Hanoi is one of Asia’s most rewarding shopping destinations — centuries-old craft villages produce world-class silk, ceramics, lacquerware, embroidery, and conical hats; markets sprawl across the Old Quarter from dawn till midnight; bargaining is expected; prices are dramatically lower than Western cities; and there’s genuine craft heritage behind everything you buy. From the chaotic Dong Xuan Market to luxury Lotte Center malls, Hanoi has shopping for every budget and taste. This complete shopping in Hanoi guide for 2026 covers markets, malls, what to buy, where to bargain, and how to ship souvenirs home.
Top Things to Buy in Hanoi
- Silk products — scarves, ao dai, fabric.
- Ceramics — tea sets, vases, bowls (Bat Trang).
- Lacquer paintings & boxes.
- Embroidery — pictures, table linens.
- Conical hats (non la).
- Vietnamese coffee beans.
- Hand-woven baskets & bamboo.
- Ao dai (custom-made).
- Vietnamese street art reproductions.
- Folk art prints (Dong Ho).
- Tea (lotus tea, jasmine).
- Spices & sauces (fish sauce, chili sauce).
- Vietnamese rice wine (ruou).
- Coconut candies (keo dua).
Major Hanoi Shopping Areas
1. Old Quarter (36 Streets)
Each street historically named for the trade once practiced. Still semi-organized:
- Hang Gai (Silk Street): silk, scarves, ao dai.
- Hang Bac (Silver Street): jewelry, silverware.
- Hang Bong (Cotton Street): textiles, art galleries.
- Hang Trong (Drum Street): folk paintings, decorations.
- Hang Ma (Paper Street): paper products, decorations, lanterns.
- Hang Be (Rope Street): baskets, household items.
- Hang Da (Leather Street): leather goods, shoes.
- Hang Khay (Tray Street): ceramics, lacquerware.
2. French Quarter
- Trang Tien Street: upscale boutiques.
- Pho Hue: books, antiques.
- Trang Tien Plaza: luxury department store.
3. Tay Ho (West Lake)
- Boutique cafes and craft shops.
- Independent designers.
- Yoga gear and lifestyle.
4. Modern Shopping Malls
- Lotte Center Hanoi (272m, with luxury brands).
- Vincom Mega Mall Royal City (huge).
- Vincom Center Ba Trieu.
- Trang Tien Plaza (restored colonial).
- Indochina Plaza Hanoi.
Major Markets
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s largest covered market. 3 floors, 2,000+ stalls. See our Dong Xuan guide.
Hom Market
Local market less touristy. Authentic Hanoi shopping.
Long Bien Wholesale Market
Pre-dawn fruit and flower wholesale market. Photographer’s dream.
Hanoi Old Quarter Weekend Walking Street Market
Friday-Sunday evenings. Souvenirs, snacks, performances.
Quang Ba Flower Market
Pre-dawn flower wholesale market. Best at 2-5 AM.
Tay Ho Flower Market
West Lake flower market.
Shopping by Item
Silk
- Hang Gai Street: Silk Street.
- Khaisilk: luxury chain.
- Van Phuc Silk Village: direct from artisans (10 km).
- Prices: Scarves $10-30, ao dai $80-200 custom.
Ceramics
- Bat Trang Pottery Village (14 km).
- Old Quarter Hang Khay Street.
- Prices: Cups $2-8, vases $15-500.
Lacquerware
- Apricot Gallery (40B Hang Bong).
- Authentique Home — high quality.
- Hang Khay Street shops.
- Prices: Boxes $15-100, paintings $30-2,000+.
Embroidery
- Quat Dong Village (25 km south).
- Old Quarter Hang Gai Street.
- Prices: Pictures $30-500.
Conical Hats
- Chuong Village (30 km).
- Hang Gai Street souvenir shops.
- Prices: $3-15.
Vietnamese Coffee
- Trung Nguyen — major chain stores.
- Highlands Coffee.
- Specialty roasters in Tay Ho.
- Prices: $5-15 per kg.
Tea
- Hang Hanh (Tea Street).
- Specialty tea shops in Old Quarter.
- Prices: $5-30 per kg.
Custom Tailoring (Ao Dai & Suits)
- Hanoi 24 Tailor.
- Truong Quan Hanoi Tailoring.
- Custom Vietnamese ao dai: 3-7 days, $80-300.
- Custom suits: $100-400.
Bargaining Etiquette
- Smile and stay friendly.
- Counter-offer at 30-50% of asking price.
- Negotiate to 60-70% of original.
- Walk away politely if vendor won’t budge.
- Don’t haggle aggressively for $1 difference.
- Pay in small bills.
- Have exact change ready.
- Fixed-price stores: don’t bargain.
- Markets and street stalls: bargain.
Where NOT to Bargain
- Modern shopping malls (Lotte, Vincom).
- Branded boutiques (Khaisilk, Apricot Gallery).
- Restaurants and cafes.
- Supermarkets.
- Fixed-price luxury stores.
Souvenir Shipping
- DHL/FedEx/UPS: Reliable, $50-200 depending on size.
- EMS Vietnam Post: Cheaper, slower (2-4 weeks).
- Reputable galleries arrange shipping for art purchases.
- Customs declaration required for items over $1,000.
- Antiques over 100 years old need permits.
- Avoid shipping ivory, coral, animal products (illegal).
Shopping Day Itinerary
- 9:00 AM: Old Quarter Hang Gai Silk Street.
- 10:30 AM: Hang Bac (silver) and surrounding streets.
- 11:30 AM: Coffee + lacquer shopping at Hang Khay.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Quan An Ngon.
- 2:00 PM: Dong Xuan Market (1.5 hours).
- 4:00 PM: Trang Tien Plaza for branded items.
- 5:30 PM: Tea purchases on Hang Hanh.
- 7:00 PM: Old Quarter Walking Street (weekend evenings).
Day Trip Shopping (Craft Villages)
- Bat Trang — ceramics direct from kilns.
- Van Phuc — silk direct from looms.
- Quat Dong — embroidery from artisans.
- Phu Vinh — bamboo from weavers.
- Prices typically 30-50% below Old Quarter.
Common Shopping Scams
- Inflated tourist prices — bargain accordingly.
- Fake silk: Real Vietnamese silk has uneven texture and slight imperfections. Synthetic too smooth.
- Overpriced taxis to villages — agree before riding.
- Cheap reproductions sold as antiques — verify authenticity.
- Tourist commission shops — cyclo/Grab drivers may take you to overpriced stops.
Best Time for Shopping
- October-November: Perfect weather for walking shopping districts.
- Pre-Tet (January-February): Most goods, especially decorations.
- Avoid Tet week: Many shops closed.
- Avoid summer afternoons: Hot, crowded markets.
- Mornings: Less crowded.
Hanoi Shopping FAQs
What’s the best souvenir?
Vietnamese silk scarves, lacquer art, custom ao dai, or Bat Trang ceramics.
Are credit cards accepted?
Major shops yes. Markets cash only.
Can I tax-refund?
Yes — over 2 million VND ($80) at participating stores. Keep receipts and process at airport.
Best market for tourists?
Dong Xuan Market for variety. Hang Gai Street for quality silk.
Should I buy at airport?
No — prices much higher. Buy in city.
Are antiques legal?
Yes — but items over 100 years require export permits.
Can I commission custom orders?
Yes — tailoring, lacquer art, embroidery available with 3-7 day turnaround.
Do shops ship internationally?
Reputable shops yes. Cost $30-200 depending on size and destination.
Plan Your Hanoi Shopping
Hanoi is shopping paradise. For deep dives, see our markets guide, silk shopping, souvenirs guide, bargaining tips, and Dong Xuan Market guide.
