One of Hanoi’s most beautiful places, The Temple of Literature features five courtyards and stunning grounds. Home to Vietnam’s first university, the Imperial Academy, was established within the temple during the reign of Ly Nhan Tong from 1076 to 1779. It takes a few hours to fully absorb and appreciate the landscape and history of this place. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Hanoi!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you’re enjoying our Vietnam adventures so far!
:: Outfit ::
T O P :: Free People lace tunic [also love the dove gray color!] B O T T O M :: flare shorts B A G :: Sonia Rykiel ‘Le Jardin’ basket bag S H O E S :: M.Gemi lace-up flats A C C E S S O R I E S :: Tiffany & Co bracelets | Karen Walker sunglasses
:: Location ::
Temple of Literature | Hanoi, Vietnam
Thank you so much for reading!
Shopping in Hanoi can be overwhelming, there are so many small alleys and tiny shops that its normal to just not know where to go!
When I first moved to Hanoi I was in desperate need of some new clothes, unfortunately, I had no idea where to get them. Google search after google search left me empty handed! It’s been almost two years, and I now know I was looking in all the wrong spots!
So if you are in a similar position, maybe a newbie expat looking to refresh their wardrobe, or a traveler scouting out some cute pieces or artisan goods look no further than this post! Here is a breakdown of the fantastic Hanoi shopping scene.
I will note the prices using this scale:
$ 50K – 300K
$$ 300K – 900K
$$$ 900K – 1.5M
Related: Everything You Must Eat in Hanoi and Where to Get It!
Trendy:
First, let’s break down some ‘trendy’ options, these are a few shops and streets that specialize in whatever the in-season pieces are in Vietnamese fashion!
Libé [$$]
29 Thái Phiên, Lê Đại Hành, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Libe has moderately priced women’s clothing and accessories. They have an enormous Instagram presence and seem to be one of the leading Vietnamese brands for 20-somethings. I have tried on numerous things from here and it definitely passes the ‘westerner size’ test. Back in the states, I would wear anything from a US 4-8 and their selection of S,M,L,XL was able to accommodate.
Sizes run small no doubt but most things were able to fit! Only a few times my booty was not able to fit even into their XL. Regardless, this is a great option in Hanoi for on-trend pieces!
Mono Talk [$$]
113 Bà Triệu, Nguyễn Du, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Similar to Libe, Mono Talk is very popular with young Vietnamese gals. Their pieces are slightly more muted with neutral colors at the forefront. Their sizes seem to run small as well but I have been able to find some great pieces here too!
Mono [$$]
3 Hồ Xuân Hương, Nguyễn Du, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
I don’t think that MONO has any relation to Mono Talk [above] because it is a completely different vibe. At MONO you can find unique textiles and large flowy jumpsuits and wide legged pants. Hipster-y notebooks and vintage shoes are displayed on a table in the window and by the register are a small box of rings and other accessories.
I got a gorgeous sterling silver ring from here which has proved to be fantastic quality! I am planning to go back to grab some of those super comfy linen pants!
Trang Tien Plaza [$$$]
Số 24 Hai Bà Trưng, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Located right next to Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien Plaza is full of all those super fancy brands which are also super out of my budget. They also have though a Gap on the top floor which is good to check out every once in a while!
Vincom Center Ba Tieu [$$$]
191 Bà Triệu, Lê Đại Hành, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội
Vincom Center Ba Tieu is similar to Trang Tien but they do have some other brands such as ZARA, TOPSHOP, French Connection, and Mango.
Ba Tieu Street [$$]
Ba Tieu, which translates to Mrs. Million Street lives up to its name with tons of Vietnamese labels residing there. I have not been to all of the shops but I have perused them a bit. You can find all sorts of different styles of clothing but it is a little more hit or miss due to the sizes and quality!
Vintage
Chăn Con Công – Vintage Store [$$]
Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
This is the cutest Vintage Store which is tucked down a little alley in the heart of the old quarter. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited because the selection was large, the quality was good and all the pieces did indeed seem to be authentically vintage. The largest selection was of dresses but they had a few accessories as well.
Cửa Hàng Bách Hoá Số 26 [$]
26 Đào Duy Từ, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This vintage shop has more unisex products – shirts, jackets, and tee’s in bright and faded patterns line the walls. Thicker materials give the clothing a feeling of quality but at a great price!
Related: A 72 Hour Guide to Hanoi
Outlet
Luna Outlet [$-$$]
Số 1B, ngõ 8B Vũ Thạnh, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Luna has gained great popularity this year and for good reason! They have managed to get their hands on name brands from the west, including Forever 21, ZARA, Mango, and even some Aritzia or Free People. At prices less than half what you would pay in the store it makes the long drive out to the shop worth it!
Shop Rico [$-$$]
43 Xuân Diệu, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Similar to Luna, Rico is full of western labels at half the price. They have a wide selection of dresses, pants, shorts etc. I have found that they keep a smaller selection of sizes in bottoms in the smaller sizes, but their tops and dresses seem to have a wide variety of sizes.
Backpack/Hiking Knock-Offs
Made in Vietnam – Ma May Street
Hanoi is famous for all of its outdoor wear knock-offs from brands like The North Face to Adidas and after buying from tons of stores this one is hands down the best quality at the best price! The owner is named Ha, and she is lovely! She won’t rip you off and will be real with you about what is a copy and what is authentic.
Artisan Goods
Collective Memory [$$]
20 Nha Chung, Hàng Trống, Hà Nội
Collective Memory is full of unique and ethical goods sourced from Vietnam. They have a wide variety of good quality souvenirs, textiles, books, and ceramic wares. Their hand drawn maps, beautifully made pillows and interesting artwork make it one of my favorite shops to stop into!
Emporium Hanoi [$$$]
172 & 39 Xuân Diệu, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Sourced from Vietnam along with surrounding countries Emporium has a wide variety of home goods, clothing, and art. A similar selection to Collective Memory through the styles tend to be a bit fancier.
For more information about where to buy unique and beautiful souvenirs or textiles similar to this section – check out my friend Emily’s awesome post all about the best souvenir shops here!
Lingerie
Lacy Lingerie [$$]
Số 24, Ngõ 46A, Phạm Ngọc Thạch Hanoi, Vietnam
Finding lingerie is usually difficult but I have found some great stuff at Lacy. All of the products are handmade to fit your measurements and the work is gorgeous!
In addition to the best shops – here are my top picks for gyms and spas!
Related: 20 Best Bars in Hanoi
Health
Here is a selection of gyms that I have tested out and are great!
Tops Gym [800K a month] – cheapest around but there isn’t much aircon and it is usually very busy.
Swequity [1M a month] – loved this gym! Large space which even when busy seems empty still. New up to date equipment and a good price, highly recommend!
The Fitness Village [1.2M a month] Lovely setting, specializes in a large variety of workout classes. Has a small but gorgeous pool but the ‘gym’, though air conditioned is quite small.
Elite Fitness [1.5M a month but can negotiate] Full fitness club, holds classes, has locker rooms etc. Most expensive.
California Fitness [1.5M a month but can negotiate] Full fitness club, holds classes, has locker rooms etc. Most expensive.
Wellness
Moon Yoga
Om Factory
Zenith Yoga
These are highly recommended Yoga studios! I have heard nothing but great things.
Marguerite Spa [$$+]
This is my favorite place for a massage or body treatment. Have tried a variety of things here and the Aroma Massage is a favorite! If you can – ask for Sophie, she is amazing!
Nail Kitchen [$$]
Though it is not the cheapest nail salon in town I love going to Nail Kitchen. Their quality is unmatched and their selection of colors is fantastic, they specialize in nail art too. The space is exceptionally clean, overall it is consistently a good experience.
In the comments let me know your favorite Hanoi shops! I would love to continue to add to the list 🙂