Hanoi - What To Bring Home As Souvenirs

If you are in Hanoi for the first time and are captivated by its diverse array of goods, you might be wondering which items are essential to purchase. This article will simplify that decision and help you navigate what to buy as a memento of your visit!

While many consider Ho Chi Minh City a shopping paradise, Hanoi has its own unique charm when it comes to shopping—offering distinctive items that cannot be found elsewhere. Here's a list of must-have souvenirs to take home, allowing you to carry a piece of Hanoi with you.
Photo: chaohanoi.com

Artwork and Prints

As you stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you'll discover numerous art shops featuring a variety of paintings and prints. To commemorate your trip, consider purchasing a Vietnamese propaganda poster or an original artwork at surprisingly affordable prices ranging from $3 to $40. For art lovers seeking more upscale pieces, galleries in Hanoi offer artworks that can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

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Photo: tranhsondau.com 

Dried Fruits

Don’t miss the chance to try the dried spiced beef sold on Hang Giay Street, as well as sweetened fruits and vegetables (commonly referred to as “Ô Mai” and “Mứt”) available on Hang Duong Street. Hanoi is the best place to enjoy the authentic flavors of “Ô Mai” in Vietnam. These snacks come in a variety of types and flavors, which can take you weeks to sample them all.
Photo: sayhi.vn

Wooden Puppets

If you have had the opportunity to watch a water puppet show, you have undoubtedly been enchanted by the wooden puppets that move gracefully under the skillful hands of the puppeteers. If you'd like to bring one home, resist the urge to take one from the show; instead, explore the souvenir shops near the theater that sell replicas. Prices start at around $12 for finely crafted wooden items depicting everything from buffalos and horse riders to charming dancing girls and majestic dragons.

T-Shirts and Silk Products

Has the delightful experience of Hanoi made you want to express your love for Vietnam? Instead of competing with the city’s bustling traffic, you can easily find souvenir shops on Dinh Liet or Hang Gai Street, featuring an array of T-shirts emblazoned with playful slogans like “I Love Hanoi” and “I Love Pho,” often accompanied by images of a steaming bowl of Pho. Sizes and colors abound! Additionally, these streets offer exquisite silk products, such as scarves, ties, and clothing, as well as beautiful brocade bags, hats, and accessories.