Vietnam Street Markets Guide: A Shopper’s Paradise

Vietnam Street markets are not merely shopping destinations, they are also the living theatre of culture, colour and chaos. When you are attracted to a Vietnamese shopping experience that opens up the essence of local life, then this guide is the chart to follow. It is not just a checklist, but it is your shopping guide to Vietnam, tailored to those who like their shopping in alleyways rather than in air-conditioned shopping malls. You will find out about traditional Vietnamese markets, market maps, local comparisons, and buying etiquette in Vietnam that will enable you to shop smart and travel further.

Vietnam’s Best Street Markets: Region by Region

Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City (Chợ Bến Thành)

Ben Thanh is a busy central indoor market in Vietnam full of souvenirs, textiles, and Vietnamese coffee, and this place is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Hours: 09:00–21:00
• Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Best For: First-timers, souvenir hunters, and Vietnam shopping enthusiasts.

Binh Tay Market, Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City (Chợ Bình Tây)

This wholesale market located in Chinatown, Vietnam, deals with spices, groceries and fabric in large quantities, the best option when shopping in the local environment.

• Hours: Daytime
• Location: Chinatown, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
• Best For: Bargain seekers and bulk buyers looking for traditional Vietnamese products.

Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi (Chợ Đồng Xuân)

The biggest ancient indoor market in Hanoi is the Dong Xuan, full of clothes, food and souvenirs, which captivates the Vietnam street market in the north.

• Hours: 06:00–18:00 (Fri–Sun night market)
• Location: Old Quarter, Hanoi
• Best For: Textile lovers, street food fans, and night market explorers.

Dong Ba Market, Hue (Chợ Đồng Ba)

The Dong Ba is a conventional Hue market along the Perfume River, which specialises in Hue food, local foods, and genuine Vietnamese food shopping.

• Hours: Daytime
• Location: Hue City Centre, by the Perfume River
• Best For: Culinary explorers and local food lovers.

Hoi An Central & Night Market, Hoi An (Chợ Hội An)

This Vietnam Night market shines with tailoring outlets, silk and lanterns, and provides handmade treasures and the most amazing shopping travels in Hoi An.

• Hours: Day & Night
• Location: Ancient Town, Hoi An
• Best For: Handmade enthusiasts and those seeking custom tailoring in Vietnam.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho (Chợ nổi Cái Răng)

Cai Rang is a vibrant floating market located in the Mekong Delta that takes trading down to the water and sells fruits and vegetables using colourful boats in the morning.

• Hours: 05:00–09:00
• Location: Mekong Delta, Can Tho 
• Best For: Photographers, cultural travellers, and early risers seeking authentic Vietnam market experiences.

Bac Ha Sunday Market, Sa Pa (Chợ Bác Hà)

One day a week, Hmong crafts, textiles and local culture can be found at the Bac Ha Sunday Market, which is a highlight of the ethnic markets in northern Vietnam.

• Hours: Sunday only
• Location: Bac Ha, Lao Cai Province
• Best For: Cultural travellers, collectors, and fans of Vietnamese handicrafts.

Navigating Vietnam’s Street Markets

Bargaining, Word by Word

Speak the local words such as “Bao nhieu tien?” (“How much?”) and “Re qua!” (“Too cheap!”). The bargaining at this is not stressful, but social; it is a component of the Vietnamese market culture.

Etiquette That Works

• Ask before photographing people.
• Pay with both hands for respect.
• Visit stalls early; many close by noon.

Money & Modern Payments

Most of the street shopping places in Vietnam use only cash. Carry small bills. Such digital wallets as MoMo or VNPay are fabulous, provided that you have a local number.

Avoiding Scams & Staying Safe

Move with metered cabs or Grab. Do not be excessively cheap on promises of express tailoring. Valuables and passports should be separated.

Getting Around: Logistics That Matter

Vietnam’s best markets reward early risers. Cai Rang rises at 5 a.m., Dong Xuan rings until 6 p.m., and Hoi An shines after sunset. Get cabs, Grab bikes, or own transfers. If the tourist prefers to have a hassle-free journey, Pickyourtrail’s Vietnam tours are available with private transfers, translators, and ready-to-go shopping lists to the customer, no stress, no surprises.

Vietnam Market Itineraries: DIY or Curated

Ho Chi Minh City (Half Day)

Start at Ben Thanh Market, move to Binh Tay, and end with a Vietnamese coffee break.

Hanoi (Full Day)

Morning at Dong Xuan, lunch in the Old Quarter, and evening at the Hanoi night market.

Hoi An (Half Day)

Morning for a tailor fitting, evening for Hoi An lantern market photos.

Can Tho (Dawn Trip)

Boat to Cai Rang Floating Market, breakfast on the water, and capture sunrise reflections.

Sapa (Weekend Adventure)

Head to Bac Ha Sunday Market, explore ethnic crafts, and take home Vietnamese handmade souvenirs.

Conclusion: Shopping in Vietnam the Smart Way

Vietnam has street markets that make travelling not just tactile, but visceral as well. Every booth is bustling, starting with the silk of Hoi An, down to the spices of Cholon. You do not simply go shopping, you meet people, narratives and traditions centuries old. Book a custom Vietnam shopping itinerary, Hanoi night market tours or tailoring experiences in Hoi An, all of which are managed by knowledgeable professionals who know when to intervene and when to leave you alone.

FAQs: Street Markets in Vietnam

What are the best street markets in Vietnam for souvenirs?

Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City), Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), and Hoi An Night Market are the best bets as they are all full of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and souvenirs.

Are floating markets in Vietnam worth visiting?

Absolutely! Cai Rang Floating Market is a sight to see in Can Tho due to its trading culture, photogenic nature and the atmosphere in the market in the early mornings.

What’s the best time to visit Vietnam’s street markets?

Go in the morning or at night, after the sun has set, to escape the heat. Hoi An night market and Hanoi night market (weekend market) light up at night.

How should travellers handle bargaining in Vietnamese markets?

Smile, stay polite, and start low. Bargaining in Vietnam is expected but always friendly; it’s about connection, not confrontation. Always smile, be polite and begin low. Vietnam’s negotiating is anticipated and never hostile – it is a matter of relationship and not warfare.

How can I book a guided shopping trip in Vietnam?

Pickyourtrail offers you to book tailor-made Vietnam market tours and shopping packages to have smooth experiences with the locals, transfers, and market trails.