Art & Craft shopping in Hanoi

Art Vietnam

Address: 30 Hang Than Truc Bach

Website: www.artvietnamgallery.com

Phone: 04 3927 2349

Hours: 10:00-17:00

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.

Dong Phong Art Gallery

Address: 14 Pho Ngo Quyen French Quarter

Website: www.dongphonggallery.com

Phone: 04 3936 0481

Hours: 10:00-20:00

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.

Oriental Gallery

Address: 46 Pho Le Thai To Hoan Kiem Lake

Phone: 04 928 5747

Hours: 10:00-21:00

Facing Hoan Kiem Lake, this gallery isn't as big as the Hang Gai establishments, and some of the works aren't as polished. Many of the artists are less well known, and some are perhaps more interested in taking chances than carving niches. These differences actually work in Oriental Gallery's favour. It's definitely worth a look.

Ha Gallery

Address: 18 Pho Hang Trong Nha Tho Area

Website:www.hagallery-vietnam.com

Phone: 04 928 7164

Hours: 09:00-20:00

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.

Hieu Phuc Loi

Address: 2B Pho Ta Hien Old Quarter

Phone: 04 928 0965

Hours: 09:00-21:00

Local watercolor artists all have their own stamp with which they sign their works. Such elegantly designed, personalized 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.