Indochina Shopping Guide

Bring an empty suitcase or buy one in Vietnam. Vietnam offers fabulous bargains on silk, as both fabric and made-to-order clothing, as well as lacquer ware, silver, and fine art. Hanoi is probably best for most buys, particularly paintings; save the lacquer ware and home furnishings for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Furthermore, all prices are negotiable except for those in the most upmarket shops; the more relentless bargainers can walk away with incredible deals on some unique finds.

A good shopping session in Vietnam might start off with clothing, especially tailored suits and dresses made from quality fabrics including silk. Many women tourists also buy ao dai to fit their size. These are the traditional Vietnamese long blouse and pants made in light, floaty material, perfect for warm weather.

Many young Vietnamese fashion designers have learned to take inspiration from both Vietnamese and Western styles, making their designs more attractive.

Traditional conical Vietnamese hats can be found everywhere, as well as such unique gifts as slippers, shoes, and handbags made from traditional materials like silk and bamboo. For those who love handicrafts, it is easy to find beautiful items such as lacquer ware, vases, trays, rosewood boxes, wood-block prints, oil or watercolor paintings, blinds made bamboo/reed mats, carpets, ceramics and leather work. For more valuable items such as art, antiques and jewelry, you should know that some of these are subject to regulations governing the export of antiques. Ask the dealer about this.

Also, when buying really expensive items, get an expert to certify whether the item you plan to buy is a genuine antique or an imitation; copy "antiques" are not uncommon in the Vietnamese market. As for jewelry, although Vietnam is rich in gemstones, this does not mean they are cheap, so be suspicious of "special" deals. It is wise to shop for such items only at highly recommended outlets - the last thing you need is to pay large sums for these colored glass.

Experienced visitors to Vietnam recommend always driving a hard bargain when shopping in this country. Hard does not mean aggressive, however. The trick is to bargain with a smile and to be polite - this way, you will probably get what you want at a price with which you and the dealer are both happy. If you have time to spare, it is always wise to compare products and prices; don't just buy the first item you see in the first shop.

Many people will also tell you that buying from street vendors is cheaper than buying in malls or markets, but this is not always the case, so shop around. It is better to take your time and enjoy searching for good Vietnamese souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends.

Pirating CDs and DVDs are easily to be found in most parts of Vietnam, be careful with these, Customs checks (upon return to Western countries) are increasingly sensitive to pirated material.

A brief introduction to Vietnam markets
Can there be a better way to get the feel of a country than to visit a local market? And it is no less so in Vietnam. From the huge markets of the major cities to the tiny village markets in the mountain areas, these are places of endless fascination.

Ho Chi Minh City's largest market, Ben Thanh, in the city centre near the main tourist district, is well worth a visit. It sells almost everything - food, clothes, jewellery, live snakes, vehicle spares, medicine, and much more. Remember that many of the goods will be fake, so be sensible and remember that you get what you pay for.

The market can be packed and is not for the claustrophobic. Bargain hard. It's part of the fun. The vendors will usually show their price on a calculator. Take the calculator and offer half. Keep going till you meet somewhere in the middle. And keep smiling!

Cholon District, in Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam's original Chinatown. Although the majority of Chinese traders left at the end of the war, it's still a major market area. The largest is the huge An Dong market. Like Ben Thanh, the range is enormous - fruit, vegetables, cigarettes, beer, silk, etc.

Dan Sinh Market specialises in war memorabilia. However, nearly all the real stuff is long gone. Today it is more of an electrical goods market.

In Hanoi, the largest market is Cho Dong Xuan which is good for fabrics and souvenirs. It also has a late night outdoor market with small food stalls selling a variety of traditional street food.

But the real market experience in Hanoi is in the street markets. There are dozens of official street markets and many more unofficial. These markets are always packed and you can find all kinds of food here. Look out too for the flowers, too. This is really the authentic Vietnam.

If you find yourself in Hanoi and can't sleep, then head out to the western end of Long Bien Bridge where you will find the farmers' wholesale market. It starts around 2 am and by 4 am is all over. Prices are amazingly cheap.

Vietnam has more than its fair share of floating markets. In the south, Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho City is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. Cai Rang is open all day but it is busiest from sunrise to about 9am. It mainly sells farm products and specialties from the local area. 20 kilometres southwest of Can Tho, is Phong Dien Floating Market, the best floating market in the Mekong Delta. It specialises in locally grown fruit.

In the north, Halong Bay is the most famous for its many floating markets, and even floating villages. Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations so it is easy to organise tours of these markets.

The best way to visit the ethnic minority markets is to head to the hills around Sapa. Every village has a morning market with a fascinating wide array of foods, some of which you will never have seen before.

Just remember. You'll have to get up early. And don't forget your camera!