Dong Xuan market, located in the heart of Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese shopping experience. The market is Hanoi’s largest indoor market, and offers a vast array of products, from fresh produce and souvenirs to clothing and electronics.
It might not be quite on the same touristy friendliness level as Saigon’s legendary Ben Thanh market, but Dong Xuan market definitely makes our Hanoi must-see list. It’s been around for over 130 years, and – even if it is more targeted at the local traders with a ton of cheap Chinese goods – is definitely the place to check out if you’re looking for some cheap knock-offs amidst an authentic Vietnamese market experience!
Where exactly is Dong Xuan market in Hanoi?
Dong Xuan is a huge, old market, and one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks, and therefore not too hard to find. Head to the north of the Old Quarter in Hanoi, as shown on the map below.
What are the opening hours of Dong Xuan market?
The market is open daily, typically from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, some vendors begin setting up as early as 4:00 am and you might catch them open until 10:00 pm. Hours can vary depending on the vendor, day of the week, and time of year.
Note that there is also the Dong Xuan night market just outside the market building, which opened in 2003, and caters much more for the tourist rather than the local traders seeking day-time deals in the main building. The night market (it opens only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) mainly sells tourist souvenirs, handicrafts, and some traditional Vietnamese food. You can access the market from next to Hoan Kiem lake, all the way to the gates of Dong Xuan market (that’s approximately 3 km long!).
Here’s a great video of the night market to tempt you over to Dong Xuan…
What can you find in Dong Xuan market?
Well, with over 14,000 square meters of floor space spread over 3 floors and 2000 businesses, it won’t surprise you to know that Dong Xuan Market is a bustling hub where you can find a wide variety of textiles, fabrics, clothing, accessories, electronics, and household items. It’s an ideal spot for budget-friendly shopping, with many visitors seeking out affordable and high-quality fabrics such as silk, linen, and cotton.
The Ground Floor: Sells a wide variety of foodstuffs, including seafood, meat, vegetables and processed foods. You’ll also be able to find some decent home appliances and electrical equipment.
The First Floor: Lots of browsing to do here, with a ton of clothes, shoes, fabrics, and accessories in as many styles and colors as your heart desires! If you’re looking for some touristy souvenirs you might strike it lucky with some ceramic tea sets, and legendary Vietnamese conical hats a-plenty.
The Top Floor: This is the floor to hunt down some clothes for babies, pregnant ladies, and children . To accompany the clothes, you can find a ton of cute and cuddly stuffed animals, with a number of other toys available.
What culinary delights can you find in Dong Xuan market?
Dong Xuan market is not just about the shopping – if you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll be pleased to know there are some great food products to buy in the actual market, on the ground floor.
However, if you’re looking for something decent to eat, we’d suggest skipping the ground floor offerings and heading out to the side-streets around the market. The surrounding area is filled with some amazing street food, including local delicacies like bun cha (marinated grilled pork with noodles), banh cuon (rolled rice cakes), and banh tom (small, crispy shrimp pancakes). Don’t forget to try the places that are busy with locals, they’re always a safe bet for something fresh and tasty!
THREE important things to remember…
These are tips not only applicable to shopping in Dong Xuan market, but for pretty much anywhere in Vietnam…
Bargaining/Haggling: You’ve got to haggle like a pro. It’s common practice in Vietnam, and is seen as almost an essential part of any market trading. Really, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices to get the deal that works for you.
Navigation: It’s a huge market, and its sheer size can be a little overwhelming. We’d recommend taking your time to browse the different sections to fully appreciate market trading life in Vietnam. As we mentioned at the top of the article, it’s not quite got that touristy feel like Ben Thanh in Saigon, but Dong Xuan has its own charm.
Be respectful: As for anywhere else in Vietnam, be respectful when photographing vendors or their market stalls. It’s always a good thing to ask before you snap away in someone’s face – some will say No and wave at you to move on, but many will give you a big grin and be more than happy to get snapped.
So yes, visiting Dong Xuan Market will give you a unique glimpse into Hanoi daily life, and is well worth a visit. Just remember, it can get awfully sticky in the hot season, so be ready to take on some cafe sua da or sugar cane juice to replenish your body liquids as you shop til you literally drop…
