Dong Xuan market is the oldest market in Hanoi. This market is a symbol and a pride of all capital citizens. If you want to explore the cultural values and life of Vietnamese people, Dong Xuan market is the best destination. After many renovations, the market became the trade center to offer anything from clothes, household, foods, souvenirs... 

Where is Dong Xuan market? 

Dong Xuan Market is located in Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. This place borders Dong Xuan street in the west, Cau Dong street in the south, Hang Khoai street in the north. 

You can easily approach Hoan Kiem lake due to its about 800m from the Dong Xuan market. 

The market is a blend between style of  ancient and modern French architecture and was built in the 1890s. With an area of 6.500m2, the market offers many kinds of products to serve the life of Hanoi's people. 

Dong Xuan market Hanoi

Nowadays, the market is a famous attraction for tourists. Dong Xuan market is both a busy trade center and witness the national defense history of the French and American.  

History of Dong Xuan market

With its purpose of facilitating purchase and exchange of goods , the French authority promulgated the abolition of the small markets to create the large market in 1889s. 

Bach Ma Market and Cau Dong Market, which are two ancient markets in Thang Long citadel, are merged to become Dong Xuan market. 

And from it, the market is the biggest trade center in Hanoi thanks to its best location, boats operated busily all day. 

The moment of Dong Xuan market in the moring

However, Dong Xuan market was heavily influenced by the resistance war in 1947 and the big fire in 1994. 

The authority of Hanoi decided to rebuild the market with spacious three floors of more 14.000m2 and 2000 big and small stores. 

Dong Xuan market architecture is designed following French style. The market has 3 arch entraine. Step inside, you will see the dorm with a water fountain, located in the ground floor center. 

Coming to upper levels, you can use the escalators and staircases. 

What to do at Dong Xuan market?

Dong Xuan Market is a traditional market like most ones in Asia. This is a place to occur the sell and buy activities with various of goods such as colorful clothes, legos, toys, foods, vegetable, handmade product, dry foods... Don't hesitate to bargain because you can buy everything at such a cheap price. 

Fried food stall, Dong Xuan market

The 1st floor is a place that sells meat, vegetables, and seafood. Going to the back area, tourists will see the large number of pets like cats, dogs, birds and fish and flowers which are put to sell. 

Warm Clothes stall in Dong Xuan market

Besides visiting Dong Xuan market, don't forget to try Vietnamese cuisine with prices from 15.000 VND such as fried frog, bun cha, banh cuon..... 

Strolling the south of Dong Xuan market, you will see some shops to sell some Hanoi food such as goi xoai kho bo, bun cha que tre, banh cuon... 

If you loved the traditional product in Vietnam, you can buy them to sourvenir's gift such as Bat Trang ceramics, Binh Da embroidered... 

The wonam chooses the fresh flower

Opening hours of Dong Xuan market is from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. So, visitors can explore the night market in Hanoi at this market. There are a lot of stalls,  street food for sale, severing to local and tourists. 

From Dong Xuan market, you can visit some famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem lake, Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long citadel, Ngoc Son temple, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Temple of Literature... 

How to get to Dong Xuan market? 

Due to Dong Xuan market being situated in Hanoi Old Quarter, there are options to come here like walking, motorbike, car or bus.

After strolling around the Old Quarter, you can walk to Dong Xuan market. Tourists may admire the stunning old town and enjoy taking photos.

If you want to save money and stay far from Dong Xuan market, the bust will be the best choice. 

You get the opportunity to learn more about Hanoi bus culture. Some bus routes to Dong Xuan market are No.1, No.8, No.4, No.31, No.03, No14.. 

"Xich lo" and "Xe om" may be unfamiliar vehicles to foreign visitors to Vietnam. But it is a popular transportation in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

You will feel relaxed, enjoy fresh air and see the Hanoi street through your eyes and camera. 

If you only have a few days in Hanoi, I should book a day in Hanoi by private car to explore the beautiful scenery like Dong Xuan market, Hoan Kiem lake, One pillar pagoda, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.... 

Don't forget to take Dong Xuan market on your list of itinerary in Vietnam. You will have an interesting memory, feeling the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of traditional markets in Vietnam and enjoy the local food from vendors at this market.