Dong Xuan Market – the largest and oldest market in Hanoi's Old Quarter, located at the northern end of the Hoan Kiem area, less than 1 km from Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a bustling wholesale and retail hub and a popular stop when exploring the Old Quarter.
Quick Overview
- Address: Dong Xuan Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi
- Opening hours: Approximately 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Historic facade architecture, fabrics and textiles, Bac Qua Market food alley
History and Features
- The market was built in 1890 during the French colonial era, replacing older markets in the area.
- In 1994, the market suffered a major fire and was rebuilt, still retaining its distinctive facade.
- Covering an area of around 6,500 m² across three floors, each floor specializes in a specific category of goods.
- It serves as one of the largest wholesale distribution hubs for northern provinces.
What to Buy at Dong Xuan Market
- The 1st floor sells clothes, footwear, household goods, and dried foods.
- The 2nd floor specializes in fabrics, lace, and embroidery materials.
- The 3rd floor offers children's items and various apparel.
- The area behind the market sells pet birds and ornamental fish.
What to Eat at Dong Xuan Market
- The Bac Qua Market area to the north features numerous stalls serving banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), banh duc (savory rice cakes), and bun oc (snail noodle soup).
- You can try nem chua ran (fried fermented pork rolls), banh tom (shrimp cakes), and pork rib porridge at stalls around the market.
- Surrounding streets are lined with street food eateries that stay open into the evening.
How to Get There
- From Hoan Kiem Lake, you can take a 15-minute walk north via Hang Dao and Hang Ngang streets.
- You can take a taxi, ride-hailing service, or bus to the Dong Xuan area.
- Motorbikes can be parked at designated parking spots around the market.
Tips for Visitors
- The market is very crowded, so keep a close watch on your wallet and phone.
- Always ask for prices and bargain politely before purchasing.
- Many stalls prioritize wholesale buyers early in the morning; retail shoppers should arrive after 9:00 AM.
- Nearby landmarks include Long Bien Bridge, Long Bien Market, and the Hanoi Old Quarter, which can easily be combined into your visit.
Reference Prices
- Banh tom (shrimp cakes): around 12,000–25,000 VND/portion.
- Bun oc (snail noodle soup): around 40,000–45,000 VND/bowl.
- Mixed pho tiu, hu tieu: around 30,000–35,000 VND/bowl.
- Nom bo kho (dried beef salad): around 25,000–40,000 VND/plate.
- Assorted sweet dessert soups (che): around 20,000–25,000 VND/cup.
- Motorbike parking: around 10,000 VND/entry.
Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.
Best Time to Visit
- Around 6:00 AM–8:00 AM is the busiest and most congested period for wholesale trading; retail shoppers should visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- The food alley beside the market is packed around lunchtime, and some stalls run out of food by around 4:00 PM.
- Weekdays are easier to navigate than weekends, with Sundays typically being the most crowded.
- From Friday to Sunday evening, the streets around the market host a weekend night market from roughly 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Useful Information for Visitors
- Payment: Primarily cash; some stalls accept QR code bank transfers. Almost no stalls accept foreign cards, so bring small change.
- Restrooms: It is recommended to use the restrooms at nearby restaurants and coffee shops.
- Language: As this is a wholesale market, vendors mostly speak Vietnamese; foreign visitors should use translation apps or go with a tour guide.
- ATMs: There are ATMs around the Hoan Kiem Lake area, about a 10-minute walk from the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Dong Xuan Market?
The market is usually open from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. On weekend evenings, the Old Quarter night market takes place in the streets right in front.
Does Dong Xuan Market sell wholesale?
Yes, most stalls sell both wholesale and retail, and buying in bulk usually gets you a better price.
What should you buy at Dong Xuan Market?
Fabrics, clothing, household goods, and various dried local specialties are popular items at the market.
Need a guide when visiting Dong Xuan Market?
- Post a free guide request – receive quotes from local tour guides and interpreters.
- Explore available tours or request a customized tour.
- Car rentals and airport transfers.
See More
Opening hours and market operations are subject to change; please verify before your visit.
