The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Hoi An (2025 Edition)

The best shopping in Hoi An centers around the Ancient Town's atmospheric streets, famous for custom-tailored clothing, silk lanterns, and handmade leather goods. For a more local vibe and fresh produce, the Central Market is a must-visit. This Herbal Spa Hoi An guide offers curated maps, tailored recommendations, and haggling tips.

1. 10 Best things to buy in Hoi An

1.1 Custom-made clothing (Tailoring)

If there's one single reason people flock to Hoi An for shopping, it's the legendary tailoring. For generations, this town has been the epicenter of bespoke clothing in Southeast Asia. Why? It's the perfect storm of highly skilled artisans, incredible speed, a vast selection of fabrics, and unbeatable value. You can walk into a Hoi An shop with a photo from Pinterest and walk out the next day with a perfectly fitted garment.

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Your 4-Step Journey to the Perfect Outfit:

• Step 1: Choose your design -Select your fabric (30-60 mins): You'll be presented with hundreds of options, from linen and cotton to high-quality cashmere wool and silk. 
• Step 2: Getting Measured (10-15 mins): An experienced tailor will take your measurements with swift precision.
• Step 3: The First Fitting (20-30 mins): This usually happens 12-24 hours later. You'll try on the semi-finished garment. 
• Step 4: The Final Fitting & Collection (15 mins): A few hours later or the next day, you'll return for the final fitting. The adjustments from the first fitting will have been made.

1.2 Leather goods (Bags, Shoes, Belts)

Walking into a leather shop in Hoi An is an experience for the senses. The distinct smell of genuine leather fills the air, and the walls are lined with handbags, wallets, and shoes of all styles. Along with tailoring, handmade leather goods are one of the quintessential shopping experiences in Hoi An Vietnam. You can find everything from a sturdy cowhide belt to a pair of sandals that are made to fit your feet.

Custom-made vs. Ready-made: What to Choose?

Ready-made: Perfect if you need an item right away. You can see and feel the exact final product. However, you’ll be limited to available designs and sizes.

Custom-made: This is where the real magic happens. Bring in a photo of your favorite designer handbag or a unique shoe design, and artisans will recreate it for you. The process typically involves choosing the design, leather, color, and taking measurements (for shoes).

1.3 Silk lanterns

If there is one image that sums up the beauty of Hoi An, it is its shimmering silk lanterns. They are more than just decorations; they are the soul of the city, transforming the ancient streets into a magical fairytale scene every night. Buying a lantern is not just buying an item, but taking a piece of that charm home.

1.4 Vietnamese Silk & Scarves

Hoi An is a premier destination for silk, rooted in its history on the Maritime Silk Road. For an authentic experience and guaranteed quality, visit the Hoi An Silk Village to see the entire production process. Always learn how to spot genuine silk to ensure a worthy purchase.

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How to Identify Genuine Silk:

• The Ring Test: Pure silk is incredibly smooth and flexible. A true silk scarf should slide effortlessly through a wedding ring. Blends or synthetics will bunch up and resist.
• The Sheen Test: Real silk has a unique, multi-toned luster. As you change the angle of the light, the color on the surface seems to change.
• The Feel Test: Rub the silk between your fingers. Genuine silk will feel warm to the touch. If it feels cool or slick, it's likely a synthetic blend.
• The Price Test: While you can find good deals, be wary of anything that seems too cheap. The process of raising silkworms and weaving pure silk is labor-intensive, and the price will reflect that.

1.5 Art & Paintings

Hoi An's Ancient Town is a vibrant art gallery in itself, filled with studios showcasing both traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art. Most reputable galleries offer international shipping, making it easy to bring a piece of Hoi An's soul home with you.

Walking through the golden-hued alleyways, you'll find that art is an inseparable part of the shopping in Hoi An Vietnam experience. The town's tranquil, inspiring atmosphere has attracted artists for decades. The result is a thriving art scene with dozens of galleries and studios tucked into ancient merchant houses.

1.6 Handcrafted Souvenirs (Wood Carvings, Ceramics)

For authentic, handcrafted souvenirs, explore Hoi An's traditional craft villages. Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village for ceramics and Kim Bong Carpentry Village for woodwork. For more unique items, venture into the smaller alleyway shops in Hoi An's Old Town.

Beyond lanterns and silk, the soul of Hoi An shopping truly shines through its smaller, handcrafted treasures. These items carry the stories of generations of artisans. Instead of mass-produced trinkets, consider a souvenir with a story, shaped by hand and perfected over time.

>>>>> Wondering what to do in Hoi An when raining? Discover your perfect indoor escape.

1.7 Conical Hats (Nón Lá)

The conical hat, or Nón Lá, is the quintessential Vietnamese souvenir; it's iconic, lightweight, and costs very little (around 30,000 - 50,000 VND). You can buy one at any local market. Remember to check with your airline about carrying it onto the plane.

No item is more symbolic of Vietnam than the elegant Nón Lá. This conical hat is more than just a souvenir; it's a piece of cultural identity, a practical tool used by everyone from farmers in the rice paddies to market vendors in the city.

For a tourist, it serves three perfect purposes:

• Practical: It offers excellent protection from both the sun and sudden rain showers.
• Photogenic: It adds an authentic, beautiful touch to your travel photos.
• Affordable: It's one of the cheapest and most memorable souvenirs you can buy.

1.8 Vietnamese Coffee & Filters (Phin)

Vietnamese coffee culture is an experience in itself. The secret lies in the beans, primarily the robust and bold Robusta variety, and the brewing method. Unlike the more acidic Arabica, Robusta offers a powerful, earthy, and less sour taste, often with hints of chocolate. Bringing home a bag of local beans and a phin is one of the best shopping experiences in Hoi An you can make.

1.9 Propaganda Art & Posters

For a truly unique and historical souvenir, consider buying a Vietnamese propaganda art poster. These reproductions feature bold graphics and powerful imagery, offering a trendy and fascinating piece of art that is easy to transport. Look for them in specialized shops in Hoi An.

Propaganda art is a significant part of Vietnam's modern history. Characterized by its bold colors, strong graphic lines, and patriotic or social messages, it offers a fascinating window into the nation's past.

Today, high-quality reproductions have become a trendy souvenir for travelers. They are visually striking, serve as excellent conversation starters, and are easy to pack; simply roll them up and place them in your luggage. This is a far more interesting choice than a generic souvenir from a large Hoi An shopping mall.

1.10 Local Spices & Sauces

Bring the taste of Hoi An home by purchasing local specialties like high-quality fish sauce, dried spices, or the famous Hoi An chili jam (tương ớt). The Hoi An Central Market is the best and most authentic place to buy them. Remember to check airline rules for carrying liquids.

Must-Buy Culinary Souvenirs:

• Hoi An Chili Jam/Sauce (Tương Ớt Hội An)
• High-Quality Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm)
• Dried Spices: The market is filled with aromatic stalls selling high-quality star anise, cinnamon, black pepper from the Central Highlands, and dried chili.

2. Where to shop in Hoi An: Key locations

2.1 Hoi An night market

Now that you know what to buy, the next question is where to go. Each area in Hoi An offers a distinct atmosphere and specialty. This section will guide you to the right spot for your shopping in Hoi An.

Hoi An Shopping Locations at a Glance

2.2 Hoi An Central Market

Located on An Hoi Islet across the famous bridge, the Hoi An Night Market is a must-visit for its magical atmosphere. It's the best place to buy lanterns, enjoy diverse street food, and find small souvenirs. The market is open daily from approximately 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This is less about serious shopping and more about soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the bustling crowds, browse the endless stalls selling everything from trinkets to T-shirts, and, most importantly, sample the incredible street food on offer. It's the quintessential evening experience for any visitor.

2.3 The ancient town shopping streets

The pedestrian-friendly streets of the Ancient Town, particularly Trần Phú, Nguyễn Thái Học, and Lê Lợi, are the heart of Hoi An's premium shopping. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of famous tailors, art galleries, leather shops, and chic boutiques.

For a more relaxed and curated shopping experience, spend your day wandering the beautiful, car-free streets of the Old Town. Each street has its character and specialties, making exploring them a key part of the Hoi An, Vietnam shopping adventure.

3. Essential shopping tips for tourists

3.1 How to bargain (haggle) respectfully

Bargaining is a normal part of the shopping culture in Vietnam, particularly in markets. It's a friendly game, not a battle. The key to successful haggling is to always remain polite, patient, and cheerful.

However, it's crucial to know when and where to bargain. The best shopping in Hoi An involves understanding this etiquette.

The Do's and Don'ts of Bargaining

3.2 Checking for quality

A good price means nothing if the quality is poor. Before you finalize any purchase, especially for signature Hoi An items, do a quick quality check.

Your Quality Checklist:

• For leather goods:
  • Smell: Real leather has a distinct, earthy smell. A chemical or plastic smell is a red flag.
  • Feel: Genuine leather feels soft, flexible, and has a slightly imperfect, natural grain. Faux leather often feels unnaturally smooth and stiff.
  • Edges: Check the seams. Real leather has rough, fibrous edges, whereas fake leather has smooth, perfect edges.

• For silk:
  • Sheen: As mentioned earlier, real silk has a multi-tonal luster that changes in the light. Fake silk has a flat, white-ish shine.
  • Feel: Rub the fabric between your fingers. Real silk should feel warm.
  • The Ring Test: A pure silk scarf should glide easily through a ring.

• For tailored clothes:
  • Seams & Stitching: Check for straight, even, and tight stitching. Pull gently on the seams to ensure they are strong.
  • Zippers & Buttons: Ensure zippers run smoothly and buttons are sewn on securely.
  • Fit: Always do a final fitting. Make sure you can move comfortably and that the garment drapes correctly. A good tailor will insist on this.

3.3 Payments and shipping

For payments in Hoi An, carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) for markets and street vendors, as cash is king. Major credit cards are accepted in larger, established shops. For shipping, most tailors and art galleries offer in-house services, or you can use reliable international couriers like DHL and FedEx available in town.

4. FAQ: Your Hoi An shopping questions answered

4.1 Is shopping in Hoi An considered cheap?

Yes, shopping in Hoi An can be very affordable, particularly when compared to Western prices for similar goods. The town offers exceptional value on custom-tailored clothing, handmade leather goods, and artisanal crafts. However, "cheap" does not mean uniform pricing. Prices in established boutiques are typically fixed, while bargaining in the markets is key to securing the best deal.

4.2 What is Hoi An most famous for buying?

Hoi An is world-famous for three main things: custom-made tailoring (including suits, dresses, and shirts), high-quality handmade leather goods (shoes, bags, and belts), and beautiful, traditional silk lanterns. These three categories represent the core of the Hoi An shopping experience and reflect its rich history as a hub for artisans and international trade.

4.3 How long does a custom suit take in Hoi An?

A custom suit in Hoi An typically takes between 24 and 72 hours from the initial measurement to the final product. This timeframe almost always includes one or two essential fittings. The standard process involves your first consultation and measurement, followed by a fitting 12-24 hours later to make adjustments, and often a final fitting to ensure a perfect fit before you pay the balance.

We hope the content of this article has helped you better understand the vibrant and rewarding world of shopping in Hoi An. From the expert craftsmanship of a custom-tailored suit to the magical glow of a silk lantern and the rich aroma of local coffee, Hoi An offers a truly unique retail experience that goes far beyond a typical Hoi An shopping mall.

>>>>> Discover more:

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