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Getting a Leather Purse Made In Hoi An, Vietnam

Getting a Leather Purse Made In Hoi An, Vietnam

I started this trip without a “real” purse, by my standards.  Back in my prior life, I had 14 Coach purses and numerous clutches/wristlet’s to go with them. Yes 14, but in my defense, that was over a course of 6+ years. When Coach decided to open an outlet store only an hour away from me, it only added to my collection.

Unfortunately, there was no room in our bags, or so we thought, for me to bring traveling around the world with a lovely purse on my shoulder. I also admit being on a chicken bus across Central America would, not only look funny but possibly sign me up to get robbed.  So I opted to start this trip with no purse.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Hoi An check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Recommended Hotel in Hoi An – Hoi An Odyssey Hotel

Related Post: Our Travel Gear

After 4 months of traveling sans-purse, we realized a purse would be really nice to have in airports on travel days. Having to take our daypack off my back just to get out the passports in airport get’s really old. So in Cusco, Peru we bought this trusty purse, for $7. We wanted a lightweight purse that could be wrapped up small and went across the body as this is best to prevent getting robbed.   I would have never thought 5 years ago I would be carrying a purple, Incan print purse around the world.  This purse has been everywhere, with its first trip hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and it’s last trip ending here in Vietnam.

hannah vietnam purse

Yes, sad to report the purple purse has seen it’s last destination. The inside zipper broke on the 2nd day I owned the purse, and the main zipper has just broke.  RIP purse.

hannah vietnam purse 5

Timing couldn’t have been at a better, luckily we are in Hoi An Vietnam.  Hoi An is known for its tailors, you can get anything you can think of made in this town. I was on a mission for the perfect purse. After traveling for 250+ days,  I knew what we wanted.

We shopped around Hoi An, looking in several different leather shops. Getting prices, and then starting the daunting task of haggling down the tourist price.  This is a never-ending task here in Vietnam. Finally, we found a shop that had the characteristics of the “perfect bag” we wanted. The only problem they were in 3 different bags.

In true Hannah fashion, I had to be difficult. I can never order something off the menu. Thankfully the tailors in town know pretty good English, and explaining to them what I wanted went well.  They seemed to understand exactly what I wanted.

Related Post: Things To Do In Hoi An

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So what did these 3 purses have that needed to be combined into 1? Purse #1 had the size I was looking for & shape similar to many of my coach purses. Purse #2 had the locking closure just like my favorite purse Number 3 had a fun back zipper that had to be on my bag. I picked out the leather of my choice and went with an all leather strap.

That’s not too much to ask for is it? I ordered my purse at 12pm, they told me it would be done at 7pm that night, it wasn’t. After repeated visits to the shop, still no bag.  I was really questioning my decision to take 3 purses and make them 1. Had I just wasted $60? But the third visit was the charm. My purse was finished.  Still I was thinking, what was I about to handed? I was now going to have to carry whatever bag they were to give me the next 250+ days.  If it looked like a mixed up mess I knew Adam would never let it down. My dad would laugh, as he would say  “I don’t do special orders!”

Well, here it is! See for yourself.

To say I am more than pleased is an understatement. For $60 I got this all-leather bag made with all the characteristics I wanted in a purse. Plus I know I have matching cowboy boots at home that would great with this purse. Now I just have to convince Adam there is room in our bags for them…Let me work on that!

Hotel suggestions in Hoi An:

*All prices were searched in December 2016 for January 2017 stays, prices will vary*

Seasun Homestay  $ 16 private room, wanting to stay down on the beach? A/C, cable tv, wifi, breakfast, indoor pool, private beach, and only 3km from old city. wifi

Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa $39 is right in the Hoi An ancient town, 4-star hotel, breakfast, cable TV, balcony, pool, wifi. Your money goes very far here in Vietnam.

When in Hoi An you must eat at Cafe 43 best meals we had in Vietnam, recommend the chicken chili lemongrass, fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, fried wontons, and 15 cent beers.

Ann

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

Great looking bag! I'm in Hanoi and would love to get a purse made. Do you have the address of the place?

Hannah

Sunday 23rd of March 2014

I got my purse made in Hoi An, not Hanoi. I have been looking for a leather shop here in Hanoi and can't seem to find one. Hope you make it to Hoi An!

Agness

Monday 17th of March 2014

I can totally relate to that. Unfortunately the pursed and bags produced in Vietnam and sold in the street are so bad. I bought 2 when I was there and it just broke after a week or so. Additionally, you should be guys very careful with keeping your personal belongings and valuable stuff there. Some bike drivers can cut it with a sharp knife and steal your money!!

Hannah

Wednesday 19th of March 2014

Mine was in a shop that I had made, not at a street stall. Thanks for the tips and heads up!

Tiffany

Monday 17th of March 2014

Oh I wish I had seen this post earlier. I was in Hoi An two weeks ago and was tempted to get something tailored. But eventually the prices and the fact that my luggage is dangerously close to the 20kg limit held me back. Looks like you made a great bargain though, the purse looks very cool and seems to be amazing quality. How awesome is it to basically design your own purse? I'm jealous :)

Hannah

Monday 17th of March 2014

You should have! Our luggage is 20.4 and thankfully they haven't said anything to us about being a little over. I loved being able to have everything I wanted in a purse be made specially for me.

Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal

Monday 17th of March 2014

What a fun experience and a handbag made just to your specifications... Dreamy! A functional souvenir you'll have for years.

Hannah

Monday 17th of March 2014

Thanks! Now when I complain about not enough pockets it will be my own fault. I hope to have it the rest of our trip, as I don't think Adam will be letting me get any more purses any time soon..

Meagan | LifeOutsideOfTexas.com

Saturday 15th of March 2014

Gorgeous bag! I still haven't been to Vietnam, but I really want to. So many places, so little time! I love the idea of having a purse made because I'm sooo picky when it comes to purses. It'd be great to be able to combine your favorite features into one perfect handbag.

Hannah

Wednesday 19th of March 2014

When you get here you sounds like making a bag should be in your plans. Also the food is AMAZING here!