The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s densest shopping district — the 36 ancient guild streets, Dong Xuan Market, the night market, and dozens of specialty boutiques cluster within walking distance. From premium silk on Hang Gai to silver jewelry on Hang Bac, lacquerware on Hang Khay to lanterns on Hang Ma, the Old Quarter offers everything from $1 souvenirs to $200 custom-tailored ao dai. This complete guide to shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter for 2026 covers the best streets, markets, what to buy, and bargaining tips.
What to Buy in Hanoi Old Quarter
Top 10 Souvenirs
- Silk products — scarves, ao dai, custom shirts.
- Silver jewelry — rings, earrings, pendants.
- Lacquerware — bowls, trays, jewelry boxes.
- Vietnamese coffee — whole bean and Vietnamese phin filters.
- Conical hats (non la) — iconic Vietnamese souvenir.
- Embroidered art — silk paintings.
- Vietnamese ceramics — from Bat Trang Pottery Village.
- Hand-painted lanterns — from Hang Ma street.
- Vietnamese tea — lotus tea, jasmine green tea.
- Bamboo and rattan goods — baskets, mats, decor.
Best Shopping Streets in Old Quarter
1. Hang Gai (Silk Street)
The premier silk shopping destination. Premium scarves, custom ao dai, lacquer paintings, traditional textiles. Top shops: Khaisilk, Tan My Design, Le Hoa Studio. Custom tailoring 48-hour turnaround.
2. Hang Bac (Silver Street)
700+ years of silver-trading. Family workshops still operate. Watch master silversmiths at work. Premium jewelry and traditional silver designs.
3. Hang Ma (Paper & Decorations)
Vibrant lanterns, paper crafts, and traditional Vietnamese ornaments. Most photogenic during Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet.
4. Hang Khay (Lacquerware)
Traditional lacquer products from bowls to trays to jewelry boxes. Bargain prices vs. Hang Gai shops.
5. Hang Bong (Cotton)
Modern fashion boutiques in restored heritage buildings. Mix of local designers and tourist-oriented shops.
6. Hang Quat (Religious Goods & Fans)
Traditional fans, altar items, religious goods. Atmospheric and unchanged.
7. Hang Dao (Mixed Retail)
Modern boutiques alongside traditional shops. Most touristy of the guild streets.
8. Hang Buom (Tea & Sweets)
Vietnamese teas, dried fruits, traditional sweets. Great souvenir food shopping.
Major Old Quarter Markets
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s biggest covered market. Three floors:
- Ground floor: Fresh produce, dried goods, food.
- Second floor: Clothing and accessories.
- Third floor: Fabrics, electronics, household items.
Open 6 AM-7 PM. Free entry. Friday-Sunday late evening transforms outside the market.
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 6:00 PM-11:30 PM. Stretches from Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market. 50+ licensed food and shopping vendors. Best for souvenirs, knock-off clothing, accessories, and street food.
Hang Be Wet Market
Old Quarter’s historic morning wet market. Fresh produce, seafood, and meat from 5 AM-noon. Authentic local shopping.
Cho Hom Market
Indoor fabric market. Endless rolls of silk, cotton, lace, and trim at wholesale prices. Tailors source here.
Specialty Shopping by Item Type
For Silk Scarves & Custom Ao Dai
Hang Gai Street — Khaisilk, Tan My Design, Le Hoa, Marie-Linh.
For Silver Jewelry
Hang Bac Street — Family-run workshops with bargaining.
For Lacquerware
Hang Khay Street — Best prices for quality pieces.
For Coffee & Tea
Hang Buom Street and supermarkets like Vinmart.
For Conical Hats
Markets and street vendors. $1-3 each. Original from Chuong Conical Hat Village 30 km away.
For Lanterns
Hang Ma Street year-round. Spectacular during festivals.
For Embroidered Silk Art
Hang Gai Street and specialty galleries.
For Bamboo & Rattan
Hang Tre Street and Hang Manh Street.
For Vietnamese Books & Magazines
Hanoi Book Street (Pho Sach) — pedestrian street near Old Quarter dedicated to bookstores.
For Modern Fashion
Hang Bong Street and modern boutiques scattered throughout the Old Quarter.
Bargaining Tips
- Bargain at street vendors and markets — expected and friendly.
- Don’t bargain at fixed-price shops — supermarkets, restaurants with menus, registered boutiques.
- Start at 40-60% of asking price — meet in the middle.
- Smile and stay friendly — aggressive bargaining is rude.
- Walk away gracefully — vendors often call you back with better prices.
- Pay in VND for the best rates.
- Know typical prices — ask hotel concierge or check online.
- Compare 3-4 shops for the same item before buying.
What to Pay (Typical Prices)
- Silk scarf: 200,000-500,000 VND ($8-20).
- Custom-tailored ao dai: 1,500,000-4,000,000 VND ($60-160).
- Silver ring: 200,000-800,000 VND ($8-32).
- Conical hat: 30,000-80,000 VND ($1.20-3.20).
- Lacquer bowl: 100,000-400,000 VND ($4-16).
- Whole-bean Vietnamese coffee: 80,000-200,000 VND ($3.20-8) per kg.
- Hand-painted lantern: 50,000-200,000 VND ($2-8).
- Embroidered silk art: 300,000-2,000,000 VND ($12-80).
- Bat Trang ceramics piece: 50,000-300,000 VND ($2-12).
Modern Shopping Centers Nearby
Trang Tien Plaza
French Quarter luxury mall with international brands and the famous Trang Tien ice cream.
Vincom Center Ba Trieu
Mall with mid-range international brands.
Lotte Center Hanoi
Premium mall with luxury international labels and supermarket.
Shopping Etiquette
- Greet shop staff with “Xin chao” (Hello).
- Don’t handle merchandise excessively without intention to buy.
- Return items to their original spot.
- Tip not required at shops.
- Cash preferred at smaller shops.
- Many shops accept Visa/Mastercard at slight surcharge.
- Photograph with permission.
Sample Old Quarter Shopping Day
Morning
- Hang Be Wet Market (7:00 AM).
- Coffee at Cafe Pho Co.
- Hang Gai silk shopping (10:00 AM-12:00 PM).
Afternoon
- Lunch at Quan An Ngon.
- Hang Bac silver shopping.
- Hang Khay lacquerware.
- Coffee break at Loading T Cafe.
Evening
- Hang Ma lanterns and decorations.
- Friday-Sunday Night Market (6:00-11:30 PM).
- Dong Xuan Market evening eats.
What NOT to Buy
- Wildlife products — ivory, turtle shell, exotic skins (illegal).
- Antiquities without certificates — export restrictions.
- Counterfeit branded goods — legal grey area.
- Items with conflict-region claims — verify provenance.
- Touristy donut/pole vendor goods — overpriced.
Old Quarter Shopping FAQs
What’s the most popular souvenir?
Silk products from Hang Gai Street. Also lacquerware, conical hats, and Vietnamese coffee.
Is bargaining acceptable?
Yes at street vendors and markets. No at fixed-price shops and supermarkets.
Where do I buy silk?
Hang Gai Street — Khaisilk, Tan My Design, and Le Hoa Studio are top picks.
Where do I get silver jewelry?
Hang Bac Street — family workshops with master silversmiths.
What about lacquerware?
Hang Khay Street offers best prices. For premium pieces, Hang Gai shops also stock lacquer.
Are credit cards accepted?
Yes at boutiques and larger shops. Markets and street vendors are cash-only.
What about custom tailoring?
Hang Gai shops offer 48-hour custom ao dai and tailored shirts. Costs $60-160 for ao dai.
Where can I ship purchases home?
Most boutiques offer international shipping for $15-50. Or use FedEx/DHL offices in the French Quarter.
How can I avoid scams?
Compare prices at 3-4 shops, check fake currency carefully, verify silver markings, get receipts.
Shop Hanoi’s Old Quarter Like a Pro
The Old Quarter offers Vietnam’s most concentrated shopping experience — 36 streets, 4 major markets, and dozens of specialty boutiques. With this guide you have the best streets, items, prices, and bargaining tips. Pair this guide with our Old Quarter pillar guide, our Hanoi shopping pillar, and our 36 Streets guide.
