Best Areas To Do Your Shopping In Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Area: Popular and Fun

When travelers ask local people or tour guides where they can find the most diverse types of traditional Vietnamese gifts for souvenirs, the response is often "Hoan Kiem Lake" and "The Old Quarter." This area remains the most vibrant tourist destination in Hanoi, attracting a large number of foreign visitors each day, resulting in numerous shops selling souvenirs and gifts.

Photo: redsvn.net

International travelers can be found exploring this scenic area day and night, marveling at the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and the ancient architecture in the Old Quarter, as well as shopping for souvenirs to commemorate their visit to this enchanting city.

Especially in the evening, popular shopping streets like Hang Ngang and Hang Dao transform into pedestrian zones, where more visitors and locals blend together, enjoying the lively atmosphere and vibrant street life.

Photo by @HangNguyen

In addition to Hang Ngang and Hang Dao, other popular spots for buying souvenirs include Bao Khanh, Hang Gai, Luong Van Can, and Hang Can. Here, shoppers will find a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, many of which are crafted by skilled artisans from well-known vocational villages in Hanoi.

It's worth noting that foreign visitors may find prices in this area to be higher than what locals pay, due to the high rental costs of shops in the city's central area, as well as the perception that international tourists are willing to spend. Be prepared to negotiate prices!

What to Buy

• Ly Quoc Su Street: Unique T-shirts featuring slogans like "I love Uncle Ho."
• Gia Ngu Street: Quality underwear at reasonable prices.
• Bao Khanh Street: CDs and DVDs of popular TV shows at fair prices.
• Luong Van Can Street: Children's toys and decorative items.

Ba Trieu Street: A Shopper's Paradise

Ba Trieu Street stretches from the Hoan Kiem Lake area to Dai Co Viet Street and can be aptly described as the "Street of Shopping," particularly for luxury goods. This thoroughfare is home to a mix of shops and restaurants catering to all customer types, though it predominantly features upscale products.

Photo: fomat.vn

Spanning 2.5 kilometers, Ba Trieu Street boasts a dense cluster of luxury shops offering a variety of products and services, including motorbikes, clothing, accessories, smartphones, and entertainment devices. Besides high-end retailers, there are also affordable options suitable for middle-class consumers. Notably, the Vinatex Fashion Center serves as a prominent mid-range venue where clothing and accessories created by local manufacturers are sold at competitive prices.

Photo by @Nguyen Duc Cuong

At the end of this street, shoppers will discover Vincom Tower, a premier shopping center featuring upscale malls and luxurious services that cater primarily to affluent clientele. This center hosts a variety of esteemed domestic and international brands across numerous industries, from fashion and footwear to electronics. Visitors to Vincom Tower can expect top-tier services and brands that are hard to find elsewhere.

For tips on maximizing your shopping experience on Ba Trieu Street, be sure to check our guide on Buying Clothing in Vietnam.

West Lake: New and Unique

West Lake, or Ho Tay in Vietnamese, is the largest lake in Hanoi and ranks high among the most captivating lakes in the city. This area is also a favored residential hotspot for expatriates and foreigners, hosting a sizable population of non-Vietnamese residents. The growing expat community has fueled a demand for specialty goods, particularly everyday products like food, beverages, and clothing, leading to the emergence of a new green market that attracts local attention.

Photo: kiwifoodshop.com.vn

To meet the needs of its foreign residents, various home shops have opened in the vicinity, providing a range of international products that may be hard to find in other parts of Hanoi. These establishments offer food items like turkey for Thanksgiving, Kraft Dinner, Kit Kat Bars, and Twinings Earl Grey Tea, as well as health products such as whole grain bread and brown rice.

These shops can be found along streets surrounding West Lake, including Xuan Dieu, Au Co, Yen Phu, and To Ngoc Van. Prices may be slightly higher than in other parts of the city or in the countries of origin due to tax rates, but they remain affordable for expats living in the area.