Hanoi Shopping Guide

Hanoi Old Quarter is an excellent starting point for your shopping adventure - Photo: Instagram@yuriontree

If you want to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam, begin your journey in Hanoi. To immerse yourself in the essence of Hanoi's distinct heritage, make the Old Quarter your first stop. This historic area is a labyrinth of streets, each named to pique your interest in shopping. For instance, Hang Bac signifies silversmiths, Hang Bong denotes cotton, Hang Cot refers to bamboo products, and Hang Da is known for leather goods.

The origins of these street names date back several centuries to the time when Hanoi was known as Thang Long, but many streets have since evolved and don’t strictly represent what they sell today. Nevertheless, this area still boasts some of the most exquisite items that Hanoi has to offer. Be sure to visit the designer boutiques on Hang Bong and Hang Ngang, where you can find tailor-made traditional Vietnamese attire, as well as contemporary Western-style clothing crafted from Vietnam's famous silk. Don't miss Hang Duong (Jam Street), where you can sample the most acclaimed candied fruits in Hanoi, and Hang Gai, which is lined with souvenir shops ideal for bringing home a piece of Hanoi.

A little further from the Old Quarter, a variety of other streets warrant exploration. Trang Tien, just a five-minute stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake, is an enticing destination filled with art galleries and bookstores. These bookstores present a diverse selection of literature focused on Vietnam’s culture in multiple languages, while the art galleries showcase a stunning range of works, including lacquer paintings and traditional puppets. More galleries can be found on Nguyen Thai Hoc street, where emerging artists exhibit their efforts in building their names within the Vietnamese art scene.

Local designers are gradually gaining traction in the broader market - a must-visit

In recent years, as Hanoi embraces global integration, a number of Western-style shopping centers have emerged. Many of these are upscale, including Vincom, Parkson, The Garden, and Grand Plaza, while others provide a more budget-friendly shopping experience, such as Big C and Pico Plaza. However, even the latter offer a modern shopping experience that reflects current trends in retail.

Vincom Center serves as both a shopping mall and a social hub for Vietnamese youth - Photo: Instagram @_lananh10_

Lastly, as Hanoi expands, take the opportunity to travel to its new suburbs and discover traditional handicraft villages. For instance, visit Bat Trang village for exquisite pottery and ceramics, explore Ha Dong’s silk village to access authentic Vietnamese silk, or head to Tay Tuu village, where you can purchase fresh flowers at prices significantly lower—often one-fifth or even one-tenth—of those in the city center.