Is Dong Xuan Market worth visiting? Insights from a Hanoi local
If a Hanoian had to name the most iconic and expansive traditional market in Hanoi, Dong Xuan would undoubtedly top the list. As a child, many Hanoians fondly recall their first visit, hand-in-hand with a parent, staring in awe at the sea of colors, fabrics, kitchenware, and the endless hum of voices. The experience here is also a must-try if you’re a foreigner.
The goods are incredibly diverse, and you can even find plenty of souvenirs to bring home. But what should you buy? What is inside the market? In this article, as a local guide, I’ll walk you through every inch of this place.
Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert)
Updated on Aug 09, 2025
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Trang Nguyen has lived in Vietnam for nearly three decades and spent much of her life exploring Asia. She has joined numerous field trips, stayed with ethnic communities in the northern mountains, and gained deep insights into local cultures and landscapes. Her writing reflects an honest passion for authentic travel and meaningful connections. If you have any questions about her journeys, feel free to reach out and leave a comment!
Established in 1889 by the French colonial government, Dong Xuan Market was originally known as Marché Dong Xuan. Located in what was then an open area near the To Lich River, the market was designed to centralize commerce and facilitate trade in Northern Vietnam.
Trade scene in Dong Xuan market when the market was not built completely.
Its architectural style combined French engineering with local aesthetics, featuring five grand arched entrances and air-vented walls to allow natural light and ventilation.
Over time, it became a nucleus of trade and remained vital despite the evolution of supermarkets, e-commerce, and malls.
Today, Dong Xuan spans nearly 14,000 square meters over three levels, accommodating over 2,000 vendors and solidifying its place as one of the best markets in Hanoi.
Today, Dong Xuan spans nearly 14,000 square meters over three levels.
2. How to get to this place?
Do you know Dong Xuan Market is located right in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter?
📍 Address: 15 Cau Dong Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
🧭Dong Xuan Market is:
800 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake (about a 10-minute walk)
600 meters from Long Bien Railway Station
500 m to Ta Hien Beer Street
🚶 How to get there:
On foot: If you're already staying in the Old Quarter, walking is the best option with Google Maps.
By taxi or Grab: Just type “Dong Xuan Market” in the app (Grab/Be/XanhSM). It’s a well-known location, so drivers will have no trouble finding it.
🕘 Opening hours:
Day market: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Weekend night market (Fri–Sun): From 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Tip from a local: If you're planning to visit in the evening, come early to avoid crowds and catch the full night market atmosphere as the sun goes down.
3. How to explore the market? Dong Xuan market map
Dong Xuan Market is a three-story complex, and each floor has its own specialty. Here’s how the market is typically organized:
🧺 Ground Floor:
This is the most vibrant (and often the busiest) area. You’ll find:
Fresh produce: vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood
Dried goods: local spices, nuts, tea, and herbal remedies
Pet shops: birds, fish, and small animals
Basic household items and kitchenware
👗 Second Floor:
This floor mainly sells fashion or fabrics
All kinds of fabrics: silk, cotton, synthetic blends
Ready-to-wear clothing, including traditional áo dài
Accessories
This floor mainly sells fashion or fabrics!
🧸 Third Floor:
A quieter area with goods for families and home use:
Children’s clothing and schoolwear
Toys, puzzles, and games
Budget household items and essentials
🍖 Back Area – Nguyen Thien Thuat Street:
The rear of the market, along Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, is filled with aromatic stalls selling dried seafood, pork pies, roasted meats, and pickled delicacies.
4. What to buy at Dong Xuan market
If you’re looking for traditional and unique, you can find beautifully tailored áo dài in silk or brocade, ready-made or custom-fit.
The most iconic are Đông Hồ paintings, a traditional form of woodblock print art with bold, folkloric imagery.
Bát Tràng ceramics, handmade in a village just outside Hanoi, are also widely available in the form of teapots, cups, bowls, and vases.
You’ll also find bamboo and wood products like chopsticks and carved figurines, as well as the iconic nón lá (Vietnamese conical hats), lightweight and foldable.
One Hanoi specialty not to be missed is ô mai - salted and sweet dried fruits made from apricot, plum, or mango. These are popular gifts for locals and travelers alike.
One Hanoi specialty not to be missed is ô mai
You can also pick up Vietnamese Robusta and Arabica beans - Vietnam is renowned for some of the best coffee in the world.
5. Tips for shopping
Bargaining is part of the game here. Vendors usually expect it, especially for clothes and souvenirs. Start low, about 50–60% of the asking price, and negotiate from there. Skip it if there's a “no haggling” sign.
Bring cash. Most stalls don’t take cards, and small bills make things easier.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The market can get hot and crowded, so avoid peak midday hours if you can. Mornings or late afternoons are much more pleasant.
Keep an eye on your belongings. Like any busy market, pickpockets can be an issue.
And if you're buying something small, don’t interrupt vendors in the middle of big wholesale deals.
The market can get hot and crowded, so avoid peak midday hours if you can.
6. Street food around Dong Xuan Market
Cháo sườn Huyền Anh (Pork rib porridge)
Creamy rice porridge served with crispy dough sticks
Address: 14 Dong Xuan St
Bánh tôm Cô Ầm (Shrimp cakes)
Crunchy fritters with fresh shrimp, served with herbs and dipping sauce
Address: 84 Hang Chieu
Bún chả que tre (Grilled pork with noodles on bamboo skewers)
One of the few places still using bamboo skewers and betel leaf wrap, served with house-made tamarind or sấu vinegar
Address: Dong Xuan Market alley
Chè Yến (Vietnamese dessert)
Colorful mix of beans, jelly, coconut milk, and tropical fruits
Address: Dong Xuan alley.
8. Nearby attractions you shouldn’t miss
If you have more time, there’s no shortage of meaningful landmarks near Dong Xuan Market and throughout central Hanoi.
Just a short 5-minute walk from the market brings you to O Quan Chuong, the last remaining city gate from the Nguyen dynasty.
From there, continue walking down Hang Chieu, Hang Dưong, and Hang Ngang - all classic Old Quarter streets lined with tube houses, faded French signage, and family-run stores. It’s a short but rich route that leads straight to Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi.
If you’re planning a longer day out, consider including these nearby stops:
Ngoc Son Temple – located on Jade Island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoa Lo Prison – a powerful site with deep historical significance
Phung Hung Mural Street
West Lake (Ho Tay) – a scenic area ideal for sunset walks or a relaxing break from the crowds
Weekend Night Market– held Friday to Sunday nights, starting from Hang Dao Street up to Dong Xuan.
😆 Here's a simple walking route you can follow:
Start your morning at Hoan Kiem Lake for a peaceful stroll and a coffee by the water.
Head up through Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, and Hang Duong-three iconic streets packed with shops and local life.
Stop at Dong Xuan Market to shop, snack, and take in the buzz.
Exit the market via O Quan Chuong Gate, the last remaining gate of ancient Thang Long.
Our last words,
Dong Xuan Market is one of the busiest trading centers in Hanoi, yet it still retains its rich cultural and historical values. In addition to commerce, the market also hosts folk performances such as Xẩm singing, Chèo, and Quan Họ Bắc Ninh (Bac Ninh folk singing), creating a lively cultural space for visitors. Every autumn, Hanoi holds the Dong Xuan Fair, where you can experience the bustling market atmosphere of old Thang Long!
If you're in the city, be sure to stop by. You’ll walk away with more than just a few items, and you’ll take home memories of what makes Hanoi truly special.
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