Big C in Vietnam (Big C Vietnam)

Big C in Vietnam at Vĩnh Phúc: A Familiar Connection Point Between Thailand and Vietnam

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you to experience shopping atBig CVietnam branch, located in Vĩnh Yên city, Vĩnh Phúc province. This branch I happened to visit during my northern Vietnam exploration trip. This experience made me feel that Big C is not just an ordinary department store but a true bridge connecting the lifestyles and familiarity between the people of both countries.

From Thailand to Vietnam: Big C's Rapid Expansion

When talking about Big C, almost every Thai knows it well as one of the department stores with branches nationwide. But in Vietnam, Big C also plays an important role. From my additional research, I found that there are about 20 Big C branches in Vietnam, and they are expanding to neighboring countries like Laos in Vientiane. This expansion is very interesting because the store still maintains the Thai-style product arrangement distinctively.

The Vĩnh Yên branch, about 7 kilometers from the city center, is located in the suburbs but is quite popular among locals. I chose to stay atTrung Du hotelwhich is right opposite Big C, very convenient for travel and shopping for food and daily necessities.

Shopping at Big C Vĩnh Yên: Feels Like Coming Home

Upon entering this Big C, the first thing I noticed was the very familiar atmosphere and product arrangement. There are many Thai products, almost like bringing Thailand here—from snacks, seasonings to general household items. Vietnamese people clearly favor Thai products. Besides that, there are also cheap Chinese products and a variety of clothing styles. I didn't miss buying some cheap clothes from China, perfect for my comfortable travel style.

For a traveler like me, stopping by Big C is not just about shopping but also about exploring the average prices of goods in the area to compare with local markets and street vendors. Sometimes I found bottled water priced at only 5 baht in the store, but small roadside shops sold it for 20 baht, which helped me know where and how to shop wisely.

Travel Tips and Precautions

However, shopping malls in Vietnam still have some limitations, such as luggage storage. When I travel alone, I try to ask friends or use the mall's storage because sometimes I need to be careful with valuables like my computer or work equipment. Although Big C officially does not allow photography inside the mall, if you take quick photos of yourself to keep memories, usually there is no problem.

Big C, Vĩnh Yên Lifestyle, and Vĩnh Phúc Province Context

Vĩnh Yên, the capital city of Vĩnh Phúc province, is a calm and not very busy city, about an hour's drive from Hanoi. This province is part of the Red River Delta and is near Noi Bai International Airport, a common arrival point for tourists from Bangkok.

While I was here, I visitedVĩnh Yên Marketan open-air market full of fresh produce and authentic local culture, especially fresh fish and seafood. I also saw bicycles selling fresh vegetables right in front of houses, a rare sight in an era where department stores are replacing fresh markets.

I see Big C and the fresh market in Vĩnh Yên as reflections of the transition in Vietnamese lifestyles, shifting from traditional trading to modern department stores. For those interested in seeing the old market scenes and genuine local atmosphere, I have many clips and articles saved because I believe these are valuable and should be preserved for future generations.

Fun and Unique Foods at Big C Vietnam

One reason I choose to shop at malls like Big C or COOP (pronounced 'Kup' by Vietnamese) is the opportunity to discover a variety of unusual foods and fruits. Some I had never seen before, like grilled button squid, which I tried and recorded onYouTubeor Vietnamese chicken biryani, which tastes different from Thai chicken biryani but is equally delicious (watch the clip hereClick to watch)

There is also Vietnamese nem chua that I liked so much I bought some to take home. These foods are part of the eating culture of Vĩnh Yên and Vĩnh Phúc province, which I havedocumented in another articlefor those interested in northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Closing Remarks from mr.hotsia

Big C in Vietnam, especially at Vĩnh Yên, is not just a department store for shopping but a cultural and lifestyle connection point that I, as a traveler, deeply experienced. Seeing Thai and Chinese products at Big C showed me the changes in Vietnam, which is embracing and blending new things with traditional ways harmoniously.

If you have a chance to visitVĩnh Phúc provincedon't forget to stop by Big C once. You will see a reality that is not vague like typical travel articles but a real travel experience that I, mr.hotsia, have gone through and want to share.