Almost two decades ago, there were fewer than five shopping malls in Hanoi. But as Vietnam’s capital city evolved socially and economically, big malls and retail stores sprouted in recent years. Today, there are nearly 50 small and large malls across Hanoi’s districts. Vietnamese go to the mall not just to shop, but also to dine, watch movies or simply take a relaxing stroll.
Here are five malls worth visiting and shopping in Hanoi.
Trang Tien Plaza
If you were born in Hanoi, it feels like Trang Tien Plaza has always been there since the dawn of time. Located in a central spot, right near the icon of Hanoi, Guom Lake, it is one of the most visited malls in Hanoi. The story of Trang Tien began over a century ago, in 1901, when it was first built by the French with the name “Maison Godard.”
In 2002, it was rebuilt and renamed “Trang Tien Plaza.” With luxurious architectural styles, the mall has established itself as a go-to place for high-end brands, such as Rolex, Chanel, Gucci, Cartier, Tiffany&Co., and Burberry. Compared to other shopping malls, Trang Tien Plaza only has a few restaurants and a cinema.
Location: 24 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District
Vincom Center Ba Trieu
In every district in Hanoi, there is at least one Vincom. Vincom’s fast expansion and popularity among Hanoians are incomparable. But it all started with Vincom Center Ba Trieu. My childhood years were filled with vivid memories of going to this particular mall. Every Christmas, I still remember people would be mesmerized by the giant, sparkling, and beautifully decorated Christmas tree out front.
There are over 120 famous brands, ranging from fashion, interior design to jewelry and cosmetics. Vincom Ba Trieu also has a reputation for having an interesting game center, attracting millions of teenagers and children. A wide variety of restaurants and cafes are available at Vincom Center Ba Trieu.
Location: 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District
AEON Mall Long Bien
AEON Mall Long Bien opened its doors in Hanoi in 2015, becoming the third mall under the Japanese retail brand in Vietnam. My impression of AEON Mall is that it is a mall for everyone. It only features a few luxury brands and has a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés here. In addition, there is also an AEON General Merchandise Store, a favorite supermarket among locals around here.
Thanks to the development of the Long Bien district in recent years, the attention towards AEON Mall Long Bien never died down, even increasing with thousands of visitors to the mall every day. Four years after the opening of AEON Mall Long Bien, the second AEON Mall opened in Ha Dong District.
Location: 27 Co Linh Street, Long Bien District
LOTTE Department Store
With the appearance of the famous K-Pop group Girls' Generation to Vietnam, LOTTE Department Store has made quite a big debut in 2014. The mall has six floors filled with fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, housewares, and home appliance brands, alongside restaurants and cafés. As it is a part of LOTTE Group, you can also enjoy Angel in us Coffee on the first floor, Lotteria and LOTTE Mart on the B1 floor.
When you come to LOTTE Department Store, I suggest a visit to the Sky Walk on the 65th floor. This floor is covered with glass, giving off that “floating on the sky” feeling. You can see the whole city from the top. To get to this special location, you need to go to the first basement and buy a ticket for VND 180,000 to go to the 65th floor.
Location: 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District
Indochina Plaza
Indochina Plaza (or IPH) has an office, a housing area, and a shopping center all in one. Thus, the shopping center at IPH is aimed to serve its residents as well as locals nearby. The majority of its five floors are dedicated to food and drink, especially in the first two. The third floor focuses on household products and services.
On the fourth floor, there is a cinema and a gym. Nonetheless, you can still find clothing brands at IPH but most of them are not luxury brands, but medium range. Mini retail stores such as Miniso, L's Place, and Aeon Citimart can be found inside IPH.
Location: 241 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay District