What to buy in Hanoi

Hanoi is the shopping heaven in the North of Vietnam. From its bustling markets, colonial shop houses, flash boutiques and shopping malls; you can find every strange unique things that cannot be found anywhere else. Escape the afternoon heat to some shopping malls or shop to bring some of these things back home with you as a small piece of Hanoi:

Silk and Clothing

Silk is like in every corners of Hanoi: you can find silk and silk goods everywhere, from rolled and stacked fabric to finished dresses, man’s ties, Ao dai, scarves, sleeping bags, etc. Hang Gai street, Hang Da market or farther, Van Phuc village are the addresses you can consider.

Tailored clothing is also a good thing you should try. Just give them your requirement or choose from their sample/catalogue, in a matter of days, you will get what you always long for.

Embroider

Embroider is Northern Vietnam’s specialty, but if your trip is not too long to afford a short journey to the north, let’s go to some shops to get pieces of stunning embroider cotton and linens.

Beautiful embroiders can be found in any budget, from the patterns of ethnic minorities, pillow cases, table cloths, placemats to dresses of the fine art quality work hung in galleries.

Lacquer ware

Lacquer ware is one of the best known Vietnamese crafts, beautiful and durable in a wide range of choices: wall paintings, flower vases, jewelry boxes, trays, chessboards, and folding screens. You can find them easily on the streets such as Hang Manh, Hang Trong or Hang Hom. Some lacquer ware shops with higher price are good choice if you want to have guaranteed quality.

Although it also exists in other Asian countries, Vietnamese lacquer ware is usually of a better.

Dó paper

Made from the bark of Do tree (a wild river plant), Dó paper is a Vietnamese unique material widely used in making postcards, notebook, paintings and stationary sets with reasonable price. You can also buy some raw Dó paper for writing letter to make your words become one-of-a-kind and a big surprise for the receiver.

Dó paper and goods can be easily found on Hang Gai Street, Hang Bac Street or Craft-link near The Temple of Literature.

Bamboo and Rattan goods

Bamboo and rattan goods are the most sophisticated souvenirs you can find in town. From uncouth material, the artisans create everything you can imagine, from tiny chopsticks to intricately woman full size chair with a very reasonable price.

Shops along Quang Trung Street and Hang Hanh Street are some good choices you can try to drop by.

Jewelry and Silver

As you can see from the name, Hang Bac was named after its main product: silver, because “bac” means silver in English. Almost Hanoian comes here when they need to buy jewelry and silver, from a tiny simple ring, necklaces to a whole set to give to their fiancé or worshipping articles. Strongly believed as a powerful element to drive evil away; silver will be a very meaningful gift for your beloved ones.

Dried fruit and O Mai

Dried fruits, which varied in kinds and taste, are the most special and widely loved snacks in Hanoi. Hang Duong is a heaven on earth for dried fruit and O mai lovers; you can go there to bring some taste of Hanoi back home with you.

Besides, if you are finding some beautifully packed dried fruits, you can consider Hong Lam stores, Toan Thinh, etc.

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, known as the Hanoi biggest indoor market, offers a wide range of products, from colorful flip flop, printed tees to school uniforms. This four-storey Soviet-style market comprises 2 sections with a bustling wet section for fresh local stuffs. Opened from day to night, it is a totally must-see destination when coming to Hanoi.

• Location: Dong Xuan Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Daily 06:00 – 19:00

Trang Tien Plaza

Just take 5 mins walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the five-storey Trang Tien Plaza is fulled with luxury brands from all over the world such as Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton,…Trang Tien Plaza also offers a supermarket on the 4th floor and excellent international restaurants and plenty of fast food chains.

• Location: 24 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 09:30 – 21:30 (Mon – Fri), 09:30 – 22:00 (Sat – Sun)

Hom Market

You want to find some Vietnamese fabrics as a unique gift for your friends? Hom Market, which offers the most extensive collection of fabrics in Hanoi, will find you well. Come upstairs to see hundreds of kiosks to choose the right things you need then go downstairs and immerse yourselves in the bustling pace of local life when the local come and buy local food, vegetables, fruits, meat, nylon materials, etc.

• Location: 293 Tran Nhan Tong Str., Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Daily 06:00 -18:00

Aeon Mall

A bit far from Hoan Kiem Lake located Aeon Mall – a newly opened Japanese mall. As known as the most favorite mall of Hanoian, Aeon Mall offers chains of restaurant, a wide range of products with reasonable price and Japanese standard service. That is the reason why Aeon Mall is full every day, whether it is weekend or not.

• Location: 27 Co Linh Str., Long Bien Dist, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00

Night market

Listed as the most must-do activity when coming to Hanoi, night market not only offers a wide range of souvenirs, local snacks and clothes but also give you a chance to experience a bustle and hustle Hanoi at night. Remember to bargain – just 50% or 75% of the price when you want to buy something.

• Location: Hang Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Fri – Sun 20:00 – 23:00

Hang Da Market

Hang Da Market is a good choice to find secondhand clothes, imported wine and high quality fabrics. There is a wide range in size, price and origins of clothes and some Vietnamese traditional breakfast such as noodle soup, stir-fried noodle, bun cha, etc.

• Location: 1 Hang Da Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 05:00 – 17:00