Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure, and Southeast Asia has a vast array of shopping opportunities for those who love to seek out a bargain. From hand carved elephants to local silk products or bamboo woven conical hats – the variety and choice can seem endless.
In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, great-value souvenir; but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how
they support the local economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we endeavour to ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty and authenticity. Most establishments will also feature a place where you can buy refreshments and take a break.
Wendy Wu Tours, our staff, National Escorts and Local Guides are not qualified nor permitted to guarantee the quality or value of any goods purchased during your holiday. All passengers who make purchases during their holiday must accept responsibility for their decision regarding the
item’s value and authenticity, as well as the risk and process of credit card purchase and/or shipping.
It is recommended that you double check any items purchased before leaving the store (the item and any credit card receipts) and if you are having a large item shipped, make sure you take a photo of your purchase and the contact details of the store.
We encourage all passengers to enjoy their local shopping expeditions but to take care and buy wisely.
We cannot assist in returning or refunding goods in any circumstances, including purchases made at shops or factories which you may visit as part of your tour with us.
Haggling or bargaining
In local shops, markets and street stalls all over Southeast Asia, haggling is the accepted way to agree on a selling price. It can be a great way to save money, as well as a wonderful way to interact with some local people you may not otherwise meet. However, some foreign visitors find it too confronting and prefer to shop in the more upmarket tourist shops or department stores, where prices are set.
Tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam
For centuries the cloth and silk merchant trade flourished in this small port and over the last decade tourism has revived the local tailor trade. There are hundreds of tailors in Hoi An, all competing for your business, but not all of the same quality. Check their work and the quality of their material, hemlines, sewing, etc and always compare their work and price with other tailors. Be specific about everything you want (e.g. buttons, pocket designs) and check that your tailor understands these requests. There are no guarantees so it’s best to keep it simple and not to let these shops detract from your visit to one of Vietnam’s most charming towns.