Shopping in Vietnam for Americans: What to Buy, Where to Go & How to Bargain
Vietnam is a dream destination for curious shoppers. From handcrafted lanterns in Hoi An to silk scarves in Hanoi, and coconut candy in the Mekong Delta, the country offers a treasure trove of unique finds at surprisingly affordable prices.
Table of Contents
If you’re an American traveler visiting Vietnam, this guide from Vietnamtour.travel will help you shop smart, spend wisely, and bring home items that actually mean something.
Let’s explore:
- What to buy in Vietnam (souvenirs, handicrafts, fashion & food)
- Where to shop: markets vs boutiques vs malls
- How to bargain (like a local!)
- Tipping & customs rules for export
- Where Vietnamtour.travel can help you unlock authentic shopping experiences
🎯 Why Shop in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise for U.S. tourists — not only because of low prices compared to the U.S., but because so many products carry stories, techniques, and cultural value.
Here’s why Americans love shopping in Vietnam:
- 🇺🇸 Prices are budget-friendly
- 🎁 Unique souvenirs not found elsewhere
- 🎨 Handmade goods = high value, low cost
- 💬 Friendly bargaining — part of the fun
- ✈️ Most items are lightweight & packable
🧧 What to Buy in Vietnam: Top Gifts & Souvenirs for Americans
🏮 1. Lanterns from Hoi An
- Handmade silk or fabric
- Collapsible for easy packing
- Ideal for home décor or gifts
🎯 Buy from: Lantern workshops in Hoi An — Vietnamtour.travel offers lantern-making classes you can join before buying.
🧵 2. Tailor-Made Clothes
- Custom suits, dresses, ao dai (traditional outfit)
- Completed in 24–48 hours
- Affordable: ~$50–100 USD for a tailored dress/shirt
🎯 Best cities: Hoi An, HCMC, or Hanoi Old Quarter
🎨 Bonus: Vietnamtour.travel will schedule fittings and trusted tailors into your itinerary
🎨 3. Lacquerware, Ceramics & Embroidery
- Inlaid with eggshell, gold leaf, or mother-of-pearl
- From picture panels to small bowls or trays
- Often handmade using centuries-old techniques
💡 Lacquerware is easier to pack than ceramics — no worries about breakage in your suitcase.
🛶 4. Coconut Products from the Mekong Delta
- Coconut husk bowls, oils, lotions, candy
- Sweet treats like kẹo dừa make great edible souvenirs
- Completely natural and local
🎯 Go straight to the source on our private Mekong Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
☕ 5. Vietnamese Coffee & Filters
- Strong robusta beans and tiny steel drip filters
- Flavors to try: Coconut coffee, weasel coffee, egg coffee
- Ground/powdered = easy gift
💡 Buy brands like Trung Nguyên or Highlands. Specialty shops in Hanoi and HCMC offer USDA-friendly packaging.
👒 6. Ethical Textiles & Handicrafts by Minority Groups
- Sapa: Hmong indigo scarves
- Mai Chau/Pu Luong: Thai handwoven blankets
- Dak Lak (Central Highlands): Beaded jewelry from ethnic artisans
🎯 Support ethical markets with help from Vietnamtour.travel’s guide to fair-trade & non-touristy villages.
🍬 7. Unique Snacks & Treats
- Dried jackfruit
- Lotus seeds
- Fish sauce (nuoc mam — sealed properly!)
- Rice crackers or peanut brittle
🎁 Pro tip: These small goodies make great group gifts or stocking stuffers for friends at home.
👡 8. Handcrafted Footwear & Accessories
- Custom leather sandals (Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi)
- Hand-embroidered bags & wallets
- Beaded purses in Hui ethnic villages
🛍️ Where to Shop in Vietnam: Markets, Boutiques & More
🏙️ 1. Traditional Street Markets
Great for:
- Bargaining & local flair
- Souvenirs, snacks, clothes, trinkets
Famous options:
- Ben Thanh Market (HCMC)
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
- Hoi An Night Market
- Dam Market (Nha Trang)
😊 Go with a guide from Vietnamtour.travel to avoid inflated “tourist prices.”
🛍️ 2. Artisan Boutiques & Co-ops
Great for:
- High-quality, fair-trade handicrafts
- Supporting real artisans
- Unique finds beyond mass-produced souvenirs
Famous spots:
- Craft Link (Hanoi) – ethical gifts by minority groups
- Reaching Out (Hoi An) – handmade by disabled artisans
- Saigon Kitsch or L’Usine (HCMC) – modern twists on tradition
🛒 3. Malls & Department Stores
Good for:
- Fixed prices (no bargaining!)
- Air-conditioned comfort
- International brands mixed with Vietnamese
Popular choices:
- Vincom Center (HCMC, Hanoi)
- AEON Mall (nationwide)
- Lotte Mart or Parkson
🛍️ Not as charming, but perfect on rainy days or if you forgot something essential.
💰 How to Bargain in Vietnam (Without Stress)
As an American, bargaining might feel unfamiliar — but in Vietnam, it’s expected at:
- Local street markets
- Handicraft stalls
- Taxis (if not using Grab)
- Small souvenir shops
💬 Tips for Bargaining:
- Smile – it’s not a fight, it’s a game
- Start low (40–50% of asking price)
- Hold your ground politely
- Walk away (if needed) — often brings the price down
- Use cash (VND) for flexibility
🎯 When shopping with Vietnamtour.travel guides, they can negotiate on your behalf — fairly and ethically, avoiding tourist tricks or guilt trips.
✈️ Customs Limits & What You Can Bring Home to the U.S.
U.S. travel regulations generally allow:
| Item | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Souvenirs (e.g., textile, bags) | ✅ Yes | No restrictions |
| Coffee (up to 2–3 kg) | ✅ Yes | Must be sealed and labeled |
| Tea or packaged spices | ✅ Yes | Declare if over ~$100 USD |
| Alcohol | ✅ (1 liter duty-free) | Over 1 liter? Pay import taxes |
| Fish sauce (nuoc mam) | ⚠️ Maybe | Must be properly sealed/supported — very strong smell |
| Weapons, elephant ivory, coral | ❌ Illegal | Do not attempt |
💡 Not sure? Vietnamtour.travel guides and concierge can advise before you pack for your return flight.
✨ Exclusive Shopping Experiences with Vietnamtour.travel
We go beyond the shops. With Vietnamtour.travel, you’ll enjoy authentic, hands-on shopping tourism that connects you with local makers — not just retail counters.
👘 Our shopping-oriented tour options include:
- Tailor coordination in Hoi An (with follow-up fittings)
- Ethical craft village tours near Hanoi/Mai Chau
- Custom silk scarf dyeing workshop
- Artisan home visits: lacquerware, lanterns, embroidery
- Floating markets in the Mekong (buy fruit, candy, craft on the river!)
All experiences are private, fairly priced, and built into your itinerary with transport, interpreter, and time flexibility.
🧳 Shopping Budget Tips for U.S. Tourists
| Traveler Type | Souvenir Budget (USD) | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Budget traveler | $50–100 | Focus on street markets & foods |
| Mid-range travelers | $100–250 | Add a few handcrafted items or tailored pieces |
| Cultural enthusiast | $150–400+ | Include workshops, custom clothes, gifts |
🎁 Gifts for family or friends? Build them into your Vietnamtour.travel quote to keep spending clear and managed.
❓FAQ – Shopping in Vietnam for Americans Travelers
1. Should I pay in USD or VND?
Always VND (Vietnamese dong). USD is not typically accepted except in high-end shops. Vietnamtour.travel can help with exchanging money upon arrival.
2. Are credit cards accepted?
Yes — in malls, big shops, and hotels. But for markets and small stalls, cash is king.
3. Can I ship items home to the U.S.?
Yes, although international shipping can be pricey. Vietnamtour.travel can arrange packing and DHL/FedEx service if you’re buying larger items (like art or ceramics).
4. Is it safe to carry valuables or cash while shopping?
Absolutely — but divide your cash, use a cross-body bag, and be aware in crowded markets. Our guides assist with safe transportation and local navigation.
5. Can I return or exchange items?
Not usually. Most market and boutique purchases are final. Check quality before payment, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
🎯 Final Takeaways from Vietnamtour.travel
Shopping in Vietnam isn’t just about what you bring home — it’s about the stories, people, and crafts you discover along the way.
Whether you’re browsing silk alleys in Hanoi, making your own bamboo lantern in Hoi An, or sipping tea before trying on a custom ao dai, Vietnam is where shopping becomes unforgettable.
📩 Ready to plan your shopping-inclusive tour across Vietnam?
👉 Contact Vietnamtour.travel today and let us help tailor your trip with the perfect blend of sightseeing, culture — and shopping that actually matters.
🧧 “Travel. Connect. Take home more than souvenirs.”
Amidst countless options, you are probably looking for a travel company that truly understands Vietnam to turn your dream of exploring this S-shaped land into a reality. We, a local travel company in the heart of Vietnam, are proud to be natives of this land, carrying within us a love and deep understanding of every corner and every unique cultural aspect. Different from international travel companies, we don’t just offer tours; we share the most authentic and intimate experiences with Vietnamese life and people. You will discover famous destinations such as the majestic Ha Long Bay, the poetic ancient town of Hoi An, or the serene Imperial City of Hue from a local’s perspective
We understand that when setting foot in a foreign country, dedicated and timely support is extremely important. Therefore, our support team is always ready 24/7 throughout your journey in Vietnam, answering all your questions and assisting you in every situation. Moreover, with full licenses to organize domestic and international tours issued by the Vietnamese government, you can be completely assured of our prestige and service quality. Contact us today for the most professional and dedicated consultation, and let’s plan an unforgettable and complete trip to Vietnam together
Contact us today to receive a free consultation and start designing your dream tour, Shopping in Vietnam for Americans !
At Vietnamtour.travel, we’re dedicated to making your journey seamless and memorable. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Hotel booking, Car rental, Visa assistance, and Airport fast-track services, ensuring all your travel needs are covered.
Beyond the essentials, we specialize in a diverse array of tourism types tailored to your interests. Whether you’re looking for a Private, custom-designed tour, a relaxing Beach and island getaway, an enriching Cultural exploration, the vibrant energy of Urban tourism, or an authentic Agricultural and rural experience, we have something for everyone. We also expertly handle MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), providing professional solutions for corporate events.
Contact Us Now Shopping in Vietnam for Americans
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Email: info@vietnamtour.travel
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