Where To Buy Lanterns In Hanoi: Top 5 Shops You Must Visit

Wondering where to buy lanterns in Hanoi for the Mid-Autumn Festival? This magical time of year brings the city to life with familiar sights - children carrying lanterns, families gathering, and streets glowing with festive colors. At the heart of it all are lanterns, rich in cultural meaning as symbols of light, reunion, and hope. For locals, buying lanterns is a way to reconnect with tradition; for travelers, it’s a chance to experience an authentic part of Vietnamese culture. Whether you're decorating your home for the season or searching for a meaningful souvenir, Hanoi offers countless places to find beautifully handcrafted lanterns. In this GTrip article, we guide you to the best spots in Hanoi to buy Mid-Autumn lanterns - pieces that are not only eye-catching but also steeped in heritage.

1. Hang Ma Street

• Address: A location in Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (100m to the south and 700m north of Hoan Kiem Lake)
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Hang Ma Street is the undisputed lantern capital of Hanoi, offering a kaleidoscopic display of traditional Vietnamese lanterns in every imaginable color, size, and design. This 300-meter stretch in the Old Quarter transforms into a mesmerizing corridor of light and color, especially during festival seasons. Visitors can find classic silk lanterns with bamboo frames, modern LED varieties, star-shaped lanterns, and intricately painted designs featuring zodiac animals or traditional Vietnamese motifs. The street features over 50 specialised shops, many of which are run by families who have crafted lanterns for generations, preserving techniques passed down through the centuries.

The lanterns here range from pocket-sized souvenirs priced at 30,000 - 50,000 VND ($1.30 - $2.20) to elaborate hanging lanterns costing upwards of 500,000 VND ($22). What makes Hang Ma special is the opportunity to watch artisans at work, folding, glueing, and painting these luminous creations. Many shops offer customisation services, allowing you to select your preferred colors, designs, and even have your name or a special message incorporated into the lantern design.

Popular lantern styles at Hang Ma Street:

• Hoi An-style silk lanterns: Collapsible, bamboo-framed lanterns covered in vibrant silk fabric
• Star lanterns (Den ong sao): Multi-pointed paper lanterns traditionally lit during the Mid-Autumn Festival
• Lotus lanterns: Delicate flower-shaped designs symbolizing purity in Vietnamese culture
• Contemporary LED lanterns: Modern versions with battery-operated lights for longer-lasting illumination
• Zodiac animal lanterns: Special designs featuring the 12 animals of the Vietnamese zodiac
• Palace lanterns: Hexagonal or octagonal designs with tassels, inspired by imperial styles

Hang Ma Street is Hanoi’s lantern hub, bursting with colors, traditional designs, and handcrafted pieces perfect for festivals and souvenirs

2. Son Son Handicrafts and Gifts

• Address: 52 Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Price range: $5 - $150 depending on size, complexity, and materials

Son Son Handicrafts and Gifts has established itself as a premier destination for authentic Vietnamese lanterns. This family-owned establishment showcases an impressive collection of handcrafted lanterns that blend traditional Vietnamese artistry with contemporary design elements. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each lantern at Son Son reflects meticulous attention to detail, with artisans often spending days perfecting a single piece. The shop's warm, inviting atmosphere allows visitors to witness craftspeople at work, offering a glimpse into centuries-old lantern-making traditions.

Son Son specializes in several distinctive lantern styles that have become sought-after souvenir in Hanoi among discerning travelers:

• Silk lanterns: Delicate frames wrapped in hand-dyed silk featuring intricate embroidery patterns that cast soft, ethereal light
• Bamboo lanterns: Eco-friendly options constructed using sustainable bamboo with geometric designs that create fascinating shadow patterns
• Rice paper lanterns: Traditional Vietnamese designs painted on translucent rice paper, often depicting scenes from folklore or nature
• Contemporary fusion lanterns: Modern interpretations that blend Vietnamese aesthetics with international design influences
• Festival-style lanterns: Colorful, collapsible designs perfect for travelers concerned about luggage space

What separates Son Son from other lantern shops is their commitment to customization. Visitors can select their preferred shape, material, color scheme, and even request personalized painted elements. The shop also offers shipping services for larger purchases, making it convenient for international tourists to transport fragile items safely.

Son Son Handicrafts is a top spot for handcrafted Vietnamese lanterns, known for quality, customization, and a blend of tradition with modern design

3. Den Long Xua

• Address: 411 Dai Mo Street, Dai Mo Ward, Hanoi (411 Dai Mo Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi)
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Den Long Xua stands as a hidden gem among Hanoi's lantern shops, celebrated for its dedication to preserving traditional Vietnamese lantern-making techniques. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each lantern at Den Long Xua is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who have inherited generations of expertise. The shop specializes in silk lanterns featuring delicate hand-painted scenes of the Vietnamese countryside, pagodas, and cultural motifs that tell stories of Vietnam's rich heritage. What sets Den Long Xua apart is its commitment to using eco-friendly materials and natural dyes, creating lanterns that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

The collection at Den Long Xua includes:

• Traditional cylindrical lanterns: Made with bamboo frames and covered with hand-dyed silk, featuring classic Vietnamese scenes
• Palace-style lanterns: Hexagonal or octagonal designs inspired by imperial Vietnamese architecture
• Modern geometric lanterns: Contemporary interpretations of traditional designs that blend with modern decor
• Mini souvenir lanterns: Portable versions perfect for travelers to take home
• Custom-designed lanterns: Bespoke creations tailored to customer specifications

The shop has gained popularity among visitors seeking authentic Vietnamese crafts that support local artisans. Each lantern comes with information about the crafting process and the cultural significance of its design, making your purchase more meaningful than a simple souvenir. The artisans are often willing to demonstrate aspects of the lantern-making process, offering visitors an educational glimpse into this traditional Vietnamese craft.

Den Long Xua is a hidden gem for eco-friendly, handcrafted silk lanterns that preserve Vietnam’s traditional artistry and cultural stories

4. Den long 120 Hang Trong

• Address: 120 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Price range: 150,000 - 2,500,000 VND (approximately $6 - $100)

Hidden in plain sight along the bustling Hang Trong Street, Den long 120 offers a unique lantern shopping experience that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Unlike many other lantern shops in Hanoi, this establishment specializes in handcrafted silk lanterns that showcase the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Vietnamese artisans. The lanterns here feature intricate hand-painted motifs depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, landscapes, and daily life. What sets the shop is their commitment to using eco-friendly materials while maintaining the authenticity of traditional lantern-making techniques passed down through generations.

The shop's collection includes everything from compact desk lanterns perfect for souvenirs to elaborate ceiling fixtures suitable for hotels and restaurants. Many travelers appreciate that the owner speaks basic English and can explain the symbolism behind different lantern designs. The shop offers custom-made lanterns for those willing to wait 1 - 2 days, allowing you to select specific colors, shapes, and designs to match your preferences or home decor.

Visitors consistently highlight the shop's authentic atmosphere, as it's housed in a traditional tube house with wooden beams and antique furniture. Unlike more commercial establishments, Den long 120 maintains a workshop feeling where you can often observe artisans painting and assembling lanterns in real-time. The lanterns here are generally more durable than those found in tourist areas, making them practical purchases rather than just decorative items that might deteriorate quickly.

Den Long 120 offers handcrafted silk lanterns with eco-friendly materials and traditional designs, blending cultural charm with modern practicality

If you're fascinated by Vietnamese silk and want to discover where to shop for high-quality materials beyond lanterns, don't miss our guide: Where to Buy Silk in Hanoi? The Ultimate Top 10 Guide for Travelers.

5. Den long Dong Phat

• Address: 61 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
• Opening hours: Not officially listed, but typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 1,500,000 VND ($4 - $65) depending on size and complexity

Den Long Dong Phat is a top spot in Hanoi for authentic Vietnamese lanterns, known for its quality and traditional designs. This family-owned workshop and retail space specializes in handcrafted silk lanterns that combine centuries-old techniques with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. Dong Phat’s lanterns are hand-painted on silk with bamboo frames, offering both lighting and cultural artistry beyond mass-produced options.

Distinctive features of Dong Phat Lanterns:

• Traditional silk craftsmanship: Each lantern is created using high-quality Vietnamese silk, hand-stretched over bamboo frames for durability and elegant light diffusion.
• Artistic detailing: Distinctive hand-painted motifs featuring Vietnamese cultural symbols, landscapes, and traditional patterns make each piece unique.
• Size variety: Options range from small portable lanterns (15cm) perfect for souvenirs to impressive statement pieces (up to 1m in diameter) for home decor.
• Custom design options: The artisans offer personalisation services, allowing customers to request specific colors, patterns, or even personal designs on their lanterns.
• Collapsible design: Most lanterns can be collapsed flat for easy transportation in luggage, making them practical souvenirs for international travelers.
• Authentic materials: Only natural materials like bamboo, silk, and traditional dyes are used, maintaining authenticity and environmental consciousness.
• Cultural significance: Many designs incorporate symbols of good fortune, prosperity, and happiness according to Vietnamese cultural traditions.

While smaller than some commercial lantern outlets, Den long Dong Phat compensates with authenticity and personalized service. The back workshop lets visitors watch artisans handcraft lanterns, offering a glimpse into a time-honored Vietnamese tradition.

Den Long Dong Phat offers authentic, hand-painted silk lanterns made with traditional techniques and natural materials, blending artistry with cultural heritage

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Shopping tips for the capital

To make the most of your shopping experience in Hanoi’s bustling markets and boutiques, keep these tips in mind:

• Visit in the late afternoon to see lanterns illuminated as darkness falls
• Bargaining is expected; start at 60 - 70% of the initial asking price
• Examine craftsmanship carefully, look for straight seams and sturdy frames
• Ask about packing services for international shipping
• Compare prices across multiple shops before purchasing
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends for a more relaxed shopping experience

Exploring the vibrant city of Hanoi and discovering where to buy lanterns merges culture with a keepsake. This guide highlights top spots to find handcrafted lanterns, adding a touch of Vietnam to your memories. Perhaps you'll envision how their warm glow could light up your home, sparking conversations about your travels. Armed with insights from GTrip, you're ready to dive deeper into Hanoi's enchanting markets and stalls. If there's still a flicker of curiosity about other souvenirs or unique experiences in this captivating city, consider delving further into what GTrip offers for a richer journey ahead. Your time here has been well-spent, now let that newfound knowledge illuminate your path through Hanoi and beyond.