A must-buy item in Hue should include the Vietnamese Nón lá, the conical-shaped hat made by woven palm leaves. The hat has been around almost as long as the country and is worn by men and women everywhere. The lighter the hat is the more elegant the look. In Hue especially, the hat makers insert poems into the weaves and the poem can only be seen when the hat is held up to the sunlight, making it even more special.
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba market is on the north bank of the Perfume River, not far from where the Hue Citadel sits. It has hundreds of stalls selling almost everything from clothing, house-ware items to souvenirs and all at reasonable prices. You will also find local food, fruit and Vietnamese wine sold here.
Gia Huy Silk Hue
Gia Huy Silk Hue is a tailor shop on Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s renowned for its efficient tailoring services and extensive collection of fine silk, cotton, cashmere and wool. After taking your measurements, its experienced staff can easily recreate your favourite designer suits, dresses, and jackets within 24 hours. You can either collect the finished product from the store or have them delivered to your hotel for free. Best of all, Gia Huy Silk Hue keeps your size details so that you can easily order another outfit online well after your holiday in Hue has ended.
Opening
Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Address: 48 - 50 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hue
Tel: +84 54 383 1705
Healing the Wounded Heart Hue
Healing the Wounded Heart Hue stocks a wide range of handicrafts, accessories and apparel made from recycled items. Founded in 2009 by NGO Spiral Foundation, this profit-free shop offers fair wages, medical insurance, housing, daily sponsored meal, and recreational allowance to a number of disabled artisans in Hue. Some unique items sold here include tote bags made from plastic, traditional baskets handwoven with bamboo and food wrappers, as well as photo frames from recycled beer cans. Located on Vo Thi Sau Street, Healing the Wounded Heart Hue is a 10-minute walk from Truong Tien Bridge.
Opening
Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Address: 23 Vo Thi Sau Street, Hue
Tel: +84 54 381 7643
Posh Boutiques
There are some really cool posh boutiques located near the junction by Trang Tien Bridge. To be exact, they are located between Duy Tan Hotel and Trang Tien Bridge. They are all tastefully decorated and usually accept credit cards.
Tay Loc Market
Tay Loc Market caters mostly to locals in Hue, but travellers can find plenty of shopping and snacking opportunities during their visit here. A five-minute drive from Hue Imperial City, expect the usual goods sold at any market as fresh produce, household items, and clothing. There are also several stalls selling quality souvenirs such as conical hats and wooden carvings, but be sure to bargain hard to get the best price. Tay Loc Market is best visited in the morning (and an empty stomach) as you can savour cheap local delicacies such as banh beo (steamed rice cakes), fresh spring rolls, and Hue beef noodle soup.
Opening
Hours: Daily 06:00 - 22:00
Address: 209 Nguyen Trai Street, Hue
The Gift Shops at the Pilgrimage Hotel
These gift shops are outstanding. Divided into four types of crafts, silk/fabric, woodwork, ceramics and rattan/wicker, they feature an assortment of tasteful, traditional and local crafts. There are also local craftsmen on hand to demonstrate their work. The quality of the merchandise is good and the selection and prices are reasonable.