Discover a cultural
concoction of manic markets, specialist streets, designer boutiques and cycling
vendors. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, you'll come across everything from
tribal textiles to shoes, coffee to crafts, paintings to specialty foods.
Gentle haggling is part of the fun. Take a piece of the experience
home in these traditional gifts. 

A balloon shop on wheels. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Propaganda Posters

Propaganda
posters & prints are everywhere in Hanoi. Plaster your walls with bold
graphic memories of Vietnam’s political ideology and patriotic nationalist
past. You can pick up a colourful piece of history for as little as $7.

Chopsticks

When
you return home from your Vietnamese adventures, a set of chopsticks will
probably be the cheapest, yet most iconic reminder of all those delicious,
piping hot bowls of phở and bún chả you ate
on your journey. Starting at $1 per pair.

Inlaid with shell coating makes it a very subtly
exquisite gift. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Paper Lanterns

Paper
lanterns are never ever a bad idea. Flat, packable and ready-to-go, these
traditional lanterns will add a touch of sensual Vietnamese style to any garden
or bedroom and are available in a spectrum of spectacular colours and materials
from $4. Go for the silk variety if you’re feeling indulgent.

The fold up flat in your bag making them a very space
efficient purchase. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Traditional Dó paper

Dó
paper is handmade paper produced from the bark of the Rhamnoneuron
Balansae tree. Traditionally, Vietnamese Đông Hồ paintings
depicting ages-old folklore were printed on sheet of dó. This charming artistic
process truly encapsulates Vietnam’s history, imagination and craftsmanship.
Prices vary depending on the print.

Conical Hats

Conical
hats are the most recognisable and classic symbol of the Vietnamese silhouette.
The handwoven, palm leaf hat is rich with history, cultural sentiment and
designed to protect people from the rain and sun. These are worn by people of
both sexes and all ages although you’ll see it is most favoured by those prone
to working outside in markets, rice paddies and on the water.  

Conical hats are known as non la in
Vietnamese. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Tribal Textiles

Tribal
textiles are prized possessions for tourists in Vietnam as the opportunity to
see and buy such uniquely exquisite, hand-stitched craftsmanship is a rare
luxury to those visiting from the West.  Vietnam has a rich variety of
hill tribe ethnicities (especially in the north) that relatively still makes
their livings the same way today as they have done for hundreds of years.
Buying authentic textiles from recognised dealers helps to keep their way of
life and artistic skills alive. Fabrics typically start from $15.

Vibrant fabrics boasting perfectly symmetric
designs. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Vietnamese Herbs & Spices

Vietnamese
herbs and spices are the perfect gift for all those foodies back home.
Recognised as the foundation of all the culinary sensations consumed around the
country, Vietnamese cuisine is praised around the world for its brilliant
balance of fresh flavours, mouthwatering smells and tantalising textures.
Nearly every destination from the Mekong Delta to Sapa offers regional cooking
classes at varying levels of difficulty, so why not take your channel your
inner masterchef and take a taste of Vietnam home with you? Sachets of herbs
start at $3

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese
coffee is what most tourists would probably write home about. Cà phê
đá (black coffee), cà phê sua đá (coffee with sweet
milk), cà phê sữa chua (yoghurt coffee), cà phê
trứng (egg coffee)... the delectable list of caffeinated beverages
just goes on and on. Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of Robusta coffee
and they sure know how to make the most of it. You can pick up a single-cup
filter (phin cà phê) and bag of local coffee for just $5.

Vietnam is one of the biggest coffee exporters in the
world. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Puppets & Masks

Puppets
and masks are used in traditional Vietnamese theatre productions and
festivals throughout the year. Made from bamboo, palm leaves and lacquer, the
masks are a popular sight in the north. The brightly painted faces represent
the emotions of characters from folktales and legends.

Áo Dài

The áo
dài is a national symbol of traditional Vietnamese beauty, femininity
and sophistication, especially in Hanoi. The elegant tunic consists of long
sleeves, stand collar and side seam slits up to the waist and is usually worn
with palazzo-style pants. Vietnamese women can be seen wearing áo
dàis on a daily basis in Hanoi, but it is most popular at weddings and
around Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year). The dress shirt and pants combo start
at $25 per set.

The ao dai is a symbol of femininity and
grace. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Silk Products

Silk
products are available in most stores around the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
Everything from sleeping bag liners to dressing gowns to áo dàis can
be bought for very reasonable prices, but the best place to buy authentic
Vietnamese silk is on Hang Gai street (Silk Street) where you will find tailor
shops stacked sky high with a rainbow selection of silks ready to be sewn into
a design of your choice. $10 per meter.  

Lacquerware

Lacquerware
in Vietnam originated from the Hanoi College of Fine Arts under the French
occupation in the 1930s. The time-consuming skill is a technique that seals
paintings, inlays, engravings and gold leaf designs under layer after layer of
tree sap. Goods variously priced.

The shiny coat is what makes lacquerware so
highly-prized. Photo by Donna Bramhall.

Bamboo Products

Bamboo
bowls, baskets and bathmats are some of the products popular with both locals
and tourists. This versatile material can be handcrafted into a multitude of
traditional and modern designs at prices suitable for every budget.

Source: vietnamtourism.vn