Are hang and handpan the same thing? Almost, but the details are worth understanding before you buy. The Hang is the original instrument by the Swiss makers PANArt; handpan is the common name for all similar instruments by other makers. There are very few original Hangs in the world and they cost tens of thousands of euros, while handpans come in thousands of models for any budget.
I went through this myself: first I was confused, then I worked it out, then I opened a shop. In this video I explain everything you need from zero: how it sounds, how it is built and what to look at when you choose.
Improvisation course: 18 short lessons, rock 3/4, eastern Talla 8/8, African 5/8. €35 a month with the first week free, or the whole course for €150.