VIETNAM A tapestry of senses

From bustling markets and inventive fine dining to serene bays and century-old temples, Vietnam is a country that rewards both curiosity and indulgence

- WORDS NAINA SARMA

Retail therapy

Vietnam's retail scene is as dynamic as its skyline. In Hanoi, the Old Quarter's narrow lanes are lined with tailors who can turn around a bespoke suit in days, while upscale malls like Vincom Centre in Ho Chi Minh City showcase global luxury alongside Vietnamese designers reinterpreting traditional motifs. For something distinctly local, the lantern markets of Hoi An and craft cooperatives in Sapa offer handwoven textiles and lacquerware that make for meaningful mementoes. Whether sealing a deal over coffee or stealing a spare hour between meetings, shopping here relays efficiency with cultural immersion.

A taste of Vietnam