Hoi An Cloth Market: The Ultimate Destination for Custom Tailoring in Central Vietnam
Hoi An Cloth Market, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town of Quang Nam Province, stands as a vibrant hub for fashion hunters, cultural explorers, and savvy travelers. This bustling market is where Southeast Asia’s tradition of handmade elegance flourishes, seamlessly blending the artistry of local tailors with the diversity of premium Vietnamese textiles. Contrary to mass production or high-priced exclusive boutiques, the market offers a rare experience: hand-tailored clothes made to order, at wallet-friendly prices and lightning-fast turnarounds—sometimes within just 24 hours.
With over 50 shopfronts, Hoi An Cloth Market is a tapestry of sounds—scissors snipping, sewing machines humming, tailors’ chalk dancing across fabric rolls. Local vendors, each reflecting generations of skill, specialize in everything from quick-turnover suits to one-of-a-kind dresses. Prices are refreshingly accessible, with shirts or blouses from 300,000–500,000 VND, dresses from 500,000–1,200,000 VND, and suits crafted from 2,000,000 VND up, depending on your fabric selection and the complexity of your request. Here, quality and custom fit take center stage, making it the top destination for custom tailoring in Central Vietnam.
- Location: 19 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam
- Google Map link: Hoi An Cloth Market Location
- Typical opening hours: 6am–8pm daily (individual stalls may close by 7pm)
- No entrance fee
How to Buy Handmade Clothes: Step-by-Step Process with Local Tailors
Embarking on a tailor-made journey at Hoi An Cloth Market means being part of an age-old Vietnamese tradition. Here’s how to confidently navigate your custom clothing adventure:
Step 1: Explore the Market
Begin your visit by wandering through fabric stalls and tailor booths. Let the colorful fabric rolls and textile samples inspire your vision. Shops display fabric swatches, photos, and mannequin samples, providing real-world examples of skill and style.
Step 2: Select Your Fabric
Hold and feel each textile—silk, linen, organic cotton, or eco-dye weaves—directly at the fabric stall. Ask for the cloth merchant’s advice for different garment functions (formal, casual, cool comfort, etc.).
Step 3: Choose Your Tailor
Look for tailors with a strong dressmaking portfolio and positive word-of-mouth (ask for references or check testimonials). You’ll see international sizing charts, symbols such as measuring tape and scissors, and lots of smiles inviting you in.
Step 4: Take Your Measurements
Expert tailors, with swift hands and practiced eyes, take your measurements using tailor’s chalk and measuring tapes. This meticulous process guarantees a made-to-measure garment unique to you.
Step 5: Negotiate the Price
Discuss fabric cost, complexity, and turnaround. Prices are typically negotiable—don’t hesitate to bargain, but remember to be polite. Most vendors expect some negotiation.
Step 6: Place Your Order and Pay a Deposit
Once you’ve settled on fabric and design, place your order. Many shops accept cash, with some offering card payments. Typically, you’ll pay a deposit (30–50%).
Step 7: Fittings and Adjustments
Return later (24 hours for standard orders; longer for complex pieces) for your first fitting. Minor adjustments are addressed promptly for a perfect fit.
Custom tailoring at Hoi An Cloth Market is a seamless process—full of interaction, learning, and satisfaction.
Fabric and Textile Variety: Silk, Linen, and More at Hoi An Market
The market’s textile range is a visual and tactile feast for clothing lovers. Vietnamese silk holds pride of place—lustrous, soft, and ideal for flowing dresses or refined shirts. Alongside are organic cotton, handwoven linen, eco-dyed options, and even rare fabrics such as hand-spun silk with vintage patterns.
Selecting Fabric for Your Garment:
- Silk: Smooth, glossy, and temperature-regulating, best for high-end dresses or suits.
- Linen: Light, breathable, and textured, great for summer tunics or casual wear.
- Organic Cotton: Soft, hypoallergenic, and versatile, used for everyday shirts and skirts.
- Eco-Dye Fabrics: Sustainably made, with earthy hues and unique patterns—ideal for travelers preferring eco-friendly fashion.
Tailors or textile shops such as “Cloth Shop #50” and “Thy Nguyen 05 Tailor” help you match fabric to design, factoring in care requirements, longevity, and drape. They’ll show you fabric properties using real samples—feel the difference, judge the weight, and assess the color under natural light to be sure of your choice.
Tips for Bargaining and Shopping at Hoi An Cloth Market
Bargaining is not merely accepted—it’s expected. Here’s how to approach it with confidence:
- Recognize the bustle and culture: The market is lively, with friendly competition among vendors. Smile and greet with respect.
- Benchmark Prices: Before making your choice, browse several stalls to compare offers. Note variations in price—they often reflect fabric quality or tailoring experience.
- Start Low, Be Reasonable: Open negotiations 15–30% below the quoted price. Expect a few counter-offers.
- Build Rapport: Express genuine interest in a vendor’s handiwork—“I love your fabric selection” often results in a warmer deal.
- Close With Courtesy: Once agreed, confirm all details (fabric, cut, delivery time) in writing or photos.
This bargaining culture works as a social tradition, not a competition—both sides seek a fair, satisfying outcome. Don’t forget to ask about loyalty discounts for multiple purchases or group orders.
Notable Tailor Shops and Popular Vendors Inside Hoi An Market
Within the Central Market’s ecosystem are standout tailoring institutions and popular fabric vendors:
- 41 Tailor In Hoi An Cloth Market | 4.9★ | Map
- Cloth Shop #50 | 5★ | Map
- Ms. An No. 90 Tailor Inside Hoi An Cloth Market | 4.7★ | Map
- Thy Nguyen 05 Tailor | 5★ | Map
- TaTa Tailor (No.05 Inside Hoi An Fabric Market) | 4.8★ | Map
- Clothes Shop 52 Hoi An Tailor | 4.9★ | Map
- 45 Thu Tailor | Hoi An Tailor | 5★ | Map
Look for haberdashers and fabric sellers whose regular clients include both locals and repeat travelers. Textile shops lining the Central Market’s interior (19 Trần Phú address) buzz with activity and hospitality.
Practical Information: Opening Hours, Payment, and Accessibility
Opening Hours: The cloth market generally opens from 6am to 7pm, aligned with the heartbeart of Hoi An life. Notably, individual merchant hours may vary (some tailor shops open later and close around 7pm; check specific business listings if you have a preferred vendor).
Payments: Most tailors operate on a cash basis (Vietnamese Dong). Some accept credit/debit cards, especially for high-value orders, but check first—having cash ensures a smooth transaction.
Languages Spoken: Vietnamese and basic English are widely spoken, especially by younger tailors and experienced vendors used to tourist trade.
Accessibility:
- Less than 5 minutes’ walk from Hoi An Ancient Town’s major landmarks such as the Tan Ky Old House and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Located at 19 Trần Phú, Hoi An
Number of Shops: The market hosts upwards of 50 tailor stalls and textile merchants, ensuring rich variety and competition.
Delivery Service: Many stalls offer hotel delivery or even international shipping—be sure to ask and confirm rates.
Ticket Price: There is no entrance ticket—visiting the market is free.
Plan Your Hoi An Cloth Market Adventure
Ready to discover the real Vietnam—with its warmth, artistry, and the extraordinary value of custom tailoring? Reach out at +84868319161 on Whatsapp for personal travel advice—remember:
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Conclude your Hoi An adventure by staying in unique local accommodations: The Manor Hoi An, Hola 1, Hola 2.




