Mai Gallery
Hoan Kiem District
Fodor's choice
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.
7 Best Shopping in Hanoi, Vietnam
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Hanoi right now.
Whether they’re selling clothing, pottery, silks, or souvenirs, shops in Hanoi can do some serious damage to your spending account. Tackle your wish list in Old Quarter, where 40 colonial streets offer every type of product imaginable, and then some. This fashion hub is a good place to find silk dresses and skirts, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, a local tailor will certainly offer to create something for you. Hanoi is a good place to pick up a traditional ao dai, as many local women still wear these fitted silk tunics that drape over elegant pants. Throughout the city are galleries and shops selling ceramics, lacquer and silk paintings, and traditional embroidery.
Souvenir shops are easy to come by, with the best ones located in Old Quarter and near the Temple of Literature. When buying art in Vietnam, be careful of fakes. Paintings by Vietnam's most famous painters—Bui Xuan Phai, Nguyen Tu Nghiem, and Le Thiet Cuong—are the most widely copied. Serious art collectors should consult the well-respected high-end galleries.
It's possible to have clothes made to order with enough time—one day to three weeks, depending on what you want made and the tailor's schedule. You may also need to return a couple of times to have the clothes fitted.
Manzi Art Space and Cafe
Ba Dinh District
Fodor's choice
Founders Tram Vu and Bill Nguyen opened Manzi, the first and best place to purchase contemporary Vietnamese art in Hanoi, in 2012. The gallery's focus is to support and promote up-and-coming Vietnamese artists through exhibitions, concerts, charity events, and by providing a creative space to work within. Much of the art displayed can be purchased, and the adjoining cafe serves as a great co-working space, too. They have a sister exhibition space just around the corner (2 Ngo Hang Bun).
Apricot Gallery
Hoan Kiem District
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.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Art Vietnam Gallery
Hai Ba Trung District
To really appreciate Hanoi's art scene this is the ideal place to start. Gallery director Suzanne Lecht is one of the leading experts on Vietnamese art and she can lead you on studio tours and advise you on major purchases. The gallery is long established, but has recently moved to a bright new space in an up-and-coming arty enclave.
Green Palm Gallery
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.
Nguyen Art Gallery
This prestigious gallery stocks original and quality paintings as well as sculptures. The focus is on young and emerging artists from Vietnam. Art can be viewed and ordered online and shipped worldwide.
Red Moon Gallery
Hoan Kiem District
Emerging and established Vietnamese artists are showcased at this small gallery. Artworks are presented with a certificate of authenticity as well as a copy of the artist's biography.
