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Your 2025 guide to shopping in Hanoi. Discover what to buy, from Old Quarter markets to modern malls. Get tips on silk, clothing, and bargaining!
So, your friend came back from Vietnam with stunning photos and a suitcase full of “mystery bargains,” and now you are planning your own trip to Hanoi. But be honest for a second. When you think about shopping in Hanoi, what pops into your mind? A few conical hats, some random souvenirs, maybe a crowded market where you are not sure what anything costs. Is it all just chaos and cheap trinkets, or is there actually more?
Here is the real story. Shopping in Hanoi is a mix that should not make sense but somehow does. You have centuries old craft streets in the Old Quarter where families still sell the same things their grandparents did. You have noisy, colorful markets where scooters weave past stacks of T-shirts and fresh herbs. Then, just a short ride away, you step into air-conditioned malls and minimalist boutiques that would not feel out of place in Seoul or Tokyo. It is not “traditional” or “modern” shopping. They both overlap on the same street.
That is why shopping in Hanoi feels so addictive and thrilling!
In this 2025 insider's guide to shopping in Hanoi, think of us as your local friend and personal shopper. We will walk you through what to actually buy, where to find the good stuff (from markets to malls), and how bargaining really works. By the end, you will know how to pick up meaningful souvenirs, or maybe even a whole new mini wardrobe!
If you are wondering “What to buy in Vietnam Hanoi?” or scrolling for real life lists of things to buy in Hanoi, this is your shortcut. Shopping in Hanoi is not just about random souvenirs. If you know what to look for, you can bring home pieces that you will actually use and love.
Here are the 5 best things to buy in Hanoi that locals (and clever travelers) always recommend.
Silk is the most iconic answer to “what to buy in Hanoi.” On Hang Gai, the famous “Silk Street,” almost every storefront is stacked with shimmering scarves, ao dai, and fabric rolls, plus tailors ready to take your measurements.
What to buy: Silk scarves, ao dai, blouses, dresses, and custom suits.
Price range (rough guide):
Silk scarf: 150,000 - 500,000 VND (6 - 20 USD) for good quality pieces.
Custom dress or ao dai: 1,200,000 - 2,500,000 VND (50 - 100 USD), depending on fabric.
Men’s suit: 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND (100 - 160 USD) for decent fabric and workmanship.
Famous spots for buying silk in Hanoi:
Hanoi Silk – 2 Hang Gai Street
Well-known “all in one” silk shop for ready-to-wear and fabric.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Awkv4HiAZC4nBce79
Van Phuc silk village, Ha Dong District
Around 11km from the Old Quarter, worth a visit if you have time and want to get the best silk in town.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAHLvQ54BFkJLPcH7
Insider tip: Tell the tailor your travel dates on day one. For custom pieces, try to order at least 48 hours before you leave Hanoi, so there’s time for one fitting and adjustment.
Another must on your list of things to buy in Hanoi is lacquerware. This is where Vietnam shows off its artistic side. You will find bowls, plates, trays, vases, and wall art with deep glossy finishes and intricate designs. The best pieces are built up from many layers of lacquer, each one polished to a mirror shine.
Lacquerware is light, durable, and easy to pack, so it is perfect if you are flying with a cabin bag only.
What to buy: Lacquer bowls, plates, jewelry boxes, wall panels, and mixed-material art pieces.
Price range (rough guide):
Small box/coaster set: 150,000 - 300,000 VND (6 - 12 USD).
Medium bowl/tray: 300,000 - 800,000 VND (12 - 32 USD).
Large decorative pieces or gallery items: 1,000,000 VND+ (40 USD+).
Famous spots for buying lacquerware in Hanoi:
Hang Trong & To Tich Streets (Old Quarter):
Dense clusters of handicraft and lacquerware shops.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Njq2pQTp4h4W5wQ8
Thu Huong Lacquer Art – 118 Nguyen Khanh Toan
Near the Museum of Ethnology, known for higher-end lacquer art.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c3TirPENjNbjzaFs5
Insider tip: Run your fingers over the surface. Quality lacquer feels smooth and deep, without bumps or dull patches. If you see the wood peeking through at the edges, skip it.
If you love coffee, then shopping in Vietnam Hanoi is basically paradise. Coffee is one of the most famous things to buy in Hanoi, and for good reason. It is affordable, packs small, and everyone has at least one coffee lover in their life.
You can pick up bags of robusta or arabica beans from brands like Trung Nguyen or Cong Cafe, or try specialty local roasters. The flavors are bold, chocolatey, sometimes a little nutty. To brew it the proper Vietnamese way, you will need a small metal phin filter. It sits on top of your cup and drips slowly, creating that strong, rich coffee people fall in love with.
What to buy: Robusta and arabica blends (Trung Nguyen Legend, Cong, or smaller local roasters) and 1–2 phin filters per person.
Price range (rough guide):
Simple phin filter at Dong Xuan Market: about 15,000 - 20,000 VND (under 1 USD).
Mid-range branded phin: 60,000 - 120,000 VND (2.5 - 5 USD).
250g bag of coffee (Trung Nguyen Legend, etc.): 60,000 - 150,000 VND (2.5 - 6 USD).
Easy places to shop:
Dong Xuan Market (ground floor): Cheap phin filters and basic coffee gifts.
Vinmart / Winmart supermarkets around Hoan Kiem: Convenient for Trung Nguyen Legend and other packaged brands.
Specialty cafes like Ta Cà Phê or indie roasters: For better beans if you are serious about flavor.
Insider tip: Ask staff if the grind is suitable for “phin filter.” Vietnamese coffee for phin is usually a bit coarser than espresso, so it drips slowly and stays strong.
If you are into decor, one of the most unique things to buy in Hanoi is propaganda art.
These are re prints of old Vietnamese propaganda posters: bold colors, strong lines, farmers, workers, and doves of peace. They are very graphic and very “Hanoi” in style. You will see them in small galleries and tiny poster shops around the Old Quarter, often stacked in big piles for you to flip through.
They look incredible framed above a desk, couch, or home bar, and they instantly start conversations when guests visit. It is a cooler, more personal souvenir than a generic “I love Vietnam” T shirt.
What to buy: Reprints and hand-painted versions of vintage propaganda posters in different sizes.
Price range (rough guide):
Small prints: from 50,000 - 70,000 VND (2 - 3 USD).
Medium posters: around 75,000 - 120,000 VND (3 - 5 USD) depending on paper and print quality.
Hand-painted canvases or framed pieces: higher, often from 300,000 VND+ (12 USD+).
Where to shop:
Old Propaganda Poster Shop:
A well known little shop with walls covered in posters; currently still based in or near the Old Quarter, though the exact address has changed over time.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f3VqtkBrdsvwepCcA
Tired City – 5 Nha Tho Street:
Not strictly propaganda, but a cult-favorite shop for modern Vietnamese prints and graphic art with a similar bold aesthetic.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XhvwgXUqsKEcggMp8
Here is the part of shopping in Hanoi that surprises a lot of people. It is not just tailoring and markets. Local fashion brands are quietly getting very good.
Chua Boc Street in Dong Da District is one of the city’s most famous fashion streets, lined with Vietnamese brands selling clothes, shoes, and accessories for students and young professionals. The fabrics feel nice, the designs are modern, and the prices are still much lower than big international brands. A small tip is to go on a weekday afternoon if you can, shops are quieter, and staff have more time to help you choose and try things on.
If you are wondering what to buy in Vietnam Hanoi that you will actually wear, this is your go-to.
What to buy: Linen shirts, trousers, dresses, casual streetwear, menswear, and basic wardrobe pieces.
Price range (rough guide):
T-shirts and tops: from 250,000–400,000 VND (10–16 USD).
Dresses and shirts: 350,000–800,000 VND (14–32 USD).
Trousers, jeans, light jackets: 400,000–1,000,000 VND (16–40 USD).
Popular brand areas and names on/near Chua Boc:
For casual wear, menswear, and office clothes, go to Canifa, Aristino, Viet Tien, Adam Store.
For trendy youth boutiques, go for JM, Red Shop, May.since2011
Chua Boc Street Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/swuE1tKKKAMbapg98
When you think about shopping in Hanoi, it really feels like 3 different worlds in one city. You have noisy, old-school markets, the tangled charm of the Old Quarter, and cool, air-conditioned malls with international labels. Depending on your mood, you can jump between all three in a single day.
The vibe here is loud, busy, full of scooters and shouting, and the smell of grilled meat in the air. This is where shopping in Hanoi feels the most raw and real, and where you test your bargaining skills. Locals tip? Always smile, ask for the price first, and bargain politely. Start around half of the first price and work your way up to something that feels fair. Walk away if it is not. There will always be another stall.
Dong Xuan Market
This is Hanoi’s biggest covered market and one of the main wholesale hubs in northern Vietnam. Think three floors of clothes, bags, fabric, toys, household goods, snacks, and random “what even is this” items. It is used mainly by locals and small shop owners, which is why prices can be low if you are willing to haggle.
Best for: Cheap T shirts, simple bags, kids' clothes, bulk souvenirs, coffee, snacks.
Price range: 10,000 - 300,000 VND per item (0.4 - 12 USD)
Why go: To see the “engine room” behind shopping in Vietnam Hanoi, not just the tourist front.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ee9jiaGRqLpE4MPs5
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Every Friday to Sunday evening, a huge strip of the Old Quarter turns into one long walking street full of stalls. From Hang Dao Street all the way towards Dong Xuan, you will find clothes, phone cases, toys, souvenirs, and endless street food. It runs roughly 6 pm to 11 pm and is one of the easiest places for cheap shopping in Hanoi.
Best for: Budget fashion, fun souvenirs, people watching, and trying random snacks.
Price range: 70,000 - 300,000 VND (3 - 12 USD)
Why go: The atmosphere. Music, lights, families, travelers, everyone squeezed together under strings of lights.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kA2Rx1GRzSonkf8R6
Hang Da Market
Smaller and calmer, Hang Da feels more like a compact shopping center. It has fabrics, secondhand clothes, wine, flowers, and some everyday basics. It is still local, just not as intense as Dong Xuan.
Best for: Fabrics, vintage or secondhand clothes, quieter “market” photos.
Price range: 50,000 - 500,000 VND (1.9 - 19 USD)
Why go: When you want the local feel of market shopping in Hanoi without being completely overwhelmed.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KwZHzkum8KisMBij8
Narrow streets, old yellow houses, scooters, tiny shops, and balconies everywhere. This is the classics of Hanoi shopping image that you have probably seen on Instagram. The Old Quarter is where you will do most of your souvenir hunting.
Traditionally, each of the 36 streets of the Old Quarter was dedicated to one product. Today it is more mixed, but some of the old specialties still remain, and they are perfect for anyone wondering what to buy in Hanoi.
The "Must-Know" Streets:
Hang Gai (Silk Street): Bright silk scarves, tailored dresses, ao dai, and fabric rolls line this street. If you are serious about silk or custom outfits, this is your base.
Price range: 220,000 - 5,000,000 VND (8 – 190 USD) depending on design & quality
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fuSoLscvo5AWZvdf6
Hang Bac (Silver Street): This is the place for jewelry: silver chains, bracelets, rings, and more delicate pieces. Some shops also sell gold and gemstones, while others focus on fun, affordable fashion jewelry.
Price range: 200,000 - 2,000,000 VND (7.5 – 76 USD) depending on design & quality
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Thud2Euo5rB68UQ19
Nha Tho (Church Street): Right next to St Joseph’s Cathedral, this small but stylish street is full of trendy cafes and modern boutiques. Think local fashion brands, cute accessories, and graphic design stores. It is where traditional Hanoi and modern “brunch Hanoi” collide.
Price range: 200,000 - 600,000 VND (7.5 – 23 USD) depending on design & qualit
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x3kZVcsYEDkgTeGE7
Hang Ma (Paper Street): Lanterns, red envelopes, festival decorations, paper offerings, and bright, colorful chaos. During Mid Autumn Festival or Lunar New Year, this street explodes in color and becomes one of the most photogenic corners of shopping in Vietnam Hanoi.
Price range: 30,000 - 300,000 VND (1- 11 USD)
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2msGp7agLkhiaEFb9
Local tips: Google Maps is nice, but the fun here is getting lost. Wander, look up, peek into alleys, and follow whatever catches your eye. Many of the best shops are tiny and easy to miss if you just rush from A to B.
This is where you find air conditioning, escalators, fixed prices, and familiar global logos. If you are in Hanoi during the hot or rainy season, plan at least one “mall afternoon.” Do your shopping in comfort, grab some Korean fried chicken or Japanese food in the food court, then head back out for street stalls and bia hơi when the sun is lower.
Trang Tien Plaza
Right by Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien Plaza is the original luxury shopping centre in Hanoi address. Inside, you will find over 200 brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Rolex, and more. The building itself has a very French, Paris-inspired look, and it is a popular place for well-dressed locals to stroll and window shop.
Best for: High end fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and serious designer fans.
Important reality check: Prices for these global luxury brands are usually similar to or higher than in Europe. It is about the experience, not about “cheap” luxury.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AHqX8RxtJ7ZmM4Rw8
Lotte Center Hanoi & Lotte Mall West Lake
Both of these Lotte malls are massive, modern complexes: shopping center, food court, supermarket, and entertainment all piled together. Inside you will find mid-range to premium brands, international labels like Zara, UNIQLO, Nike, and Coach, plus lots of Korean and Japanese influences.
Best for: One stop shopping in Hanoi with clothes, cosmetics, kids’ stuff, and a big supermarket for snacks and coffee.
Bonus: Lotte Center has an observation deck with one of the best skyline views in Hanoi if you want to combine shopping and sightseeing.
Lotte Center Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnp1VRSR5SX2vv3J9
Lotte Mall West Lake Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHzehBZkaWFLHjzdA
Outlet shopping in Hanoi?
Let’s be honest. Outlet shopping in Hanoi mostly means official Nike, Adidas, or similar stores with a sale section, usually inside malls. It is not like a huge US style outlet village where everything is 70 percent off. You can still find good deals but keep your expectations realistic and treat it as normal mall shopping with occasional discounts, not a dedicated outlet trip.
Short answer: yes, but how you shop matters. Clothes shopping in Hanoi is not one single style. It is more like four different wardrobes living in the same city: knock offs, fast fashion, local designers, and true luxury. Here is the no fluff breakdown.
For Knock Offs And Copies – Yes, if you know what you are doing
If you have seen those “shopping in Hanoi Reddit” threads talking about fake sneakers and copy designer pieces… they were not lying. Markets and small back-alley shops are full of remarkably good copies of big brands. You will see “Nike” sneakers, “Adidas” sportswear, “The North Face” jackets and logo T-shirts that look very close to the originals at first glance.
If you choose to buy them, make sure to check stitching and zips carefully. It is cheap, it is fun to browse and it is part of the “market” side of shopping in Hanoi. Just remember you are not buying the real thing.
For Fast Fashion – Yes, the mall is quite convenient
For fast fashion, shopping in Hanoi feels very familiar. Head into big malls like Lotte Center, Lotte Mall West Lake, Vincom, or Aeon and you will find the same international brands you know at home: Zara, H&M, Mango, UNIQLO and more.
Prices are usually similar to what you would pay in many other countries. The big win here is the convenience. You get air conditioning, clean fitting rooms, clear sizes, and fixed prices. It’s just easier, especially if you are tired of bargaining.
For Local Fashion – Huge yes! A hidden gem most visitors miss!
Here is where Hanoi really shines. For local fashion, the answer is a huge yes. This is the part most first-time visitors miss. Around areas like Chua Boc, Cau Giay, Dong Da and scattered through the Old Quarter and Nha Tho Street you will find Vietnamese boutiques with stylish, well-cut clothes that feel far more expensive than they are. You pay a fraction of what a similar piece might cost in Europe or the US, and you get something different from what everyone at home is wearing.
Local fashion is the real hidden gem of shopping in Hanoi. If you love the idea of having friends ask “Where did you get that” and answering “Oh, I bought it in Hanoi” then this is your playground.
For Luxury Brands – No, better save that for another country
Here comes the honest part.
If your plan is to fly in, hit “luxury shopping in Hanoi” and score a cheaper Chanel bag or Cartier watch, you are going to be disappointed. High end malls like Trang Tien Plaza carry real luxury brands, but prices are usually the same as or higher than in Europe or other major shopping hubs.
Vietnam is not a tax free luxury outlet destination. You come here for the nice environment and the experience, not for outlet level discounts.
Silk, lacquerware, hand-embroidered items, and coffee are the most famous traditional buys.
No. This is a myth. Due to high import taxes, authentic luxury brands (like Louis Vuitton at Trang Tien Plaza) are significantly more expensive than in Europe, Singapore, or the US.
Yes! But go for the two extremes: cheap/fun market clothes and copies, or surprisingly high-quality local designer boutiques.
Nationwide: Ao Dai (traditional dress), conical hats (Non La), coffee, pearls, and handicrafts. Hanoi, specifically, is famous for its silk and lacquer.
In markets (Dong Xuan, Night Market): YES. It's expected. Start at 50% of the first price they give you and politely meet in the middle.
In the Old Quarter (small shops): A little. You can try for a small 10-15% discount, especially if you buy multiple items.
In Malls & Boutiques (Lotte, Trang Tien): No. Prices are fixed.
Forget the idea that shopping in Hanoi is just about tourist trinkets. This is a city where you can get a bespoke silk suit in the morning, hunt for a 1960s style propaganda poster after lunch, and walk out of a hidden boutique with your new favorite Vietnamese fashion brand before dinner. From markets and Old Quarter alleys to sleek modern malls, Hanoi turns shopping into part cultural experience, part treasure hunt.
The truth is simple. If you come with a fixed checklist, you will find what you expect. If you come curious, you will find much more. Let yourself wander, step into that tiny shop you almost walked past, ask about fabrics, flavors, and stories. The best advice? Go with an open mind and an extra, empty bag. You will thank yourself at the airport.
If you would like some help turning all of this into a smooth, stress-free trip, let Asia Mystika do the planning for you. From custom Hanoi shopping days to longer Vietnam itineraries that mix culture, food, and retail therapy, our team can design a journey that matches your style and budget. Reach out to Asia Mystika, tell us what you are looking for in a trip, and we will build a Hanoi experience where every item in your suitcase comes with a story.
