Send a surprise in Hanoi
To send a surprise to someone in Hanoi, post what you want delivered on Surprizia, such as flowers, a cake or a handwritten card, and a local Helper can offer to bring it to their home. Many Hanoi addresses sit down narrow alleys off the Old Quarter streets, so describe the alley number and a nearby lake or landmark.
Country
Vietnam
Time zone
Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh
Currency
VND
Official languages
Vietnamese
Weekend
Saturday & Sunday
Right now in Hanoi
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Gifting occasions in Hanoi
Vietnamese Women's Day
20 October
People often give flowers and cards to the women in their families, friendships and workplaces.
International Women's Day
8 March
Flowers and small gifts are widely exchanged, and florists in the city are usually busy beforehand.
Teachers' Day
20 November
Students traditionally bring flowers and cards to teachers, and former students often send a message too.
Surprise ideas
A bunch of seasonal flowers from the Quang Ba flower market
Hanoi's night flower market has fresh lilies, roses and lotus most of the year, and florists bundle them attractively.
Lotus-scented tea
Lotus tea is a well-known northern speciality that a Helper can carry easily.
A bouquet of seasonal flowers
Lilies, roses and chrysanthemums are common choices for family occasions.
Young green rice flakes in autumn
Wrapped in lotus leaves, this seasonal treat is a classic autumn gift in the capital.
A cake with a handwritten card
A fresh cake suits birthdays and shared meals at home.
Delivery tips for Hanoi
- 1
Hanoi tube houses in the Old Quarter are narrow and tall, so include the floor and the name on the door.
- 2
Alley addresses often use a number for the lane plus a second number for the house, so write both exactly as they appear.
- 3
Hot, humid summers can melt chocolate and soften cakes, so deliver early in the day.
- 4
Motorbike traffic is dense at commuting hours, so agree a delivery window that avoids the late afternoon rush.
- 5
Streets near the lake and the old city can be one-way or closed to traffic at weekends, so a Helper may need to walk the last stretch.
Gift etiquette
Traditionally, people offer and receive gifts with both hands as a sign of respect, especially when elders are involved.
Many families remove their shoes at the door, and a short thank-you message after receiving a gift is appreciated.
Success stories in Hanoi
No stories yet. The first completed surprise in Hanoi can be the first one.
Questions about sending a surprise to Hanoi
›Can I send flowers to someone in Hanoi for Women's Day?
Yes. Post the request with the alley address and a delivery day, and a Helper in Hanoi can offer to buy and bring the bouquet. Note that Vietnam marks both 8 March and 20 October, so say which you mean.
›How do I give a Hanoi alley address so a Helper can find it?
Write the street, the alley number and the house number, then add a visible landmark such as a pagoda or small park. A call from the recipient at the mouth of the alley can help.
›Which flowers travel well across Hanoi in the heat?
Roses, lilies and chrysanthemums last well if kept out of the sun. Ask the Helper to buy them on the day and keep the stems in water during the journey.
›What if a Hanoi family is out when the delivery arrives?
Many homes have a shop or neighbour at street level, so ask the recipient whether they are happy for a neighbour to hold the gift. Your Helper can confirm the plan in chat before setting out.
Send a surprise in Hanoi
Watch this city to be emailed when a helper joins or a request appears, or invite someone you know in Hanoi.