The ultimate Hoi An shopping list for savvy travellers

From bespoke fashion to handcrafted leather and artisan goods, there are all sorts of goodies to shop for in Hoi An.

Hoi An isn’t just about lantern-lit streets and souvenirs–no sir–it’s a smart shopper’s paradise. From bespoke fashion to handcrafted leather and artisan goods, you can score quality pieces at a fraction of Aussie prices. 

Save space in your suitcase, because I’ve curated the ultimate guide for savvy travellers looking to shop smart in The City of Lanterns.

1. Tailor-Made Threads

From suits to gowns, this place has you covered. Picture: Yaly Couture

From sharp suits to formal gowns, wedding dresses to your own creative designs, Hoi An’s tailors can tailor custom pieces in not just days but hours in some cases, to your exact measurements and style. Choose your fabric, pick your colour, or bring a design idea to life, anything is possible. Getting a $1k dress at home custom made for way less than half price is what shopping dreams are made of. Having visited Hoi An for over a decade, I’ve watched YALY couture grow from a small Old Town boutique to a household name, alongside the impeccable craftsmanship of Bebe Tailor and Tuong Tailor.

2. Handcrafted Leather

Need a new leather jacket? In Hoi An you'll be spoilt for choice. Picture: Tripadvisor

With winter approaching, now’s the perfect time to invest in buttery-soft leather totes, wallets, and bespoke boots or jackets. What could set you back well over a grand in Australia can cost as little as $300 in Hoi An. Struggling with big calves, narrow feet, or thick ankles? No problem, get custom-made leather shoes crafted in record time for a flawless fit. Designer sandal brands can charge $500 at home, but you can snag similar styles here for under $80 – yes, please.

For premium leather goods, visit Friendly Shoe Shop, or Hoi An Soul Leather, which boasts two boutiques in the Old Town. For top-quality, locally made leather products, and even the chance to craft your own, Blue Lotus offers hands-on leather workshops ranging from five hours to two days. Prices vary, so be sure to shop around, compare quality, and negotiate for the best deal.

3. Prescription Glasses in 24 Hours

Want new glasses? You can get them here, with a 24h turn around time

If screen time is straining your eyes but designer prescription glasses are out of reach, you’re in luck, because a visit to Hoi An can elevate your look with stylish frames like Prada, Ray Ban, Dior and Lacoste for premium lenses at half the price of back home. Simply bring your prescription or take a complimentary eye exam on-site, and step out in style.

From reading glasses for as little as $50, prescription sunnies, traditional to multifocal lenses, it’s all available in record time. What could easily cost you between $500-1k in Oz can be bought for a steal in Hoi An. Locals in the know swear by Mắt kính VIỆT HÀN, just a five-minute drive from the Old Town, for same-day service and impeccable quality.

4. Vietnamese Coffee & Spices

Get your caffeine fix here... Picture: @hoianroasteryvietnam

Bringing home commercially packaged goodies from Vietnam is a no-brainer. Vietnamese coffee is all about bold, punchy Robusta beans, and once you’ve had the real deal, you’ll want to spread the love. For top-tier beans, swing by Hoi An Roastery or Fefe Roastery in the Old Town. Make sure you grab a traditional copper Phin coffee strainer to do the coffee justice.

Hunting for authentic Vietnamese spices? Xanh Xanh Market has you covered with hard-to-find gems like cinnamon, five-spice powder, Phu Quoc black pepper, and lemongrass powder. While you’re there, stock up on jumbo cashews (without the eye-watering price tag) and ultra-sweet dried mango, because once you’ve tasted the good stuff, there’s no going back.

See also: Five of the best places to eat in Hoi An, Vietnam

5. Trainers 

In Hoi An, there are shoe shops galore. Picture: Friendly Shoe Shop Hoi An

High-quality sneaker copies with an uncanny resemblance to some of the world’s biggest brands means lower costs for you. A value-friendly alternative to domestic prices at home. In Hoi An, you're spoiled for choice, just wander through the Old Town, and you'll find countless shops selling the latest kicks at unbeatable prices.

Originally published as The ultimate Hoi An shopping list for savvy travellers