Shopping in Hoi An

Set near the coast in central Vietnam, Hoi An draws visitors with its ancient architecture, nearby beach and sun-kissed charm. But it’s the shopping, reports Hazel Gray, that really measures up.

“I got a whole new wardrobe for about US$100,” enthuses Christina, a Canadian doctor who visited Hoi An some four years ago. “They fit perfectly on the first try. It was amazing.”

Today, Christina would find even more selection, as the number of tailor shops in Hoi An continues to grow. “Six years ago there were about 10 shops,” says Thong Phi, the owner of a tailor shop on Le Loi Street, “Now there are 152 tailors.”

This word-of mouth advertising is perhaps the most amazing aspect of Hoi An’s newfound fame. Stroll down Kho Sahn Road, the main drag for backpackers in Bangkok, and you’ll see countless young people wearing garments made of Vietnamese silk – all obtained in Hoi An. Some visitors, in fact, come expressly to buy new clothes. It was worth the plane ticket,” says Ingrid, a Danish student trying on a new winter coat in a shop on Tran Phu street. “My friends won’t believe it,” she says, then proceeds to try on a pair of silk pajamas, a satin kimono, two pairs of trousers, three skirts, three shirts, and a brocade cheongsam dress

lcoal shops: silk
After dark, the streets of Hoi An’s Old Quarter are at their most charming. Down Tran Phu street, silk lanterns cast warm puddles of colored light. A few tourists emerge from an old Chinese shop-house, their silk shirts ironed and pants freshly creased. All is quiet, but for the faint clackery-clack of dozens of sewing machines.

Most people that go to Hoi An do some shopping. It is famous for its tailoring, especially suits and things made of silk. I am not a big shopper and I could not be bothered to haggle down the prices as is always necessary in Southeast Asia. One thing I would have liked to get is a silk lantern. These were very inexpensive compared to western prices.

Small lanterns were as little as a dollar but with a month left to travel, I didn't want to have it wind up crushed in my backpack by the time I got home.

Tailors' Market
After you pass the Central Market, along the river, you can find another building called the Tailors' Market. Here there are many tailor stalls where you can order customized clothes and suits. If you don't come with a fix idea, they will show you hundreds of pics of every immaginable model till you decide what you want. You can even indicate "this model, but with this neck and this pocket". In 2-3 hours you can return to pick up your order! Bargain the price in advance. You will have to leave a small deposit, a percentage of the total price.

Central Market: colorful local markets
Hoi An’s central market is one of Vietnam’s most colorful and a rightful attraction. Despite the flood of gaping tourists, it retains much of its local flair. It is a bustling and slightly chaotic affair, especially when trying to grab photos between your western counterparts!

Local fruits are always a great bargain. You can find things you'll not see back home and at great prices too. Try dragon fruit, a magenta colored beauty similar to kiwi.

You can get three dragon fruits for a dollar if you bargain hard.

everywhere: whole new wardrobe
Hoi An is an oasis of tailor shops. You can choose a tailor on your own, or you can ask at the front desk of your hotel. You choose the fabric, then you been measured, and by the evening your clothes will be shipped to your hotel. The price is less then what you would pay for material alone in a western country. Irresistable

clothes, clothes clothes

As always in Vietnam, you have to argue

galleries in the old town: Vietnamese paintings
The old city is full of galleries, carrying all kinds and sizes of paintings. We didn't see such a selection in the galleries in the big cities. You can of course argue the price, and they will wrap it for you very good

paintings, suit your taste

Less then they ask for, especially if you buy more then one.