Shopping
Shopping is an essential part for any tourists. From shopping, you can learn more about culture and society of the destination, as well as bring home some nice souvenirs for friends and family from you Vietnam vacations.
The most frequent question about shopping in Halong Bay is not what to shop but where to shop and how to shop; because once you can get to the right places and shop the right way, there will be a ton of interesting stuffs to get home after travel to Vietnam.
Where to shopping in Halong Bay
Here are some suggestions about places for shopping that you might consider for your vacations schedule.
1. Halong Bay Night Market at Hung Thang area
The night market is probably the most well-known shopping area in the city for tourists and travellers. Local people sell different stuff here such as wooden products, bags and purses, accessories, souvenirs, and locally made clothes. The night market is located at Marine Plaza, Hung Thang area, Halong City, nearby Royal Lotus hotel and opens daily from 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm.
2. Bai Chay Commercial Centre (Vuon Dao Market)
The Bai Chay Commercial Market is located in Vuon Dao area along the tourist district in Halong City. This market specifically caters to the local people of Bai Chay and some of the surrounding districts. It opens from 6 am until 6.30 pm at night. This is a great place to witness the daily routines of the Halong City locals.
3. Halong I Market
Located in Hon Gai ward on the other side of the iconic Halong Bay bridge, the Halong I Market is the biggest and most visited in the area by both tourists and locals. This market sells almost everything from household furnitures and flowers to clothing and Halong's local specialty Squid Cakes (Chả Mực). It opens 7 days a week from 6 am to 6.30 pm.
4. Floating-boat Shops
These "shops" are usually found wandering around nearby cruise boats and tourist areas such as the caves and beaches in Halong Bay creating floating markets in the middle of the ocean. These waterborne convenience stores will carry much of the traditional fare, as well as fresh seafood. Be careful with buying though as they put the prices twice or even three times as much as its original price tag.
5. Vincom Mall
Last but definitely not the least, the newly built and recently opened Vincom Centre Halong brings a fresh experience of shopping in the city of Halong. Located in Hon Gai ward just right next to the Halong I Market, the mall offers different brands from around the world and caters to the more affluent Vietnamese locals and tourist who are looking for entertainments like movies, grocery stores, and ice skating.
Shopping tips
Please take note of some shopping tips to avoid issues that might negatively influence your travel’s experience to Halong Bay, Vietnam.
1. Be cautious with the price
The price at the markets here has no apparent range and standard, the sellers usually ask for higher price for actual price of the products. Often, these prices can be 1.5 times higher than actual cost, or sometime even 2 or 3 times higher. Therefore, you need to carefully research about average price range of products to not to be charged by sky-high price.
2. Try to bargain
You should bargain for a better price if you think the product is overpriced. However, you should not bargain in supermarkets or shopping centres, where prices are already set. Firstly, set up a desired price in your head and say out loud an even lower price. After some discussions, you might reach the price that you want to pay. If not, try to walk away, the sellers might call you back or if they don’t, remember: you always have the next shops!
3. Be aware of the fake products
Another issue that you should be aware of is counterfeit products. Halong City is located in Quang Ninh Province, where has border with China. Therefore, the fake products from China are brought frequently by local sellers to earn more profit. So you check the quality and origin of products thoroughly before purchasing, as well as shop at ensured places such as shopping mall or authorized shops.
