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Whether they’re selling clothing, pottery, silks, or souvenirs, shops in Hanoi can do some serious damage to your spending account. Tackle your wish list in Old Quarter, where 40 colonial streets offer every type of product imaginable, and then some. This fashion hub is a good place to find silk dresses and skirts, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, a local tailor will certainly offer to create something for you. Hanoi is a good place to pick up a traditional ao dai, as many local women still wear these fitted silk tunics that drape over elegant pants. Throughout the city are galleries and shops selling ceramics, lacquer and silk paintings, and traditional embroidery.
Souvenir shops are easy to come by, with the best ones located in Old Quarter and near the Temple of Literature. When buying art in Vietnam, be careful of fakes. Paintings by Vietnam's most famous painters—Bui Xuan Phai, Nguyen Tu Nghiem, and Le Thiet Cuong—are the most widely copied. Serious art collectors should consult the well-respected high-end galleries.
It's possible to have clothes made to order with enough time—one day to three weeks, depending on what you want made and the tailor's schedule. You may also need to return a couple of times to have the clothes fitted.
Vietnam's amazing ethnodiversity is highlighted at this gallery-antiques emporium, which was revamped after the Covid-19 pandemic. Craft works and cultural antiques obtained from the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam are spread over four floors. A shipping service is available.
To really appreciate Hanoi's art scene this is the ideal place to start. Gallery director Suzanne Lecht is one of the leading experts on Vietnamese art and she can lead you on studio tours and advise you on major purchases. The gallery is long established, but has recently moved to a bright new space south of the city center.
At this traditional pottery-making village just outside Hanoi you can purchase ceramics made by local artisans or participate in a pottery-making workshop. Everything from pots and plates to masks and jugs are sold at the dozens of shops lining the streets. It's the best place to buy a teapot or traditional Vietnamese coffeemaker. A stroll through the village is a welcome escape from the city, and you can pay to make your own ceramic souvenirs. There's a network of ancient alleyways close to the river and a couple of interesting museums, including the contemporary Bat Trang Pottery Museum.
Owned by avid reader Hoang Van Truong, this is by some distance Hanoi's best independent bookshop. There are over 10,000 books in stock and Truong and his learned team speak excellent English. The new location doubles as a cute café.
Housed in an astonishingly atmospheric colonial mansion, Hien Van Ceramics sells artisanal ceramic items, including vases, statues, and ornaments.
Spearheaded by award-winning slow fashion designer Thao Vu, this studio draws from traditional apparel techniques from across Vietnam to craft chic designs with earthy, tactile fabrics.
Long Bien Market really kicks off at around 3 am and is worth seeing after a late night on the town. All of the produce from north of Hanoi lands here before being distributed throughout the city. Just follow the crowds on the streets adjacent to the bridge ramp to witness the intense buying and selling of the freshest produce in town.
Mai Gallery is run by the daughter of a former art critic, Duong Tuong. It is largely a showcase for Hanoi painters and is popular with serious collectors.
Featured in international news (including the New York Times) and winner of global awards for both their chocolate and their chocolate wrappers, Marou now has a storefront in Hanoi. The company began by scouring the southern Vietnamese countryside for the best cacao possible. A few years after opening, their enterprise continues to grow and expose the world to Vietnamese single-origin chocolate.
Founders Tram Vu and Bill Nguyen opened Manzi, the first and best place to purchase contemporary Vietnamese art in Hanoi, in 2012. The gallery's focus is to support and promote up-and-coming Vietnamese artists through exhibitions, concerts, charity events, and by providing a creative space to work within. Much of the art displayed can be purchased, and the adjoining cafe serves as a great co-working space, too. They have a sister exhibition space just around the corner (2 Ngo Hang Bun).
Leather artisan Nguyen Mai Phuong opened aN Store on one of Hanoi's most charming streets. Aside from leather purses, wallets, and bags, she also sells high quality linen clothing and home decor.
Tan My is a long-standing contemporary craft store specializing in tablecloths, furniture, silk clothing, and wall hangings with intricate designs. Ready-made work depicts everything from traditional Vietnamese floral patterns and dragon designs to scenes from Western fairy tales.
Tired City showcases a range of designs from young artists and graphic designers printed on ultra hip T-shirts and hoodies. There are also posters, postcards, playing cards, and other souvenir items.
This fashion boutique is Hanoi's best clothing store for finding a blend of classic and modern fashions, including European- and Asian-inspired dresses, jackets, skirts, and gorgeous silk garments. Each item is perfectly tailored by Spanish owners Laura and Diego. The couple designs with unique patterns, materials, and embroidery, meaning that no two items are ever the same. The Chula website gives a glimpse into their innovative style, and they have another location on 18 Nha Chung.
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