Viet Nam’s diverse markets stretch from Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh City to offer a very unique shopping experience. A walk around the Vietnamese markets gives a perfect opportunity to see some exotic, wondrous and crazy delights.Here are a few of the top things to buy in Viet Nam
1. Lacquerware
The lacquerware relies on the unique process of sourcing resin from the son tree. The actual quality of the lacquerware can vary significantly in the markets, so it makes sense to shop around for the very best pieces. The highest quality items such as vases, bowls and dishes can go through up to 20 stages of development. Lacquerware can feature intricate designs in beautiful colours and prices range from about $1-$3
2. Embroidery
Much of the Vietnamese embroidery makes use of Chinese techniques that have been passed down through the ages. The skilled embroiders can take 8 to 10 years to fully master the art. A great place for the high-quality embroidered is when visiting Sapa on the tours in Viet Nam. The many minority villages offer an exclusive range of small bags, scarves, clothes, etc. Also, many of the items are relatively inexpensive with a set of bed linen costing in the region of $6-$8
“Do” paper is sourced from the locally grown Do tree which is seen along the riverbanks. This paper source was extremely popular until the arrival of modern paper methods. How, the Do paper is limited in use, but still features in traditional bamboo-bound notebooks, folk paintings, watercolours, and ethnic greeting cards. The postcards and notebooks cost about $1.50-$2.00
4. Guoc moc
The guoc moc (wooden clogs) are a type of traditional footwear in Viet Nam. The clogs were once worn with the traditional Ao Dai dress for special events. Even though the guoc moc is no longer an item of traditional wear it is common to buy in the shops and markets
5. Ao Dai (long dress)
The Ao Dai dress is a tight-fitted item of clothing worn over a pair of long pants and seen as national wear in Viet Nam for females. The most basic style of Ao Dai is likely to cost in the region of $30 at the markets. But, for the tourists interested in buying something a little more unique, the custom-made or detailed Ao Dai is about $75, which is still affordable for the one-of-a-kind outfit. Read more: Ao Dai – pride of Vietnamese women
6. Silk
Silk is woven from the cocoons of the silkworm. Thus, it has always been considered extremely luxurious and only available to the nobility. The days when silk had only been manufactured for Vietnamese royalty is long gone, and the fabric has become widely used throughout the country with variety of silk based items such as clothes, a silk painting (an iconic and unique art form in Viet Nam) or a scarf. Silk and its beautiful products are affordable nowadays, so tourists have a chance to choose their favorites and gift them to friends and family.
7. Food stalls
In addition to the wide-ranging gifts and souvenirs that can be taken home at the end of the travel in Viet Nam, the markets are certain to have several food stalls to try the local delicacies and keep the energy levels up. A popular dish is certain to include the iconic pho which is a staple beef noodle broth
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