Dong Xuan Market - One of the Best Market in Hanoi You Should Visit

Ben Thanh market is famous in Saigon, while Dong Xuan market holds cultural significance and is an intriguing tourist spot in Hanoi. Visiting Dong Xuan market allows you to shop for diverse products, enjoy tasty dishes, and have many memorable experiences. Izitour will give you a travel guide so that you can make the most of your time in Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.

1. Dong Xuan market address

Dong Xuan Market, located in Hanoi's Old Quarter, is a popular and bustling market in the Dong Xuan District, Hanoi. It covers an area of 6500m2, with 3 floors and 5 arcades, surrounded by the busiest streets in the city. To the east is Dong Xuan Alley, to the west is Dong Xuan Street, to the south is Cau Dong Street, and to the north is Hang Khoai Street. The market is conveniently situated just 800 metres away from Hoan Kiem Lake, near Long Bien Station and Hang Ma Street, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing and travel. Over the years, Dong Xuan Market has become a favourite destination for tourists due to its historical charm, delicious food, and wide variety of products.

2. Dong Xuan market opening hours

Dong Xuan Market opens every day of the week from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. As for the food area in Dong Xuan Alley, it is open until dawn the next morning. In particular, on weekends (Friday through Sunday), Dong Xuan Market opens until 10:30 p.m. for tourists freely shopping until late night.

3. History of Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, also known as Cho Lon, is a long-standing wholesale market. It was established by the Nguyen Dynasty around 1804 to help trading ships, and later in 1889, the French government organised all the stores in an empty area in Dong Xuan district after filling in Thai Cuc Lake and To Lich River.

In 1890, the French constructed a market covering 6,500 m2 with distinctive French architecture featuring 5 triangular sections with honeycomb holes, 5 bridges, and 5 arches. Around 1990, the market underwent renovations, reducing its size by removing 2 rows on each side and leaving only 3 central rows. It was then reconstructed as a 3-story building.

In 1995, Dong Xuan Market was rebuilt with added safety features like emergency stairs, fire fighting systems, and ventilation. This expansion brought the market's area to 14,000 m2 and provided approximately 2,000 stalls, making it the largest and most modern market in Hanoi, the capital city. In 2005, a bas-relief named "Hanoi in the Winter of 1946" was erected beside the market to honour the brave compatriots and soldiers who fought heroically to defend the capital.

4. What to do in Dong Xuan market?

Enjoy shopping during day time

Dong Xuan market is a very popular shopping destination, known for being the biggest wholesale market in the North. The market is divided into 3 different floors.

• The first floor offers fashion items like clothes, shoes, sandals, purses, bags, and home electronics for both wholesale and retail. Textiles and clothes are also abundant on this floor.
• The second floor is for wholesale and retail of clothing and fabrics for adults.
• The third floor is dedicated to products for children and babies. Many of the goods come from China, making them reasonably priced, but it's important to be selective to ensure good quality purchases.
• Behind the market: people selling birds, pets and related paraphernalia.
• Bac Qua Market area: food stalls serving customers street food until dawn the next morning.

Dong Xuan market has 3 floors

Variety of shops inside the building

Taste Dong Xuan market food

Visiting the market, an interesting experience you cannot miss is enjoying the local food. Around the market are bustling streets, selling a variety of dishes. Dong Xuan market offers you from snacks to main dishes, so yummy to taste. Fill your stomach in this cuisine paradise before leaving Vietnam. Some Hanoi specialties that you should try when coming here are: Chao suon (rib porridge), Bun rieu (crab noodles), Pho tiu (sweet sour noodles), Sticky rice, Shrimp cake, Che (sweet soup).

Bun Cha - a specialty of Hanoi

Stroll around weekend Dong Xuan night market

The Dong Xuan night market opens on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Make sure to remember the timing if you plan to visit. The market offers a wide range of products, and it's also known for its delicious food and beverages. It's like a food lover's paradise.

Dong Xuan night market also known as biggest Hanoi night market

Hang out with your friends

Hanging out with friends and beloved ones at Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi brings immense joy and happiness. It's a popular spot among young people to socialise and enjoy tasty food. Besides famous landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake and Uncle Ho's mausoleum, the market itself is a well-known tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually.

5. Extra notes

• You should choose a suitable means of transportation when visiting Dong Xuan Market. You may get lost and lose a lot of time because the market is located in the old town.
• Be sure to carefully protect your bags and personal belongings to avoid theft.
• Ask the price before buying, and don't be afraid to negotiate at the market

So Izitour has just shared with you the experience of travelling to Dong Xuan market. We hope this useful information will help you make your trip here more complete and interesting.

>> See our suggestions for 1-day excursions in Hanoi

Source of photo: Internet