Shopping and Daily Essentials in Vietnam

Guide for Expats Navigating daily shopping in Vietnam can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for newcomers. From bustling local markets to modern supermarkets and online platforms, this guide will help you find groceries, household items, and other essentials with ease.

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1. Where to Buy Groceries
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets For a convenient and familiar shopping experience, supermarkets and hypermarkets are the go-to options.​

Popular Chains:
Co.opmart: A Vietnamese chain offering a mix of local and international products.
VinMart/WinMart: Known for fresh produce, household goods, and ready-to-eat meals. They are often located below the apartment building. Due to its convenient location, their prices are slightly more expensive and they only carry some of the essentials compared to the other major supermarket chains. 
Big C: A hypermarket with a wide selection of groceries and imported goods.
Lotte Mart: Offers Korean products along with local and international items. You would be expected to pay slight more for imported products.
Mega Market (formerly Metro): Great for bulk shopping.
Specialty Stores Organic Stores: Look for shops like Organica and Annam Gourmet for organic and imported goods.
Butcheries and Seafood Markets: Fresh meat and seafood are available at specialized shops or wet markets. It is typically cheaper or even freshers due to shorter supply chain for those individual sellers. 
Bakery Chains: Brands like Tous Les Jours and Paris Baguette provide quality bread and pastries.

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2. Exploring Local Markets Vietnamese markets are vibrant hubs for fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies.

Key Markets to Visit: Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City): A mix of fresh food and souvenirs.
Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi): A popular spot for fresh ingredients and wholesale goods.
Han Market (Da Nang): Great for fresh seafood and fruits.
Tips for Shopping at Local Markets: Bargain politely but firmly.
Visit early in the morning for the freshest produce.
Bring your own reusable bags.

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3. Household Items and Essentials

Convenience Stores:
Chains like Circle K, FamilyMart, and VinMart+ are ideal for quick purchases of snacks, drinks, and basic toiletries.
Home Goods Stores:
Stores like Daiso, Miniso, and Lock&Lock offer affordable household items.
Electronics and Appliances:
Visit Nguyen Kim or Dien May Xanh for home electronics and kitchen appliances.

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4. Shopping Online

Vietnam has a thriving e-commerce market with platforms catering to a variety of needs:

Popular Platforms:
Shopee: A user-friendly platform for everything from groceries to electronics.
Lazada: Known for its frequent sales and wide selection of goods.
Tiki: Specializes in books, electronics, and household items.
GrabMart: Convenient for same-day grocery deliveries.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping:
Check seller ratings and reviews.
Compare prices across platforms.
Use cash-on-delivery (COD) for added security.
 

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5. Top Dos and Don’ts for Shopping in Vietnam

​Dos
Do Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing words like “bao nhiêu?” (how much?) can help at local markets.
Do Bring Cash: Many local markets and small shops don’t accept cards.
Do Inspect Goods: Check for freshness and quality, especially for produce and meats.
Do Explore Local Brands: Vietnamese brands often offer great value and quality.
Do Use Loyalty Programs: Many supermarkets have loyalty cards that provide discounts.

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Don’ts
Don’t Forget to Bargain: Prices at local markets are often negotiable.
Don’t Overlook Expiry Dates: Especially for imported or packaged goods.
Don’t Shop Without Comparing Prices: Check multiple vendors for the best deal.
Don’t Assume Imported Goods Are Better: Local products are often fresher and cheaper.
Don’t Buy from Unverified Online Sellers: Stick to trusted platforms to avoid scams.

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​​​6. Additional Tips for Expats

Reusable Bags: Bring your own bags to reduce plastic waste and fit in with local practices.
Explore Specialty Markets: Visit flower markets, pottery villages, or fabric markets for unique finds.
Stay Aware of Seasonal Foods: Fruits like mangoes, lychees, and durians are best enjoyed in season.
Understand Local Measurements: Vendors often use kilograms for weight and liters for volume.

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7. Resources for Expats

Expat Groups: Join local expat communities on Facebook for tips on the best places to shop.
Mobile Apps: Use Grab or Baemin for food delivery and GrabMart for groceries.
Local Blogs: Follow blogs like Vietnam Coracle for market guides and shopping tips.

 

Enjoy Shopping in Vietnam
Whether you’re exploring bustling local markets or shopping online, Vietnam offers a wealth of options for your daily needs. With these tips, you’ll navigate the shopping landscape like a local in no time!  Our VIP Membership will unlock those recommendation. Please join now.

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