Shopping in Hanoi offers a vibrant mix of traditional markets, bustling areas, and modern malls, all providing diverse experiences, from haggling for bargains to air-conditioned luxury. Whether you are looking for lovely gifts for your family, a unique handicraft for friends, or some Vietnamese specialties to bring back home, Hanoi has the right place.
What to Buy When Shopping in Hanoi
Finding local specialties is part of making your shopping trip to Hanoi an exciting one. Artisanal crafts and iconic flavours, as well as the variety of meaningful and high-quality goods available to you, await you in the capital city of Vietnam.
Each of the following should definitely be on your list to see when you come to Hanoi because each item has its own cultural background, which possesses an interesting narrative.
Hanoi Silk – A Symbol of Elegance and Heritage
Hanoi is one of the top destinations in Vietnam for purchasing authentic silk that is as soft as water and has a very delicate drape. When you pick up a silk scarf, you can feel the coolness and softness on your fingertips – a feeling that easily makes people think of the beauty of Asian women.
Silk scarves can be used for religious occasions, temples, or combined with sarees to create a subtle highlight. Some shops also allow you to print names or engrave designs to make a personalized gift: light, luxurious, and meaningful.
Coffee & Traditional Hanoi Tea
Vietnam is the 2nd largest producer of coffee globally, and Hanoi boasts the strongest Robusta type of coffee in the world.
Vietnamese coffee has a unique charm: intensely bold and full-flavoured. Many Indian tourists are genuinely shocked when they first try it: the difference from the coffee they’re used to back home is night and day. Several Vietnamese coffee styles have also won over travellers because they’re so easy to bring home: single-serve drip filter packs, instant egg coffee mixes, and conveniently packaged roasted Robusta beans.
If you are not a fan of strong coffee, you may be interested in trying Vietnamese tea. There are a lot of types of tea in Vietnam, including Lotus Tea with an attractive floral aroma that is pleasing and easy to enjoy; Artichoke Tea, which is light, and many herbal teas that are good for vegetarians, Hindus, and Jains. A decorative box filled with Vietnamese tea is a traditional, beautiful, and pure gift representative of Vietnamese culture.
Bat Trang Ceramics
The Bat Trang pottery village has been around for over 700 years, and every piece represents the artisan’s spirit. The pottery here is not as shiny as industrial products; it has a rustic, deep look, and the glaze colour is always deep and warm.
As you walk into the pottery shop, you will see small teacups, oval-shaped vases, and figurines that have an animated appeal due to being hand-painted. Foreign tourists often purchase items featuring an assortment of motifs that include lotus flowers, dragons, and phoenix designs. These are all considered sacred and continue to be associated with Eastern spiritual philosophy.
In particular, you can choose compact items such as espresso cups, small cups, and mini incense sticks that are easy to carry, carefully packaged, and very affordable.
Vietnamese Glossy and Artistic Lacquerware
Glorious gloss and a wide array of beautifully painted designs have made Vietnamese lacquerware famous worldwide. Lacquerware is available in many forms, including bowls, trays, ornate boxes, and wall decor, all created by local artisans using a significant amount of creativity with an end goal of functionality. As a result, they make excellent gifts for anyone looking to buy something really nice from Hanoi
The finest quality lacquerware is made from natural resin and undergoes multiple coats of oil or other polishes, which provide a very deep, mirror-like lustre.
Hand-embroidered Textiles from Skilled Artisans
Hand-embroidered items are always among the most sophisticated handicrafts of artisans in the Northern mountainous region and many ethnic communities in Vietnam. From tablecloths, pillowcases, bags, and wallets to wall paintings, each stitch is created with meticulousness and aesthetic sense passed down from generation to generation.
The interesting thing is that each embroidery pattern has its own story: some patterns remind one of the mountains and forests, some symbolize prosperity, or simply express the cultural characteristics of each region. Hand-embroidered items are therefore not only beautiful but also create a cozy feeling, very suitable to highlight the living space.
MacBook
Beyond traditional souvenirs and local specialties, many Indian travellers also take advantage of buying a MacBook while shopping in Hanoi. Compared to India, Apple products in Vietnam are significantly more affordable due to lower import taxes, making Hanoi an unexpected but smart place to purchase electronics.
MacBooks sold in Vietnam are brand new, sealed, and available at authorized Apple resellers, mainly in large shopping malls and central districts. The price difference is often substantial, especially for higher-end models, which is why some travellers plan this purchase in advance.
Local Dried Fruits, Snacks, and Specialties
If you want to buy gifts that are easy to choose and suit many people’s tastes, snacks and dried fruits in Hanoi are a very convenient choice. Many tourists like them right from the first try, such as crispy dried jackfruit, golden dried banana, or light dried sweet potato. Vietnamese cashew nuts are also loved by Indian tourists because of their good quality and a more affordable price than in some other places. These gifts are easy to carry, easy to share, and suitable for giving to relatives after the trip.
Ethnic Handicrafts from the Northern Mountains
In addition, there are unique ethnic handicrafts from the northern mountains made by the Hmong, Dao or Thai people. The products are made from brocade and usually have bright colours along with beautiful patterns. For example, a small purse or wallet made from brocade would be a unique gift that showcases the highland culture. A lot of our visitors from India appreciate these types of products because they are similar to goods produced in Rajasthan or Himachal, but they also have the softness of Southeast Asian culture.
Herbal and Spa Products
Lemongrass essential oil and herbal soaps, as well as soapberry shampoos and herbal bags, all contribute to a sense of calmness and serenity naturally. These products are not formulated with any animal-derived ingredients, which makes them appropriate for Hindu, Jain, and vegan travellers. The soft aromas of the various herbal products in this line make them even more conducive to creating an inviting atmosphere, and therefore are often given as gifts by others.
Where to Go When Shopping in Hanoi
Hanoi is a shopper’s paradise if you know what you’re looking for: a little traditional, a little modern, and a lot of local colour. The city has no shortage of bustling markets, old-fashioned business streets, and modern shopping malls, each with its own unique atmosphere. Here are the places that most Indian travellers won’t miss when looking for shopping in Hanoi:
The Hanoi Old Quarter
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Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is filled with shops catering specifically to tourists in multiple narrow alleyways filled with various types of craft stores, silk shops, ceramic stores, tailor shops, and street vendors. When one walks through the Old Quarter, one is reminded of the colourful, chaotic and exciting nature of the area.
Dong Xuan Market
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Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District
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Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you’re looking for both bustling and “Vietnamese” shopping in Hanoi, Dong Xuan Market is the place to be. This is the largest market in Hanoi, with everything from fabric and clothing to handbags, gifts for tourists, spices, and dry goods. Shawls, cotton fabric and spices, along with dried fruits, are commonly purchased by Indian families because of their good value. Prices on these items can vary, and it is advisable to shop around to be sure you are getting the best deal. The atmosphere is buzzing and often a little noisy and overcrowded, which makes for the true feel of being in a “Vietnamese market”.
Hang Gai Street (Silk Street)
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Address: Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
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Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Visitors to Hang Gai Street will find an abundant selection of authentic quality silks. Products available for sale include silk scarves, ties, ao dai, as well as other high-end silk items. Many shoppers prefer the calming ambience of Hang Gai compared to shopping at traditional markets, where it can be busy and chaotic. The high-quality silk found at Hang Gai is mainly sought after by shoppers from India because of its softness, lightweight feel, and luxurious look, making it a popular gift for mothers and aunts and pairing well with traditional Indian garments.
Lotte Center Hanoi Shopping Mall
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Address: 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District
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Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
The Lotte Centre is a great choice for those who prefer shopping in a comfortable, air-conditioned space, as well as having access to many international brands. This shopping mall offers a large variety of items, from cosmetics, clothing, accessories, to gourmet foods and gifts. The Lotte Mart inside Lotte Center is also an excellent place to find a large selection of snack foods, coffees, spices, and other small items that can easily be taken home. Many Indian tourists buy their instant coffee, traditional filter coffee, and local sweet treats from Lotte Mart because of its reasonable prices, high-quality products, and lack of haggling over price.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
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Address: Bat Trang Pottery Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
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Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Bat Trang pottery village is located just outside Hanoi and offers visitors a chance to view the incredible quality of craftsmanship produced by Vietnamese artisans. Visitors to Bat Trang will not only have the opportunity to purchase pottery, but they’ll also have the chance to participate in creating their own pieces within a vibrant craft community. This is an amazing experience for anyone, including families with young children, to take part in. Bringing home a handmade souvenir will make the trip that much more meaningful.
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
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Address: Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Street, Hanoi Old Quarter Area
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Opening Hours: 6:00 PM to 11 PM (Friday night to Sunday)
This is one of the most fun places to walk around at night in Hanoi: street music, the smell of food in the air, stalls lined up with all sorts of handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively, but still comfortable enough to walk around and chat. You can buy cute little gifts like handicrafts, bracelets, light scarves, or packaged snacks to take home. The very reasonable price, the evening atmosphere, the laughter, the lights, and the night temperature, all of them create an exciting experience when shopping in Hanoi.
Tips When Shopping in Hanoi
Many tourists say that when shopping in Hanoi, they feel “at home but still new”. The city has both the hustle and bustle of bazaars and the sophistication of quiet boutiques. To make your shopping trip more enjoyable and memorable, here are a few tips to keep in mind. All of which are very useful if you want to explore the local culture while picking out the perfect items to bring back home.
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The best time to shop: Traditional markets in the early morning or early evening are usually cool, less crowded, and more sociable, much like the feeling of going to an early market in Mumbai or Hyderabad.
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Light bargaining is completely natural: Vendors are used to international customers, and a good negotiation will always yield a favourable price.
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Bring some cash: Many small stalls do not accept cards, so cash will help you pay faster and more conveniently.
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Try on Clothes Before Buying: Clothing sizes in Vietnam are generally smaller than in India (especially due to the smaller sizes used in cotton, linen, and quick-fit tailoring).
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Choose a reputable store if you are interested in organic or vegan products: Numerous boutiques in Tay Ho sell products like skincare, Essential Oils, and Natural Scented Candles, which are very popular with Indian customers.
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Wrap fragile items carefully: If you purchase Bat Trang Ceramic or Glass Ornaments, you should request that the seller wrap them in several layers of protection to help ensure that they are safe when you return home.
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Check the quality and origin carefully: It is especially important to examine the origin and quality of handmade silver, essential oils, and hand-embroidered products before purchasing.
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Carry a backpack or small bag: Carrying a backpack or small bag will help improve your mobility on the narrow streets.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Hanoi is not just about choosing and paying money. It is also a very gentle way to connect with the culture and people in the Vietnamese capital city.
And if you want to explore more interesting shopping places, authentic experiences, or customizable itineraries specifically for Indian tourists, Vietnamtour.in is always ready to accompany you.
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