The other day when I made a video in Vietnamese about ‘how to follow sustainable fashion in Vietnam‘, I realised that I had followed sustainable fashion since I was 18. But, of course, at that time, I had no idea about shopping second-hand clothes related to sustainable fashion.
I was a students I bought most of my clothes from this market. That’s why one of my favourite things to do when I lived in Hanoi was shopping in one of the second-hand clothes markets.
While you are in Hanoi, you probably want to know what should you buy here. Here are at least 5 things you can shop in Hanoi
1. Here are three popular second-hand clothes markets in Hanoi you can check out
1.1. Kim Lien Second-hand Clothes Market in Hanoi
Kim Lien market is one of the oldest second-hand markets in Hanoi. Some shops own by many generations in the family. It is very popular in Hanoi for second hand fashion, from clothes and accessories to handbags. Item prices are various, starting from VND 35,000 (US$ 1,5). Really good quality items cost around VND 500,000 (US$ 25).
Kim Lien Market – the Second-hand Clothes market in Hanoi is not only popular with Hanoian people, it is a wholesale place for small shops around Hanoi and other provinces of Vietnam.
Address in Vietnamese:
Chợ Hàng Thùng Kim Liên
23 Lương Đình Của, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
English:
Kim Lien Second-hand Clothes Market
23 Luong Dinh Cua Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 8AM – 10 PM
If you are visiting Hanoi, the best way to get there is to catch a ‘Xe ôm’ – a motorbike taxi or a taxi. An easy option is giving the driver Vietnamese address.
Tips for shopping second-hand clothes in the markets:
Bargain Hard! if there is no price tags on the items. When I shopped I often bargained to get the best price especially when I bought many items in one shop.
I asked for a discount if I bought more than one item. The shopkeepers will give you a price they want, then you can ask for another 20% off. Or go for the nearest round number.
For instance, if you buy three items, they will say VND 120,000 (US$6). How about VND 100,000? It depends on how you feel about the quality of the items you pick. You could always leave them and go back to get them later if they did not agree with your offered prices. In my experience, the minute you leave the shop, they will tell you the money they want.
The shops with price tags on the items are often very strict about bargaining. But you can still offer a 20% discount if you buy more than one item. I would, smile and offer the money I want to pay for.
1.2. Dang Van Ngu Second-hand Clothes Market
This market has variety of styles especially for women. You will have a lot of choice here. The prices are reasonable, the shopkeepers often tell you the price that they want.
While you are shopping here, remember to check your items carefully before purchasing. Clothes in this market sometimes can be low quality. So check it before you purchase.
Address in Vietnamese:
Chợ Hàng Thùng Đặng Văn Ngữ
Ngõ 75 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Đống Đa, Hà Nội,
Address in English:
Dang Van Ngu Second-hand Clothes Market
Lane 75 Dang Van Ngu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM.
1.3. Hang Da Market in Hanoi
Hang Da Market – a second-hand clothes market in Hanoi is located Hanoi Old Quarter. if you are travelling in Hanoi there is a high chance that you will stay somewhere in this area.
The styles of clothes in this market focus on middle age customers. If you stay in a hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake, you can easily walk to this market. Clothes in this market are better quality compared to two other markets, therefore, the prices are higher than the above markets.
This market is well-known for bargaining. You need to bargain hard in this market because the shopkeepers in this market often will give you a very high price. If you love bargaining this will be the place for you to have fun. Start with 50% off from the quote and see how you go. Personally, I don’t like to go to this market.
Address in Vietnamese:
Chợ Hàng Da
Hàng Da, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Address in English:
Hang Da Market
Hang Da Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 8 PM – 6 PM
1.4. Hami Shop
Hami Shop – New & Second-hand clothes shop is located in Hanoi Old Quarter. Mrs. Nhung – the owner of the shop is friendly and very helpful.
Hami Shop has a variety of products. Clothes come in different sizes. I often see international tourists shopping for clothes and handbags here.
Handbags in Hami Shop probably are my favourite. They often are real leather handbags, you are lucky you might get a handbag of luxury brands here.
Address in Vietnamese:
Hami Shop – New & 2hand
30 Đào Duy Từ – Hàng Buồm – Hoàn Kiếm – HN
Address in English:
Hami Shop – New & 2hand
30 Dao Duy Tu Steret, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
General tips for shopping in Hanoi:
In Vietnamese culture, the first customer of the day is very important. We believe it will determine how the business will go for the rest of the day. So, I would avoid shopping in the early morning. After 10 AM would be perfect. I don’t want to mess up with the shopkeepers. They might be furious if you bargain and then you don’t purchase after they agree with your price.
2. Vintage Stores Hanoi
Vintage clothes often define as second hand shop in Vietnam. However, not every second-hand shop will help you with the vintage styles. Many vintage stores has both new and second hand products.
Three Best Vintage Stores in Hanoi
2.1. The Mint – Vintage store in Hanoi
The Mint Vintage Store has particular styles from Korea, Japan and Europe. The first thing you recognise when you step into the store is well-displayed.
The store is merchandised in order. For example, basic shirts in one section, printed shirt in other section and so on.
The price range is from VND100,000 to VND 400,000 (around US$5 – US$ 18).
Address in Vietnamese:
The Mint – 266 Thái Hà, Hà Nội
English:
The Mint – 266 Thai Ha Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM.
2.2. Magenta Vintage in Hanoi
Magenta Vintage is open in 2012 with distinctive styles, located in Hanoi Old Quarter. The Magenta vintage store focuses on a loose style with big sizes and extra length. This could be an ideal store if you think your size is bigger than most of sizes in Vietnam.
Magenta Vintage Store also sells handbags, accessories, and shoes. The price range is from VND 100,000 (US$5).
Address in Vietnamese:
Magenta Vintage – Tầng 2, số 6 Hàng Đậu, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Address in English:
Magenta Vintage – Level 2, no 6 Hang Dau Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
2.3. Vintage Boutique in Hanoi
Vintage Boutique is a popular place for shirts, skirts, and unique knitwear styles. Many of its customers love the styles suggested by the stores. They often buy whole outfits set in the shop.
The price range is very reasonable in Vintage Boutique store from VND 100,000 to VND 200,000 (US$ 5 – US$ 10).
Address in Vietnamese:
Vintage Boutique
Số 7 ngõ 121 Chùa Láng, Hà Nội
Số 932 Đường Láng, Hà Nội
Address in English:
Add 1: Vintage Boutique – No 7 Lane 121 Chua Lang street,
Add 2: No 932 Lang Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
