shopping

Published on November 2, 2011, 11:11 am

 

Floating shops: Only chance for snacks
When you visit the Amazing Caves (Hang Sung Sot), as it's a very busy bay full of other tourist junks, you'll see a few boats that act as floating shops. They sell snacks, biscuits, drinks, cigarettes and even fruit and vegetables. You name it, they'll probably have it but as you're far from any conventional land based shops, expect to pay that little bit extra.

Floating shops: Only chance for snacks


When you visit the Amazing Caves (Hang Sung Sot), as it's a very busy bay full of other tourist junks, you'll see a few boats that act as floating shops. They sell snacks, biscuits, drinks, cigarettes and even fruit and vegetables. You name it, they'll probably have it but as you're far from any conventional land based shops, expect to pay that little bit extra.

Floating-Snacks-Store: Floating Snacks Store in Ha Long

The snacks and water bottles are neatly packed into the small boats. Never seen anything like this before. Very unique and nice.

What to buy: Ritz, Mineral Water, Beer, Crackers, Potato Chips, Fruits, any snacks you fancy. 

What to pay: Quite expensive, a bottle big mineral water will cost you 20,000 Dong. You can get it for about 7,000 Dong on the mainland.

Halong night market

The night market in the town of Bai Chay is a collection of open air stalls that sell a wide range of traditional Vietnamese souvenirs like laquerware, chopsticks, trinklets etc. The stallholders will quote you the price in US$. You will have to bargain for the price you feel is right for the product. Offer them 50% of the quoted price in VND. If you are not satisfied with the final price offered, move on to the next stall - another stallkeeper could be willing to sell you the item at your price. 

What to buy: Lacquer plated chopsticks: if you are ethnic Chinese, these chopsticks make good souvenirs as you can use them to eat at home. Wooden chopstick containers are also available to hold the chopsticks.

Vietnamese conical hats: the ubiquitous conical hats (non la) that Vietnamese womenfolk wear. Hang it up on the wall if you don't want to look like a clown wearing it back home

Vietnamese dolls: dressed in the traditional Vietnamese long dress, the `Ao dai'.

Ceramic tea sets 

What to pay: The price that you will be quoted for a set of 20 chopsticks will range from $3 - 5 depending on the design.

local boats selling live seafood: The freshest shopping ... ever !!

This "shop" is actually a boat. We were on our boat in Ha Long bay when we came across sort of like a water-village right smack in the middle of the bay. And soon, this diminutive lady came by in her boat, selling fresh prawns, lobsters, fish, shellfish and the works. 

All you have to do is to point at what you want & tell her how much you want it and she packs it up for you. Then the cook onboard the boat will cook it for you

Ha Long local market

located in the Ha Long city center, is the largest market in Quang Ninh province. Built in 2003, Ha Long market has become a popular shopping place for locals and tourists alike. There are a variety of goods sold here. Most of which are made in China.

Stalls selling coal-made souvenirs, woodwork and seafood are often crowded with tourists near and far. As situated in a coastal city, Ha Long market is well-known for fresh and cheap seafood, especially fried fish pastes. In the market lie many stalls serving this tasty dish. Besides, since commodities are orderly and neatly arranged into market stalls, visitors will find it easy and convenient to find favorite items. The market is also equipped with spacious parking area to serve buyers. If you are seeking for a place to shop when coming to Quang Ninh province, Ha Long market is a good choice.

Ha Long fruit market

The floating market selling mostly fruit on Ha Long bay is also an interest for visitors. These boats ,carrying lots of local fruit ,travellling on the bay and sell fruit to the tourists who sit decadently on their junks