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter market. You will find several artisans selling hand-made products at jaw-dropping prices. You can also visit local villages like Bat Trang for customised products.

Vietnamese Clothing and Textiles

Vietnam is a dream shopping destination for clothing and textile enthusiasts. Vietnam’s tailors are world-famous for creating high-quality, custom-made suits at a fraction of what you’d pay in the West. From casual wear to T-shirts to dresses to custom-made suits, you can shop your entire wardrobe at highly affordable prices.

Additionally, do not forget to explore the clothing items made from original Vietnamese Silk. They are known for a premium feel, softness, and vibrant colours. You can buy silk scarves, ties, dresses, and more. However, make sure you are buying from an authentic shop as they provide 100% pure silk products.

You can also get an Ao Dai set (a traditional dress in Vietnam), which will not only add diversification to your wardrobe but also act as a souvenir.

Where to buy - The local markets in Hoi An and Van Phuc offer some of the best Vietnamese silk products. The tailors here are world-famous for their skill, speed, and crafting high-quality custom-made suits within a day.

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest producer of coffee beans, and its coffee culture is legendary. If you are a coffee lover, there is a high chance that you would want to stay in Vietnam for an eternity. You will come across a rich variety of brews that will take you into a new world altogether. The aroma and taste associated with Vietnamese coffee are nowhere to be found.

You can buy ground coffee, instant coffee, or green tea to take back home. Some well-known coffee varieties in Vietnam include ca phe sua da from Da Lat and Trung Nguyen. You can also purchase Vietnamese coffee filters known as phins. They allow you to brew coffee the authentic Vietnamese way, no matter which corner of the earth you are living in.

Where to buy - Vietnam is known for its coffee production, and you will find coffee shops everywhere in the country. You can also purchase freshly prepared beans by directly visiting coffee factories.

Paper Lanterns

Vietnamese paper lanterns hold a special place in the country’s cultural fabric. They light up not only homes but also the enchanting Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when families and communities gather beneath their warm glow. More than just decoration, lighting these lanterns is believed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.

Look for lanterns with sturdy bamboo frames for durability. The paper should be of high quality so colours remain vibrant and patterns stay crisp. Traditional colours carry meaning—red for luck, yellow for prosperity, and green for new beginnings.

Where to buy - You can find these beautiful lanterns in places like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Prices vary depending on size, craftsmanship, and where you shop.

The Iconic Conical Hat

The iconic conical hat is among the top Vietnam famous things for tourists. Crafted from natural materials like palm leaves, bamboo, or straw, this hat, also known as the nón lá, features a wide brim that slopes gently from its pointed crown. This timeless design not only shields wearers from the harsh Vietnamese sun but also offers a lightweight, breathable comfort; perfect for the country’s hot, humid climate.

Besides, the conical hat is a style icon, lending effortless elegance to everyday outfits, and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Vietnamese heritage. From age-old folktales to traditional art, it remains a graceful emblem of the nation’s identity.

Where to buy - Buying a nón lá is perhaps the easiest job in Vietnam. You can get it from any local market, street stall, or speciality shop. Select a hat that fits snugly without feeling tight.

Jewellery and Gemstones

Blessed with rich natural resources, centuries-old craftsmanship, and a thriving market, Vietnam is a treasure trove for precious jewellery and gemstones. Popular choices include agate with its graceful patterns, amethyst in calming purple hues, earthy turquoise, and jade carved into symbolic frogs or lotus flowers. Gold jewellery from Hanoi and Saigon blends modern elegance with timeless tradition.

With its wealth of gemstones, precious metals, and skilled artisans, Vietnam offers travellers the chance to take home more than just ornaments. These pieces are high-quality, culturally significant keepsakes that capture the spirit of the country. Just make sure to check the authenticity of the products before buying them.

Dong Ho Paintings

Dong Ho paintings from northern Vietnam are more than beautiful art. They are vivid reflections of Vietnamese culture. Created using traditional woodblock printing, each piece tells a story through natural colours sourced from bark, leaves, and minerals. Printed on durable Do paper made from the bark of the Do tree, these artworks embody centuries of craftsmanship.

Often depicting rural lives, animals, and festivals, Dong Ho paintings can be unique souvenirs encapsulating the true spirit of Vietnam. You can also gift them to an art-loving friend.

Where to buy – You can visit Dong Ho village, 35 km east of Hanoi, to watch artisans at work and purchase authentic paintings. They’re also available in galleries, craft shops, and souvenir stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Herbs, Spices, and Cooking Sauces

No trip to Vietnam is complete without taking home its aromatic herbs and spices. From lemongrass, Thai basil, and mint to star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, these flavours define Vietnamese cuisine. Fresh herbs should have crisp, vibrant leaves and a fragrant aroma. Dried spices are best bought in sealed packages to preserve flavour and potency.

Besides, you can also purchase local cooking sauces to bring home a taste of Vietnamese delicacy. Nuoc Cham can be a good choice. It’s a dipping sauce made from fish, lime juice, and sugar.

Where to buy - You can buy herbs and sauces from the Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, or across the Mekong Delta.

Now that you know about the famous things to buy in Vietnam, here are a few shopping tips that can help you get genuine products at the best rates:

• Different cities in Vietnam offer diverse shopping experiences. Don’t forget to visit local markets whenever you visit a new city.
• Bargain politely. Vendors are usually open to some negotiation, but keep it friendly.
• Check the quality and authenticity of the product before buying it. Be cautious of fake goods.
• Carry cash with you. Smaller vendors often do not accept cards.

Vietnam is more than just a travel destination; it’s a shopper’s dream. From affordable fashion to traditional handicrafts, there’s no shortage of cheap things to buy in Vietnam. So, if you are planning a trip to this country, ensure you go beyond sightseeing. Immerse yourself in the joy of shopping in Vietnam, and bring home not just souvenirs, but stories.

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