Shopping in Hanoi ranges from traditional markets to modern shopping malls that bring out Vietnam’s traditional culture and reflect the rich cultural heritage and modern features. Explore what you can buy in Hanoi as a cultural souvenir.
Where To Go Shopping In Hanoi
Before looking for what things to buy in Hanoi, let’s talk about some of the best places to browse around the city. There is a variety to choose from, and the shopping scene in Hanoi ranges from chaotic markets to quaint streets and the Hanoi shopping mall. Each region comes with its own experience.
Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the epicenter of classic locations when shopping in Hanoi. This warren of narrow streets is filled with little family-run stores, boutiques, art galleries, and street stalls selling everything from silk scarves and handmade souvenirs to local snacks and traditional medicines. Streets here are often designated according to the goods that they have historically sold, such as Hang Gai (Silk Street), Hang Bac (Silver Street). This makes it relatively easy to navigate if you know what you are looking for.
Dong Xuan Market
If you are looking for where to shop in Hanoi for a bigger local market experience, it’s Dong Xuan Market. Being the oldest and the biggest market indoors in Hanoi, Dong Xuan market supplies goods from clothes, fabric, toys, electronics, dry food, to souvenirs. Just a few blocks north of the Old Quarter, this multi-floor market sells everything by theme.
Hanoi Night Markets
Hanoi markets at night are a great place to meet the friendly locals and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The best known is the Weekend Night Market running from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, which animates the evening every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here, amid low-cost fashion, T-shirts, accessories, souvenirs, and street food, you’ll find everything.
Hanoi Shopping Centers
Modern shopping offers a more modern, convenient shopping experience. Some popular shopping malls in Hanoi include Lotte Center Hanoi, featuring luxury shops, an observation deck and international food court; Vincom Center Ba Trieu, home to a mix of local brands and global names; and Trang Tien Plaza, an upscale shopping center located around Hoan Kiem Lake with a focus on luxury fashion.
Another strong choice is Aeon Mall Long Bien, a bit out of town, where the atmosphere is open and family-friendly, and you’ll find lots of Japanese chains and international labels on offer.
What To Buy In Hanoi
If you’re confused about how to choose the best things to buy in Hanoi, here is a round-up of the best items that you can buy and are much beloved by locals and foreigners.
Coffee Beans
Vietnam is one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, and Hanoi is a coffee-drinker’s paradise. Roasted coffee beans come in different types, and using Robusta beans for each brings a strong, slightly bitter taste, suitable for making traditional milk coffee. On the other hand, Arabica beans provide a much smoother, aromatic flavor.
There are plenty of specialty shops like Trung Nguyen Legend, Highlands Coffee, or local roasters in the Old Quarter that purvey high-quality beans, usually sealed in an air-tight bag, ready for the road. For something a bit unusual, you could treat someone to Weasel Coffee, beans processed by passing through the digestive system of civets, a rare delectation. If you’re exploring coffee shops or traditional cafés, don’t forget to include them in your Hanoi travel itinerary for a complete cultural and sensory experience.
Clothes
The clothes in Hanoi are not too expensive, fashionable, and fascinating to both men and women. From street fashion sold at Dong Xuan Market to chic, modern fashion in shopping malls like Vincom Center or Aeon Mall, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Local designers also offer up unique items that draw inspiration from Vietnamese culture and art, and make a really special souvenir. There are also lots of little independent boutiques and small labels that sell handmade clothes and sustainable fashions.
Ao Dai
Ao Dai is the most Vietnamese cultural and feminine symbol. Women often wear this long, graceful tunic over wide-legged trousers at formal events, weddings, and national holidays. In Hanoi, shops sell both made-to-measure and ready-to-wear Ao Dai, so you can pick out your fabric, choose a color you like, and decide the type of embroidery on your own.
Some of the best places to procure one sit atop Hang Bong and Hang Gai streets, where more seasoned tailors can turn around an impeccably sized Ao Dai in a matter of days. You can go with the classic silk or the updated cotton blend, and pick designs that range from simplicity to blossoms and dragon decorations.
Cashew Nuts
Vietnam is one of the biggest countries of cashew exports in the world, and Hanoi is a good place to buy them for your friends and relatives at home at attractive prices. In places like the Dong Xuan market or local convenience stores, you may get roasted cashew nuts, honey-coated and spiced. Not only is it delicious, but these nuts are also very healthy for a nutritious snack.
Some domestic brands produce organic or premium quality cashew nuts in southern Vietnam with better value and quality. A great gift for friends, family, and even coworkers who love healthy snacks.
Gold
Jewellery shopping in Hanoi is great fun, particularly if you’re on the lookout for gold. One of them is Hang Bac (Silver Street), renowned for so many gold craftsmen serving high-quality gold of around 24K; you can have rings, necklaces, bracelets made in traditional Vietnamese workmanship. Just make sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity when you buy one of the pricier pieces.
Jade
One of the most unique stones, jade, is believed to provide protection, health, and good luck! In Hanoi, jade pendants, bracelets, rings, and amulets come in shapes ranging from Buddhas to animals to flowers. Real jade can be bought by specialist jewellery shops, most notably on Hang Bac Street or from the better boutiques in the malls. Some serve primarily as decoration, while some are based on feng shui.
Lacquerware
Vietnamese lacquerware is an old art, dating back several hundred years. The process of creating lacquerware involves layering resin and paint, resulting in a glossy, durable surface. You will find lacquerware in the shape of trays, vases, bowls, and even paintings in Hanoi. Designs are often scenes of the Vietnamese countryside, pagodas or lotus flowers, and are usually in bright colours.
A few higher-end shops also sell contemporary renditions of the flask with clean lines. Head to the Old Quarter or the craft shops around the Fine Arts Museum for genuine handmade wares.
Lanterns
While lanterns are the hallmark souvenir in Hoi An, Hanoi has a nice selection of silk and paper lanterns in shapes and sizes. Particularly popular around Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the streets and shops are washed in glowing decorations. Hanoi’s lanterns, which are collapsible and can be carried home, are adorned with traditional motifs such as dragons, bamboo, or lotus flowers. You can get them at night markets, on Hang Ma Street, and from vendors selling crafts around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Paintings
Hanoi and the visual creativity it exhibits will not disappoint any art lovers. Local artists make silk paintings, oil portraits, propaganda-style posters, or calligraphy scripts penned in ancient Vietnamese or Chinese. There are quite a few well-known galleries there and in smaller studios in town. You can also custom-order a piece with your name or an inspiring word. These are pieces of art that are also deeply personal, and that you can roll up and pack away, which makes them one of the most cherished souvenirs for the bearer.
Pearls
Though Vietnam also has coastal areas where pearls are farmed, Hanoi is still a fantastic place to buy pearls because of its convenience and variety. From simple freshwater pearl earrings to sumptuous saltwater pearl necklaces, there’s an array of styles and prices. You can choose refined sets in shopping malls, including Trang Tien Plaza. Many stores also carry pearl items together with silver or gold to give them sophistication.
Shoes
Shoe shopping in Hanoi is surprisingly interesting. Hang Dau street, next to the Old Quarter, is called “Shoe Street” with shop after shop selling shoes on both sides. Here you can get anything from at-home sneakers to out-on-the-town leather shoes to work-appropriate sandals. Leather goods shops sell upscale, handmade shoes and others that specialize in the more hip, young styles. The bigger malls like Vincom and Lotte both stock international brands if you’re looking for guaranteed sizing and comfort.
Silk
Hanoi is one of the best places to buy silk in Vietnam, and Hang Gai Street (commonly referred to as “Silk Street”) is likely the place you’ll find retail vendors. This smooth fabric has traditional applications as scarves, blouses, pajamas, neckties, and bedclothes. Vietnamese silk is renowned for being translucent, lightweight, and lustrous. Many stores offer silk by the metre, or as pre-made clothing or accessories. Another great place for a closer look and shopping directly with artisans is Van Phuc Silk Village, which is about 10 km from the city.
SIM Card
Buying a SIM card in Hanoi is an easy and affordable way to do so. Some providers, like Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone, offer prepaid packages with data, calls within Vietnam, and international calls. SIM cards are available for purchase at Noi Bai International Airport, mobile shops, or convenience stores like Circle K and VinMart. Plans are customizable and begin at 3-10 USD/plan, depending on duration and quantity of data required.
Tea
The culture of drinking tea in Hanoi is classy and in the throes of the people. You will find tea available nearly everywhere, from a cup of green tea at a meal to ceremonial lotus tea. Jasmine tea, oolong, and lotus tea are among the most popular types. Specialty tea shops, traditional medicine shops, and even supermarkets sell a variety.
Tips For The Best Experience Shopping In Hanoi
To make the absolute best of your shopping in Hanoi, it is a good idea to arm yourself with some local knowledge and useful tips. These will not only teach you how to better navigate the world of markets, but they will also put you in a position where you can haggle with confidence.
- Bargaining: Do it politely, and remember that a smile can go a long way. But fixed-price shops, and indeed mall retailers, tend not to negotiate prices.
- Cash: Although some stores accept cards, for the most part, smaller vendors and market stalls will be cash only. It’s quite nice to have VND in small denominations for everybody’s convenience.
- Receipts: Ask for receipts or proof of purchase when purchasing gold, jade, and other valuables, as well as electronics. That may come in handy if you want to exchange, return, or authenticate.
- Cultural etiquette: Being polite and respectful is always a good idea in Vietnamese culture. Accost with a salutation on coming into communication; never haggle loudly or plunge headlong into a price.
- Transport and packing: If you plan to shop a great deal, pack a lightweight backpack or a collapsible tote bag for carrying your haul. Many shops don’t give bags or offer only flimsy plastic ones.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Hanoi is a reflection of Hanoian culture in many aspects. The Old Quarter abounds with colorful markets, as well as modern malls and quirky boutiques. Each stop is different, and each offers a little bit of the city’s lifestyle, handicrafts, and taste. If you’re coming here from out of town and in the mood for a relaxing but immersive experience, let SeniWorld provide some material for your perfect Hanoi itinerary. We guide you to where you would find the best deals and best things to do in Hanoi that don’t show up in the guidebooks.
