While there are many souvenirs you can take home to remind you of the journeys you take, we recommend you get yourself an ao dai–the Vietnamese national costume. If you’re worried about it just sitting in your wardrobe–don’t. It’s a beautiful outfit that can be worn on special occasions and even casually. Do you know where to buy Ao Dai in Hanoi, Vietnam? Here are the best spots you can get your hands on an ao dai.
Contents
Where to Buy Ao Dai in Hanoi, Vietnam
Ao Dai Minh Duc
Ao Dai Minh Duc specializes in designing and making traditional ao dais and is a great brand when it comes to both quality and price. At Minh Duc, you will have your ao dai hand-embroidered by the extremely adept tailoring team who are also wonderful hosts. They do sell off-the-rack ao dais made in store if you are short on time, but to get one tailored, it will take about 3-5 days. Depending on the material you want your outfit to be (silk, velvet, etc.) and the complexity of the texture and patterns on the dress, the price will vary, but expect to pay over US$100.00 for a piece.
In addition to ao dais, you will see many beautiful traditional gowns on display too, and you can get these tailored as well, along with shirts, wedding dresses and evening gowns. Browse their Facebook page to check their stunning selection of items. You really are spoiled for choice here, and you can not go wrong with Ao Dai Minh Duc.
41 Đặng Tiến Đông, Trung Liệt, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam, +84 24 6276 2064
Ao Dai Thanh Mai
Ao Dai Thanh Mai has been operational for over 10 years in the city and has earned a reputation for being one of the best ao dai makers in town. Thanh Mai offers a wide range of styles that range from the more traditional ao dai to those with a contemporary look. Lace and other materials, sleeveless or not, you can browse their website for your preference.
Besides making custom-made ao dais, Thanh Mai also offers rental services, allowing you to rent a piece for a few days at a price. Usually renting an ao dai will cost you from VND$150,000 (USD$7.00) – VND$500,000 (USD$22.00).
428 Bạch Mai, Trương Định, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam, +84 24 2212 2859
Van Phuc Silk Trade Village
Van Phuc was established over a century ago and is located five miles (eight kilometers) southwest of Hanoi’s center. It is a village associated with traditional silk weaving and high-quality products and is one of the most visited craft villages in Vietnam, quite similar to Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An. Products from Van Phuc are exported countrywide, regionally, and even to the European market.
Shops in Van Phuc sell many products made of silk, such as shirts, dresses, blouses, and of course, ao dais, and all of these are made by local artisans using traditional looms. Other souvenirs such as bedding and tablecloths can be found here too. What’s great is that ao dais can be bought here for as low as USD$15.00.
Vạn Phúc, Hà Đông, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Luong Van Can Street
The Old Quarter in Hanoi City has is many ao dai stores along its 16 streets. Luong Van Can street is just 980 feet (300 meters) in length, but all shops here seem to sell ao dais. Products in the shops are different from materials, designs, styles, and prices. The cheapest ao dai has a price of about 350,000 VND (15 USD) and the more expensive ones can go upwards of about 4,700,000 VND (200 USD). Because shops are located in the Old Quarter, which is full of tourists, bargaining is a necessary thing. If you do not have a lot of time and are in a hurry to get yourself an ao dai, Luong Van Can street is where you should head to.
Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Thai Tuan Showroom
As one of the beautiful long dresses that many people believe, Thai Tuan shops have a variety of designs and colors. You can choose silk fabric, smooth textiles, patterns, motifs … of Thai Tuan with soft material, smooth, light, elastic and not fade. The price of cloth is about 250,000 VND / set.
72 Hue St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Tel: (024) 39439097.
