Markets not only have the basic function of exchanging goods and commercial activities. They are also a place to meet and exchange daily stories, with little cultural and traditional patterns. People go to the market not only for the need of purchase but also to live in a special environment. Therefore, we cannot miss to discover the real daily life of the locals. If you plan to visit Hanoi, don't miss the chance to visit the very special markets here. In this article, we give you a list of the Top 10 most special Hanoi markets.
Being regarded as a symbol of the capital city of Hanoi, it is impossible to ignore Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest covered markets in the north.
According to some records, in 1804, the Nguyen Dynasty built a market in the southern part of the citadel, 800m away from Hoan Kiem Lake to facilitate the arrival of ships to trade. By 1889, the French government had planned and placed all the stores in an empty plot in Dong Xuan district. And then in 1890, they built the market on a total area of 6,500 square metres with French architecture.
Behind the over 100-year-old market, there is also a local market called Bac Qua - Cau Dong. You can combine the Dong Xuan market trip with this vivid local market once you arrive in the area
Quang Ba Flower Market is one of the most famous flower markets in Hanoi and is also considered a cultural beauty of the people of the capital. This is not only a wholesale market that provides fresh flowers to the city, but also a great destination to enjoy the scent of countless flowers.
No one remembers when the market was established; they only know that it has existed for a long time. The market is where flower growers from neighbouring villages gather to sell their flowers.
Hanoi Flea Market was formed during the subsidy period in 1954-1955, so far this is the oldest temporary market in Hanoi still active with an age of over 60 years.
For many Hanoians, the Cho Gioi flea market is associated with memories when they wanted to buy goods out of state-owned commercial stores, not with "stamps," which are issued by the government that allow their owners to buy only a certain regulated amount of basic necessities.
Long Bien Market is located near Long Bien Bridge and in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. The market has been in operation for more than 20 years, proving an important commercial place in Ba Dinh district. When the streets light up, and the residents go to sleep in a completely quiet environment after a busy working day, the market starts its liveliest time. This is probably why many people call the Long Bien market by a special name: the "sleepless" market of Hanoi.
Being a wholesale market, the products traded here are very diverse; especially vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products.
Hang Be Market is not only an odd address for many people in the old town, it is also a place frequently visited by foodies and a daily market for many people. The market is located only hundreds of metres from Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi.
The small market is only a few hundred metres away but is very famous for its ready-made dishes of selected quality, taste delicious as homemade, so they also win over foodies.
On public holidays, especially before Tet - Vietnam's Lunar New Year, Hang Be market is always crowded given the increased demand to buy more beautiful and good dishes to worship the ancestors.
The Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market, also known by many by the name, Dong Xuan Night Market, has been one of the busiest and most interesting places in Hanoi.
The night market in Hanoi's Old Quarter is located on three main streets: Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street and Hang Duong Street, with a total length of about 3km, right in the pedestrian zone in Hoan Kiem District. Therefore, besides seeing souvenirs, cheap clothes,... you could discover many other cultural activities, especially when there are big festivals.
Cho Buoi Market is located in Ke Buoi area (the old name of Tay Ho district and a part of Cau Giay district) is one of the oldest markets in Hanoi that still maintains the operation of a fair.
On the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of the lunar calendar, people in the vicinity come there to sell and buy vegetables, seeds, farm equipment, domestic animals and village handicrafts. It does not matter whether it is sunny or rainy, the market is always full of buyers and sellers for the particularity as a market in the countryside in the middle of the capital Hanoi.
In the market, there is an ancient banyan tree over 100 years old that is a witness to this special market. According to locals, it was the place where buffaloes and cows were tied up, especially at the end of the year.
Cho Hom Market (or Cho Hom Duc Vien) is one of the most famous markets in Hanoi that is an ideal destination for housewife shopping. Here there are almost all items that serve the needs of daily life, from clothes, textiles, food, fresh fruits,...
The most popular item in this market is textiles. Here the designs and types of fabrics are extremely rich. Customers can choose from fabrics for making clothes, blankets, curtains, etc. Fabrics also have many types, from popular to high-class.
Besides textiles, the market is also famous for various kinds of street food. Although the average price is quite high, it is absolutely worth taking these "street foods" for their deliciousness.
Formed since the early 20th century, Hang Luoc Market is the oldest flower market in Hanoi. Gather right in the heart of the Old Quarter, the market is like a fair before Tet, Vietnam's Lunar New Year. Full of the colours of decorations, spring flowers, people go to Hang Luoc market not only to buy items for Tet but also to enjoy the traditional vibe.
Now Hang Luoc market is also extended to Phung Hung street as an exhibition of traditional handicrafts to preserve culture and tradition in the context of modern life.
It is not too strange when we put the ancient quarter in Hanoi in this list. Once upon a time it was called "the land of Ke Cho" meaning a big market for its 36 street guilds, among which each street sold a distinct commodity. Once in Hanoi, whenever you go out, you almost immediately find the item you want without the need to go that far. Stores are scattered everywhere and it really is a huge market.
With globalisation, the area is now a bit touristy but still retains its charming beauty with lots of life, lots of stores, lots of restaurants and even stalls on the sidewalks.
Today, with the development of technology and the increased need to shop without physical moves, there are so many trading platforms in Vietnam now such as Lazada, Shopee, Sendo,... However, traditional markets in Hanoi still have their own position in daily life and especially in the hearts of local people.
