Shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter – A practical local guide for tourists

Hanoi Old Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and centuries-old architecture, is a shopper’s paradise. This bustling district is rich with history, culture, and an array of unique items that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. Whether you’re seeking traditional crafts, stylish clothing, or delectable local snacks, the Old Quarter offers something for everyone. Here’s your detailed guide to what to buy and where to find them in this vibrant part of Hanoi.

Top items to buy in Hanoi

Silk Products- Made in Vietnam

Hanoi has always been famous for its craft villages, and silk is one of them. Silk in Hanoi renowned for its high quality and has a long history dating back over a thousand year

Silk Garments: Traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, dresses, shirts, and blouses.

Recommend Address

Hanoi Silk (2 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 9:00 AM – 21:00 PM everyday

Price range of some products: 

Silk scarves and accessories: $10- $30

Silk blouses and shirts: $30 – $80

Silk dresses and ao dai: $50 – $200 and above

If you have time and want to get the best silk in town, then Vạn Phúc silk village is a top destination, the village located in Ha Dong district, only 11km far away from the Old Quarter.

 

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

The Old Quarter is a treasure trove of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. There, you can get the best crafts from craftsman of Hanoi.

Lacquerware: Boxes, trays, and vases with intricate lacquer designs.

Recommend Address

Tan My Design (61 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 8:30 AM – 20:00 PM everyday

Price range of some products: 

Small decorative items (coasters, small bowls): $10 – $50

Medium-sized items (plates, trays): $50 – $150

Larger items (vases, decorative boxes): $100 – $300

 

Ceramic Pottery: Vases, bowls, and other figures

Recommend Address

Authentic Bat Trang (115 Hang  Gai street, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 8:30 AM – 23:00 PM everyday

Price range of some products: 

Small ceramic items (mug, small bowls): $10 – $20

Medium-sized items (plates, vases): $20 – $50

Larger or more intricate items: above $50

Besides, if you have time to wander around somewhere further than just the Old Quarter, then Bat Trang village is a must-go place if you want to get yourself a top-tier ceramic piece.

 

Wooden Crafts: Lacquer paintings, wood carvings, and bamboo products.

Recommend Address

Vietnamese Craft Guild (3 To Tich, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 9:00 AM – 19:00 PM everyday

Price range of some products: 

Small wooden items ( keychains, coasters): $5 – $15

Medium-sized items (carved figurines utensils): $15 – $50

Larger items: Above $50

 

 

Foods and Drinks in Hanoi

Hanoi’s traditional food scene and drinks are legendary, and the Old Quarter is the perfect place to sample and purchase local treats.

Dried Fruits and Nuts made in Vietnam

Variety of dried mango, jackfruit, coconut, and flavored nuts.

Recommend Address

Hong Lam (11 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 7:45 AM – 22:30 PM everyday

Price range of some products: 

Dried plum: $5 – $10 per 500g

Dried banana: $4 – $8 per 500g

Dried jackfruit: $6 – $12 per 500g

Dried apricot: $6 – $12 per 500g

Dried coconut: $5 – $10 per 500g

 

Specialty Coffee made in Vietnam

Ground coffee, whole beans, blended coffee

Recommend Address:

Mai Cafe (96 Le Van Huu street, Hai Ba Trung district)

Open from: 7:00 AM – 20:00 PM everyday

Price range:

Ground coffee: $5 – $12 per 250g

Whole Bean: $8 – 18 per 250g

Blended Coffee: $10 – $15 per pack

 

 

Specialty Teas made in Vietnam

Lotus tea, jasmine tea, Vietnamese coffee (whole beans or grounds

Recommend Address

Old Quarter Tea House (3c Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District)
Open from: 7:00 AM – 22:30 PM everyday

Price range:

Oolong Tea: $15 – $40 per 100g

White Tea: $10 – $20 per 250g

Herbal Tea: $10 – $25 per 100g

Clothing and Accessories

From traditional attire to modern fashion, the Old Quarter offers a variety of clothing options.

 

Traditional Vietnamese Attire in Old Quarter Hanoi

Ao Dai, Non La (conical hats)

Recommend Address:

Vinh Trach traditional tailor (23 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 7:00 AM – 21:00 PM everyday

Price range:

Ao Dai: $50 – $200 (depending on fabric and customization)

Non la: $5 – $20

Accessories: $5 – $30

Modern Fashion Made in Vietnam

Trendy streetwear, t-shirts, and casual wear

Recommend address:

Cocoon Concept Store (20 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem district)

Price range:

Clothing: $50 – $300

Footwear: $50 – $200

Tips: Look for tailors who can custom-make Ao Dai and other garments to your measurements. Be sure to check the quality of fabrics and craftsmanship.

 

Art and Antiques made in Vietnam in the Old Quarter

 

The Old Quarter is home to numerous art galleries and antique shops, perfect for finding unique pieces.

Contemporary and Traditional Art: Paintings, sculptures, and prints.

Recommend Address:

Klimt Art Gallery (22-24 Dinh Liet, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 10:00 AM – 23:00 PM everyday

Price range:

Paintings: $100 – $1000

Whole Bean: $200 – $800

Mixed-Media Artworks: $150 – $500

 

 

Apricot Gallery (40b Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem district)

Open from: 8:00 AM – 20:00 PM everyday

Price range:

Painting: $150 – $800

Installations: $300 – $1500

Digital art: $200 – $1000

 

Authenticity Tips: Ensure you’re buying genuine artwork and antiques by visiting reputable galleries. Check for certificates of authenticity for valuable items.

 

MARKETS TO VISIT IN HANOI OLD QUARTER

Dong Xuan Market

Location: Dong Xuan street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Schedule Every day from 6:00 AM – 18:00 PM

Located on Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. You can get to this famous market by many ways and from different parts of the city, housed within a large four-floor building, with each floor dedicated to different types of goods. The ground floor mainly features fresh produce, while the upper floors contain a wide range of items, including clothing, electronics, household goods, and more.

It’s a must visit destination for people who want to discover the life of locals and how Vietnamese do their business.

Good and products in Dong Xuan Market

Fresh produce: The ground floor of Dong Xuan market is bustling with vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and spices.

Clothing and Accessories: The upper floors of the market are filled with stalls selling clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. Here, you can find a mix of modern fashion, traditional garments, and affordable streetwear

Electronics and Household good: The market also offers a variety of electronics, household appliances, kitchenware, and home decor items

Souvenirs and Handicrafts: Visitors can find a variety of souvenirs, handicrafts and local specialties, from lacquerware and bamboo products to silk scarves and embroidered textiles.

Tips for visitors:

Don’t go too early in the morning: Dong Xuan Market is busiest in the morning when locals come to shop for fresh produce, so remember don’t visit the market too early at day time

Bring cash: It’s advisable to bring cash, especially for smaller purchases and bargaining

Practice bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice at Dong Xuan market, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with vendors.

 

Hanoi Night Markets

Location: Spanning several streets including Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong and Hang Giay

Schedule: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, start from 6:00 PM until late into the night

The Old Quarter Night Market is a lively and bustling cultural site that comes to life in the evening, transforming the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter into a vibrant hub of activity. Here you will have a chance to experience the hustle and bustle night life of Hanoian

Good and products in Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market

Clothing and accessories: The night Market offers a wide variety of clothing items, including t-shirts, dresses, pants, and traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai. You can also find accessories such as scarves, hats, and jewelry, from modern to traditional

Handicrafts and Souvenirs: Visitor can easily buy souvenir at the Night Market at the cheapest price. Anyway, price might come along with quality.

Street food and Snacks: The night market is a food lover’s paradise, with numerous vendors that sell mouth-watering Vietnamese street foods and snacks. From banh mi and Pho to fresh fruit smoothies and sweet desserts

 

Tips for visitors:

Dress comfortably: The night market can get crowded and busy, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing to navigate the streets with ease

Bring cash: It’s advisable to bring cash, especially for smaller purchases and bargaining

Watch your belongings: As with any crowded market, be mindful of your belongings and keep valuables secure to prevent theft or loss

In case you love to go to Supermarket to buy different stuffs at a time from snacks, food, drinks to clothes, you should pay a visit to Aeon Mall or Big C however they are not nearby touristic areas. You must take a cab or grab to get there.

 

The Hanoi Old Quarter is a shopper’s delight, offering a rich array of unique items from silk products and handicrafts to street food and art. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or quaint boutiques, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, enjoy the bargaining experience, and take home a piece of Hanoi’s rich heritage. Happy shopping!