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Shopping in Hoi An, Vietnam.
I’ll only mention a few places to shop in Hoi An. You will notice (should you stray from the tour guided path) that most shops stock exactly the same thing. This is due to the governments control of what shop owners can sell and where. For example, if you have a shop in the market, you have a choice of only 12 types of shop you can open, and your stock is prescribed to you.
Buyer be ware – Vietnam is a bartering country. I saw an American tourist pay $25 for a t-shirt I bought for $2. Seriously. If you don’t care, fine, but know that you can typically offer half of the original asking price and still know you’re not getting a good deal!
If you are visiting on a tour or with a guide, be aware that your tour guide will be getting a commission from every shop they take you to where you make a purchase. Be independent and go to shops other than the ones you are directed to purchase from – you’ll likely find exactly the same item three doors down the road, for a much cheaper price as that shop will not be hiking up their prices for tour groups.
But really, how many ‘I went to Vietnam’ t-shirts do you need? Here’s a few suggestions where you will find wonderful and unique souvenirs from your trip to Hoi An, while also supporting some great causes.
The Lifestart Foundation Workshop.
Shop 5, Viettown, 127 Phan Chu Trinh St
The Lifestart Foundation Workshop is a co-operative of disabled and disadvantaged people from Hoi An and surrounding areas. Everything in the shop is made by the people in the co-op and 100% of your money will go directly to the makers. The running costs of the shop are covered by independent fundraising by Lifestart Foundation. This is a truly unique operation in Vietnam and well worth supporting.
Fiona with Nghi from Reaching Out in the childrens section.
103 Nguyen Thai Hoc (next to Tan Ky House)
Reaching Out is another charity-based organization selling really lovely hand made products. The shop does support disabled and disadvantaged crafts people, however they are on a set wage which is not effected directly by your purchase. It is not clear exactly where the profit from this organization goes, but I feel that there is heart in this organization and a good will for the people it supports.
Fiona with the team at Lotus.
100 Nguyen Thai Hoc St
If you’re into sterling silver, this is the place to shop – frankly all the other jewellers in town are simply inferior in quality and service. Phil and Nguyen run the show and are soon to open a second shop in town. They stock wonderful hand crafted sterling silver pendants with designs such as the iconic conical hat and lotus flowers. Just stunning. Give them an Aussie G’Day from us.
Shop 45 – for all your clothes and shoes!
Hoang Deu – down near the bridge.
Huyen and her mother have to be the most reasonable shop keepers in Hoi An! Their prices for shoes, clothes and bags are the most competitive in town. Bring your favorite pants, dress or anything for them to copy, or bring in a picture of what you want made. Forgot to? Never mind, Huyen has piles and piles of fashion books you can flick through. Point to your favorite garments and come back and try it on in under 24 hours! Having clothes tailor made for you is a fun experience – let your imagination run wild! I had 50s-style summer dresses made for $18 each, Converse-style shoes made for $10 a pair and dress shoes made for $12 and $18 – and everything was made to measure!
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Miss Nguyen’s Heart Warming Update – Guest Blog for Lifestart Foundation.
With Nguyen and the first family of JadeMosnters.
Miss Nguyen is one amazing woman and I feel most privileged to have been able to work with her. If your day needs a bit of a lift, or you’re needing some motivation to get on with those new year resolutions, please have a flick through the following stories. I hope Nguyen gives you the strength of heart she gives me.
Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of working with Miss Nguyen, a talented crafts woman working at the Lifestart Foundation Workshop. Together we created the JadeMonster plush toy – the first in my new range of merchandise available from my website.
Nguyen’s Early Story - by Karen Leonard
Meeting Barry III, Nguyen and creating the JadeMonster – by Jade Leonard
Miss Nguyen’s Heart Warming Update – by Jade Leonard
JadeMonster logo!
If you have purchased one of Nguyen’s sock creatures, or a JadeMonster plush toy, please leave us a comment and give us an update on your new family member!
