Ultimate Shopping Guide: Best Things To Buy In Hoi An (Souvenirs, Silk, And Custom Tailoring)

Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port on the ancient Silk Road, and that incredible legacy of craftsmanship and commerce is still alive today. The town is a true shopper’s paradise, a treasure trove of beautiful artisanal crafts, high-quality textiles, and unique local specialties.

But the things to buy in Hoi An are so much more than just simple souvenirs. Each item – from a hand-stitched silk lantern to a rustic piece of pottery – tells a story of Vietnamese tradition, artistry, and the soul of this magical town. This guide, brought to you by Vietnam Story, will focus on the must-buy items, where to find them, and my expert tips on getting the best quality and price, curated especially for my Indian travelers. Let’s go shopping!

The best Hoi An things to buy on your first trip

Table of Contents

Iconic souvenirs: Lanterns, Silk and Textiles

These are the items that capture the visual and textural heart of Hoi An. You simply cannot leave without one of these!

Shopping item	Description	Where to buy & Expert tip
Hoi An lanterns	This is the quintessential souvenir of Hoi An. These beautiful lanterns are handcrafted with colourful silk or brocade stretched over a flexible bamboo frame. They come in countless shapes and sizes, from the classic diamond to the elegant lotus flower.	Where to buy: The Hoi An Night Market is the best place for a huge variety and for fun bargaining. Expert tip: Be sure to buy a foldable silk lantern. They are ingeniously designed to collapse completely flat, making them incredibly easy and safe to pack in your suitcase.
Silk & Textile products	Hoi An is famous for its luxurious and soft Vietnamese silk. You can buy it by the meter to take home or as beautiful finished goods like scarves, pajamas, pillowcases, and ties.	Where to buy: For the absolute best premium quality, visit the Hoi An Silk Village, where you can also take an educational tour to see the entire silk-making process. You can also find high-quality, fixed-price boutiques along Tran Phu Street. Expert tip: Silk is wonderfully lightweight, high-quality, and makes a perfect, elegant gift for loved ones back home.
Handicrafts & Art	You will find a wonderful array of handmade goods, including beautiful bamboo crafts, intricate wooden carvings (in the style of the famous Kim Bong Village), and lovely hand-painted art and photography depicting the charming streets of the Ancient Town.	Where to buy: The Night Market has many stalls, but for higher quality and more authentic pieces, Vietnamstory.in recommends looking for artwork at the small, independent galleries and boutiques along Tran Phu Street.
Hand-embroidered items	Look for exquisitely made bags, wallets, and small brocade pouches that have been hand-embroidered with traditional Vietnamese motifs like phoenixes, flowers, and geometric patterns. The craftsmanship is incredible.	Where to buy: You can find these in specialized shops and boutiques throughout the Ancient Town.

READ MORE: Best places to visit in Hoi An

World-class custom-made goods (Tailoring & leather)

Silk products are exquisite Hoi An souvenirs

Hoi An is globally famous for its speedy, high-quality custom-made goods. This is your chance to get something made just for you!

Custom tailored clothing

Ao Dai(The traditional Vietnamese dress): This is an extraordinary and truly unmissable souvenir. The Áo Dài is an elegant and graceful garment, and Hoi An is the absolute best place in Vietnam to get one custom-fitted. You can choose from a vast array of beautiful fabrics, from traditional silk to modern prints.
Other garments: The tailors here can make anything you can dream of! High-quality suits, beautiful dresses for special occasions, crisp shirts, and stylish skirts can all be made quickly and affordably.
Where to buy: For something as important as a suit or a special dress, I highly recommend going to one of the reputable and established tailors to ensure the best quality. Famous names like Yaly Couture (for high-end luxury) or Bebe Tailor (very popular and reliable) are excellent choices.
Tailoring tip: To get the perfect result, be sure to allow enough time in your schedule for at least two fittings: one for the initial measurements and a second one for final adjustments.

Custom leather goods

Leather shoes and bags: Beyond textiles, Hoi An also has many skilled craftsmen who can create high-quality, custom-made leather shoes, sandals, belts, and bags. You can bring a photo of a design you love, and they can replicate it for you in just a day or two.
Where to buy: You will find numerous leather workshops scattered throughout the Ancient Town.
Expert tip: Always take a moment to inspect the quality of the leather and confirm the turnaround time with the shopkeeper, especially if you have a complex design in mind.

READ MORE: All the best markets in Hoi An

Unique local specialties & food souvenirs

The pottery products from Thanh Ha make for beautiful Hoi An souvenirs

Bring home a delicious taste of Central Vietnam!

Specialty item	Description	Where to buy & Expert tip
Thanh Ha Pottery	This is a truly authentic and beautiful souvenir from the nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village. The ceramics are rustic, charming, and have been made in the same traditional way for over 500 years. You can find everything from decorative vases and mugs to functional household items.	Where to buy: The best and most authentic experience is to buy directly from the artisans at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village itself. Expert tip: If you buy a large or fragile item, be sure to ask the vendor about secure packaging. Many can also arrange international shipping for you.
Hoi An local cakes	These traditional sweets are delicious and travel well, making them great gifts. Look for Bánh Đậu Xanh (a sweet, crumbly mung bean cake) or Bánh Da Lợn (a chewy, layered tapioca and mung bean cake).	Where to buy: You can find these in local bakeries and at the specialty snack stalls in and around the Hoi An Central Market.
Local spices & wine	For the foodies, the Hoi An Central Market is the best place to find fragrant local cinnamon, star anise, and the renowned Vietnamese fermented fish sauce (nước mắm). You can also find bottles of Hồng Đào Rice Wine, a local specialty.	Where to buy: The Hoi An Central Market is your one-stop shop for all dried goods and spices.
Natural products	Look for the small, eco-friendly boutiques in the Ancient Town that sell beautiful, handcrafted herbal soaps, fragrant essential oils, and natural skincare products, often made with local ingredients like coconut and lemongrass.	Where to buy: Dedicated sustainable and eco-friendly boutiques in the Ancient Town.

Shopping tips: Quality, Price and Logistics

Here is my expert advice to make your shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.

Bargaining and Payment

Bargaining: In the Hoi An Night Market and the Central Market, bargaining is expected and is part of the culture and fun. A good rule of thumb is to start your negotiation by politely offering 60-70% of the initial asking price. However, in the high-end tailor shops and fixed-price boutiques, the prices are generally non-negotiable.
Payment: Always carry cash (VND) for market purchases. It makes bargaining easier, and most small vendors do not accept credit cards. The larger, more established shops will accept cards.

Where to shop

Location	Best for
Hoi An Night Market	The best place for souvenirs and atmosphere. This is your go-to for lanterns, accessories, and fun trinkets.
Hoi An Central Market	The best hub for fabric, food, and spices. This is where you can buy raw silks and other tailoring materials, as well as local dried goods.
Tran Phu Street & Old Town Alleys	The best area for high-quality tailoring and more upscale, fixed-price boutiques.
Craft Villages (Thanh Ha, Kim Bong)	The absolute best for buying authentic artisan goods directly from the makers and having a wonderful cultural experience at the same time.

Sustainability and Logistics

Hoi An lanterns come in many different shapes and sizes.

Sustainability: When you shop, consider supporting products that are locally and sustainably made. This directly benefits the artisan communities and helps preserve our traditional crafts.
Packaging and Shipping: Don’t be afraid to buy something large or fragile! Most high-end shops and even some market vendors can arrange for secure international shipping right to your home.

Conclusion

Shopping in Hoi An is an adventure in itself. It’s a chance to discover beautiful, handcrafted treasures and to connect with the rich history and culture of this incredible town. Every item you choose is more than just an object; it is a memory and a story that you can take home with you.

Let Vietnam Story help you weave the perfect shopping experience into your holiday. We can guide you to the most reputable artisans and tailors and ensure your itinerary allows plenty of time for this delightful activity. Contact us to start planning your perfectly curated Vietnam Tour Package from India, and get ready to find your own special treasures in Hoi An.