Hanoi Shopping Tips by Applelyn

Van Phuc Silk Village: Ao Zai & Silk

The villagers in this village have been weaving silk for generations and many locals goes to them for their Ao Zai and silk. It is relatively cheaper than in Hanoi given the same quality. You have to take a cab to this village as it is far from the City Centre(11km southwest). If you dont want to travel far, you can buy silk along Hang Gai, within the old quarters. Most shop keepers will ask for USD35 for a ready-made Ao Zai but you can bargain till USD15 to 20, depending on the quality of silk.

What to buy: Ao Zai is the traditional Vietnamese costume. Thus buying it here will definitely be a plus. To test if it is geniue silk, take a strand from the material and burn it. If it smells like burnt hair, it is silk. But first you have to burn someone's hair to know the smell :P

What to pay: USD 20 +/- USD5 will be a good guide.

Address: Van Phuc Village

Directions: Take a cab, about USD5

Theme: Other

Local Crafts: Handicraft products Local Crafts Review

I like its pottery. The quality of its product is good and the prices are reasonable for its quality. The earthly and pastel colours can soothe your senses. You can consult them on how to decorate your gardens and homes.

What to buy: The stoneware especially the fountains. It is very unique.

What to pay: Depending on the products, from USD2.

Address: 24C Hang Giay

Directions: Hang Giay at the Hang Buom side.

Phone: (844) 9147276

Theme: Local Craft

Local Crafts: Bamboo Hat Local Crafts Review

Along Hang Manh you can find many shops selling crafts and products made of bamboo. Ask for the prices from different shop to check out the prices. Most shopkeepers know how to speak simple English especially the numeric price :) Then when you see something you really like, slashed the price by more than half and bargained. At best with determination, you can get it at 50% of the listed price. If not, you should at least get it at 75%.

What to buy: Bamboo shades. But try and buy it on the first day as you can wear it around for the fun of it. If you find it too cumbersome to bring back, you can always pass it to another tourist.

What to pay: I paid 10 000 VND for this. The asking price was USD 2.

Address: Hang Manh

Directions: Old quarters. Near Hang Da Market.

Theme: Other

Local Crafts: Buying ceramic Local Crafts Review

In all the shops I went to in Hanoi, this shop owner was the only one that didnt push her products. Even though I didnt buy anything from her as it was only my first day there, she helped me with directions to get to my restaurant. I guess this is good customer service. A look around her products, the price tags looked reasonable but "bargain" is still a must.

What to buy: In this shop you can find, ceramic ware, stone ware and masks. I like the colourful ceramic tea set with a wooden tray. It is good for display or a gift.

What to pay: It really depends on the quality. On average about USD5.

Address: 40B Dinh Liet Hanoi

Directions: At the junction of Cau Go and Dinh Liet. It is the shop at the corner. The name of the shop is MASKS.

Phone: (844) 926 0798

Theme: Local Craft