What to Buy in Hanoi? 10 Souvenirs in Vietnam’s Capital
Vietnam’s cultural and historical center, Hanoi, has a plethora of distinctive souvenirs that showcase the nation’s artistry and customs. This post will help you discover outstanding traditional handicrafts, unique local cuisine, and stylish clothing items that make ideal souvenirs if you’re unsure what to buy in Hanoi.
1. Banh Com (Green Sticky Rice)
Banh com is a famous traditional Vietnamese sweet treat, originating from Hanoi Old Quarter. Made from young green sticky rice, mung bean paste, and sugar, this delicacy has a soft, chewy texture and a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor. Wrapped in signature green rice paper and often tied with a red ribbon, banh com is a popular gift for weddings, special occasions, and as a souvenir from Hanoi.
Recommended places to buy: Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Old Quarter.
Wondering about what to buy in Hanoi? It is definitely banh com while sipping some tea! (Image Source: Internet)
2. O Mai (Sweetened Fruits)
Next, O Mai is a popular Hanoi specialty, consisting of dried and sweetened fruits such as apricot, plum, and kumquat. It is often flavored with ginger, licorice, chili, or honey, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. O Mai is a favorite snack for locals and a great souvenir to bring home.
Recommended places to buy: Hong Lam O Mai, To Tich Street.
A Hanoi Specialty, O Mai (Image Source: Internet)
3. Bamboo Products
Let’s move into paradise of bamboo products. Hanoi is known for its beautifully crafted bamboo souvenirs, ranging from handmade baskets and kitchenware to eco-friendly straws and home decor. Bamboo is widely used in Vietnam as a sustainable material, making it a great option for environmentally conscious shoppers.
Recommended places to buy: Local craft shops in the Old Quarter, Quang Ba Night Market.
A souvenir from bamboo products will make your loved ones happy (Image Source: Internet)
4. Vietnamese Silk Products
Silk weaving culture has been a symbol of elegance in Vietnam for centuries. Especially in Hanoi, you can find silk scarves, dresses, ties, and ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) in the city’s silk shops and markets. The best place to shop for authentic Vietnamese silk is Van Phuc Silk Village, just outside Hanoi, or Hang Gai Street (Silk Street), where many silk boutiques are located.
Recommended places to buy: Hang Gai Street, Van Phuc Silk Village, local markets.
What to buy in Hanoi You can easily find vietnamese silk materials or products at Hang Gai Street, Hanoi (Image Source: Internet)
5. Vietnamese Hand Embroidery
Vietnamese hand embroidery is a delicate and artistic craft passed down through generations. These embroidered works often feature floral, landscape, and traditional Vietnamese motifs on tablecloths, pillowcases, clothing, and wall art. The level of detail and precision makes hand-embroidered souvenirs from Hanoi a meaningful and elegant gift.
Recommended places to buy: XQ Hand Embroidery, Tan My Design.
The tradition of Vietnamese hand embroidery (Image Source: Vietnam Tourism)
6. Bat Trang Pottery
Bat Trang Pottery is a centuries-old ceramic tradition from Bat Trang, a famous pottery village located just outside Hanoi. You can find beautiful handmade ceramics, teapots, vases, and dinnerware featuring intricate hand-painted designs. Many shops in Hanoi sell Bat Trang ceramics, or you can visit the village to experience pottery-making firsthand.
Recommended places to buy: Bat Trang Pottery Village, Hang Bac Street.
Bat Trang Pottery offers ceramic products for visitors (Image Source: Internet)
7. Lotus Tea
Vietnam is famous for its tea culture, and lotus tea is one of the rarest and most traditional varieties. This fragrant tea is delicately infused with lotus blossoms, giving it a subtle floral aroma. Lotus tea is often hand-packed in beautiful boxes, making it a great gift for tea lovers.
Recommended places to buy: Thai Nguyen Tea Shops, specialty tea stores in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Sip a little of lotus tea to enhance your Hanoi trip! (Image Source: Internet)
>>> Related tour: EXPLORE NORTHERN VIETNAM 10 DAYS
8. Ao Dai (Vietnamese Dress)
The Ao Dai is Vietnam’s most iconic traditional dress, known for its elegant and feminine silhouette. In Hanoi, you can find beautifully tailored Ao Dai in various fabrics, colors, and embroidery styles. Whether you’re looking for a modern or traditional design, it makes a stylish and meaningful keepsake from Vietnam.
Recommended places to buy: Ao Dai boutiques in Hang Da Market, Dong Xuan Market.
Buy Ao dai at Hanoi (Image Source: Internet)
9. Non La (Vietnamese Conical Hat)
The Non La (Vietnamese conical hat) is one of the most recognizable symbols of Vietnamese culture. Traditionally worn by farmers and street vendors, it is now a popular souvenir for visitors. Many versions feature hand-painted or embroidered designs, adding a decorative touch.
Recommended places to buy: Dong Xuan Market, souvenir shops in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Non La, Vietnamese Conical Hat (Image Source: Internet)
10. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s top coffee producers, and Hanoi is the perfect place to buy authentic Vietnamese coffee. The most famous types include robusta beans, weasel coffee, and egg coffee mix. Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor and is best enjoyed with condensed milk or as a slow-drip brew.
Recommended places to buy: Cafe Giang (for egg coffee), Trung Nguyen Legend, local coffee roasters.
>>> Read more: Unlock the Secrets of Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Taste the traditional Vietnamese coffee (Image Source: Internet)
Hanoi offers incredible options of souvenirs, making it a perfect destination for those who are still wondering about what to buy in Hanoi. When visiting Hanoi, take your time to explore the hidden gems in the Hanoi Old Quarter and support local artisans by purchasing handmade, high-quality products to enhance your Vietnam trip.
