Our Insider's Guide to Shopping in Hanoi: Best Streets, Markets, and Practical Tips

Hey friends 👋, we're Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

We've been living in Hanoi since 2023 and we've tried all of the main shopping spots here many times. From quick runs for coffee and snacks to hunting for clothes, souvenirs, gifts for family and friends, as well as the occasional tailored piece. Hanoi has some of the best shopping in Vietnam if you know where to go and how to navigate the markets like a local.

In this guide we're sharing our favourite streets and markets, what you'll actually find there, real prices we've paid, and the practical tips we use every time we shop. Whether you're after sportswear, souvenirs, tailoring, or just want to experience how locals shop, this should help you make the most of your time in the city.

Why We Love Shopping in Hanoi

Hanoi offers a really nice mix of everything, big wholesale-style markets, character-filled streets full of handmade goods, high-end shops in the French Quarter, and quiet local spots that most tourists never see.

After living here for over three years and helping thousands of travellers plan their trips, we've learned the best places for different types of shopping and the little tricks that make the experience easier and more enjoyable. This guide is based on our regular shopping habits and the questions we get asked most often in our DMs.

1. Dong Xuan Street: Great for Sportswear, Clothes & Everyday Items

Dong Xuan Street is one of our go-to spots in the heart of Old Quarter when we need practical things like sportswear, quick-dry clothing, hiking clothes, bags, luggage, or more casual boutique-style clothes. Prices are generally very reasonable and most places are open to haggling.

This street has a reputation for overcharging tourists, so coming in expecting to haggle and knowing rough prices really helps. Some shops are official distributors, but many sell good-quality copies. Always look closely at stitching, zips, materials (especially on shoes, bags and luggage) before buying.

If something feels overpriced mentioning you've seen it cheaper at another shop on the street works a treat. If they're willing to negotiate they'll usually ask what price you had in mind. If they won't budge we suggest walking away (a bit slower than usual!), sometimes they'll call you back or run after you with a better offer. Many shops now have fixed prices displayed, so if haggling makes you uncomfortable you can still shop here comfortably.

2. Dong Xuan Market: Great for Bulk Goods, Souvenirs & Cheap Tailoring

Dong Xuan Market (right at the top of Dong Xuan street) is excellent for bulk items. This is where we regularly buy kg bags of local Vietnamese coffee beans, snacks, nuts and dried fruits like mangoes and pineapple. Prices are very good when you buy in quantity, we usually pay around $7-8 per kilo for dried mangoes and around $15-20 per kilo for high quality Vietnamese coffee beans in larger bags.

Inside you'll also find luggage of all sizes, hats, souvenirs and plenty of clothes. On the second floor there are multiple 24-hour tailors with example pieces and the fabrics you can select from on display. Haggling is expected for clothes, hats and shoes (especially if you don't speak Vietnamese), but for bulk food and drink items you usually don't need to haggle much.

For tailoring, prices vary a lot depending on what you're looking to get made and the fabric you pick. A simple tailored shirt can start from around $15, while a more formal dress or suit set can go up to around $100. It's a "cheap and cheerful" option, fine if you just want something made quickly without spending a fortune. If you want higher quality materials and a more seamless bespoke experience, we usually recommend going to a proper standalone tailor shop outside the market instead.

Top tip: Always ask for a bulk discount when buying multiple kilos or several items. Come with photos or clear ideas of what you want, especially for tailoring.

3. Hang Bong Street: Great for Souvenirs, Ceramics & Handicrafts

For unique souvenirs, handcrafted items and antiques, Hang Bong Street is one of our favourites. Hanoi is well known for its pottery and ceramics as it's right next to the world famous Bat Trang Pottery Village. You'll find plenty of beautiful pieces here along with jewelry, magnets, streetwear and other small gifts.

Some shops have clear prices and will tell you they don't haggle. In those cases just pay the listed price. Other shops don't display prices, so it's worth visiting a few ceramic shops (many sell very similar items) to get a feel for the average price before going back to your favourite one.

Take your time and enjoy the process, this street has a nicer, more relaxed atmosphere than the big markets. We've bought some of our favourite ceramic gifts and souvenirs here over the years and they have held up really well even after being shipped home.

4. Trang Tien Street & the French Quarter: Luxury Shopping

If you're looking for higher-end shopping, head to Trang Tien Street and the French Quarter. This is where you'll find luxury brands, high-quality clothing stores, watches, bags and some excellent tailoring shops.

Trang Tien Plaza is the main mall here and has a good selection of international brands including Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, Rolex and loads more. It's a completely different experience from the markets, fixed prices, air-conditioned comfort, and higher quality goods. Great if you want something special or need reliable luxury items to take home.

5. Cho Hom Market: Local Hidden Gem

One of our favourite low-key spots is Cho Hom market, tucked away behind the bigger buildings in the Old Quarter. Most tourists don't know about it, which is exactly why we love it.

You'll mainly find shoes, bags, clothes and smaller everyday items like hair clips and toys. The vendors are mostly locals and many don't speak much English, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the big tourist markets. Haggling is minimal here and it feels like a proper local market rather than a place set up for visitors.

We often use Cho Hom as a nice escape when we want to browse shops without the crowds and noise of the main tourist areas. It's a great place to see how locals actually shop for their own needs.

Practical Shopping Tips for Hanoi

Here are the tips we actually use when we shop in Hanoi:

• Haggling: Stay friendly and relaxed. Start lower than you're willing to pay, be prepared to walk away (There are loads of shops selling very similar items), and sometimes vendors will call you back with a better price.
• Cash is king: Bring small notes. Many places (especially markets) prefer cash and it's very rare they'll accept cards.
• Quality check: Always inspect items closely, especially clothes, shoes, bags and luggage. Look at stitching, zips and materials.
• Google Maps trick: If you're looking for something specific, search in Vietnamese on Google Maps. Shops often name themselves after what they sell. Useful searches include: "mắt kính" (glasses), "điện thoại" (phones), "giày" (shoes), "túi xách" (bags), etc.
• Bulk buying: Always ask for a discount when buying multiple items or larger quantities.
• Timing: Markets can get very hot and crowded. Go in the morning or late afternoon if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to haggle everywhere in Hanoi?

Not everywhere. Many shops on Dong Xuan Street and some on Hang Bong now have fixed prices. In proper malls and higher-end shops you won't need to haggle. Markets are where haggling is most common.

Is the quality good at the markets?

It varies a lot. You can find good quality items, but you need to check carefully. We recommend inspecting stitching, zips and materials before buying, especially shoes, bags and luggage.

Can I get things tailored in Hanoi?

Yes. Dong Xuan Market has affordable tailors on the second floor (good for quick and budget-friendly pieces). For higher quality bespoke work we usually recommend proper standalone tailor shops instead.

What's the best way to find specific items?

Use Google Maps and search in Vietnamese. Shops often name themselves after the product (e.g. search "mắt kính" for glasses or "giày" for shoes). It's surprisingly effective.

Final Thoughts

Shopping in Hanoi is one of those things that's genuinely fun once you get into the rhythm of it. The mix of big markets, character-filled streets, luxury options and hidden local spots gives you so many choices.

Our biggest advice is to enjoy the process. Take your time, compare a few shops when you can, check quality properly, and don't be afraid to walk away if the price doesn't feel right. Most vendors are friendly and the whole experience is part of what makes visiting Hanoi special.

We're here to help if you want more personalised recommendations. Feel free to reach out via Instagram, our website or email, we reply to every message.

Happy shopping in Hanoi!

- Liam & Sarah
Two Peas Abroad

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