Ha Gallery, add: 18 Pho Hang Trong, Nha Tho Area www.hagallery-vietnam.com
In this busy atelier, half a dozen painters crouch before easels and knock out reproductions of classic paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Edward Hopper's Nighthawks . The quality of the works varies and would never be mistaken for the originals - but, let's face it, you can't afford the originals (these copies cost from US$40). You can also commission portraits of yourself, your sweetheart or your dog


Hanoi Gallery, add: 127 Pho Hang Buom, Old Quarter
For half a century the Communist Party has been driving home its positive, nationalistic message with artistic propaganda posters. You can still uncover appealing gems among this shop's well-picked-through collection of originals. Posters cost from US$50 to US$300.


F Silk, add: 82 Pho Hang Gai, Old Quarter
If you're making the silk shop rounds, make sure you include this super shop, which has an endless selection of well-designed garments.



Dong Phong Art Gallery, add: 14 Pho Ngo Quyen, French Quarter www.dongphonggallery.com
One of Hanoi's best art galleries, this neat shop stands out by selecting a small number of works by serious artists. Owner Pho Hong Long has a discerning eye, is very easy-going, and speaks English well enough to teach you about the current scene. Older works by beaux-arts alumni are also exhibited here. Mr Pho can arrange studio visits with some artists.



Codo Gallery, add: 46 Pho Hang Bong, Old Quarter www.codoartvietnam.com
Refreshingly, not everything exhibited here appears to have been produced in the last year. The collection seems endless, with always another flight of stairs or an unopened door awaiting, but it's worth venturing all the way in. Some of the more intriguing, though perhaps less popular, works are hidden away.


Cocoon, add: 30 Pho Nha Chung, Nha Tho Area
The contemporary designs in this smart and charming little shop are quite striking. Silk garments for women are the mainstay, and these typically update traditional Vietnamese motifs. Many of the pant-and-shirt ensembles feature jazzed-up patterns and florid colours and convey the fluid beauty of the ao dai (Vietnamese national dress) without the formality. Original jewellery is also sold here for very little money.


Coco Silk, add: 37A Van Mieu, Dong Da
This is a high-end shop that sells silk garments for women and men. Contemporary looks are teased out of traditional Vietnamese styles. You can also shop for embroidered curtains, handbags and shoes.


Art Vietnam, 30 Hang Than, Truc Bach, Hanoi www.artvietnamgallery.com
One of Hanoi's most reputable galleries, Art Vietnam is an essential stop for any serious collector. Works by local (and some foreign) artists address contemporary issues of rapidly changing Hanoi. Look for Nguyen The Son's power-line cityscapes, Nguyen Manh Hung's studies of Hanoi traffic and Peter Steinhauer's awesome large-format photographic prints.



Apricot Gallery, add: 40B Pho Hang Bong, Old Quarter www.apricot-artvietnam.com
Many of Hanoi's most accomplished contemporary artists are shown at this immense, multistorey gallery. You're also likely to encounter older works by local masters. A visit is an illuminating and highly hospitable experience.



54 Traditions Gallery, add: 30 Pho Hang Bun, Truc Bach www.54traditions.com
This shop has a mind-boggling collection of antiques from Vietnam's hill-tribe communities. All of it's for sale, but it's worth taking an informed tour of the three floors, especially if co-owner Nguyen Thi Nhung is on hand. She's one of Hanoi's most knowledgeable curators of ethnic crafts, and she will patiently explain any item that strikes your fancy. All purchases are documented for export.


Kenly Silk, add: 108 Pho Hang Gai, Old Quarter
Extravagant and colourful garments make for striking displays on three floors. Designs both light-hearted and chic are designed to sit daintily on shoulders and grab attention. Scarves, shoes, pyjamas, ao dai (Vietnamese national dress) and children's clothing (for apprentice fashion slaves) also are available.



L'image, add: 34 Pho Nha Chung, Nha Tho Area   www.imagevn.com
This brightly lit shop gleams and glitters with the baubles displayed on its shelves. The jewellery is a celebration of beads and metalwork, much of it rather folksy and colourful. If nothing strikes your fancy, peruse the collection of impressive bronze teapots, copper buddhas, lacquered picture frames and other potential gift items.



Infostones Bookshop, add 41 Pho Trang Tien, French Quarter
There are several bookstores along Pho Trang Tien, and most have a few things for English-speaking readers to flip through. This shop is worth checking out for its solid selection of large-format, four-colour books on art, design and architecture.


Hieu Phuc Loi, add: 2B Pho Ta Hien, Old Quarter
Local watercolour artists all have their own stamp with which they sign their works. Such elegantly designed, personalised stamps can be purchased at cluttered little shops such as this one for around ₫35 or more. The designs are hand-carved on wood blocks, and you'll get a red-ink stamp pad along with your purchase. Stick around to watch 'em make yours


Mai cafe, Add: 96 Pho Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District
Vietnamese drip coffee is an acquired taste, and it can be somewhat addictive. You can keep your habit going for a few weeks after returning home if you buy fresh beans or grounds from this fine-smelling establishment. It ain't all that cheap, but if you're still reading, you're probably hard core.

Source: lonelyplanet.com