Many well-off families in big cities like HCM and Hanoi have been paying billions of VND on luxury coffins to prepare for death.
A luxury coffin costs around VND10 billion (USD275,375)
For many families this is a chance to show off their prestige.
Luxury coffins are often specially-designed and made from unique materials, some even lined with gold.
According to the owner of a coffin store on Phan Xich Long Road in HCM City, prices of luxury coffins vary depending on wood, ranging from hundreds millions to tens of billions of VND. One trend she noted in customers is that more people prefer coffins that allow relatives to see the faces of the deceased.
A man who owns a shop selling coffins on Nguyen Duy Street in District 8 said, "We really only show the luxury stuff to rich customers. We keep the really expensive ones in back and ordinary people don't see them. Some of their designs are pretty unique and some other shop owner may want to copy them. Our rich customers prefer coffins made from rare woods and other materials."
The owner of another shop in Hanoi, Quan, said, “Many times the customer will buy his own coffin so that they have a chance to see it before they die," adding that the most sought-after ones must be ordered at least three months in advance.
“About a month ago, a very large man from Haiphong ordered a special coffin made from sua wood. He demanded intricate design and gold coating. I had to go to Bac Ninh Province in order to find the materials. It took about six months," he said.
An experienced rare wood trader in Hanoi said some rich people are not interested in locally made products. They order rare wood from him and seek designs from abroad.
Designs also vary depend on the ages and personality of the deceased. It can take anywhere from six months to a year to complete such a coffin.
Some well to do families in HCM City rely on fortune-tellers in the selection process. Many times certain images or words are recommended to be added to the design.
