Shopping for Hanoi souvenirs and handicrafts

Vietnam has more than 50 different ethnic minorities, most of which live in the mountains surrounding Hanoi and in the north of Vietnam. Hanoi is on the receiving end of the beautiful products these ethnic groups produce.

Villagers are excellent craftspeople, and are skilled at making products such as bamboo goods, basketware, lacquerware and table cloths. The rising number of tourists has spurred the groups to increase production, so Hanoi is now teeming with handicraft shops selling their goods.

The embroidered and weaved goods make ideal gifts or souvenirs, and are usually of exceptionally good quality. Embroidery is applied to table cloths, bed linens and lots more. The price of these goods depends on how much time has been spent creating them. More detailed pieces are often more expensive due to the work put in.

The Tribal Pan Flute Shop, on Hang Bac, sells authentic ethnic minority products, some of which verge on antique status. It is also possible to find some second hand clothing from the tribes, which are great buys.

Hanoi is the best spot for handicraft shopping in terms of choice; however, it is possible to find a wide range of the same goods in markets in Saigon.