Unique Hanoi Souvenirs: Proudly Take a Piece of Ha Thanh Home
Hanoi Souvenirs are not just ordinary trinkets, but unique and culturally-rich pieces that can truly encapsulate the spirit of Ha Thanh. These souvenirs are more than mere tokens of remembrance, they are tangible representations of the city’s history, culture, and way of life. From traditional handicrafts to contemporary art pieces, Hanoi Souvenirs offer a diverse range of options that can satisfy any taste and preference. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, taking a piece of Ha Thanh home through these souvenirs is a must-do experience that will surely leave a lasting impression.
Unique and culturally-rich Hanoi Souvenirs
Hanoi’s specialty – Ô Mai, a popular gift item
Ô Mai is a famous specialty of Hanoi and is the most sought-after gift item by many tourists visiting the city. Hanoi’s Ô Mai is renowned for its delicious aroma, and being dried, it is convenient to take on flights.
There are many different types of Ô Mai, such as green plum, apricot, or kumquat. The most distinctive and favored type is the green plum Ô Mai soaked with ginger. It has a sweet and sour taste, with a hint of spiciness from the ginger, providing a unique flavor for those who enjoy it.
To purchase high-quality and traditional Ô Mai, one can visit Hang Duong, Hang Da (Van Loi) or the beginning of Ly Quoc Su street, or the Hong Lam Ô Mai store system.
Com – A Must-Buy Gift when Traveling to Hanoi
When mentioning the autumn season in Hanoi, cốm cannot be missed. While Vietnamese people are familiar with this dish, foreign tourists find it a unique and special delicacy that is a must-buy gift when traveling to Hanoi.
Cốm is wrapped in two layers of leaves, with the inner layer being fresh green reed leaves that help keep the cốm from drying out and losing its green color, while the outer layer is lotus leaves that give it a fragrant, elegant aroma.
If you visit Vong Village to buy Com, you can also buy Vong Village cốm cakes as gifts, which are considered indispensable gifts at traditional weddings in Hanoi.
The best place to buy delicious Com Xao (stir-fried Com) is Qua Que restaurant near Hoan Kiem Lake, at the intersection of Dinh Liet and Hang Bac streets, right next to a famous snail restaurant. Here, Com Xao Dua (stir-fried Com with coconut) is made into small, delicious pieces.
If you want to buy Com cakes, you can go to the end of Hang Than street, near the intersection with Yen Phu, where there are many famous cốm cake shops.
Below are some famous Com shops, such as:
- Nguyen Ninh store, 11 Hang Than.
- Fresh Com from Vong Village, Cau Giay, Hanoi.
- Stir-fried Com at Qua Que restaurant near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lotus tea
What should you buy when traveling to Hanoi? In addition to the famous cuisine, lotus tea is considered an unmissable drink and a special gift of Hanoi.
Lotus tea requires appreciation and expertise to judge. The most famous lotus tea is from West Lake and is made by steeping Thai Nguyen tea type 1 with lotus seeds to absorb its flavor. Only authentic lotus from West Lake provides the necessary aroma for the delicious tea.
Surely, lotus tea will be a valuable gift for relatives and friends after ending their trip to Hanoi because steeping lotus tea is a form of art that requires a lot of time and effort.
To find and buy West Lake lotus tea, you should visit Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Handicraft products – Exquisite gifts from Hanoi
When traveling to Hanoi, you should not miss out on handmade handicraft products, which are one of the must-buy items. These products require skillful and meticulous workmanship and carry the cultural essence of Hanoi. You can choose these products as gifts and admire their cultural essence and skilled workmanship.
You can visit souvenir shops selling traditional artistic designs along streets such as Ly Quoc Su, Hang Gai, Hang Bong, Nha Tho, and Van Mieu…
Ceramic – A famous traditional gift of Hanoi
If you can visit Hanoi, take the time to visit Bat Trang, the most famous traditional ceramic village in Vietnam.
Bat Trang ceramics have a unique beauty, with distinctive enamel colors and exquisite craftsmanship. Shop for bowls, dishes, cups, and saucers, as well as wind chimes and statues at this store. This store not only offers familiar products like bowls and dishes but also has special gifts such as wind chimes and statues.
Tourists can also make their own bowls, vases, bottles, and cups as gifts. It is both a meaningful gift and an exciting experience for them when traveling to Hanoi. However, be careful with transporting these items because they are fragile and can easily break.
Silk fabric and designer clothing – A must-have gift when traveling to Hanoi
Get unique silk pieces and ready-to-wear clothes with traditional patterns and folk styles at Van Phuc silk village. Visit Van Phuc silk village for its weaving craft and purchase unique silk pieces and ready-to-wear clothes with traditional patterns and folk styles.
In addition to clothing, you can also find other products such as colorful scarves and traditional-style bags made from various fabrics. These are cute gifts to buy when traveling to Hanoi.
Can’t travel far? Check out Hang Trong, Nha Tho, and Nha Chung areas for fashion designer stores with modern styles. If you’re short on time, explore the Hang Trong, Nha Tho, and Nha Chung areas for many fashion designer stores with youthful and modern styles.
Silver jewelry – A favorite gift when traveling to Hanoi
Silver jewelry is a popular gift among tourists when visiting Hanoi. The silver jewelry here is well-known and attracts many visitors because of its modern, trendy, and unique designs made from silver or Thai silver.
Hang Bac and Quan Su streets (near Trang Thi intersection) have jewelry shops for tourists to buy as souvenirs. Tourists often flock to the famous shop on Quan Su street or shops on Hang Bac street.
Tips for buying souvenirs in Hanoi
Here are some tips for buying souvenirs in Hanoi:
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Shop around:
There are many souvenir shops in Hanoi, so take the time to browse and compare prices before making a purchase. You may find the same item at a lower price in another shop.
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Bargain:
Bargaining is a common practice in Hanoi markets and shops, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. Offer a lower price and negotiate for a fair price that benefits both parties.
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Buy local:
Look for souvenirs that are made in Hanoi or Vietnam. These items will likely be more authentic and unique compared to mass-produced souvenirs that are sold everywhere.
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Be aware of scams:
Be cautious of sellers who offer prices that are too good to be true or try to rush you into buying something. Also, be aware of fake souvenirs, such as counterfeit handicrafts or clothing.
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Consider practicality:
Think about whether the souvenir you’re buying is practical and useful. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and buy something that will end up collecting dust on a shelf back home.
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Pack carefully:
Keep in mind that some souvenirs may be fragile or bulky. So, make sure you have enough space in your luggage. Pack them carefully to avoid damage.
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Have fun:
Keep in mind that souvenir shopping is meant to be enjoyable. Take in the sights and sounds of Hanoi’s markets and shops. Enjoy the process of shopping for souvenirs in Hanoi by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets and shops.
Hanoi souvenirs offer a unique way for travelers to take a piece of Ha Thanh home with them. From traditional silk products to modern silver jewelry, Hanoi has something to offer everyone. These souvenirs not only make great gifts for loved ones but also serve as cherished reminders of the unforgettable memories and experiences gained from exploring this vibrant and historic city. So, next time you find yourself in Hanoi, be sure to explore the local markets and shops and pick up some of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring back with you.
