Hoi An – the ultimate shopping guide

We spend a lot of time as a family in Bali and love it to bits – the proximity to Australia, the heat and the gorgeous coastline make it a no brainer. But when the opportunity for a kid free soirée came my way the choice was easy… Good morning Vietnam! We decided early on that the trip was going to be about lazing by the pool, eating, and most importantly, shopping! Plain and simple really. So it was straight to Hoi An for a good taste of what was on offer in Vietnam for the keen shopper.

Leather and suede in all the colours of the rainbow…

Leave your vegan buddies at home and check out this pot of gold at the end of the leather rainbow. From pastel peach and egg shell blue to rusted hues, olive greens, tan, black, navy, musk and every colour and shade in between, you’ll be like a kid in a candy store at Hieu Trung Leather Shop (just over the bridge in central Hoi An).

Very obliging ladies magic their colourful fabrics into customised skirts, boots, jackets, shorts and bags. You name it, they can make. 10 out of 10 for colour and prices but don’t forget to allow three to four days for fittings. Bring a sample piece or picture to get the ball rolling. Expedia’s Aussie travellers usually spend three to four nights in the city so make sure you put your order in when you first arrive. My tip when choosing leather is to make sure it’s super soft and on the thinner side.

A knee length leather skirt will set you back roughly $55USD, leather pants are around 70USD and expect to pay roughly $120USD for a leather jacket.

Hieu Trung Leather Shop, 20 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam

Pho or Faux?!

New kicks for the kids! The possibilities for customised faux Nike high tops are only limited by your imagination given the size of the leather suede and pleather collection at Hieu Giay Shoe Shop. You won’t be disappointed – the choice of metallics, faux animal prints, patent pleather, suede, polka dots and tartan is enough to satisfy the Imelda in all of us! Say hi to Pearl, she’s going to send you home with a super original and cool pair of new kicks. You’ll have worked up an appetite sorting out this “faux”, so save time for fresh hot and flavoursome Pho at one of the eateries nearby.

Kicks start at around $25USD.

Hieu Giay Shoe Shop, 25 hoang Dieu

To tailor, to tailor

An institution in Hoi An for more than 20 years, YALY tailors is the place to go for top quality tailoring! You may pay top price, but YALY is worth every cent. It offers experienced fitters and tailors as well as a smorgasbord of beautiful colours and textures to choose from. Turn up with a picture, a sample piece or just a dream and the little ladies in here will design, fit and make something for you in under three days.

Linen silk-blend gold high-waisted pants will set you back $55USD (they’re as fabulous as they sound), a tartan cotton shirt costs $28USD and a tailored women’s suit is around $90USD.

YALY Tailors, 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu St

Bung you, bung me! Fuel stop

If you’re not exhausted by now then it’s time to head to the market for a touch more shopping. Fuel up with a stop at one of Hoi An’s famous little lunch spots, Banh Mi Phuong, for a Vietnamese pork, salad and pate baguette and a Vietnamese iced coffee. Ah-mazing! These guys are big on value and big on experience – kick back with the locals, and have fun making as much mess on the floor as you can. My tip – the more popular the place, the tastier and fresher the tucker! If you’re looking for something a little more fancy then head to Brothers, just down the road. If you’re keen to explore more of the local food scene, hop on a walking food tour.

Banh Mi Phuong, Hoang Dieu St

Coffee hit

Everyone loves a good coffee hit and the Vietnamese are no exception. You can enjoy it straight up with the locals over crushed ice with a drizzle of condensed milk (go on) or head to Mia Coffee, a new little cafe just down from the market. This hotspot bustles in its own right, serving sensational coffee and pastries.

Mia Coffee, Quang Nam-Da Nang

When in Vietnam, following a long day of shopping

Although I did say I preferred eating alongside the locals, there is one place you must visit while in Hoi An… A little surprise package not much bigger than a kids bedroom called Nu Eatery. With its gorgeous turquoise walls and sweet posies on the table, this place packs flavour punch into everything they do, in true Vietnamese style. Don’t go past the pork buns …. Mind blowing and yum!

Nu Eatery, 10A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai

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