Hoi An isn’t just about lanterns and tailors—it’s also a haven for handmade leather bags. But not all leather is created equal. Here’s how to walk away with a well-made leather piece that tells a story, not a tourist trick.
1. Is Custom Leather Worth It?
Absolutely—if done right. In Hoi An, you can customize everything from size, leather type, color, and hardware to interior details and even the stitching. But first, be prepared, so you avoid poor leather or inflated prices.
2. Know Your Leather
Not all leather sold in Hoi An is genuine.
- Full‑grain leather: Top quality—natural, thick, and ages beautifully. Seek this.
- Genuine leather: Real but lower durability.
- Corrected‑grain or PU: Looks good initially but peels fast.
Pro tip: Stick to Vietnamese or Thai full‑grain leather—they’re durable, rich, and age with soul.
3. Spotting Scam Shops vs. Real Workshops
- Tourist shops: crowded, pushy, with cheap leather and glued seams.
- Local artisan workshops: small-batch, thoughtful, detailed, and honest.
Choose the latter—they take time, offer real customization, and don’t inflate prices through commissions.
4. Test Before Buying
Use these quick checks:
- Touch: Real leather has natural texture.
- Smell: Leather smells earthy, not plastic.
- Burn test: A flame near genuine leather chars—it’s plastic if it bubbles.
5. Expected Price Range
Quality custom leather bags (full-grain) typically cost $70–120 USD in Hoi An. Tourist shops will ask $200+—often inflated.
6. Don’t Skimp on Details
Watch for these telltale signs:
- Zippers: Choose metal, not plastic.
- Hardware: Solid brass lasts decades.
- Stitching: Should be hand-stitched, not glued.
- Lining: Look for cotton or leather—not thin poly.
7. Shop Recommendation
Local favorite: Friendly Leather Bags (44 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An)—honest, durable, custom quality, and willingness to refund if orders are wrong.
8. From Hoi An to Hinleath
At Hinleath, we bring Hoi An’s finest made-to-order standards to your screen. Our bags are:
- Handcrafted in Vietnam with full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather
- Made in small batches—no mass production
- Built to last, with careful stitching, reliable zippers, and thoughtful design
- Able to be personalized to your needs—with no surprises or inflated pricing
