80 Best Places to Shop in Vietnam

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.

This off-the-peg, edgy fashion boutique stocks everything a fashionista could wish for and won't find anywhere else in Vietnam. The seasonal collections of clothes and accessories are designed by the in-house expat designer Ava, and crafted by Hoi An weavers, tailors, and leather makers.

If you love the design but don't like the color, you can choose from a bespoke selection of fabric; they'll run up a one-off design tailored to your preference.

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.

Quality handmade leather shoes and accessories combining Italian leather, European techniques, and Vietnamese craftsmanship make this boutique worth a visit. While there is a selection of ready-to-wear shoes in more than 20 styles, the real value is in having a pair custom-made in the color of your choice, with some accents inspired by Vietnam. Shoes start at around $400 a pair and can be preordered online or measured in person and shipped to your home.

Vietnam's best-known contemporary art gallery showcases art from drawing and painting to video and installation over four spacious levels. Established in 2003 by Quynh Pham, who fled Vietnam for the United States at the end of the war, Galerie Quynh is known for its consistently focused programming and educational initiatives.

The founder of Gallery Vivekkevin presents his own luxurious contemporary jewelry, as well as collections from artists from around Asia, in ways that elevate the jewelers from craftspeople to artists. Even if you'd rather not splurge for jewelry while on holidays, this stark white gallery and retail outlet is worth popping in for a quick peek. The intricate creations on display are mind-blowing.

A tiny little T-shirt shop that opened in 2007 has grown into a chain of stores featuring its own Ginkgo-branded clothing and backpacks. Their graphic T-shirts are especially popular souvenirs as many of them highlight whimsical aspects of Vietnamese culture.

Housed in an astonishingly atmospheric colonial mansion, Hien Van Ceramics sells artisanal ceramic items, including vases, statues, and ornaments.

Run by a H'mong woman and her husband, this is by far the most stylish of Sapa's small boutiques. The craftsmanship of the H'mong minority is legendary, and this skill shines through in the shop's well-chosen selection of bags, clothing, pillows, and belts. Authentic batik classes can also be arranged through Indigo Cat.

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.

This chic, capacious boutique stocks luxe gifts from an array of international brands like Rifle stationery, Izipizi sunglasses, and home accessories from design companies like Fritz Hansen and Hay. International travelers might be more drawn to the selection of stylish, made-in-Vietnam products from brands including Cochine, Avana, and Woo Cares. There are other locations at Saigon Centre, 24 Thao Dien (District 2) and in Crescent Mall (District 7).

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).

Set up by an NGO to assist women in remote villages in Vietnam and Cambodia, Mekong Quilts stocks beautifully handcrafted items made from papier mâché, silk, bamboo (including several models of bamboo bicycles), and water hyacinth as well as beautifully handmade quilts and cushions.

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.

From leather boots and silk scarves to high fashion dresses and corporate suits, Yaly Couture can re-create practically any designer item within two days. The shop's own designs have plenty of character and style, thanks to the owner's passion for workmanship. It is one of the most professional and ethical tailoring businesses in town, with the largest selection of high-quality fabrics. Find them at 47 Tran Phu, 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc, and 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu.

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.

If it's contemporary dinnerware you're after, don't pass up the rainbow of colorful ceramics, dinner sets, and place settings at Amaï. Local artists make these pleasingly asymmetrical dishes using a slip-casting technique that's delicate-looking yet durable.

The vendors in this short street crammed with shops might claim their wares are genuine (think vintage fans and ancient coins), but the truth is they're mostly replicas—interesting and beautiful, but definitely not worth the first price quoted. It's a great street for browsing, especially if you're into old photographs, but it will test your negotiating skills.

High-end bespoke menswear at this boutique features handmade shoes, suits, and shirts, as well as bags and sunglasses. If you can't make it to the District 3 store, you can arrange a consultation in your hotel room and be measured for gorgeous tailored clothing.

Beautifully soft handmade leather handbags, resort wear, and accessories (including jewelry using semiprecious stones) here are all one-of-a-kind, often featuring intricate details, such as fish leather and tourmaline. Items are ethically produced, made in Vietnam from sustainable materials.

Even if you have no intention of shelling out thousands of dollars for a painting, this beautiful gallery is still worth visiting. It's a great introduction to modern Vietnamese art as it displays works by the country's most famous contemporary artists.

This is a great example of a local wet market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, and housewares. The aisles are narrow and crowded and full of locals doing their daily (sometimes second- or third-daily) market runs. Food, coffee, and other drinks are available if you need a recharge. It's all done by 4 pm.

Built in 1914 and renovated in 1985, the sprawling Ben Thanh Market has 3,000 booths. The outlets at the front are tourist-oriented, selling clothing, shoes, bags, and lacquerware; in the middle there's food and at the back fresh produce. The vendors can be incredibly pushy and pickpockets often roam the narrow aisles. While a visit here is almost a rite of passage, there are better places to pick up souvenirs and much better places to eat. The market's clock tower is a handy landmark, lying as it does between the central business district and the backpacker's area.