Hai Phong Shopping and Districts

(Hai Phong, Vietnam)

The trendiest places to shop in Hai Phong are the malls, with the largest and newest, Parkson Plaza, located on the edge of the city along the same road as dozens of cat- and dog-meat joints. The main shopping areas lie in and around the city centre, and Hai Phong is widely considered to have the best shopping facilities outside Hanoi.

Another more popular mall is located in the massive tower of TD Plaza, within the business district. The most fun places to shop are the many local street markets which spring up every day around the city. In addition, street stalls selling fresh fruit set up at the sides of the city's roads daily.

When to Shop and Where

Shops in Hai Phong subscribe to the 'open all hours' policy, starting up at between 07:00 and 08:00 and staying open until around 23:30 at night. Some, however, take an early afternoon nap, especially in the steaming summer heat. Vietnam is well-known for its cheap, good quality clothing and shoes, and the local markets are the best places to source a supply.

In the shopping malls of Hai Phong are all the usual upscale designer outfits and franchises, but on a weekday you will probably be one of the few people on the floor, as the locals know where to get a copy at a fraction of the price. Other good buys are Vietnamese silk, either clothes or household textiles such as wall hangings and cushions. The quality and glorious colours are sure to please. Hardstone and wood carvings are popular, but be careful with 'jade' as most being sold cheaply is 'bowenite', a look-alike but much less hard and much less valuable.