Vietnam Supermarkets - The Basics

In recent years, the trend of combining tourism with shopping has continued to develop globally. Asian tourists frequently travel to Europe to experience the aesthetic allure of the West while seeking international luxury brands. Conversely, European tourists visiting Asia look for vibrant cultures, unique local products, and fresh organic food that may be hard to find in their home countries. For tourists planning to visit Vietnam, there are several tips to create a memorable shopping experience.

How to Choose the Right Supermarkets

Personal shopping preferences can greatly influence what type of mega mall each individual seeks. For instance, older visitors aged 50 to 70 often focus on functional foods and household appliances. In contrast, younger individuals tend to shop for clothing, handbags, and cosmetics from international brands, while children enjoy fast food, game centers, and swimming pools. Therefore, before shopping in Vietnamese supermarkets, tourists should research the types of products and services they wish to explore, ensuring they select the appropriate supermarket for their needs.

Additionally, many supermarkets feature a section known as “Outlet.” Outlet stores typically offer authentic brand-name goods at discounts ranging from 30% to 70%. The merchandise is mostly out-of-season or may have minor defects, yet remains in good condition. Visitors should consider shopping at these Outlet stores in Vietnamese supermarkets for quality products at more affordable prices.

Major Supermarket Chains in Vietnam

VinMart

The VinMart chain, under the VinGroup brand, adheres to international standards with a modern aesthetic and optimized organization for convenience. As of 2025, VinMart has a significant presence in major Vietnamese cities, appealing to both locals and tourists alike for grocery shopping.

Aeon Mall

Aeon, one of the world’s largest retail groups, has numerous subsidiaries both domestically and internationally, particularly in Japan. Maintaining a strong commitment to the "Customer Comes First" philosophy, Aeon malls feature expansive shopping areas, housing around 130 stores where one-third of the offerings are dedicated to prominent Vietnamese brands, another third to Japanese brands, and the remainder to various global brands.

Big C

Big C, a well-recognized brand of the Casino Group from Thailand, operates across Vietnam and Laos. The brand emphasizes “big” in both size and selection, reflecting its commitment to providing a wide variety of products. Big C’s business model includes hypermarkets and convenience stores, aiming to deliver an extensive range of goods to customers.

Designs and Layouts

The design and layout of mega malls generally follow a structured plan. Typically, a multi-level shopping center may feature:

1st floor: Fashion shopping area

2nd floor: Grocery stores

3rd floor: Food and entertainment options

Basement: Other amenities such as aquariums, ice skating rinks, and children's play areas.

Visitors will find electronic maps at strategic points within the mall, aiding their navigation, or they may inquire with customer service for assistance.

Shopping Tips

Here are a few tips for a successful shopping trip at Vietnamese supermarkets:

• Research: Investigate supermarkets beforehand to determine which best meet your needs.
• Make a list: To avoid confusion among the varied array of products, note down items or souvenirs you plan to purchase.
• Timing: Expect crowds during weekends and holidays; weekdays are preferable for a more relaxed shopping experience.
• Budget wisely: Prices, especially for food and other items, may be higher than anticipated. Tourists should be prepared financially, and be aware that returns in Vietnam can be less flexible, typically restricted to one week for items in new condition with tags and receipts.
• Check expiry dates: Products nearing their expiry often receive significant discounts, especially perishable goods like seafood and sushi.

Sales Seasons and Promotions

Like many countries, shopping malls in Vietnam have peak sale periods during holidays, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers should be prepared for crowds and the excitement of hunting for discounted branded items. Off-season promotions can be particularly rewarding; for instance, consumers might receive VinMart vouchers worth up to 1,000,000 VND when purchasing select items.

What to Do Besides Shopping: Other Amenities

Vietnamese supermarkets often include large subdivisions for various experiences such as grocery shopping, electronics, children’s play areas, cinemas (like BHD and CGV), as well as diverse dining options. These amenities promise an engaging shopping and entertainment experience, making them appealing destinations for tourists in the years to come.