Due to the city's rapid expansion, Hanoi has a large number of renowned flash boutiques and shopping malls. Shopping in this area can relieve stress, meet needs, and serve as a helpful method to learn more about the city. Along with its contemporary retail centers, Hanoi is renowned for its night, street, and flea markets.
Traditional markets (both indoor and outdoor) have sprouted up all around the city, where local sellers offer goods that are exclusive to Vietnam. If you're planning a first-time trip to this city, be sure to carefully study the following list of the best local markets in Hanoi (including night markets on the streets) to get the most out of your shopping experience there.
I. DONG XUAN MARKET
1. Overview
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market, often known as Springfield Market, is frequently linked to shopping in Hanoi. Tourists are especially affected by this. This market, which the French founded in 1889, is a landmark and the biggest covered market in the city where buyers and sellers may exchange anything from foodstuffs to home furnishings.
2. History
The Old Quarter of Hanoi featured two major marketplaces around the end of the 19th century, one at Hang Duong Street and the other at Hang Ma Street. These two marketplaces were shut down in 1889 and replaced with the original Đồng Xuân Market, which was constructed in 1889 on a French administration order as one of Hanoi's most significant new structures, along with the neighboring Long Biên Bridge, which was finished in 1902.
A tragic fire in 1994 that claimed the loss of stock valued at roughly 4.5 million USD nearly wrecked the market. Dong Xuan Market was partially reconstructed in its original form after the fire, and it is still Hanoi's biggest covered market.
3. What to buy
Since the market is large (about 10,000 square meters), it would be great for you to explore every corner of the market. The crowded wet sector, which sells seafood, meat, and vegetables, is on the ground floor like most markets in Southeast Asia. Cats, dogs, fish, and other creatures, as well as fresh flowers from all around Vietnam, are sold in the back portion. In the higher levels, there are many kiosks selling t-shirts, textiles, school uniforms, handbags, and handicrafts, all of which are offered at discounted costs, if you want to buy mementos.
Vietnamese coffee and other unusual local street food are readily available for less than VND 20,000–30,000 (about 1–1.5 USD) in terms of food. The bánh cuốn (rolling steamed cake), bún riêu (crab paste served with noodles), and bún chả (marinated grilled pork) meals are all highly rated.
Around the Dong Xuan market, there are numerous additional stores where you may buy sand paintings, Bat Trang ceramics, Binh Da embroideries, laces, and traditional Dong Ho paintings. You would undoubtedly leave this large market having found some cute items at great prices to give to your friends and family as souvenirs after exploring it to learn about the local way of life: a T-shirt with the Vietnam stamp, a conical hat from Vietnam, or something else.
- Location: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00 every day
II. OLD QUARTER MARKET
1.Overview
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is where this Night Market in Hanoi is situated. It is a historic area distinguished by its cobblestone streets and classic buildings. The night market in the old quarter is around 3 kilometers long, from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market.
Old Quarter Market at night
The first visit is the Night Market in Hanoi's Old Quarter. There are hundreds of businesses across this three-kilometer-long market, selling everything from gifts to delectable food. The market becomes vibrant with colored lights when night falls, making it a well-liked spot for photos. This is the location to visit if you want to sample some of the famous street food and night markets in Hanoi's old neighborhood.
2. History
When King Ly Thai To chose to move the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Hanoi in the 17th century, the history of the Old Quarter of Hanoi officially began. In the 13th century, artisans from all the surrounding areas flocked to the area, where they gradually organized themselves into guilds and cooperatives.
In the 15th century, there were at least 36 trade guilds in the region. The name of the product that a guild was well-known for would be given to a street that belonged to that guild. For instance, the market for bamboo products was called Hang Tre Street.
Due to French influence, Western architectural style prevailed in this region in the 1950s over traditional Vietnamese and Chinese designs. The Old Quarter of Hanoi doesn't now have a dominating style, despite the fact that many of the local landmarks have French-style buildings.
3.What to buy
This unique "fair" is held in Hanoi's historic streets and features up to 4,000 stalls selling a wide range of goods, including crafts, toys, apparel, and souvenirs. Fine arts, cuisine,... are available for reasonably low prices, which will fit many visitors' budgets when they visit. As soon as you step inside the market, you'll be surrounded by a vivacious and colorful ambiance. The products for sale sparkle more and look more appealing in the bright light, attracting customers. The lanterns, star lights, Christmas decorations,... are sold in so many different colors, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, or Lunar New Year, that everybody passing by has to stop and have a look.
When you visit the old town night market, you'll be astonished by the abundance of delicious food available. While strolling the streets, you may choose from a wide variety of cuisines, including authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Hanoi's well-known presents, Korean cuisine, and Asian-European cuisine. Young folks enjoy the grilled sour rolls, grilled skewers, fried snails, chunks, Korean rolls, Tokbokki, tea, smoothies, and fried snails in the old town night market. Due to the affordable pricing, many young people and tourists congregate there to meet up with friends.
- Location: Hoan Kiem District, Dong Xuan Street, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:00 - 19:00 every day
III. HANG DA MARKET
1. Overview
Hang Da Market is still a favorite destination for shopping in Hanoi despite being less significant and well-known than Dong Xuan Market. This location, which was once a tiny market, is now a three-story retail center in the middle of Hanoi that sells a wide range of goods, including food, clothing, jewelry, and specialty items. It is without a doubt a worthwhile stop on your trip to Hanoi.
2.History
Vietnamese for "leather store" is "Hang Da". The street where Hang Da Market is now located was given the name Rue des Cuirs by the French authorities at the beginning of the 20th century. Few Chinese tanners from abroad settled in the outskirts to construct warehouses for raw supplies. The buyers of raw leather here were frequently artisans from neighboring Hanoi streets.
The construction of the market didn't begin until 1937. It primarily offered consumables rather than leather items. The roadway and its market were given the official name Hang Da on March 9, 1945. When the violent battle between the French troops and the Vietnamese army broke out at the end of 1946, the market was completely destroyed.
Hang Da Market was restored as a commercial hub when the new millennium began. Only a few shops in the market now sell leather goods; the majority of vendors instead sell electronic goods, clothing, etc.
3.What to buy
Traditional Vietnamese clothing at Hang Da Market
Three distinct floors make up the indoor market. Food items including fresh meat, fish, veggies, etc. are primarily sold in the basement. Products for packaging are also offered here. Large quantities of beverages and sweets are sold on the first floor, while high-quality items including designer clothing and accessories are sold on the second story.
The unusual things in this market, such as the well-known breach garments and traditional Vietnamese clothing (Ao Dai), are what make it stand out. Ao Dai at Hang Da Market would never let you down with its intricate stitching and weaving made from genuine silk. Street vendors usually sell used clothing, school supplies, and street food to locals and visitors in the neighborhood.
- Location: 1 Hang Da Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 05:00 - 21:00 every day
IV. QUANG BA FLOWER MARKET
1. Overview
Anyone in Hanoi who enjoys flowers or works in the floral industry is likely familiar with Quang Ba night flower market, which anytime its name is mentioned conjures images of a truly lovely and fragrant location. The Quang Ba (Quang An) Flower Market, which is five kilometers from the city's center, is a great spot to buy flowers and a good site to explore Hanoi at night.
Fresh flowers at Quang Ba Market
2.History
The Quang Ba (or Quang An) flower market was inadvertently established in the past near the intersection of Xuan Dieu and Au Co Streets due to the self-sufficient demands of residents of flower-growing villages in the Tay Ho and Tu Liem regions. However, it was transferred to the current location after the creation of Tay Ho District in 1996. Since this movement, the market has undergone significant development and will soon rank among the biggest night flower marketplaces in Vietnam's North.
3.What to buy
One of the best places to find inexpensive fresh flowers is Quang Ba Flower Market. From typical flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies to international flowers like chamelaucium and tulips, this location features a wide variety of flowers. So, if you come here to buy flowers, you have a lot of choices. When the cost of the flowers is half that of those purchased from flower bikes or stores, this is sometimes referred to as a flower market with incredibly low pricing. The market is busiest around 1 a.m. when many dealers arrive to purchase flowers for the next day, therefore the flower price is also significantly altered. It goes without saying that when the market is busiest, the prices are also at their lowest for both wholesale and retail buyers of flowers.
The Quang Ba Flower Market resembles a colorful, fragrant flower exposition. The visitors are left with an unforgettable image created by the dim nighttime lighting and the dew drops on the flower petals. As a result, despite the fact that it occurs at night, many tourists still want to enjoy the flower market while taking pictures.
- Location: 236 Au Co, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi
- Opening hours: 2 AM to 4 AM and from 4 AM to midnight
V. HOM MARKET
1. Overview
Along with awe-inspiring tourists with its wide selection of fabrics in a variety of patterns, hues, and textures, Hom Market also offers a delicious aroma and taste of regional cuisine.
Going to the market is something that most residents do on a regular basis. But tourists should include Hom Market in their vacation plans to Hanoi, especially those who are interested in clothing and food. With a rich history and a wide variety of goods, the market offers a window into Hanoians' daily lives as well as a unique experience that you shouldn't miss.
A woman at her cloth shop at the Hom Market in Hanoi
2. History
Hom Market, also known as Cho Hom Market, was founded in the early 19th century as a traditional textile market where locals could buy high-quality apparel and fabric. The market has grown over time to become a bustling center for business and culture in the middle of the city. Today, it is a well-liked tourist and local destination, offering a variety of products and services, including cuisine, apparel, textiles, and souvenirs.
3.What to buy
The major cloth trading center in Hanoi is Hom Market. You'll become lost in a maze of shops filled to the brim with piles of vibrant textiles, including cotton, silk, linen, and polyester. Hom Market is undoubtedly a fantastic hub for tailors, fashion designers, and aficionados of custom-made items because the entire second floor of the building is devoted to apparel.
Examine the products carefully and haggle over the price before you buy because the quality of the materials offered at Hom Market can vary. To help you bargain and traverse the market, you should, if at all feasible, have a local acquaintance or knowledgeable guide with you.
- Location: 293 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 06:00 -17:00 every day
VI. FINALS WORDS
Here is the list that we have synthesized in the most detailed way so that you can find it easier to follow and explore the old Hanoi. Hope you can enjoy the vacation fully and don’t forget to take a look at
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