Discovery Series Ornament – Ha Noi

I was lucky enough to receive all 12 Vietnamese ornaments from a friend, released as part of the new collection, and I am excited to share the pictures with you. Interestingly, there is no country ornament or mug for Vietnam just yet – only city releases.

The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Hà Nội takes us to Vietnam’s capital, a city with more than a thousand years of recorded history. Hanoi became the imperial capital of Đại Việt in 1010 under the name Thăng Long and remained an important political and cultural center through successive dynasties. Today, the city mixes ancient landmarks, colonial-era neighborhoods, lakes, tree-lined streets, and modern development while preserving many traditions that give Hanoi its distinctive character.

Here are some of the landmarks, traditions, and events featured in the design:

– The Hanoi Flag Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable historic structures. Built in the early 19th century during the Nguyễn Dynasty, the tower stands within the former Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long complex. Unlike many nearby structures that disappeared during the colonial period, the tower survived and remains an important symbol of Hanoi.

– The elegant pavilion is Khuê Văn Các, located inside the Temple of Literature. Built in 1805, the small two-story structure is known for its distinctive circular windows and graceful traditional architecture. It has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Hanoi’s long connection with education, literature, and scholarship.

– The Sidewalk Culture (Văn Hóa Vỉa Hè) is an essential part of everyday life in Hanoi. Small plastic stools, street-food vendors, tea stalls, cafés, and informal gatherings turn the sidewalks into lively social spaces throughout the day. Eating, drinking, chatting, and simply watching the city go by from the pavement is a familiar part of the Hanoi experience.

– Hanoi’s seasonal flowers add color to the city throughout the year. Peach blossoms appear around Tết, lilies arrive in spring and early summer, lotus flowers are associated with the warmer months, while the distinctive scent of hoa sữa is closely tied to autumn. Flower vendors carrying baskets or bicycles filled with fresh blooms are also a familiar sight on Hanoi’s streets.

– The Hanoi Open Dragon Boat and SUP Racing Championship adds a modern sporting element to the city’s long connection with its lakes and waterways. The event brings together traditional dragon boat racing and stand-up paddleboarding, with teams competing on the water in a lively public celebration. The boats and paddlers shown on the ornament fit this event particularly well.