13 Best Shopping in The Old Quarter, Hanoi

Housed in an astonishing colonial mansion, Hien Van Ceramics sells artisanal ceramic items, including vases, statues, and ornaments.

This is the place to get beautifully designed, funky, and fashionable handbags made of rattan, brocade, crochet, beads, and all kinds of other materials. It also sells original jewelry and accessories such as cuff links. The brand has gone international and celebrity fans are said to include actress Jamie Lee Curtis and Hillary Clinton.

Mai Gallery is run by the daughter of Vietnam's leading art critic, Duong Tuong. It is largely a showcase for Hanoi painters and is very popular with serious collectors.

Tan My is the most famous embroidery shop in Hanoi. Employees from Thuong Tin Province, which is known for its rich embroidery tradition, adorn tablecloths, silk clothing, and wall hangings with intricate designs. Ready-made work depicts everything from traditional Vietnamese floral patterns and dragon designs to scenes from Western fairy tales, or you can custom order.

Tired City showcases a range of designs from young artists and graphic designers printed on ultra hip t-shirts and hoodies. There are also posters, postcards, playing cards, and other souvenir items.

Even if you have no intention of shelling out thousands of dollars for a painting, this beautiful gallery is still worth visiting. It's a great introduction to modern Vietnamese art as it displays works by the country's most famous contemporary artists.

Ginkgo is one of Vietnam's most respected clothing brands. The emphasis is on print T-shirts, some made with organic cotton, that showcase eclectic aspects of Vietnamese culture.

This gallery sells works from some of Vietnam's biggest names in lacquer and oil painting, including Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Le Thanh Son, and Hong Viet Dung. The owner was an art critic in a previous life and is very reputable.

There's a little something for every size and taste here, though the large selection of embroidered handbags are particularly eye-catching. Other products available include dresses, skirts, knitwear, swimwear, shoes, wallets, and bags.

One of Vietnam's best-known clothing stores and designer labels, Kelly Bui specializes in daring and contemporary creations for women.

Long Bien Market really kicks off at around 3 to 4 am and is worth seeing after a late night on the town. All of the produce from north of Hanoi lands here before being distributed throughout the city. Just follow the crowds on the streets adjacent to the bridge ramp to witness the intense buying and selling of the freshest produce in town.

Custom-designed mosaics, Japanese paper lamps, place settings, aromatherapy items, bedding, and some jewelry and clothing make nice gifts.

The accent is on traditional wood-carved Chinese furniture here. The collection of classic furniture is based on antique designs with graceful horseshoe chairs and hand-carved cabinets among the items stocked.