Hanoi Shopping Guide 2026: Markets, Streets & Souvenirs

The best shopping in Hanoi is in the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem ward): Hàng Gai for silk and tailoring, Dong Xuan Market for local goods, and the Friday–Sunday night market from about 18:00. Buy lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, ethnic textiles, coffee and conical hats; bargain in markets, but expect fixed prices in malls and fair-trade shops.

Status (checked October 2026): Tourist VAT refunds now follow Decree 181/2025/ND-CP and Circular 84/2026/TT-BTC: at least 2,000,000 VND spent in one participating store on one day, invoice issued no more than 60 days before departure, and 85% of the VAT refunded. The Old Quarter weekend night market runs Friday to Sunday evenings as usual.

Key takeaways:

Old Quarter streets are still grouped by trade: silk on Hàng Gai, paper lanterns on Hàng Mã, silver on Hàng Bạc.
Dong Xuan Market (founded 1889) is open daily from about 6:00; the weekend night market runs from Hàng Đào to its gate.
Bat Trang pottery village, about 10–15 km south-east of the centre, is a half-day trip for ceramics and hands-on workshops.
Bargain politely in markets (start at about 50–70% of the asking price); malls and craft shops have fixed prices.
Tailor-made clothes need about 2–3 days and at least one fitting.
Carry cash for markets; cards and QR payments work in shops and malls.

Hanoi Shopping at a Glance

Best shopping area	Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area (Hoan Kiem ward)
Biggest market	Dong Xuan Market – daily, about 6:00–18:00 (later on weekend evenings)
Night market	Fri–Sun, from about 18:00 until 22:30–23:00, Hàng Đào to Dong Xuan
Silk and tailoring	Hàng Gai and Hàng Bông streets
Shop hours	Most shops about 8:00/9:00–21:00/22:00
Top souvenirs	Silk, lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, embroidery, coffee, conical hats
Conical hat	About 50,000–150,000 VND (≈US$2–6)
Silk scarf (good quality)	About 200,000–800,000+ VND (≈US$8–30+)
Bargaining	Expected in markets and unpriced stalls; not in malls or fixed-price shops
VAT refund	Min. 2,000,000 VND per store per day; claim at the airport on departure
Payment	Cash in markets; cards and bank-transfer QR in shops and malls

Where Is the Best Place to Shop in Hanoi?

For most visitors the best place to shop is the Old Quarter, where you can walk between craft streets, boutiques and Dong Xuan Market in an afternoon. Head to the streets around St Joseph’s Cathedral for design shops, Văn Miếu Street for fair-trade crafts and the big malls for international brands.

Area	Best for	Price level	Bargaining
Old Quarter craft streets	Silk, lanterns, silver, souvenirs	Low–mid	Yes, in unpriced shops
Dong Xuan Market	Fabrics, clothes, household goods, dried foods	Low	Yes
Weekend night market	Cheap clothes, accessories, snacks	Low	Yes
Nhà Thờ and Nhà Chung streets	Design shops, homeware, concept stores	Mid–high	No
Văn Miếu Street	Fair-trade crafts and textiles	Mid	No
Malls (Tràng Tiền Plaza, Lotte Mall West Lake, AEON Mall Long Biên)	Brands, supermarkets, air-conditioning	Mid–high	No
Bat Trang village	Ceramics at workshop prices	Low–mid	Some

Which Old Quarter Streets Are Best for Shopping?

The Old Quarter grew up as a cluster of guild streets, and many still sell the goods in their names (“Hàng” means goods or merchandise). These are the most rewarding for travellers.

1. Hàng Gai (Silk Street)

Just north-west of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hàng Gai is lined with silk, embroidery and tailoring shops. Tanmy Design at 61 Hàng Gai is a well-established boutique for embroidered silk, textiles and home décor. Map: Hàng Gai.

2. Hàng Mã (paper goods and lanterns)

Hàng Mã sells paper offerings, lanterns and festival decorations, and is at its most colourful before the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet.

3. Hàng Bạc (silver)

One of the oldest streets in the quarter, Hàng Bạc still has silversmiths selling rings, bracelets and small jewellery; ask the price by weight and check for a hallmark.

4. Hàng Thiếc and Hàng Quạt

Hàng Thiếc is known for tinware and metal workshops; Hàng Quạt sells religious items, temple flags and festival goods – interesting for a look even if you do not buy.

5. Nhà Thờ and Nhà Chung (around the cathedral)

The lanes beside St Joseph’s Cathedral hold independent fashion, ceramics and concept stores. Collective Memory at 12 Nhà Chung is a curated shop for Vietnamese homeware, paper goods and gifts.

6. Văn Miếu Street

Opposite the Temple of Literature, Craft Link at 43 Văn Miếu is a non-profit, fixed-price fair-trade shop selling textiles and crafts made by rural and ethnic-minority artisans.

What Markets Should I Visit in Hanoi?

Dong Xuan Market and the Old Quarter weekend night market are the two markets most visitors enjoy; for local life, add an early-morning flower or wet market.

1. Dong Xuan Market

Founded under French rule in 1889 and rebuilt after a fire in 1994, Dong Xuan is Hanoi’s largest covered market, with several floors of fabrics, clothes, household goods, dried foods and souvenirs. It is a working wholesale market, open daily from about 6:00 to 18:00, with individual stalls keeping their own hours (see Đồng Xuân Market on Wikipedia). Read our full Dong Xuan Market guide.

2. Old Quarter weekend night market

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from about 18:00 until 22:30–23:00, the streets from Hàng Đào north through Hàng Ngang and Hàng Đường to Dong Xuan Market become a pedestrian market of clothes, accessories, souvenirs and street snacks. It is about 1 km long and very crowded after 20:00; keep valuables in a front pocket.

3. Quảng Bá flower market

Near West Lake, this wholesale flower market is busiest before dawn; go very early, especially in the weeks before Tet, for photographs rather than shopping.

4. Local wet markets

Neighbourhood markets such as Hàng Bè in the Old Quarter show daily Hanoi life: fresh herbs, fruit, noodles and ready-made snacks, best visited in the morning.

What Souvenirs Should I Buy in Hanoi?

The best Hanoi souvenirs are silk, lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, hand-embroidered textiles, Vietnamese coffee and tea, conical hats and folk paintings. Choose items made in northern Vietnam’s craft villages for the most authentic buys.

1. Silk scarves, ties and áo dài

Hàng Gai and Hàng Bông have the widest choice. Real silk feels cool and slightly uneven; very cheap “silk” is often polyester, so buy from established shops if quality matters.

2. Tailor-made clothes

Suits, shirts, dresses and áo dài can be made in about 2–3 days with one or two fittings. Bring a garment or photo you like and agree the fabric, price and collection date in writing.

3. Lacquerware

Bowls, boxes, trays and paintings in polished lacquer, often inlaid with eggshell or mother-of-pearl, are light to carry and typically cost about 100,000–500,000 VND for small pieces.

4. Bat Trang ceramics

Blue-and-white tableware, vases and tea sets from Bat Trang village are sold across the city, but prices are lowest in the village itself.

5. Embroidery and ethnic textiles

Indigo, batik and embroidered fabrics made by Hmong, Dao and other ethnic communities make striking cushion covers and bags; fair-trade shops and museum shops are good sources.

6. Vietnamese coffee and a phin filter

Robusta or arabica beans from the Central Highlands plus a metal phin filter cost about 150,000–400,000 VND and let you recreate Hanoi café coffee at home.

7. Tea

Lotus-scented tea and green tea from Thái Nguyên province are classic northern gifts; buy in sealed packs for customs.

8. Conical hats (nón lá)

Palm-leaf hats cost about 50,000–150,000 VND; the finer “poem hats” show verses when held to the light.

9. Silk lanterns and paper decorations

Collapsible silk lanterns pack flat and cost about 50,000–200,000 VND for small ones.

10. Đông Hồ folk paintings

Woodblock prints on dó paper from Đông Hồ village depict village life and lucky symbols; the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum shop is a reliable place to buy.

11. Craft chocolate

Vietnamese single-origin chocolate, such as Marou bars, makes an easy gift; it is sold in supermarkets, cafés and gift shops.

12. Water puppets

Hand-carved and painted wooden water puppets are sold near the puppet theatres and in craft shops around Hoan Kiem Lake.

How Much Do Souvenirs Cost in Hanoi?

Most small souvenirs cost 50,000–500,000 VND (about US$2–20). The ranges below are indicative 2026 prices in the Old Quarter; markets are cheaper after bargaining, boutiques more expensive.

Item	Typical price (VND)	Approx. USD
Conical hat	50,000–150,000	2–6
Small silk lantern	50,000–200,000	2–8
Good-quality silk scarf	200,000–800,000+	8–30+
Small lacquer box or bowl	100,000–500,000	4–20
Coffee (500 g) with phin filter	150,000–400,000	6–15
Craft chocolate bar	About 80,000–150,000	3–6
Bat Trang tea set (in the village)	About 200,000–1,000,000	8–40
Tailor-made shirt	From about 500,000	From about 20
Tailor-made suit	From about 2,500,000	From about 100

Is Bat Trang Pottery Village Worth Visiting from Hanoi?

Yes, if you like ceramics or want a hands-on activity: Bat Trang has made pottery for more than 700 years, and its lanes are packed with workshops and showrooms. It lies about 10–15 km south-east of the Old Quarter across the Red River, roughly 30–45 minutes by taxi or Grab, or about an hour by city bus 47A from the Long Biên bus hub. Visit the large ceramics market, the Bat Trang Ceramics Museum and a workshop where you can throw and paint your own piece on a potter’s wheel for a small fee.

Ceramic vases and pottery for sale in Bat Trang pottery village, Hanoi — Bat Trang, a centuries-old pottery village about 13 km from central Hanoi, sells ceramics of every kind. Photo: Vuong Tri Binh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Which Shopping Malls Are in Hanoi?

Hanoi’s main malls are Tràng Tiền Plaza beside Hoan Kiem Lake for luxury brands, Vincom Center Bà Triệu in the centre, Lotte Mall West Lake (opened 2023) and AEON Mall Long Biên across the river. Malls have fixed prices, food courts, supermarkets and air-conditioning – useful on hot or rainy afternoons.

How Do I Bargain in Hanoi?

Bargain only where prices are not marked – markets, street stalls and small souvenir shops. Smile, stay relaxed and be ready to walk away.

Ask the price first and counter at about 50–70% of the opening price, then meet in the middle.
Do not bargain in malls, supermarkets, fair-trade shops or boutiques with price tags.
Buying several items from one stall gives you more room to negotiate.
Count notes carefully: 10,000 and 100,000 VND (and 20,000 and 500,000) look similar.
Only start bargaining if you genuinely intend to buy.

Can Tourists Get a VAT Refund When Shopping in Hanoi?

Yes. Foreign visitors can reclaim VAT on goods bought at participating stores (look for the “VAT refund for foreigners” sign) when leaving through Noi Bai International Airport or other international border gates. Under Decree 181/2025/ND-CP and Circular 84/2026/TT-BTC, you must spend at least 2,000,000 VND in one store on the same day, the VAT refund invoice must be issued no more than 60 days before departure, and the goods must be carried unused in your luggage. You receive 85% of the VAT; the remaining 15% is kept by the refunding bank as a fee. Show your passport, invoices and goods at the refund counter before check-in. See the current VAT refund conditions.

What Are the Payment and Opening Hours for Shops in Hanoi?

Most shops open about 8:00/9:00 to 21:00/22:00, every day of the week; markets start earlier and the night market runs only Friday–Sunday. Many family-run shops close for several days around Tet (Lunar New Year). Cash is king in markets, while boutiques and malls accept Visa and Mastercard, and most vendors display Vietnamese bank-transfer QR codes. ATMs are easy to find around Hoan Kiem Lake.

What Should I Avoid Buying in Hanoi?

Avoid products made from ivory, tortoiseshell, rhino horn, coral or wildlife, which are illegal to trade and to import into most countries. Be wary of “antiques” (genuine ones need export permits), fake branded goods and gemstones sold on the street, and check your home country’s customs rules for food, seeds and alcohol.

Local Expert Tips for Shopping in Hanoi

These tips come from years of arranging Hanoi tours for international travellers.

Order tailor-made clothes at the start of your trip so there is time for a second fitting.
Visit Dong Xuan Market in the morning, when it is cooler and the wholesalers are busiest.
Combine the night market with dinner in the Old Quarter on a Friday or Saturday.
Buy fragile ceramics last, and ask the shop to bubble-wrap them; many Bat Trang shops can ship abroad.
Keep VAT-refund goods unused and easy to reach in your bag for airport inspection.
Museum shops such as those at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum sell quality crafts from community cooperatives.
Carry a reusable bag – shops are reducing plastic bags.
Agree on prices before cyclo or taxi rides to shopping areas, or book through Grab.

Plan Your Hanoi Trip

Shopping fits easily around sightseeing: browse Hàng Gai after visiting Ngoc Son Temple (50,000 VND, free under 16), find fair-trade crafts after the Temple of Literature (70,000 VND), and pair the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long with lunch near Văn Miếu. Visit Hoa Lo Prison and St Joseph’s Cathedral before shopping on Nhà Thờ Street, and refuel with our Hanoi food and drinks guide. For logistics, read the Hanoi transportation guide and Hanoi travel tips; for onward trips, see Hanoi to Halong Bay and Hanoi to Sapa, where the Sapa Love Market adds more ethnic crafts.

Plan your trip with our Hanoi travel guide and Hanoi tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanoi Shopping

1. Where is the best place to go shopping in Hanoi?

The Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem ward is the best place to shop in Hanoi, with silk on Hàng Gai, crafts on side streets and Dong Xuan Market at its northern end. Design shops cluster around St Joseph’s Cathedral.

2. What are the opening hours of Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi?

Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi is open daily from about 6:00 to 18:00, and individual stalls set their own hours. On Friday to Sunday evenings the weekend night market runs up to its gate.

3. When is the Hanoi night market open?

The Hanoi Old Quarter night market opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from about 18:00 until 22:30–23:00. It runs about 1 km from Hàng Đào Street to Dong Xuan Market.

4. What are the best souvenirs to buy in Hanoi?

The best souvenirs from Hanoi are silk, lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, ethnic embroidery, Vietnamese coffee with a phin filter, lotus tea and conical hats.

5. Where can I buy silk in Hanoi?

Hàng Gai Street, north-west of Hoan Kiem Lake, is Hanoi’s silk street, with many silk, embroidery and tailoring shops. Tanmy Design at 61 Hàng Gai is a well-known boutique.

6. How long does a tailor take to make clothes in Hanoi?

Most Hanoi tailors need about 2–3 days to make a suit, shirt or áo dài, including one or two fittings. Order early in your trip to allow time for adjustments.

7. Should I bargain when shopping in Hanoi?

Yes, bargain in Hanoi’s markets and at stalls without price tags, starting at about 50–70% of the asking price. Do not bargain in malls, supermarkets or fixed-price craft shops.

8. How much does a conical hat cost in Hanoi?

A conical hat (nón lá) in Hanoi typically costs about 50,000–150,000 VND (US$2–6), depending on quality and decoration.

9. How far is Bat Trang pottery village from Hanoi?

Bat Trang pottery village is about 10–15 km south-east of central Hanoi, roughly 30–45 minutes by taxi or Grab. City bus 47A from the Long Biên bus hub takes about an hour.

10. Can tourists get a VAT refund in Hanoi?

Yes, tourists can reclaim VAT at Noi Bai Airport on goods worth at least 2,000,000 VND bought in one participating store on the same day, with the invoice issued within 60 days of departure. The refund is 85% of the VAT paid.

11. Which shopping malls are in Hanoi?

Hanoi’s main malls include Tràng Tiền Plaza by Hoan Kiem Lake, Vincom Center Bà Triệu, Lotte Mall West Lake and AEON Mall Long Biên. All have fixed prices and food courts.

12. Can I pay by credit card when shopping in Hanoi?

Malls, boutiques and larger shops in Hanoi accept Visa and Mastercard, but markets and small stalls usually want cash or Vietnamese bank-transfer QR. Carry small VND notes.

13. What time do shops open and close in Hanoi?

Most shops in Hanoi open about 8:00/9:00 and close about 21:00/22:00 every day. Many family-run shops close for several days around Tet.

14. Where can I buy fair-trade crafts in Hanoi?

Craft Link at 43 Văn Miếu Street, opposite the Temple of Literature, sells fair-trade textiles and crafts at fixed prices. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnamese Women’s Museum shops also stock cooperative-made crafts.

15. What should I not buy in Hanoi?

Do not buy ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, rhino horn or other wildlife products in Hanoi; they are illegal to trade and to import into most countries. Be cautious with “antiques”, fake brands and street-sold gemstones.

16. Where can I buy Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi?

Vietnamese coffee is sold in Old Quarter coffee shops, supermarkets and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi; a 500 g bag with a phin filter costs about 150,000–400,000 VND.

17. Is the Hanoi night market good for souvenirs?

The Hanoi weekend night market is good for cheap clothes, accessories and small souvenirs, but quality varies. Buy silk, lacquer and ceramics from established shops instead.