Shopping in Vietnam is a fun and interesting experience, and guarantees good bargains to those who know what to look for. It is true to say that you can find nearly anything in Vietnam. Markets vary from high class shopping malls, supermarkets to bustling open market, galleries, boutiques and street stalls.

It is not recommended that you buy imported, famous branded products such as clothing, perfume or electronics in Vietnam as tax makes these items more costly than neighboring countries.

In terms of shopping for tourists, Vietnam is most famous for its handicrafts, war souvenirs, authentic clothing, art, antiques and gems.

Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a temping selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits.

Art and Antiques

Vietnam has very strict regulations about exporting real antiques. There are several shops to hunt for art and antiques. Both traditional and modern paintings are a popular item. More sophisticated works are displayed in art galleries, while cheaper mass-produced stuff is touted in souvenir shops and by street vendors. Be careful and check your sources for certificates if they claim to sell you an original or antique piece.

Clothing

Vietnam is emerging as a regional design center and there are some extravagant creations in the boutiques of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Clothing varies greatly from tourist T-shirts to beaded handbags and traditional ao dai (the traditional costume) made to fit your size. Items made from silk are a popular buy, with prices varying depending on the material and tailor. Pre-made traditional dresses are sold in many places. However, it is more recommended to have the dress made to fit your body, which takes more time and slightly more money.
Shoes, slippers and handbags made from traditional materials (silk and bamboo) can also become unique gifts and accessories.

The Vietnamese traditional conical hat, can be found everywhere throughout the country, but hats made in Hue are most famous as they have a poem embroiled on the inside.
Non (conical hats) are favorite items for women in both rainy and sunny times. The best quality ones can be found in the Hue’s area.

Gems and jewelry

Vietnam is rich in gemstones. The jewelry business is also increasing during current years, and sophisticated works are produced by both big businesses and traditional craftsmen. The quality of the gemstones sold is sometimes doubtable, so it is recommended that you buy gems at prestigious locations and be ware with cheap prices.

War souvenirs

Most war souvenirs sold today in Vietnam (for example, Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy) are fake reproductions. Be careful while transporting these items as many airlines do not allow weapons, even fakes to be carried on their planes.

Handicrafts

Other popular handicrafts in Vietnam include lacquer ware, wood-block prints, and oil and watercolor paintings, blinds made from bamboo, reed mats, carpets, and leatherwork.

Tip: Bargaining

Bargaining should be good-natured, smile and don’t get angry or argue. Once the money is accepted, the deal is done. Remember that in Asia, “saving face” is very important. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%.

www.vietnamvisaonline.net

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Visa Vietnam – Visa on arrival is legitimate and posted in Vietnam immigration laws: www.mofa.gov.vn/vi/ct_lanhsu/vbpl/nr040831084533/copy2_of_ns040830162648 - so it is endorsed by the Vietnamese Government.

Why the embassy told me that it is not legit and a fraud while it looks legit?

After reviewing and interviewing some travel agents who processed this visa, our guess is that “this visa compete directly with the embassy services, that is why they will never recognize this visa as legit procedure even though it is posted clearly in Immigration Laws of Vietnam.
We will report it to Vietnam tourism Administration since visa Vietnam – Visa on arrival may be one of the key factors help boosting Vietnam tourism.

Legally issued by Vietnam Immigration Department, it has been online for almost 7 years and increasingly becomes the most convenient way to get a visa to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese government officially announced that Vietnam provided visa-on-arrivals at international airports and border crossing pointsfor all international travelers. Vu The Binh, head of the travel department ofthe Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), officially gave theinformation to reporters. The implementation took a few months to give time forthe Customs Department to adapt its information technology system to accommodate the new system. VNAT and www.vietnamvisaonline.net then looked at the new visa Vietnam procedures.

The advantage of on arrival visa is that you will not have to spend your valuable time and your transportation cost to go to the Vietnam Embassy in your country to apply for the visa code

Visa to Vietnam
Vietnam Visa
Vietnam Visa online
Vietnam Visa fees
Visa Vietnam

vietnamvisaonline.net/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends