Shopping in Hanoi

Hand-embroidered tablecloths and lacquerware are very popular in Hanoi. The hill tribes also sell colourful woven bags and clothing in the city. Good souvenirs are ceramics from Bat Trang village, silk paintings and hand-painted greetings cards.

Key areas

The Old Quarter has numerous streets crammed with shops, but those of particular interest are on Hang Gai and Hang Bong. Off-the-peg clothing is always a good buy, but even better is to have clothes made up by one of the many tailors. The area close to Hoan Kiem Lake has some excellent shops including along Hai Ba Trung Street.

Markets

Dong Xuan Market on Dong Xuan Street is Hanoi's largest wholesale and retail centre, and anything and everything can be found there.

Shopping centres

Shopping malls have arrived in Hanoi with the Trang Tien Plaza at 24 Hai Ba Trung, the Parkson on Thai Ha and VinCom City Towers at 191 Ba Trieu selling leading international and domestic brands.

Opening hours

Shops in Hanoi are generally open seven days a week from around 0800 until 2000 or even 2100.

Tax information

VAT is included on most items sold in Hanoi, and 10% is the standard, but there is no system for foreign visitors to be able to claim this back.

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City Highlight: Hanoi

Teeming with culture, history and fantastic street food stalls spilling out across the street, Hanoi offers an eye-popping introduction to Vietnam

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Featured Hotels

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

An old colonial hotel steeped in history, the Sofitel isn’t called ‘legend’ for nothing. With three excellent restaurants (Vietnamese, French and Italian), as well as bars, swimming pool and gym, it’s the most prized luxury choice of the city. Rooms in the historical Metropole Wing have maintained the original features, while the Opera Wing has rooms designed in classic French style.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

This is one of the best 5-star business hotels in Hanoi, built entirely over the West Lake, featuring large rooms, restaurants and bars, swimming pool and spa facilities. The hotel's Vietnamese, Italian and French restaurants all have good reputations. Rooms overlook the lake or the Hanoi skyline and are stylishly Vietnamese.

Hoa Binh Hotel

A consistently popular choice on the Hanoi hotel scene, the Hoa Binh is a renovated colonial hotel dating from 1926. Located within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, it boasts more than 100 rooms, all large and comfortable with good facilities for a 3-star hotel. There are also French and Vietnamese restaurants.

Hilton Hanoi Opera

A stunning colonial-style hotel, the Hilton is built next to the Opera House (hence its name) in the French Quarter. The rooms are large and chic with a hint of Vietnamese style. A short walk from the Old Quarter, the open-air bar of the hotel's Ba Mien restaurant is a popular nightspot.

Essence d’Orient Hotel & Spa

As the newly extended wing of the Essence Hotel & Spa this stylish comfortable property in the heart of the Old Quarter offers excellent value. Despite being positioned a few steps from the popular Beer Corner its spacious rooms are quiet. The staff are professional and friendly while the restaurant is exceptional.

La Dolce Vita

Located in the Old Quarter, La Dolce Vita is a good base from which to explore the city at an excellent price. The rooms are large, bright and comfortable, decorated in traditional Vietnamese style and with good facilities. The hotel's restaurant and lobby bar serve Vietnamese and Western food.

Introducing Hanoi

While you’re there

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Vietnam Information