If you want to remember your visit to Hanoi visually, souvenirs are the most effective way. Hanoi has a rich list of souvenirs from traditional crafts, exquisite ceramics or local dishes. These unique souvenirs capture the spirit of Hanoi and are a precious reminder of your unforgettable trip.
1. Corn Hat (Nón Lá)
Vietnamese conical hats are definitely one of the best souvenirs in Hanoi. This iconic Vietnamese hat not only represents Hanoi culture but also the identity of the entire nation. Its elegant design and cultural significance make it a unique and sought-after souvenir by tourists. However, a large-sized hat is a bit bulky to carry on the plane, so you can buy a small-sized one.
Where to buy:
Souvenir shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter
2. Silk
When it comes to must-buy souvenirs in Hanoi, silk is a top choice. With a rich tradition of silk craftsmanship, Hanoi offers many silk products imbued with the quintessence of Vietnamese culture. You can buy silk scarves, silk ties or silk handkerchiefs as souvenirs when you come to Hanoi.
Where to buy:
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Royal Silk: 64 Hang Trong Street, Hanoi
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Arashi Silk: 38 Hang Trong Street, Hanoi
3. O Mai
O Mai is considered one of the quintessential souvenirs of Hanoi. Apricot fruits are dried fruits, often made from apricots, plums or kumquats, providing a sweet and aromatic flavor. Bringing them home is a delicious way to experience the culinary flavors of Hanoi.
Where to buy:
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O Mai Gia Loi: 8 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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O Mai Gia Thinh: 13 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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O Mai Thuy Khe: 10 Hang Cot Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4. Ao dai
For those looking for fashionable souvenirs, ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese costume, is a must-see. With its timeless beauty and graceful design, it remains an item of choice among fashion-loving female travelers.
Where to buy:
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Ao Dai Minh Duc: 41 Dang Tien Dong Street, Dong Da, Hanoi
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Ao Dai Thanh Mai: 428 Bach Mai Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
5. To he (Traditional toy figurine)
Tò he is a traditional Vietnamese toy made from sticky rice flour. With the shapes of various characters, such as animals, flowers and famous fairy tale characters, To he is one of the cheapest and most colorful travel gifts, which will delight children and adults enjoy it.
Where to buy: Xuan La village, Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi
6. Do paper
Do paper is definitely one of the most meaningful Hanoi gifts you can find. The paper is handmade from a local tree in Vietnam. These traditional Vietnamese paper products have profound cultural importance and demonstrate the exceptional skills of Hanoi's skilled artisans.
Where to buy:
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Souvenir shop at 42 Hang Can - Hanoi Old Quarter.
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Shops around Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of Literature.
7. Lacquerwave
Hanoi is an important center for the production and trade of lacquerware. Enhance your Hanoi souvenir collection with these enchanting lacquerware items. Each work is the dedication of Vietnamese artisans because making lacquerware is very time-consuming and laborious. Lacquerware is only available in a few Asian countries, including Vietnam.
Where to buy:
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Thu Huong Lacquer Arts: 118 Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi
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Studio di lacche: 26 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Kima Lacquer Art Gallery: 11 Thi Sach, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
8. Pottery
Pottery is a bit difficult to transport because it often breaks, but it has great value. You can easily find a variety of affordable ceramic products, including cups, vases, bowls, plates, at souvenir shops in Vietnam.
Where to buy:
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Bat Trang Pottery Village: Gia Lam District, Hanoi
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Lich ceramic shop: 11A Trang Thi, Hanoi
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Authentic Bat Trang: 115 Hang Gai Street, Hanoi
9. Traditional souvenirs of ethnic minorities.
Hanoi not only has souvenirs from Hanoi but also has goods from other localities, including ethnic minority souvenirs. Handicraft products of ethnic minorities, including scarves, textiles, clothing, ceramics and paintings, often have vibrant colors and very original shapes. These items are not only portable but also make great gifts for loved ones.
Where do you buy it:
Craft Link: 43 and 51 Temple of Literature, Dong Da
10. Vietnamese Coffee
For first-time visitors to Hanoi, Vietnamese coffee is definitely one of the best Hanoi souvenirs. Famous for its Robusta coffee, Vietnamese coffee offers a strong, rich sensory experience, making it a precious gift to take with you.
Where to buy it:
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Dream Beans Coffee: 22 Tho Xuong, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Hidden Gem Coffee: 3B Hang Tre Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Giang Coffee: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
11. Propaganda posters.
Hanoi souvenirs include not only traditional art but also unique modern art, especially propaganda posters displaying communist messages and inspirational slogans. These influential propaganda pieces were widely used during the Vietnam War and are still displayed at national events.
Where to buy: Hang Bac on Trang Tien Street, Hanoi
12. Doll
On the bustling streets of Hanoi, dolls reign as one of Hanoi's most beloved and popular souvenirs. These little dolls wear traditional Vietnamese costumes, featuring bright patterns and intricate designs. They are an ideal gift for children looking for attractive and visually appealing toys.
Where to buy:
Mercato di Dong Xuan o Ma May
13. Bamboo products
Bamboo occupies an important position as a symbol of Vietnamese countryside, beautifully represented in souvenirs of Hanoi. Visitors can purchase various bamboo items such as baskets, trays, furniture and decorations. Locals designed these souvenirs with intricate details, making them wonderful to look at.
Where to buy:
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Bamboo Village store: 108 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho District
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Bamboo Shop 4B Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem
14. Tailored clothes.
Hanoi is famous for its skilled tailors, who can create tailor-made suits at affordable prices. If you are looking for unique and personalized Hanoi souvenirs, consider buying clothes that suit your preferences. Whether it's a vest, dress or traditional Vietnamese outfit, tailors in Hanoi can bring your fashion style to life.
Where to buy:
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Minh Quang Bespoke Tailor: 175 Phung Hung, Hang Bong Street, Hanoi
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To Anh Silk Village: 70 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi
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Tanmy Design: 61 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
15. Pants with elephant prints
Don't forget to add special elephant print pants to your list of Hanoi souvenirs. These pants beautifully combine fashion and tradition, with an intricate elephant pattern inspired by the rich heritage of Vietnam and other cultures.
Place to buy: Hanoi Market
16. T-shirts
Tourists in Vietnam seem to have a strong affinity for t-shirts. T-shirts in Vietnam are very cheap and the designs are extremely eye-catching. Not to mention the humorous slogans make them perfect to give as gifts and keep as souvenirs in Hanoi.
Place to buy: Hanoi market
17. West Lake lotus tea
Lotus is the national flower of Vietnam and with lotus varieties in West Lake, they are also used as ingredients for tea. Although the process of creating Vietnamese lotus tea is complicated and expensive, the taste is well worth the price. The combination of lotus scent and vanilla flavor can satisfy any taste.
Where to buy: Supermarkets and grocery stores
18. Hand-embroidered items
It would be remiss not to mention hand-embroidered products on this list. Hand-embroidered products crafted by skilled artisans are reasonably priced and still sophisticated. Handbags, wallets, and scarves can all contain hand-embroidered motifs.
Where to buy them:
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Tan My Designs: 61 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem
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May Store: 7 Nha Tho, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
19. Vietnamese green bean cake
Vietnamese green bean cake is a delicious traditional specialty loved by locals and tourists. Made with chickpeas, these sweet and savory cakes are a popular and versatile choice for tea or coffee. By bringing these sweets home as souvenirs from Hanoi, you can share the culinary beauties of Vietnam with your friends and family.
Where to buy:
Location: 42 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Nguyen Huong: 42 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
20. Maison Marou
Chocolate lovers cannot miss a visit to Maison Marou in Hanoi. This chocolate shop produces exquisite chocolate bars with premium Vietnamese cocoa beans, making for a delicious and luxurious souvenir.
Buy at: Maison Marou store: 91A Pho Nhuom, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
If you're wondering where to buy the best souvenirs in Hanoi, here are some popular places for you to explore:
Old town night market.
Location: Hang Dao Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 18:00 to 24:00 from Friday to Sunday
Stroll along Hang Gai, Hang Bac and Hang Ma streets to discover countless shops and street vendors selling souvenirs and crafts.
Dong Xuan market
Location: 15 Cau Dong, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6am – 6pm Monday to Thursday
6:00 – 22:30 from Friday to Sunday.