It would be hard to discuss Hanoi tourism without including Dong Xuan Market. It has stood since the Nguyen Dynasty and is not only a thriving commercial hub but also a cultural and historical icon of Hanoi. The vibrant Dong Xuan Market is located in Vietnam’s northern region. Travelers on Indo China tours should stroll through the market to take in the generally lively environment. Don’t forget to sample the various delectable delicacies here that capture the strong flavors of historic Hanoi.
Dong Xuan Market Location
The Old Quarter of Hanoi, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District is home to the Dong Xuan Market. The primary market area is located in the east, with Dong Xuan Street to the west, Cau Dong Street to the south, and Hang Khoai Street to the north. The market is situated close to Long Bien Railway Station, Hang Ma Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake, about 800 meters away. The Dong Xuan Market can be reached in a variety of ways. For greater convenience, you can ride a motorcycle or use the bus.
Dong Xuan Market History
One of Hanoi’s biggest markets, Dong Xuan Market has been around for hundreds of years and has witnessed numerous ups and downs throughout its existence. Based on records from the past:
- To conduct business with foreigners, the Nguyen Dynasty constructed a market south of the To Lich River in 1804.
- Following the landfilling of the To Lich River in 1889, the French colonial administration moved the market to an empty space in what is now Dong Xuan Ward.\
- The French began construction of Dong Xuan Market, which has a total area of roughly 6,500 square meters, here in 1890.
- The market was reconstructed in 1990.
- Nearly every market booth was burned in a large fire that occurred in 1994.
- The market was reconstructed in 1995. At over 14,000 square meters in all, the market has grown to be the biggest in Hanoi right now, housing roughly 2,000 vendors.
- To honor the soldiers and fellow citizens who gave their lives in 1946 to defend the nation’s capital, the relief “Hanoi in Winter 1946” was somberly placed close to Dong Xuan Market in 2005.
Dong Xuan Market Reviews
The majority of the traders in Dong Xuan Market are from the northern regions. Retail stalls are present, nevertheless. The market is spread across three floors and offers a wide range of goods, such as:
- The first level primarily sells gadgets, clothing, accessories, and shoes that are made in China.
- Clothes and fabrics are sold on the second floor.
- Clothes for babies and other necessities are sold on the third floor.
- In the northern area, food and beverages are served till dusk.
What to Buy in Dong Xuan Market
Similar to other markets in Southeast Asia, Dong Xuan Market features a busy first level where seafood, meat, and vegetables are sold. Fresh flowers from all around Vietnam and a variety of pets (fish, dogs, and cats) are sold in the back portion. Head to the second floor, where a plethora of stalls offering T-shirts, hats, purses, dresses, and accessories await you if you’re looking to buy clothing or souvenirs.
For parents, especially moms, the third floor is a great place to shop for stylish, vibrant clothing for themselves and their kids. Puzzle games, Legos, plush animals, and toys are all offered here. The statement that you can find anything you need at a reasonable price in the market, especially with some skill at haggling, is not hyperbole.
A sizable food court at Dong Xuan Market offers unique regional cuisine for as low as VND 15,000. The fried frog, bun cha, banh cuon, and tiet canh (blood pudding) are all highly recommended delicacies here.
Dong Xuan Alley, located south of the market, also serves up some delectable Hanoi delicacies, like bun cha que tre, goi xoai kho bo, chao suon sun, and banh cuon.
Traditional Dong Ho paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, sand paintings, Binh Da embroidery, and other handicrafts are available for purchase at several neighborhood stores near the market.
Dong Xuan Market Travel Guide & Opening Hours
Every day from early morning until late at night, namely from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, Dong Xuan Market is open. On the other hand, some sellers could set up as early as 4:00 am and remain open until 10:00 pm.
Before visiting Dong Xuan Market, consider the following advice:
- Because of its size, the market is quite large, therefore wearing shoes or sandals will make navigating it easier.
- The market is tucked away in the Old Quarter, so pick an easy way.
- Because the market is usually packed, be mindful of your possessions.
- You should always attempt to haggle in Dong Xuan Market Hanoi to purchase items at a fair price.
As a testament to the long-standing culture and history of the nation’s capital, Dong Xuan Market is arguably the oldest in Hanoi. The market has developed into a national symbol and a must-visit location for visitors to Hanoi.
