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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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