Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets with significant cultural and historical value in the heart of Hanoi. Over thousands of years, the market has continued to thrive, attracting a large number of buyers and sellers bustling with transactions every day.
1/ Where is Dong Xuan Market, and what are its opening hours?
Dong Xuan Market is located in the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, in Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District. It is only about 1km from Hoan Kiem Lake, very close to Long Bien Station and Hang Ma Street. To the west of the market is Dong Xuan Street, to the east is Dong Xuan Alley, to the north is Hang Khoai Street, and to the south is Cau Dong Street.
What are Dong Xuan Market’s opening hours? Like many other markets, Dong Xuan Market opens every day of the week from 6 am to 6 pm. The food area in the market alley opens until early morning. Particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Dong Xuan Market extends its opening hours until 10:30 pm to cater to the needs of tourists for sightseeing and shopping. It is one of the lively and vibrant shopping destinations that tourists should not miss when visiting Hanoi.
2/ History of the formation of Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is a large-scale market with a history of hundreds of years. Over time, it has witnessed many changes in Hanoi and is also known as the “Big Market.” Historical records state that in 1804, during the Nguyen Dynasty, a market was built south of the To Lich River to facilitate the trading of boats. In 1889, after the To Lich River and Thay Cuc Lake were filled, the French authorities planned and relocated the market to an empty land in Dong Xuan Ward. In 1890, the French built the market with a total area of 6,500 m2 in French architecture, featuring 5 bridges, 5 triangular sections resembling beehives, and 5 arched doors.
By 1990, the market was renovated, leaving only 3 rows and constructing 3 floors. In 1995, Dong Xuan Market was rebuilt with a complete fire prevention, ventilation, and evacuation system. At that time, the market had an area of up to 14,000 m2 with about 2000 stalls, becoming the most modern and bustling market in Hanoi.
3/ What does Dong Xuan Market sell? A full range of essential goods
Dong Xuan Market is the largest wholesale market for all retailers in the northern provinces. The market is extremely spacious with 3 floors and diverse stalls selling various goods. Customers can easily find all kinds of goods here, whether buying in bulk or retail, at very reasonable and affordable prices.
Arrangement of stalls in the market:
- Floor 1: clothing stores, fashion accessories, shoes, and electronics from China.
- Floor 2: wholesale and retail area for fabrics and clothing for adults.
- Floor 3: area selling clothes and items for infants.
- North Market Area: selling food, with food stalls operating until midnight.
- Behind the market: shops selling ornamental fish and pets. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Dong Xuan Night Market operates from 6 pm to 10:30 pm, extending to the beginning of Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets with over 4000 different stalls. The atmosphere of the night market is lively, always bustling with buyers and sellers. A special program every Saturday night is the performance of “hat xam,” a traditional cultural form of the Kinh Ky region.
4/ What to eat at Dong Xuan Market? Suggestions for delicious dishes for tourists
Not only a bustling trading place, but Dong Xuan Market is also the “culinary paradise” of the capital. When visiting Dong Xuan Market, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, from savory to sweet, each with its unique flavor.
What does Dong Xuan Market have to offer? Try experiencing Hanoi’s street food along the small alleys near the market. There are many small but skilled eateries in Dong Xuan Market, open day and night. Some local snacks that must be tried include crunchy rib porridge, shrimp cakes, snail vermicelli, gio cake, banh duc, skewered meat, and che (sweet soup), with prices ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 VND per dish.
5/ Famous eateries near Dong Xuan Market
If you are looking for a place to enjoy delicious and famous food at Dong Xuan Market, check out the list of renowned eateries below:
- Banh tom Co Am Address: Dong Xuan Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 10:30 am – 1 pm; 3 pm – 5:30 pm Price range: $0.4 – $2.06
- Rib porridge Huyen Anh Address: 14 Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 11:30 am – 4 am Price range: $0.8 – $2.2
- Snail vermicelli Thuy Address: 11 Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Price range: $1.6 – $2.06
- Skewered meat with bamboo stick Co Nga Address: Dong Xuan Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm Price range: $1.23 – $2.06
6/ Famous tourist destinations near Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
Dong Xuan Market is located in Hoan Kiem District, very close to famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Tourists can plan their time to visit multiple attractions in a single day. After exploring and shopping at Dong Xuan Market, tourists can visit the following tourist spots:
- Hanoi Old Quarter: famous for its 36 streets, each with its unique cultural beauty and specializing in a specific product. Here, you will be immersed in an impressive space with ancient houses, ancient streets, temples, and guildhalls.
- Hanoi Opera House: located at 1A Trang Tien, on August Revolution Square, this building has a unique architecture with a distinct European beauty. Besides, it is a popular check-in location for many virtual living enthusiasts.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: known as a famous symbol of the thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with the legendary story of King Le Thai To returning the precious sword to the Turtle God.
- Hanoi Book Street: located at 19/12 Street, on Tran Hung Dao Street, not only a place with rare books, but this book street is also a super hot virtual living location that young people love to visit recently.
