The Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Hanoi For Travelers

The search for a definitive guide to shopping in Hanoi often begins with visions of a sensory journey, revealing a city where tradition meets modern flair. We get it, amid Hanoi’s busy markets and shops, finding genuine artisans over tourist traps can be a real challenge. That is why this collection goes deeper than a simple list. With GTrip as your companion, each purchase adds meaning to your journey, capturing the spirit and stories of Hanoi.

Where to go shopping in Hanoi

Hanoi’s shopping scene blends tradition and modernity, from air-conditioned malls to lively markets and speciality streets. If you're after luxury fashion, local crafts, or the thrill of bargaining, the city has something for every shopper.

1. Modern shopping malls in Hanoi

Hanoi’s modern malls offer a cool escape and a comfortable space for both luxury and everyday shopping. These contemporary retail spaces feature fixed prices and house familiar international brands alongside upscale Vietnamese retailers. Most malls feature food courts, entertainment, and supermarkets, perfect one-stop spots for comfort and global brands. Suggestions for a few places you should visit:

• Lotte Center Hanoi: This is a shopping center and a 65-story skyscraper. A special feature is the Lotte Observation Deck on the top floor, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Hanoi. Inside, it offers a luxurious shopping space with a collection of high-end designer fashion boutiques, cosmetics, and electronics. It also provides a diverse range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to a convenient food court.
• Vincom Center Ba Trieu: As one of Hanoi's first and most well-known modern shopping malls, it consists of two interconnected towers. This place is especially ideal for families thanks to its many entertainment options, notably the indoor Vincom Ice Rink. The complex gathers a vast number of international fashion brands, from mid-range to high-end, catering to all shopping needs.
• Aeon Mall Long Bien: With a distinct Japanese style, Aeon Mall Long Bien stands out for its spacious layout and organized structure. The main attraction is its massive supermarket and department store on the first floor. Here, you can find everything from consumer goods and fresh, Japanese-standard produce to essential household items. Additionally, this mall is an excellent destination for affordable fashion shopping.

Explore Hanoi’s top modern malls, for a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment in air-conditioned comfort

Read more: Top 12+ Largest and Most Famous Shopping Malls in Hanoi

2. Bustling local markets in Hanoi

No shopping guide to Hanoi would be complete without exploring its traditional markets, bustling hubs of commerce that have been the lifeblood of Vietnamese trade for centuries. These vibrant marketplaces offer an authentic slice of local life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Unlike shopping malls, markets provide the opportunity for bargaining, making them ideal for cheap shopping in Hanoi. The sensory experience alone makes these markets worth visiting, even if you don't plan to buy anything. Suggestions for a few places you should visit:

• Dong Xuan Market: As Hanoi's largest indoor market, this is primarily a wholesale hub. On the ground floor, you'll find a massive selection of electronics, housewares, and packaged goods. The upper levels are dedicated to clothing, fabrics, and textiles, often sold in bulk. You shouldn't miss the bustling food court on the top level, serving a wide variety of authentic local dishes at very affordable prices.
• Hanoi Night Market: Every weekend evening, this stretch of the Old Quarter transforms into a lively pedestrian-only market. It's a fantastic place to browse for souvenirs, trendy fashion accessories, and small trinkets. The main draw for many is the incredible array of street food stalls offering everything from grilled skewers to sweet treats. The atmosphere is vibrant, often featuring live music and cultural performances, making it a great evening activity.
• Hom Market (Cho Hom): This market is particularly famous for its extensive fabric section, arguably one of the best in Hanoi, where you can find a vast range of materials for tailoring clothes. The ground floor is a bustling wet market with fresh produce, meats, and seafood. It also offers ready-made clothing and household goods. It provides a more authentic, less touristy atmosphere compared to Dong Xuan, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Hanoians.

Discover Hanoi’s traditional markets, bustling, authentic, and perfect for bargain hunting, local eats, and immersing yourself in everyday Vietnamese life

3. Famous shopping streets in Hanoi Old Quarter

Street shopping in Hanoi reaches its zenith in the atmospheric Old Quarter, where a centuries-old guild system has evolved into a fascinating network of specialized shopping streets. Dating back to the 13th century, each narrow lane traditionally specialized in a specific trade, and many still maintain their commercial identity today. Wandering these characterful streets offers shopping opportunities and a glimpse into Hanoi's commercial history. Ancient tube houses have been converted into shops selling everything from traditional crafts to contemporary Vietnamese designs. Suggestions for a few places you should visit:

• Hang Gai (Silk Street): This is the ultimate destination in Hanoi for high-quality silk products and expert tailoring. It's especially famous for the traditional Vietnamese garment, the Ao Dai. The street is lined with shops showcasing a dazzling array of silk products, from raw fabric sold by the meter to ready-made items like scarves, ties, and clothing. Many shops offer professional, swift custom tailoring services, allowing you to get a perfectly fitted garment.
• Hang Bac (Silver Street): As its name suggests, this street is the historic heart of silversmithing and jewellery in Hanoi, dealing in silver, gold, and other precious metals. You'll find numerous small shops with glittering displays of both traditional Vietnamese and contemporary silver jewellery. Besides rings, necklaces, and bracelets, they also sell gold items and set gemstones. You can often hear the faint sound of artisans at work in the back of the shops.
• Lan Ong (Traditional medicine street): This street is dedicated to traditional Northern Vietnamese medicine, featuring countless herbs, spices, and natural remedies. Walking down Lan Ong is a unique sensory experience, dominated by the strong, earthy aroma of medicinal herbs. You will see shopfronts overflowing with dried roots, barks, leaves, and spices, with shopkeepers often using traditional scales to weigh out prescriptions.
• Hang Ma (Votive Paper Street): This street is famous for its vibrant paper goods, festival supplies, and colorful decorations. Hang Ma is a visual feast and an explosion of color. The shops are packed floor-to-ceiling with red lanterns, ceremonial paper offerings (votive papers), toys, and decorations that change depending on the season or upcoming festival.

Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter through its historic shopping streets, where traditional trades live on in lanes filled with silk, silver, herbs, and festive paper goods

Read more: Where to Buy Lanterns in Hanoi: Top 5 Shops You Must Visit

What to buy in Hanoi for souvenirs and gifts?

Hanoi's shopping scene offers a treasure trove of authentic Vietnamese products that make perfect souvenirs for your journey. If it’s finely crafted souvenirs rooted in tradition or flavorful local treats, Hanoi offers endless ways to take a piece of Vietnamese culture home with you. These signature items serve as wonderful mementoes and support local artisans and businesses that keep traditional crafts alive in the modern era.

• Ao Dai and Ha Thanh Silk: Nothing enhances a woman's elegant beauty quite like the flowing Ao Dai. Crafted from shimmering, soft silk, it is a gift truly imbued with the Vietnamese soul. Beyond the Ao Dai, Hanoi's silk is also transformed into exquisite scarves and ties. To own one of these masterpieces, you can explore the best places to buy an Ao Dai in Hanoi, such as Hang Gai Street (Silk Street) or venture to Van Phuc Silk Village to experience the essence of this craft.
• Bat Trang Ceramics: With a history spanning centuries, Bat Trang village produces ceramic wares that carry the very soul of the ancient capital. The glossy glaze and delicate, hand-painted blue-and-white motifs on each vase, tea set, or plate tell a cultural story. Visit Bat Trang Pottery Village to select a piece yourself or find them in decorative shops throughout the Old Quarter.
• Exquisite lacquerware: Lacquerware is the pinnacle of meticulousness and patience. Layer upon layer of lacquer is applied, then painstakingly inlaid with mother-of-pearl or eggshells to create depth and a unique, shimmering beauty. A jewellery box or a lacquer painting is a precious, luxurious gift bearing the distinct mark of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Nha Tho Street and Ha Thai Lacquer Village are trusted places to find them.
• Nostalgic art and propaganda posters: A very different side of Hanoi is brought to life through propaganda posters with their bold colors and symbolic imagery. They are a gateway to a memorable historical era. While originals are rare, high-quality reproductions can still breathe new life into your living space. For those wondering where to buy art in Hanoi, look no further than the galleries on Hang Bong and Trang Tien Streets.
• O Mai: A trip to Hanoi is incomplete without trying O Mai. This snack encapsulates a universe of flavors, awakening all the senses. A box of O Mai made from plum, dracontomelon, or ginger-infused apricot is a treat and a heartfelt gift that evokes memories of Hanoi. Head to the "capital" of O Mai on Hang Duong Street to choose from countless varieties.
• Com from Vong Village (the scent of autumn): When the cool autumn breeze arrives, Hanoi is enveloped in the pure fragrance of "com". These tender, fragrant young rice grains, with their delicate sweetness, are carefully wrapped in lotus leaves to preserve the full flavor of the earth and sky. It is a gift of autumn, an exquisite taste available only for a short time. Find fresh Com from street vendors, on Hang Be Street, or journey to Vong Village for the most authentic experience.

Curious about the most popular souvenirs to bring home from Hanoi? Check out our complete guide on what to buy in Hanoi, featuring everything from traditional crafts to delicious local snacks.

Hanoi offers unique, culturally rich souvenirs that capture the essence of Vietnamese tradition and craftsmanship

Essential shopping tips for your Hanoi trip

Navigating Hanoi's vibrant shopping scene requires some local know-how to enhance your experience. Markets to malls, these tips will help you shop confidently and efficiently across Hanoi, if you're after souvenirs or fashion finds.

• For bargaining: You should start by offering 50-70% of the initial price. Always smile, maintain a friendly attitude, and don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right vendors might call you back with a better offer. Note that this is not appropriate in large department stores.
• Regarding opening hours: Traditional markets are typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while shopping malls open from 9:30/10:00 AM to 8:00/10:00 PM. Weekend night markets run from around 7:00 PM to midnight. Many small shops may close for a lunch break (from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM).
• For getting around: You can use convenient ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM. Traditional taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun are also reliable options. For a budget-friendly choice, you can look into [Public transport in Hanoi]. For short distances, a motorbike taxi (xe om) is a quick option.
• For payment methods: When it comes to payment, cash is king in local markets and small shops, so make sure to carry some Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can easily exchange money in Hanoi. Major malls and larger stores usually accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but it’s always handy to keep some small bills for street vendors and market stalls.

Remember to keep your valuables secure while shopping, especially in crowded markets. Bring a reusable shopping bag to reduce plastic waste, and don't hesitate to compare prices across different vendors before making significant purchases. Most importantly, shopping in Hanoi is about acquiring goods, it's about experiencing the local culture through commercial traditions that have evolved over centuries. Want to navigate Hanoi like a local after shopping? Consider a motorbike rental to get around with ease.

Make the most of shopping in Hanoi with local tips on bargaining, transport, payments, and hours, ensuring a smooth, culturally rich experience from markets to malls

Exploring the vibrant markets and unique boutiques in Hanoi offers a window into the city's soul, rich with tradition, yet ever evolving. If you're a seasoned shopper or just looking to browse, this guide to shopping in Hanoi promises an experience that is as rewarding as it is diverse. As you soak up these memories and treasures, consider where your next adventure might take you. Perhaps you'll explore deeper corners of this fascinating city or set out for new experiences, with GTrip by your side when inspiration strikes again.