Shopping

Vietnam is rich in handicrafts due to the creativity of its people. These finely crafted products are the source of national pride as well as income for the people, who employ skills that have been handed down through generations and are still alive today.

Antiques: The law prohibits the sale and export of registered antiques, and they are rarely offered to tourists for this reason.

Lacquerware: Lacquer crafts have been a part of Vietnamese life in countless forms of artistic expression. With about 2,000 years of history, Vietnamese lacquerware has earned a reputation for its quality and detail. Visitors will discover a variety of attractive items including vases, trays, furniture, boxes, decorative items, jewellery and other products.

Woven Tapestries: Tapestries and tho cam handbags are fabricated by women in ethnic minority villages in the northwest such as Cao Bang.

Silk Embroideries: Embroidered items are mostly from Ha Dong, Nam Ha, Thai Binh and Hue.

Wool Tapestries: Wool tapestries from Hanoi and Hai Phong and jute tapestries from Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Hanoi and Thai Binh are much sought after by locals and foreigners alike.

Ceramic and Porcelain: Ceramic and porcelain items have been produced in Vietnam for centuries and glazed using traditional methods, and can be found in Bat Trang in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

Copperware: Copperware items are fabricated by craftsmen in Nam Ha, Ngu Xa in Hanoi, Dong Son in Thang Hoa and Long Tho. Jewellery products and metalwork are concentrated in Hanoi, Thai Binh and Hai Hung, while stonework is mainly produced in Danang.

Wood Carvings: Wood carvings and products are best shopped for in Phu Xuyen, Hai Phong, Hue and Bac Ninh.