From picturesque local markets to international giants, shopping experiences in Vietnam are many and varied. This article looks at supermarket shopping in Vietnam, for a shopping journey that is aimed at both locals looking for commercial novelties and travellers curious to understand trade in Dragon Land.
Nowadays, we can find many supermarkets in Vietnam - Picture source : Internet
Hypermarkets in Vietnam, a recent development
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Nowadays, there are many
hypemarkets and supermarkets in Vietnam, most of which are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and major cities. The big names are Big C, Aeon Mall or Lotte Mart.
Supermarkets of foreign brands such as KFC, Family Mart and other Circle K have been created in recent years, which is supposed to facilitate shopping – to the detriment of street vendors. As regards hypermarkets and/or shopping centres, Vietnam is seeing them multiply in response to changing international economic demand.
Not only domestic companies invest heavily in the storage and retail market of consumer products, but also foreign companies. This has led to a significant increase in large retail chains in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang and Binh Duong. On this niche, Big C is currently leading in terms of quantity, then comes Mega Mall with 19 grocery stores followed by Lotte supermarket with 13 and finally the Japanese brand Aeon with 4 supermarkets.
Hypermarkets and Supermarkets in Vietnam
Supermarkets, minimarkets and grocery stores are easy to find, there are a few everywhere.
Convenience stores in Vietnam compete with street vendors and roadside stalls as well as traditional markets found in all neighborhoods. Circle K, Vinmart +, Family Marts are some of the convenience stores you can find in Vietnam. Circle K is open 24 hours a day while others are open until 10 pm.
There are also Lanchi Mart supermarkets, which belong to Lan Chi of Vietnam, a company founded in 1995, in the western area of Hanoi. In 20 years of activity, Lan Chi Company has become the most professional and extensive distribution network in the North. Let’s end with Sakura International Vietnam, a grocery chain specializing in the distribution of domestic products originating in Japan. Sakura Vietnam has 9 supermarket chains in Hanoi.
HANOI FOR SHOPPING-ADDICTS
1. Aeon Mall
Aeon Mall in Ha Noi, the biggest supermarket in the Capital - Picture source : Aeon Mall
This luxury shopping center occupies a volume of 4 floors with modern design. There are a hundred points of sale offering household appliances, accessories, electronic products, cosmetics, jewelry and clothing of known brands. Food court, with a varied choice of Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Western dishes at reasonable prices. Your children will have fun at Tiniworld or enjoy the latest movie at the cinema CGV, if you choose to spend the day there.
Where: No.27 Co Linh Street, Long Bien, Hanoi.
When: every day from 10:00 to 22:00
For whom: Shopping-addicted travellers looking for places to indulge their passion, enjoy tasty food and entertain themselves.
What to buy: Everything, especially accessories and electronics.
How: The Aeon shopping centre is 8 kilometres from the old quarter. There are buses, but this doesn’t seem like a good idea at rush hour. Alternatively, taking a taxi is a more comfortable option that costs only about 150,000 VND.
2. Lotte Mall
Lotte Tour, a unique market spot - Picture source : AZ Local Trip
Known for its observation deck, the Lotte skyscraper also attracts fashion lovers. This unique shopping spot is home to around 250 fashion and lifestyle brands, enough to satisfy every need and taste. There are also areas dedicated to relaxing activities such as spas, restaurants, a gym or especially the 65th floor observation deck with breathtaking panoramic views of Hanoi.
Where: 54 Place Giai Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
When: every day from 09h00 to 22h30
For whom: High-end buyers looking for something special and relaxing.
What to buy: A variety of items ranging from ordinary to luxury, especially cosmetics.
How: Just 4 kilometres from the city centre, the Lotte shopping centre is just right for you after a 10-minute drive.
3. Vincom Shopping Centres in Hanoi
Spectacular Vincom Mega Mall in Hanoi - Picture source : Internet
With 7 shopping spots, Vincom is easily accessible, whether you are in Hanoi. The most important are Vincom Ba Trieu, Vincom Royal City and Vincom Time City.
Spectacular, the Vincom Royal City stands out from the European palace seen from the outside and Ali Baba’s cave inside, with an incredible diversity of products and its wide range of leisure activities from ice rink to cinemas to an aquarium.
When: every day from 08:00 to 22:00
For whom: buyers of all ages who love high quality but affordable clothing and accessories.
What to buy: Almost all!
Where:
• Vincom Mega Mall Royal City (72 Nguyen Trai – Thanh Xuan District)
• Vincom Mega Mall Times City (458 Minh Khai Street – Hai Ba Trung District)
• Vincom Center Ba Trieu (191 Ba Trieu Street – Hai Ba Trung District)
• Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh (54A NguyenChi Thanh – Dong Da District)
• Vincom Center Pham Ngoc Thach (02 Pham Ngoc Thach – Dong Da District)
• Vincom Plaza Tu BacLiem (Green Stars Building, 234 Pham Van Dong Street, Bac Tu Liem District)
• Vincom Plaza Long Bien (Vinhomes Riverside – District of Long Bien)
4. Trang Tien Square
Luxurious Trang Tien Market, Hanoi - Picture source Pixabay
Trang Tien Plaza, located right next to the famous Sword Lake, is an exceptional building in the French Quarter of Hanoi. As a temple of luxury, there are many world-renowned fashion brands in an interior with Western architecture.
Where: No. 23K Hai Ba Trung Street, Trang Tien, Hanoi
When: every day from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm
For whom: Fans of big fashion brands!
How: It only takes you 5 minutes walk from Ho Guom
5.Dong Xuan Market
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Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi - Picture source : Internet
Cho Dong Xuan is the oldest and largest wholesale market in Hanoi. It retains all the cultural characteristics of this thousand-year-old city and perfectly reflects the daily life of the Hanoi people.
What makes Dong Xuan Market a must-see shopping destination in Hanoi is that it offers everything you need at a very cheap price, from electronics to souvenirs, to everyday products for locals.
Where: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
When: every day from 06:00 to 19:00
For whom: Budget-conscious backpacker shoppers
What to buy: crafts, Vietnamese style items, conical hat and food
How: It takes 10 minutes on foot from the LSword Lake
HO CHI MINH CITY FOR SHOPPING ADDICTS
1.Vincom Center
Vincom Center, version Ho Chi Minh city - Picture source : Internet
Neither more nor less than the largest shopping center in HCM-city.
If you are looking for high quality or luxury products, this is a must-visit address, separated into 2 buildings: Vincom Center A and Vincom Center B. These two places offer more than 250 points of sale, ranging from fashion clothing shops to restaurants and cafes.
Where: 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
When: 8am to 10pm daily
For whom: for wealthy buyers…
What to buy: clothes, food, entertainment.
2.Diamond Plaza
Diamond Plaza emblematic Saigon's supermarket - Picture source : Internet
The air-conditioned temple of shopping and entertainment, with a wide range of cosmetic shops, designer clothing and many fast food restaurants, etc. not to mention cinemas and other bowling alleys. Just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Saigon, one of the most famous remains of the French presence in the former city of Sai Gon.
Where: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
When: 9h30-22h00 every day
What to buy: clothing, food, entertainment (cinema, restaurants, gyms)
For whom: for wealthy buyers…
3.An Dong market or craft market
An Dong supermarket - Picture source : Internet
An Dong Market is full of fashion shops and craft stalls. On the ground floor and first floor you will find clothes, textiles, shoes, handbags, etc. The top floor is dedicated to handicrafts and quality trinkets.
We like the rates here, much cheaper than in the more renowned markets of Saigon and you can always bargain for even lower prices.
Where: An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
When: from 08:00 to 14:00 every day
What to buy: fashion clothes and crafts
For whom: for all those who want to do pleases at a lower cost (and you can haggle)!
4.Saigon Square
Well-Known Saigon Square - Picture source : Internet
The sophisticated version of the traditional local market. Don’t forget to bargain! As the quality of the products is there, the two branches (one in the D1 and the other in the D3) attract many visitors both domestic and foreign.
Where: 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 and 181 Hai Ba Trung, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
When: from 08:00 to 22:00 every day
What to buy: mainly clothes and shoes
For whom: any shopping-addict for its reasonable prices, even very low if you master negotiation techniques.
5.Ben Thanh Market
Iconic Ben Thanh Market, Saigon - Picture source : Quynh Lee
Probably the most popular and well-known market of the city, so that it is visited both by locals and by local and foreign visitors.
In constant effervescence, Ben Thanh offers a wide range of products, including souvenirs. One downside: beware of pickpockets!
Where: The Law Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
When: from 6am to midnight every day
What to buy: everything, but especially trinkets and souvenirs
For whom: for all with fairly cheap and negotiable prices