When talking about experiencing local culture in Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi. As the biggest market in the capital of Vietnam, it is a symbol, a traditional feature, and a pride of all Hanoians and a must-visit destination for all tourists. Read on for our local and detailed guide to this special market.
A General View of Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Dong Xuan market in Hanoi is one of the biggest wholesale markets in the north of Vietnam. The market is more than 100 years old and has always been a familiar place for traders from all over the country. With such a bustling atmosphere and a variety of products being sold, tourists can expect to experience a distinct lifestyle imbued with Hanoi’s culture and history.
The market was founded in 1889 by the French under the Nguyen Dynasty. Since its construction, the Dong Xuan market in Hanoi has experienced many historical events, the most significant of which is the massive fire in 1994, which almost obliterated the market and caused the government about a 4.5 million USD loss. Then, it was rebuilt in its original form and maintained to be Hanoi’s busiest commercial location until now.
Dong Xuan market in Hanoi consists of three stories and covers an area of approximately 9,600 square meters. It has three main entrance doors in the front, two other doors on both sides, and two staircases leading to the upper levels. Inside the market, the dorm’s architectural style is evident, with a water fountain right in the center of the ground floor. When entering the market from the main entrance, there are two elevators on the left and five other staircases.
How to Get to Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
Dong Xuan market is located on Dong Xuan Street, right in Hanoi Old Quarter, just about 600 kilometers from Hoan Kiem Lake. Therefore, tourists likely have several transportation choices to get there.
Traveling to Dong Xuan Market by Bus
There is a bus stop in front of the market’s main entrance. You can check the list in the picture below to find the right bus to get to the market. This can be the most economical and convenient means of transportation, but remember to prepare changes for bus tickets and don’t bring too many belongings.
Traveling to Dong Xuan Market by Taxis/Motorbike Taxis
Grabbing a taxi on the road is fine, but if possible, try to use mobile apps such as Grab or Gojek (a Vietnamese app to call motorbikes) to avoid dangerous scams and get cheaper deals.
Walking to Dong Xuan Market
Since the market is in Hanoi Old Quarter, it would be best if tourists could experience it along with other destinations nearby and save money on transportation.
When to Visit Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
The market opens from 8 AM to 6 PM daily and will mostly be crowded all day. However, due to the intense heat of the summer, coming in the afternoon or early morning might be better. On the weekends, from Friday to Sunday, there is also a Dong Xuan night market on the same street, but instead of an indoor market, it is an air-opened walking market.
The night market’s opening hours are 7 PM—12:30 AM (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
What to Do at Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
Dong Xuan market in Hanoi is known as the most crowded market. It offers numerous kinds of goods, from dried food such as sweets and wine to fresh food, household items, and signature Hanoi souvenirs. The market is very diverse and suitable for any interest. Moreover, its structure is designed to create the most accessible routes for everyone.
Besides purchasing souvenirs and exploring the local market culture, tourists can taste some awesome food in Dong Xuan Alley, which is located in the South of the market.
Tourists can try other great Hanoi specialties in this alley, such as dried beef salad, vermicelli and noodles soup, shrimp cakes, and so on.
Check out more fun things to do in Hanoi:
Klook.comLocal Tips to Visit Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
- The market is mostly very crowded, and security is quite complicated, so keep an eye on all your belongings and do not bring too much money or personal documents to avoid pickpockets.
- The shop owners inside the market can be quite aggressive and annoyed when tourists look at the goods or ask for prices and bargains but end up not buying. To avoid awkward moments, it is advisable to visit with a group of friends or a local tour guide.
- Tourists should also consider the most suitable ways to get to the market. Private vehicles are not recommended since it is hard to find somewhere to park, and the parking fee can be unreasonably high; for example, the parking fee for motorbikes is usually VND 10,000 a time.
- If you plan to shop in the Dong Xuan market in Hanoi, do some research and, if possible, ask the locals for information to ensure that prices are fair.
Our Take on Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
Although it has existed for more than 100 years, the Dong Xuan market in Hanoi is still a vivid witness to its history. The bustling trading activities here create a cultural ambiance and lifestyle in the heart of Hanoi.