Whereas in Saigon, one can shop at high-end, modern, sleek stores, the vast majority of shopping throughout the country is done in crammed stall markets and on the streets. In Saigon, Chinatown is unlike any mall you've ever seen; in Hanoi, the honeycombed streets of the Old Quarter are a hive of bustling activity where there is a specific street for any particular item. (Need shoes? You go to the shoe street. Spices? Spice street. Toys? Kitchen utensils? Underwear? Same drill.) In all cases, the goods are generally sold side by side (or in the same vicinity) as produce, fish, meat... the mix is crazy and wonderful and unpredictable. You never really know what you will encounter, but it's a whole lot of fun exploring!
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