There are so many interesting things and stunning places in Hanoi that you can enjoy the chance to take a visit to, one of the must – see places in Hanoi that you should not miss out that is Dong Xuan Market. It is really an ideal place for those who want to explore and experience the shopping heaven as well as get to know more about the culture and custom of a land.
Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances. Similar to most markets in Southeast Asia, Dong Xuan Market has a bustling wet market section on the ground floor, where locals shop for seafood, meat, and vegetables while the back section sells an array of pets (cats, dogs, and fish) and fresh flowers from all across Vietnam. If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, head to the upper levels, where you can find numerous stalls selling tee shirts, fabrics, school uniforms, handbags, handicrafts, all of which are sold at wholesale prices.
There’s also a massive dining area within Dong Xuan Market, with food vendors selling Vietnamese coffee and exotic local dishes for as low as VND 15,000. Highly recommended dishes include tiet canh (duck blood soup), fried frog, bun cha (marinated grilled pork served with noodles), and banh cuon (rolled cake). Surrounding Dong Xuan Market are many more shops where you can purchase traditional Dong Ho drawings, Bat Trang ceramics, Binh Da embroideries and laces, and sand paintings. Within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market is a must-visit if you’re looking to experience the local lifestyle (you might even end up leaving with a pair of cheap sunglasses and a Vietnamese conical hat).
Dong Xuan Market
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 19:00
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Dong Xuan Market is the largest wholesale market in Hanoi where sell many types of goods, products and various foodstuffs. The market has three stories divided in stalls. Coming here, tourist will immerse in the world of many types of goods such as clothing, souvenirs, accessories, household appliances and fresh produce.
Tourists come to visit Dong Xuan Market will have an opportunity to know more about the culture and daily life of Hanoi people as well as Vietnamese. Besides taking the chance to buy a lot of souvenirs and goods in the market, you also can make the use to admire and even purchase some traditional drawings such as: Bat Trang Ceramics, Binh Da Embroideries and Laces and Sand Paintings.
Also, having a chance to taste and sample some traditional dishes sold in the market such as: bun cha (marinated grilled pork served with noodle), banh cuon (rolled cake), fried frog. Enjoying and exploring these will bring you unforgettable memories about Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general.
It is said that the market at night is the tourist attraction as tourists can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, taste traditional foods and enjoy activities such as performance of ca tru, cheo, dan bau and xam which are performed around the market at night. This makes Dong Xuan Market different from other markets in Hanoi. It is so wonderful to take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake which is near to the market to feel more about the life as well as culture of Hanoi.
Don not forget to visit Dong Xuan Market when you visit Hanoi. It is really an ideal and exciting place to visit among attractions in Hanoi.