How to Navigate Vietnamese Markets Like a Pro (With Local Tips!)

Hey friends 👋, it's Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

We've been living in Vietnam since 2023, and local markets are one of our favourite ways to explore the culture, grab great deals, and eat *way* too many snacks.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate Vietnamese markets like a pro – with insider tips from us!

How to Haggle Without Stress

Haggling is expected at most local markets. Here's how to handle it like a local:

• Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
• If there's a price tag, it's likely fixed – don’t haggle unless invited to.
• Bring cash. Most stalls don’t accept cards.
• Inspect quality carefully – especially with fakes.
• Unless it's inside a mall, assume the name brand is fake (but some fakes are great!).
• Walk away if it’s too expensive – sellers often call you back with a lower price.

Helpful Vietnamese Phrases for the Market

• "Xin chào!" – Hello (pronounced "sin chao")
• "Cảm ơn!" – Thank you (pronounced "cam ern")
• "Quá đắt!" – Too expensive! (pronounced "kwa dat")

Even just using these three will get you big smiles from the sellers 😄

Typical Market Prices in Vietnam

Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll usually pay for common market items. These prices reflect typical *post-haggle* deals – sellers may quote higher at first!

• 🧥 Fake designer t-shirts: 80,000 – 150,000 VND ($3.20 – $6.00)
  Aim for around 100k. Don’t settle for the first offer!
• ⌚️ Fake luxury watches: 150,000 – 500,000 VND ($6 – $20)
  Quality varies a lot – inspect before buying.
• 🎁 Souvenirs (magnets, fans, etc.): 10,000 – 50,000 VND ($0.40 – $2.00)
  Buy in bulk for better deals.
• ☕️ Vietnamese coffee (bag): 60,000 – 120,000 VND ($2.50 – $5.00)
  Look for egg coffee kits or weasel coffee for gifting.
• 🥭 Dried fruit & snacks: 50,000 – 120,000 VND ($2.00 – $5.00)
  Mango, jackfruit, and banana chips are tourist favorites.
• 👟 Fake sneakers: 250,000 – 700,000 VND ($10 – $28)
  Good fakes exist – just check the soles and stitching.
• 👜 Fake handbags: 200,000 – 600,000 VND ($8 – $24)
  Logos and zippers give away quality fast.
• 👕 Local t-shirts (non-branded): 60,000 – 100,000 VND ($2.50 – $4.00)
  Usually soft, fun designs perfect for gifts.
• 🧣 Accessories (scarves, jewelry, etc.): 20,000 – 70,000 VND ($0.80 – $3.00)
  Easy to haggle and often well-made.
• 🥖 Bánh mì / local snacks: 15,000 – 40,000 VND ($0.60 – $1.60)
  Grab a snack while you shop – cheapest outside main markets.

Top Vietnamese Markets (With Insider Tips!)

Hanoi

Dong Xuan Market

Best for souvenirs, coffee, dried fruit, snacks, fabrics, and tailoring. Insider tip: the surrounding streets have the same goods for cheaper prices, but it’s still worth stepping inside for the experience.

Dong Xuan Street

A super busy street packed with stalls selling fake branded goods like watches, shoes, and bags. Pro tip: compare prices across a few stalls before committing – deals vary!

Hang Da Market

A gem for ceramics, fresh fruit, and local vibes. Less touristy than Dong Xuan. Insider tip: head upstairs for unique pottery at great prices.

Hang Gai Street

Famous for tailoring, silk, and local crafts. Perfect for custom clothing or unique gifts. Pro tip: bring a design idea for tailors – they work fast!

Da Nang

Han Market

Great for affordable clothes, shoes, bags, fake branded goods, tailors, tourist shirts, and textiles. Surprisingly fair prices. Insider tip: check out the tailors for custom outfits at budget prices.

Con Market

Local, authentic, and cheap – but a little messy and harder to navigate. You'll find a great food court, dried snacks, fruit, accessories, and clothes here. Pro tip: hit the food court for cheap, delicious local dishes.

Hoi An Night Market

A vibrant evening market in nearby Hoi An, known for street food, seafood, souvenirs, and bags. Insider tip: arrive early to enjoy the food stalls before the huge tour crowds hit!

Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

Super touristy and pushy. Expect higher prices but lots of variety: jewelry, watches, bags, clothes, food, tourist shirts, and fake branded goods. Pro tip: haggle hard and walk around the outside streets for better deals!
Nearby deals: Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, and Luu Van Lang Streets.

Saigon Square

A cooler, air-conditioned market packed with clothes, shoes, and accessories. Great for bargains on trendy items. Insider tip: perfect for a break from the heat, but still haggle for the best deals.

Binh Tay Market

A massive market in Chinatown, known for bulk foods, coffee, and candies. Less touristy, more authentic. Pro tip: buy coffee or snacks in bulk for great deals to bring home.

An Dong Market

A local favorite for clothes, accessories, and tailoring. Less crowded than Ben Thanh. Insider tip: great for custom-made clothing at reasonable prices.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese markets are a full-on sensory adventure – bustling, bold, and brimming with deals. Whether you're chasing souvenirs, bargains, or just a good bánh mì, there's something for everyone. Just remember to bargain with a smile 😊