Tips for Bargaining in Vietnam: How to Shop Smart & Avoid Tourist Traps

If you’ve ever shopped at a Vietnamese market and felt like the price was “just a little too much,” you’re probably right. Bargaining in Vietnam isn’t just allowed — it’s expected.

Whether you’re buying souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or negotiating the cost of a cyclo ride, knowing how to haggle can save you serious money and make your travel experience feel a lot more local.

Photo credit: MIA.vn

The key? Stay friendly, stay calm, and don’t take things personally. With a few smart strategies, you’ll not only avoid being overcharged, but you might even enjoy the bargaining dance.

Is it Alright to Bargain in Vietnam?

If you’re from a country where prices are fixed, bargaining can feel awkward. But in Vietnam, it’s just part of how things work — especially in local markets. Vendors often start high, assuming there will be some back-and-forth. It’s not rude, it’s the norm.

And the price difference? It’s real. Many tourists end up paying double — sometimes more — just because they didn’t know they could haggle. A little confidence can go a long way, and most of the time, sellers expect it and are happy to play along.

10 Essential Tips for Bargaining in Vietnam

1. Do Your Homework First
Before you start negotiating, have a rough idea of what something should cost. Ask your hotel staff, local friends, or check prices online so you have a baseline.

2. Start Low, But Not Too Low
A good rule is to offer about 50% of the starting price — then work your way up from there. If you go too low, it might offend the seller, but offering half shows you're serious about bargaining.

3. Smile and Stay Polite
Bargaining isn’t a battle — it’s a conversation. Smiling, making small talk, or even joking can make the experience more enjoyable and help you get a better price.

Photo credit: KissTour

4. Don’t Show Too Much Interest
If you gush over an item, the seller will know you really want it — and they’ll be less likely to budge. Stay cool and act like you’re considering walking away.

5. Buy More, Pay Less
Bundling items is a great way to get a deal. If you’re buying multiple things from one shop, ask for a discount on the total. Most vendors will be happy to oblige.

6. Walk Away
One of the most powerful bargaining moves? Walking away. If the seller calls you back, you’ll probably get a better deal. If not, there’s a good chance you’ll find the same item elsewhere.

7. Use Vietnamese Numbers
Even just saying a few numbers in Vietnamese can earn you respect — and a better price. Try: “Một trăm” (100), “Hai trăm” (200), “Mắc quá!” (too expensive!).

8. Pay in Small Notes
Vendors are more open to bargaining when you pay in cash, especially with smaller notes. After exchanging money, you’ll often get big bills — but try to break those at convenience stores or cafés beforehand. Large notes can make you look like a “rich guy” in the seller’s eyes, which makes it harder to score a good deal. With small change in hand, you're more likely to blend in and bargain like a local.

Photo credit: Indochina Voyages

9. Don’t Haggle If You Don’t Intend to Buy
It’s considered rude to spend time bargaining and then walk away without any intention of buying. Only engage if you’re genuinely interested.

10. Know When to Say Yes
If you’ve bargained down to a fair price, go ahead and make the purchase. At the end of the day, a few thousand dong might not be a big difference for you — but could mean more to a local vendor.

Extra Tip: Use Grab or Be App for Rides

Instead of negotiating taxi fares, consider using Grab (Vietnam’s Uber) or Be — two popular ride-hailing apps. Prices are fixed and usually cheaper than negotiating with drivers, especially in touristy areas like District 1 (The City Center) and District 5 (Chinatown)

Photo credit: Scooter Saigon Tours

Places Where You Can Bargain in Vietnam

• Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
  This one’s iconic, but also infamous. Prices here can be marked up 2–3x for tourists. Think of it as a place where you must bargain — especially for clothing, souvenirs, and snacks.
• Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
  Hanoi’s biggest indoor market sells everything from dried food to electronics. It’s loud, crowded, and full of deals… if you know how to ask for them.
• Night Markets in Hoi An & Da Nang
  These markets are packed with charm (and lanterns), but don’t be fooled by the friendly faces — haggling is expected here too, especially for fashion, jewelry, and art.


Photo credit: VinWonders

• Beach Vendors in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc
  Sunglasses, sarongs, and seafood plates — prices offered to tourists are often much higher than what locals pay. A smile and a counter-offer go a long way.
• Taxis and Xe Ôm (Motorbike Taxis)
  Outside of apps like Grab, some drivers give “foreign prices.” If there’s no meter, agree on a price beforehand — and yes, you can negotiate it.
  For example, a short 2–3 km ride in the city shouldn’t cost more than 30,000–40,000 VND by motorbike or 50,000–70,000 VND by car — in normal weather and outside of peak traffic hours (typically 6:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–7:30 PM). If you're being quoted much more, it’s likely a tourist markup.

Where You Shouldn’t Bargain at

While bargaining is expected in markets, it's not appropriate everywhere. Avoid haggling at:

• Restaurants with fixed menus
• Supermarkets or convenience stores
• Chain retail shops or malls
• Public transport tickets (unless buying in bulk from tour agents)

Use your judgment — if a place has price tags and looks more modern, bargaining probably isn’t part of the deal.

Shop Smart, Spend Less, Enjoy More

Bargaining in Vietnam is part of the fun — it’s a way to engage with locals, practice some Vietnamese, and bring home a few good stories (and souvenirs). Just remember: stay respectful, know when to push, and when to let go. With these tips, you’ll shop smart, spend wisely, and enjoy a more authentic local experience.

Happy bargaining — or as they say in Vietnam, “Chúc bạn mua được giá tốt!”

And if you’re looking for a comfy, centrally located place to rest after a long market day, Kin Hotel puts you right in the heart of the action — just a short walk from Bến Thành Market and other top spots.

🛎️ Book your stay with Kin Hotel

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