Hanoi has AMAZING purses and wallets. Incredibly cheap, too. I think I bought ten beautiful silk wallets to bring back for friends, and they cost about $1 each.

Posted By Stacy on November 5, 2007, 12:17 PM

Traveling around Ho Chi Minh is easy by motorbike, but make sure you make arrangements via a reputable hotel. There are many motorcycle drivers on street corners vying for your fares, but most are not licensed. Also, if you are interested in art, you can do an "instant commission" of work by many of the storefront art stores for just pennies. At the start of your trip, drop off a photo of a work of art or local scenery that you like, and ask for one of the best artists to do something similar to it. In a matter of days, if not hours, you can have an original commissioned piece of art ready to roll up and take with you for less than $10-75 (US).

Posted By Duke on November 5, 2007, 12:22 PM

We loved Vietnam and did some fanastic shopping. If you are on a tour, don't buy at the first place the bus stops unless its something that you have to have; When you get free time to explore the cities, you'll find a ton of shops with the same items for much cheaper. My favorite town for shopping was Hoi An. Our itinerary was for three days in Hoi An but by the time you arrive, check in, do a tour, then you leave probably midday on day three, there's not much time to have items custom made. My recommendation if you will be having clothes custom made is to seek out the shops on your first day/evening; some shops take longer than 24 hrs to make certain items, especially on holidays. If you wait until the second day to shop, it may have to be shipped to you.

Posted By Renee on November 5, 2007, 12:32 PM

Don't know much about where to purchase women's clothing, but here are a few tips I bet you have not gotten yet:
While in Hanoi, go to the Hanoi Sofitel for lunch. They have a Dim Sum special that was $9.95 for all you can eat (in 2005 when we were there) By far, the best Dim Sum my wife and I have ever eaten! Also, in Hoi An, when you walk along the riverfront looking for a good restaurant, and there are several here, take one of the side streets and visit the jewelry shops. We purchased strands of fresh water black pearls (real ones!) for $20 per strand! Also, even if you are not staying there, go to the Life Resort (about 5 minutes from the market) for a drink. The nicest accomodation we had in Viet Nam. Across the street from the Life resort is a laundry where you can get your clothes washed and ironed for 1/5 the price of the hotel laundry. When you head south, the Cu Chi tunnels are fascinating and a good dose of history for Americans. Finally, in Saigon, if you want an upscale dinner with French touches, go to La Camargue. The rack of lamb was fabulous. The cultural dinner show at the Rex was also good.

Posted By Michael Fagan on November 5, 2007, 1:05 PM

I can't quite remember the names of the shops, but in Hanoi, the street leading to the Catholic cathedral had a couple of great boutiques. I picked up a great handmade leather bag and silk trenchcoat. In Saigon, there was a great shop near the Renaissance hotel and across the street from Maxim's restaurant that was perfect for gifts -- silk and cotton shawls wood chopsticks, bags, etc. Really cheap.

Posted By Heather on November 5, 2007, 1:08 PM

Have visited Hoi An twice and hue once. There is a market in Hoi An with real cheap prices; never pay the first or even the second price offered, however. If you are in the market for custom made, mother of pearl inlaid furniture, there is a company in Hoi An called Kim Bong Traditional Carpenty. Somewhat expensive but not at all when you consider what you would have to pay for the same thing in the US. They reliably ship and fully insure product.

Posted By John Pattillo on November 5, 2007, 1:16 PM

I was in Hoi An and had several suits, shirts and shorts custom made. I would recommend you pack some of your favorite clothes that you like the fit, style, material... and take to the tailor. The more information you provide them the better quality you will receive. They can even copy the design of some of your favortite items and you will have several colors to choose from when you return.
Also, pack light and pack an duffel bag to bring all your goods home with you.

Jack

Posted By Jack on November 5, 2007, 1:19 PM

Hoi An is Custom Clothing Central. Probably more than 200 clothing shops line the main streets. Cut to the chase by heading straight for Thu Thuy, my favorite. I'm still wearing the beautiful silk robe I had made there in 2002. Last year when I picked up my purchases,- (plan on at least two days for quality-sewn clothes) a sudden downpour drenched the streets outside the shop. My lovely shopgirl, in an act of kindness so typical of her countrypeople, stuffed my belongings into the back compartment of her Moped, supplied me with a disposable rain poncho and drove me back to my hotel.
Also, Life Resort is a wonderful oasis at the end of the day.

Posted By lee daley on November 5, 2007, 1:39 PM

On a trip to Hoi An in January my daughter and I purchased custom made clothing at two different shops. We were extremely pleased with out purchases. I took a pair of pants that I really like and they made 4 pairs (two cotton and two microfiber) for me exactly like them overnight, $12.00/pair. Not a silk person I wasn't excited about buying silk but the last morning there walking through town and I saw a jacket I liked in front of the shop that made my pants. I figured I'd talk them into selling it to me if it fit, which it didn't. This was 9:30 am and I was leaving for the airport at 11 am. The girls insisted they could make me the jacket before I left for the airport. They measured me quickly, I picked out the material for the jacket and lining and a guy on a motorbike zoomed in to pick it all up. At 11 am on the button they showed up at my hotel with my jacket. A perfect fit and beautiful, all for $30.

Posted By karen on November 5, 2007, 1:56 PM

Vietnam was by far one of my best vacations. I took a one week tour through a local tour company and we went north from Saigon to Da Nang. Stayed where the locals stay and eat. In Hue take the junk river boat trip up the Perfume River, lots of great old temples and shrines. Lot's of local artists selling silk paintings of scenes of Viet Nam. Less than 5.00.

Posted By Cheryl Bolles on November 5, 2007, 2:00 PM

Hoi An is a fun city, but be very disearning when it comes to your tailor. Pant seats maynot be cut to the Western figure. We had one pair of cord pants made and the nap was in the wrong direction. We were informed that that it could go both ways:)
If you want to have some fun, have the hotel line up a motorcycle tour of the back country for you. Hue is a great place to do it.

Posted By Tom Reynolds on November 5, 2007, 2:16 PM

We found exquisit silk hand embroidery in Hoi An at a shop called XQ Hoi An, 166 Tran Phu St., Hoi An. (ph.: 0510.911018-911030)

Posted By Jim on November 5, 2007, 3:02 PM

When it comes to tailors, I think they typically do a much better job w/ men's clothes than women's--esp if you don't have an Asian figure! I would bring pants, top, jacket, or dress that you like so they can copy the pattern, otherwise you might be picking outfits from old magazines or pattern books. If you want an Asian look, then pick a shop that has a lot of women's clothes on display, which is usually a good indicator that they can "do" women's tailoring vs specializing in men's suits. I've had some beautiful silk duvet covers and shams made (measure your comforter and pillows to make sure you get the correct size!).

Posted By Margaret on November 5, 2007, 3:37 PM

We're not exactly fashion hounds, but fellow travelers in Hanoi tipped us about Ipa-Nima-- very funky, fashionable handbags (sported by celebrities like Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, Cate Blanchett, and Martha Stewart) manufactured in Hanoi. They have two shops in the city: 34 Han Thuyen and 17 Nha Tho. We picked up several bags as gifts, as most cost less than half what you'd pay in the States. Plus, if you get bags of different sizes, you can stack them inside one another and save packing space!

Posted By Chris on November 5, 2007, 3:44 PM

To my way of thinking I think you are silly traveling to an exotic country and are concerned about shopping and finding bargains.

Posted By nolan on November 5, 2007, 3:59 PM

I was born in Vietnam and travel back every other year or so. In Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) get fitted the first day and pick-up your clothes on the way home. Thong tailor in the Q4 district is very good with women's clothes / outerwear. No matter where you go, the best bet is to bring a sample of something that fits you well as others have mentioned. In Hoi An, buy wood carved items, in Hue, buy silk lanterns and embroidered hats. Da Nang does not have exceptional shopping other than marble in the Marble Mountain shops, but is a great place to buy local priced day-to-day items like chopsticks and dishes. Every city has wonderful salons that will wash your hair, massage your head and neck, and blow out your do for about $3 US - plan on an hour or more. To carry all your loot home, go to the local market and buy the zip top shoulder sacks made out of blue or striped tarp material. They cost $1 US and if you put your dirty clothes in the tarp bags and your new goodies in your luggage, you'll be set!

Posted By Susan on November 5, 2007, 4:10 PM

Yaly in Hoi An.

Amazing. I had 2 pairs of pants, 1 shirt, 2 suits, and a dress custom made overnight and delivered to my hotel.

Posted By Jessica Boyd on November 5, 2007, 4:16 PM

Yaly in Hoi An is amazing. I had 2 pairs of pants, 1 shirt, 2 suits, and a dress custom made overnight and delivered to my hotel. Bring magazine pictures of the clothes you like. In Saigon, bring family pictures to have painted into portraits cheap. (minh thu art shop)

In Ha noi purchase artifacts from 54 Traditions Gallery.

Posted By Jessica Boyd on November 5, 2007, 4:23 PM

We visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) a while back and found the shopping to be incredible! Don't miss the Bin Than Market or the market near the Rex Hotel, the Mini Tax. Unbelievable bargains on nearly everything: watches, backpacks, wallets, clothing (VN distributor for POLO shirts is upstairs) and many others. Got a custom tailored men's suit for less that $200 out of Super 150's wool. Cashmere was even cheaper. Many tailors on the streets. We met several very nice kids on the streets who took care of us and guided us around for very little. Have a great time!

Posted By Lanfarm on November 5, 2007, 5:35 PM

I recently came through Vietnam but I didn't do any shopping. I'm not a shopper, not to good on the easy travel I prefer, but the word was always that Hoi An was the place to get outfits done and doing market shopping. Matter of fact, I was approach by a designer who wanted me to stop at her shop. I was heading to lunch, so she got me to the restaurant I was looking for. Afterwards, I stopped at her shop. Good style, craftmanship and a very pleasant person.
There's a large market in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh. Any items can be gotten.

Posted By Abby on November 5, 2007, 7:34 PM

We loved all of VietNam! Hoi An is wonderful for clothing. YALY with Mrs.Quynh was excellent! They made my husband's three piece suit during a typhoon when the power went out. The address is 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc.

Posted By Jane Woody on November 6, 2007, 9:53 AM

The caves at Tam Coc are about two hours from Hanoi and make a great day trip. It's like an inland version of the much more famous Halong Bay, but less crowded. You can hire a row boat to get to the limestone caves, which are stunning - the scenery is incredible.

Posted By Kevin Foster on November 6, 2007, 7:44 PM

Laura --

While in Ho Chi Min City, look for eggshell paintings. Don't know if they make them like they used to; but if you can find good ones, they're great. A shame you're not going to Na Trang. When I was there at a Chinese restaurant some time ago, a waiter brought out a tray to a table a little ways from me and I thought it had two suckling pigs on it. I had to look and found they were crayfish of a size that made our Maine lobsters look like prawns. The tails were as wide as my hand. No kidding. You may be able to find them elsewhere; but when I was there, Na Trang was the place.

Posted By Valton E. Herman on November 6, 2007, 8:21 PM

I can't thank you all enough for these tips! I'm making notes and jotting down addresses. I'll let you know how it goes!
-L

Posted By Laura MacNeil on November 7, 2007, 2:47 PM

Shopping is fabulous in Viet Nam, but there are so many better reasons to go there. If shopping is your bag, you will want to know that wonderful spa services are available there at very cheap prices. My daughter and I were there last winter and we loved everything about it, the people, the scenery, the museums, the sight-seeing and the food, especially the food. It's hard to find a bad place. Be sure to visit some of the Pho restaurants.

Posted By Carolyn Simon on November 10, 2007, 6:41 PM

I bought beaded purses in Saigon on two occasions, 2 years apart. I have never seen them anywhere else but in the "department" store near the Rex Hotel--look upstairs!

Posted By merie on November 12, 2007, 12:30 PM

Nolan's comment about traveling to an exotic place and "shopping being silly" seems rather judgmental and perhaps he didn't consider that many of us who are fortunate enough to be able to travel to far away exotic locales take pleasure in bringing back a little piece of that country's craft to share with family and friends back home. To each his/her own!! Life is short... enjoy these travels while you may.

Posted By Patt Shinsky on November 12, 2007, 6:01 PM

You can get all of your clothings made in Hoi An, and again, just make sure what you want and show them pictures, samples. The more time you have the better quality you get. In Ho chi minh city (Saigon), it's more expensive, but you get what you paid for. If you want a unique hand painted dress or the traditonal Vietnamese tunic (Ao dai) go to Si Hoang on 36-38 Ly Tu Trong. It's expensive, but worth every penny. At night, you can go back there to enjoy a great traditonal music and fashion show at its tea room upstairs. Have a great time there!

Posted By Tristan on November 13, 2007, 4:14 PM

The best place to shop in Vietnam is Che Saigon (alternatively called Che Ben Thanh)in Ho Chi Minh City. The street, Nguyen Hue, that leads towards Che Saigon also has great bargains. Almost anything that is mass manufactured throughout Vietnam will be sold in Che Saigon. Forget about going to shops in Hoi An, Hanoi, Dalat, etc. You'll find the same products at Che Saigon. Remember to start bargaining at 1/2 the stated price.

Posted By Marie Le on December 3, 2007, 12:12 AM

Yaly in Hoi An was one of the worst shopping experiences I`ve had in Vietnam. In an article in Conde Naste, they said Yaly was really good and they would even make up clothes if you supplied the fabric. Well were they wrong. I brought some really nice and expensive eco fabrics of cotton, bamboo soy stretchy t-shirt material to have made up. they assured us that they were able to make up simple tshirts with the fabric. Three fittings later they still were unable to get the hems to hang properly and there were even some holes on the hemlines. They blamed the material and said that it was no good. Out of the four t`s that I ordered one was mediocre the others were unwearable due to the hems being streched and flared. They do not have the tailors, machines or the expertise to work on fabrics other than those they sell. So at the end of this frustrating shopping experience I asked if they would compensate me for the ruined material? They tried to iron the hems so they would hang properly and we were told to take them and leave or they would call the police. This of course happened at 8.30 pm just as the store was closing and with very few customers around to witness anyone who had problems. So if you are asked to come back for final fittings at 8.30 pm or later beware!

Posted By Jim Downie on January 31, 2008, 4:42 AM

I am plannıng to be in Vietnam for the first half of march, nonetheless i ve opinions about the best custom-made boutiques and other traditional shopping areas i am curious about the shipment conditions if there might be secure enough, therefore i need suggestions for the most reliable shipping companies, i also do wonder if boutiques may cover this service also ? thnx indeed ...

Posted By BERNA KANBAY on February 17, 2008, 10:11 AM