Vietnamese Art & Antiques

There are several shops to hunt for art and antiques. Both traditional and modern paintings are a popular item. More sophisticated works are displayed in art galleries, while cheaper mass-produced stuff is touted in souvenir shops and by street vendors. A Vietnamese speciality is the “instant antique”, such as a teapot or ceramic dinner plate, with a price tag of around US$2.

As Vietnam has strict regulations on the export of real antiques, be sure the items are allowed out of the country. Most reputable shops can provide the necessary paperwork.

Vietnamese Clothing

Vietnam is emerging as a regional design center and there are some extravagant creations in the boutiques of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Ao dai, the national dress for Vietnamese women, is a popular item to take home. Ready-made ao dai costs from US$ 10 to US$20, but custom numbers can cost a lot more. There are ao dai tailors nationwide, but those in the tourists centers are more familiar with foreigners.

Hill-tribe gear is winding its way to shops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It’s brightly patterned stuff, but you may need to set the dyes yourself so those colours don’t bleed all over the rest of your clothes.

T-shirts are ever popular items with travellers, cost from US$1 to US$4.

Non (conical hats) are favorite items for women in both rainy and sunny times. The best quality ones can be found in the Hue’s area.

Vietnamese Handicrafts

Hot items on the tourist market include lacquerware, boxes and wooden screens with mother-of-pearl inlay, ceramics, colourful embroidery, silk greeting cards, wood-block prints, oil paintings, watercolours, blinds made of hanging bamboo beads, reed mats, carpets, jewellery and leatherwork.
War Souvenirs

It’s easy to by what looks like equipment left over from the American War, but almost all of these items are reproductions and your chances of finding anything original are slim. The fake Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy are still one of the hottest-selling items.

TIP:  Bargaining

Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don’t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. Remember that in Asia, “saving face” is very important. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%.

Tourists traveling to Vietnam generally look for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts and there are lots of shops in Vietnam that offer these. The best gift items include articles made of lacquer, especially paintings, then there are wooden screens, reed mats, earthenware, (check out the elephants). Things with lovely embroideries like wall hangings, draperies, robes are quite sought after. Oil paintings, Silk paintings, Carpets, jewelry and leather goods are also quite popular. You can also purchase antiques to decorate your home. However be careful while buying antiques because in Vietnam there are strict laws for buying antiques. Some of the souvenir shops in Vietnam are:

• Thao Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh
• Precious Qui in Ho Chi Minh
• Art Tunnel in Hanoi
• Nga in Ho Chi Minh
• Kids And Stone in Hanoi

Buying the national garment Ao Dai is also a good option in Vietnam shopping or you could also settle for their famous pointed hats. They are so big that they can double up as an umbrella protecting you from the sun and rain. Some tourists even look for War souvenirs while shopping in Vietnam, but make sure you do not buy any weapons.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the best options for shopping in Vietnam, while the other cities offer nice traditional handworks. Shops in Vietnam are usually open from 7 or 8 o’clock in the morning to 11:30pm, however some shops remain open only during the afternoon. Among the various things to do in Vietnam shopping is probably the most pleasurable one

In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems.

Art and Antiques Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. Most “antique” and art pieces sold to tourists are fake or copies of the original. Be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.

Clothing

Clothing varies greatly from tourist T-shirts to beaded handbags and traditional ao dai (the traditional costume) made to fit your size. Items made from silk are a popular buy, with prices varying depending on the material and tailor. Pre-made traditional dresses are sold in many places. However, it is more recommended to have the dress made to fit your body, which takes more time and slightly more money.

Shoes, slippers and handbags made from traditional materials (silk and bamboo) can also become unique gifts and accessories.

The Vietnamese traditional conical hat, can be found everywhere throughout the country, but hats made in Hue are most famous as they have a poem embroider on the inside.

Gems and jewellery

Vietnam is rich in gemstones. The jewellery business is also increasing during current years, and sophisticated works are produced by both big businesses and traditional craftsmen. The quality of the gemstones sold is sometimes doubtable, so it is recommended that you buy gems at prestigious locations and be ware with cheap prices.

War souvenirs

Most war souvenirs sold today in Vietnam(for example, Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy) are fake reproductions. Be careful while transporting these items as many airlines do not allow weapons, even fakes to be carried on their planes.

Handicrafts

Other popular handicrafts in Vietnam include lacquer ware, wood-block prints, and oil and watercolour paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, and leatherwork.