Dong Xuan market Hanoi: Complete guide to Hanoi’s Old Quarter bazaar, food, and souvenirs

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market in the city and a must-visit destination for travelers. More than just a shopping hub, it offers a unique glimpse into the local culture, history, and daily life of Hanoi. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Dong Xuan Market promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vietnam’s capital.

Introduction to Dong Xuan Market Vietnam

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is not only the largest indoor market in the city but also a historic symbol of the capital’s vibrant trade culture. With its spacious halls, high vaulted ceilings, and over 2,000 stalls, the market is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to fully experience Hanoi’s culture, cuisine, and bustling commercial life.

Introduction to Dong Xuan Market Vietnam

Built in 1889 during the French colonial period, Dong Xuan Market carries significant historical value. It witnessed the 1947 battle and endured a major fire in 1994, after which it was reconstructed and expanded while preserving its unique blend of Asian and European architectural styles. The combination of history and modern activity makes the market a perfect place to explore culture and find unique souvenirs, from silk and ceramics to handcrafted items.

Dong Xuan Market is famous not just for its size but also for its diversity and lively atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling crowds, sample Hanoi’s street food specialties, from pho and bun cha to traditional snacks. It is also an ideal spot to discover rare items and feel the vibrant trade culture unique to Hanoi.

In short, for anyone wanting to truly experience the life, culture, and cuisine of Hanoi, Dong Xuan Market is an essential stop on your journey through the capital.
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Essential information you need to know before visiting Hanoi Dong Xuan market

When planning a visit to Dong Xuan Market, the first thing you should know is its location. The market is situated in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, in Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, just about 600 - 800 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. Thanks to this convenient location, visitors can easily combine a trip to other famous spots in the Old Quarter such as Hang Ma, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao streets, or Long Bien Bridge, while also experiencing the bustling atmosphere around the market.

Getting there

Next, it’s important to understand how to get to Dong Xuan Market.

Dong Xuan market direction

• On foot: If you are already in the Old Quarter, walking to the market is a convenient and enjoyable option, allowing you to admire the streets and immerse yourself in the local daily life.
• Taxi or ride-hailing services: Easily accessible from anywhere in the city center, with popular services like Mai Linh or Vinasun.
• Bus: Some bus routes, including numbers 01, 14, 31, stop near the market, which is suitable if you want to save on transportation costs.
• Cyclo (bicycle taxi): A unique way to experience Hanoi’s traditional transportation style.

Opening hours and entrance fee

Finally, pay attention to the Dong Xuan market opening hours and entrance information to plan your visit accordingly.

Dong Xuan market opening times

• Day market: Open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Weekend night market: Open from Friday to Sunday, from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Entrance fee: Free; you only need to bring cash for shopping and food.

With this information, visitors can easily plan their trip to Dong Xuan Market, save time, and fully enjoy the shopping, culinary delights, and unique cultural experiences that Hanoi has to offer.

What you can find at Dong Xuan market

Visiting Dong Xuan Market is like stepping into the vibrant heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The market is vast, bustling, and full of surprises, offering a mix of shopping, cultural experiences, and street food. To help you explore efficiently, here’s a guide to what you can find at each area of the market and how to make the most of your visit.

Fresh food and local specialties (Ground Floor)

As you enter the market, the ground floor immediately draws attention with its lively stalls selling fresh produce. Here, you can explore vegetables, fruits, seafood, meat, poultry, and traditional spices. Visitors also have the chance to discover regional specialties such as fermented fish, dried snacks, and traditional sweets or desserts - perfect for souvenirs.

Fashion and accessories (Second Floor)

After exploring the ground floor, head to the second floor, which is dedicated to fashion and accessories. You’ll find clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, and various accessories ranging from affordable items to higher-end products.

Fashion on the second floor of Dong Xuan market in Hanoi

Don’t forget to try on traditional or modern outfits and engage in friendly bargaining with vendors, giving you a real sense of Hanoi’s shopping culture. This area is also ideal for picking up unique gifts or souvenirs.

Fabrics and handicrafts (Second and Third Floors)

Also on the second and third floors, you’ll find a variety of fabrics, silk, traditional ao dai, scarves, and handicrafts such as ceramics, bamboo products, and conical hats. These sections are particularly appealing for those interested in traditional Vietnamese culture and craftsmanship.

Fabrics

You can purchase silk or handcrafted items as keepsakes while observing the intricate techniques used by artisans. It’s also a great spot for photography with vibrant and authentic backdrops.

Household items and stationery (Ground and Second Floors)

The market also features stalls selling household goods, kitchenware, small electronics, and stationery, spread across the ground and second floors. This area caters to local daily needs and offers visitors a chance to explore a wide range of practical products.

Night market and street food (Outdoor area)

On weekend evenings, the area outside the market transforms into a vibrant night market, featuring hundreds of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and street food. Visitors can enjoy Hanoi’s famous dishes such as pho, bun cha, nem ran, banh cuon, and sweet desserts, all amid colorful lanterns, lively crowds, and the bustling atmosphere.

Cho Dong Xuan market street food

End your visit by wandering through the night market, sampling local delicacies, and soaking up the lights, sounds, and energy - a truly unforgettable experience at Dong Xuan Market.

What to eat at Dong Xuan market

Dong Xuan Market is not only famous for shopping but also serves as a street food paradise, where visitors can enjoy Hanoi’s signature dishes at reasonable prices. It’s a perfect place for both tourists and locals to experience the city’s culinary culture.

Hanoi Pho

Pho is a must-try when visiting the market. Many traditional pho stalls on the ground floor serve clear, flavorful broth with soft rice noodles and thinly sliced beef or chicken. A bowl of pho typically costs around 40,000 - 60,000 VND, making it an affordable and satisfying breakfast to start your day of exploration.

Bun Cha and fried spring rolls

Bun Cha and fried spring rolls

Dong Xuan Market’s bun cha stands out with charcoal-grilled pork patties and a perfectly balanced dipping sauce. Crispy fried spring rolls are also an ideal snack while walking around the market. Each portion of bun cha or spring rolls usually costs between 50,000 - 70,000 VND, offering a delicious taste of Hanoi without breaking the budget.

Banh cuon and bun thang

Small stalls in the market sell banh cuon, soft steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with quail sausage and sweet-sour fish sauce. Bun thang is another delicacy, combining egg, pork sausage, shrimp, and fresh herbs for a delicate yet flavorful experience. Prices for a serving of banh cuon or bun thang range from 35,000 - 55,000 VND, making it both affordable and worth trying.

Sweet desserts and che

To finish your culinary journey, try traditional Vietnamese desserts, such as green bean che, taro che, mixed che, or floating rice dumpling che. Each serving usually costs 15,000 - 25,000 VND, allowing you to sample multiple flavors without spending much. You can also find simple candies and Northern specialties to take home as souvenirs.

Che - sweet soup

When exploring Dong Xuan Market’s food scene, it’s a good idea to bring cash, as most stalls do not accept cards. Sampling dishes from several different vendors allows you to experience a wider range of flavors and better understand local culinary culture. Choosing busy stalls ensures the food is fresh, well-prepared, and reasonably priced, making your food adventure both safe and enjoyable. With affordable prices, a wide variety of dishes, and a lively atmosphere, Dong Xuan Market is the perfect place to fully immerse yourself in Hanoi’s street food culture.

Dong Xuan market what to buy

When visiting Dong Xuan Market, besides shopping and enjoying the local cuisine, tourists can find a wide range of souvenirs that reflect the culture of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam. These gifts are thoughtful, meaningful, and perfect for friends, family, or colleagues.

Local specialty foods

Local specialty foods

Regional specialties such as fermented fish, dried seafood, traditional sweets, candies, and lotus seeds usually cost anywhere from a few dozen to around one hundred thousand VND, depending on the type. When choosing these items, it’s a good idea to check the expiration date and packaging, and opt for stalls that are busy with customers to ensure freshness and quality. These compact, easy-to-carry gifts are meaningful and practical.

Handicrafts and souvenirs

Souvenirs in Dong Xuan market

The second and third floors of the market are filled with handicrafts like ceramics, conical hats, bamboo and rattan products, small statues, and embroidered art pieces. These items are visually appealing and carry cultural value, making them perfect souvenirs to preserve a part of Vietnam’s artistic heritage. When buying, observe the material, color, and craftsmanship carefully to select high-quality handmade products.

Fabrics and traditional clothing

For more practical gifts, visitors can choose silk fabrics, scarves, ao dai, or ethnic textiles. Prices vary depending on the material and size, but they are generally affordable. Checking the stitching and fabric quality will help you select items that are both beautiful and durable, reflecting thoughtfulness when gifting.

Jewelry and accessories

Dong Xuan Market also offers many stalls selling jewelry, handbags, hats, and small accessories, ideal for easy-to-carry souvenirs. When purchasing, consider elegant designs, bright colors, and sturdy details to ensure your gift is attractive and long-lasting.

Jewelry and accessories at Dong Xuan market

When shopping at the market, it’s recommended to bring cash and be prepared to bargain, as negotiating is part of the local shopping experience. Choosing busy stalls ensures both quality and fair pricing, while carefully inspecting the products allows you to bring home gifts that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, truly representing Hanoi’s culture.

With a wide variety of products, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere, Dong Xuan Market is an ideal destination to experience local culture while selecting unique and meaningful souvenirs.

Dong Xuan night market

The Dong Xuan Night Market is a must-visit experience when coming to Hanoi, especially on weekends. Beyond shopping, it offers a lively and colorful space where tourists can explore Hanoi’s unique culture and street food in the evening.

Dong Xuan night market

Bustling atmosphere and vibrant colors

As dusk falls, the area outside Dong Xuan Market comes alive with hundreds of stalls stretching along the streets. Colorful lights, souvenirs, clothing, bags, accessories, and handicrafts create a dynamic and lively environment, attracting both locals and visitors. Walking through the night market allows tourists to feel the energetic pulse of Hanoi at night, offering a different vibe from the daytime hustle.

Street food experience

The night market is an ideal spot to enjoy Hanoi’s street food. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls, banh cuon, shrimp cakes, and various types of che (sweet desserts). Prices are affordable, ranging from about 15,000 to 70,000 VND per dish, making it easy to try multiple flavors without spending much. Enjoying street food here also offers a lively and authentic taste of local culinary culture.

Souvenirs and handmade items

In addition to food, the night market features many stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, handbags, conical hats, and small handicrafts. This is a great opportunity for tourists to purchase unique and thoughtful gifts that are easy to carry and reflect Hanoi’s cultural identity. Take your time walking through the stalls, observe product quality carefully, and choose busy vendors to ensure that your purchases are both beautiful and high-quality.

Tips for visiting the Dong Xuan night market

For the best experience, visit on weekends (Friday to Sunday) when the night market is at its busiest, from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Bring cash, bargain politely, and keep an eye on your belongings to ensure a smooth and safe visit. By taking your time to explore, taste the food, and shop for souvenirs, you’ll fully enjoy the lively colors, bustling atmosphere, and unique flavors that make Dong Xuan Night Market an unforgettable destination.

Luxury stay at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

After a day exploring Dong Xuan Market and nearby attractions, unwind in style at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa. This 4-star hotel is conveniently located at 62 Chau Long Street, just 600 meters from West Lake and a 10-minute walk to the Old Quarter, offering the perfect retreat in the heart of Hanoi.

Luxury stay at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

Highlights:

Modern, comfortable rooms with city or West Lake views.

• Nón Skybar on the rooftop, ideal for enjoying cocktails while watching the sunset.
• Infinity Pool with panoramic city views.
• GạoTa Dining serving contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.
• L’iên Spa providing professional relaxation treatments.

Special Offers:

• Up to 25% off on premium room categories.
• Mid-season promotion - Tonkin Experience Package from August 16 to September 15.
• 20% discount for guests booking during the hotel’s launch period.

Book your stay today to experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional cultural charm at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa!
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A visit to Dong Xuan Market is more than a shopping trip - it’s a cultural adventure in the heart of Hanoi. From sampling authentic local dishes and exploring the night market to finding unique souvenirs and strolling through the Old Quarter, the market offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit, bring cash for bargaining, and take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for food, gifts, or simply an authentic Hanoi experience, Dong Xuan Market is an essential stop on your journey through the city.