Because most goods are extremly cheap in Vietnam it makes the country a shoppers' paradise. However in tourist areas you can expect to pay much more than the local rates unless you are well experienced at haggling.

If a vendor sees you are really interested in what he is selling, the price will often be cut dramatically from the orginal asking price.

All the major cities stock a variety of typical souvenirs, along with a selection of goods produced by ethnic minorities. If you are heading into the hills, however, you will find better prices for the shoulder bags, jackets and purses fashioned by the local ethnic inhabitants.

What to Buy:

Local handicrafts are very popular, such as woven bamboo trays that are painted in bright colours. For something a bit more lavish, check out the lacquerware, which in many cases is inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A figure fashioned of bronze, brass or jade might catch your eye, or perhaps a functioning water puppet painted in glossy colours.

Unusual local instruments make another distinctive choice. Few visitors leave without one of the ubiquitous conical hats, which cost a pittance, and many put them to immediate use to protect themselves from the sun's fierce rays.

The national dress for women, the ao dai, is a practical yet beautiful item of clothing. It consists of baggy trousers and a knee-length dress with a long slit. Normally made of silk the ao dai covers the entire body but still shows off the figure. Although you might not wear it back home, it makes a lovely souvenir.

Silk in general is readily available and many tailors, especially in Hanoi, will make up silk shirts and other items to order, at very reasonable prices.

One of the most personal of all souvenirs, however, is a painting, either in oil or watercolour, by a local artist. Galleries in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hanoi have a wide stock of paintings available, and unlike in many Western countries, the prices are not sky-high.

Like Thailand counterfeit merchandise is readily available. The latest CDs and novels can are very inexpensive as well as brand name clothing rip-offs which are similarly cheap in quality. While you might safely bring these items back home with you when you return form Vietnam, the same cannot be said for counterfeit software. Bootleg software is illegal and may get fined from customs as wel the software could contain viruses.

Business Hours:

Most shops and businesses are open Mon-Sun 07h30-12h00 and 13h00-16h30.