5 Best Places to Shop in Hanoi

1. Night market in Hanoi Old Quarter area

In Hanoi, there are multiple night markets, and the one in the old district is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. From Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, this market has a vast precinct. Nearly 4,000 stalls and kiosks sell thousands of affordable items such as apparel, shoes, lacquer, souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts, accessories, and so on. The best part about this market is that you can try some of the most popular street dishes, such as sweet soup, noodles, soaked fruits, and traditional Vietnamese cakes.

2. Hang Ma Street

On the way from Hoan Kiem Lake to Dong Xuan Market, you'll pass by Hang Ma Street. It is a lively street in the old district that sells a variety of colorful items, particularly those that are artistically adorned. Houses are decorated with these items. Hang Ma Street is always packed with people, both locals and visitors, on major events like Christmas, New Year, lunar New Year, or the mid-autumn festival. Vietnamese folks like to walk down Hang Ma Street to buy red parallel sentences, flash-bulb strings, paper unicornheads, miniature drums, and children's lanterns. Those who want to take pictures on the street can do so as well.

3. Hang Duong Street

Hang Duong Street has a wide variety of appetizers and sweets to appeal to people of all ages. Hanoi's most famous specialty snack, O Mai, is commonly available in Hang Duong. O Mai is a dried apricot or other fruit that has been salted and sugared. The initial bite is a little sour, but the more you eat, the deeper the flavor becomes. These unique delicacies have a distinct aroma that you can detect as soon as you walk into a store.

The majority of the O Mai sold on Hang Duong Street are produced by hand using family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. This is why O Mai is a unique Ha Noi treat that you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam.

If you're not sure what to get your loved ones when you return home, O Mai is a great option. As they patiently chew each piece of O Mai, you'll see their eyes light up with uncontrollable excitement.

4. Hang Be market

Hang Be market, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, is a favorite shopping destination for locals. Every day, a great number of people flock to the Hang Be market in search of the items they require. In addition to selling unbelievably great food, fashionable clothing, and local souvenirs, Hang Be is also a cultural exchange location where you can witness groups of foreigners roaming through the market selling unbelievably excellent cuisine, stylish apparel, and local souvenirs. Tourists and expats alike see Hang Be Market as a must-see destination for learning about Vietnamese culture.

5. Hang Da market

Hang Da market, located in the heart of the Hoan Kiem district, offers some of Ha Noi's best delicacies and specialties. The restaurant is bustling with residents, and the meal features some unusual flavor combinations. This market has three floors, each with a particular function. Aside from the mind-blowing food, Hang Da Market also sells apparel and jewelry.