Sapa Shopping

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This store has EVERYTHING you’ll need if you are caught short and wishing that you had a warmer jacket or want some sturdier footwear for your “trek”. The store fronts name is InViet Travel Co. Ltd and you really can’t miss it if you’re walking on Cau May Street. Going down the hill its on your left side…

I had walked by this store more than once and finally I decided that I was going to take a look inside…the outdoors of the store is packed with back packs, warm North Face jackets, and Daypacks and Im always looking for a good deal.

I stopped near the front of the door and asked about the prices of the fleece lined North Face jackets that she had hanging…She said $ 45.00 but before I really had much of a chance to respond to her reply she QUICKLY DROPPED her price and said $ 40.00.

This is a really GREAT price for this jacket and so I tried it on and then gave it the once over pretty closely looking for flaws in the workmanship. I was suspecting a knock off or imitation North Face but this looks like a pretty legitimate jacket and the workmanship is such that if it is a fake it’s a really good one. In any event this store has a GREAT selection of inventory to shop from. I know that North Face as well as MEC manufacture some of they’re product lines in Vietnam.

If you’ve forgotten gear that you’d like….check out this store…she sells hiking shoes, sweaters, fleece jackets, toques, back packs, day packs, and the obligatory souvenirs but I have to confess…I really wasn’t looking too hard for souvenirs. I was quite impressed with the variety of stock that she maintained.

For a GREAT DEAL and FRIENDLY service check out this little shop on Cau May Street.

What to buy: I came home with a “Summit Series” North Face jacket that I paid only $ 40.00 for.Knock off or not...its still a decent jacket and the price WAS RIGHT!!!!

GREAT BARGAIN I though!!!

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This little shop is open concept where you ca actually watch the Silversmith at work. He only sells what he makes. The silversmith’s name is Duc Khanh.

It’s a small shop down the hill off of Cau May Street…as the road descends the hill [Cau May Street] Muong Hoa Street branches off to the left This is the same road that will take you out of town and eventually to the Muong Hoa Valley if you were to follow it.. The shop is located on Muong Hoa Street and is just on the left side of the road.

There’s a short video of the gentleman working attached to this page so take a peek if you like.

His prices were more than fare…I watched him at work for a while than kind of backed off as Kevin and he were working out a deal for some ear rings Kevin was taking home to his girlfriend. Long story short, the ear rings were quite nice and the man was easily willing to haggle over the price, I don’t remember what Kevin paid for them but if he bought them it was a good price Im sure!

Check out this mans silver jewelry and watch him at work.

What to buy: If you come from a tropical country like me, you should buy some apples when in Sapa. They are huge (check out my photo) and very crispy. Cost 15,000 Dong a kg & I got three apples for 1 kg. I am not sure if they are grown locally but they definitely taste delicious!

Located off Cau May street, there is this daily run ethnic market by H'mongs, Red Dzao and Flower H'mong. It is a good place to get good bargain with good selection. The place opens up early in the morning and close at 6pm sharp. Some of the vendors actually go hawking in the street later or display their good along the street in the evening.

What to buy: ethnic crafts especially needle work on batik fabric, ranging from their traditional costumes and accessories; H'mong Blancket ,wall hanging, raw embroidery works, skirts, men blouses, hats, ribbons, silver button and etc.

What to pay: Bargain is a must. Base on the origin of the tourists, they would started with different prices. It is between 30-60% bargain. Best way is for you to judge how much the merchandize would cost, base on the amount of work on it and time consume in producing it. Always give them a chance to make a living and bargain with respect.