One of my favorite things about Vietnam was wandering through the bustling street markets. I picked up tailored silk dresses in Hội An, bought handmade leather goods in Hanoi, and tasted some of the best food I’ve ever had at stands on the street.
I loved visiting the markets, but later realized I had overpaid for items a few times, especially early on in my trip.
Though bargaining is a common part of the market culture in Vietnam, it’s not something I’m used to doing back home.
At first, I also wasn’t sure how much certain things typically cost in the area, so I found it easiest to avoid negotiating and just pay whatever the vendor asked.
As my trip went on and I became more confident, I began asking for lower prices or bundled deals and realized that bargaining wasn’t such a big deal at all. The vendors were used to it, and I was able to work with them to make smarter purchases.
I probably could’ve saved myself some money if I’d leaned into the culture sooner.
This story was originally published on February 26, 2025, and most recently updated on February 10, 2026.
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