The design of the market is relatively simple: The whole market consists of 5 blocks and is divided by front arches, inside separated by paths between the arches (each market arch is 52m long, 19m high and 25m wide steel frame). The iron frames, the corrugated iron roof, the area is about 6500 m2. There are 3 gates to the market, and 2 niches, one to Hang Khoai, the other to Hang Chieu.
After the inauguration, Dong Xuan became the largest market in Hanoi. In official documents, the French call it “Les Halles centrales” or “Grand Marché” but the people still use the name of General Dong Xuan to name the market. The difference of Dong Xuan market was not only because it was wide, but also because it was installed with a steel frame and corrugated iron roof, very new and superior materials at that time.
Dong Xuan market layout
Dong Xuan market area is built into 3 floors with 5 arches on an area of 6500m2. Going inside, you will notice that the 3 floors of the market are mainly full of essential items. On the ground floor of the market, mainly selling clothes, sunglasses, shoes, suitcases, bags to electronics such as phones, charging cables, rechargeable batteries, flashlights, speakers, radios, music players … but mainly will be the goods originating from China. The 2nd floor will be the wholesale and retail area of all kinds of clothes for adults and fabrics, brocade, silk, … spoiled for you to choose. On the 3rd floor, it will mainly sell items for babies, children, etc.
Going to the back of the market, there will be stalls selling ornamental birds and pets of various kinds. Going to the North of the market will be restaurants, serving customers through the night. Coming to Dong Xuan market, you will definitely see a fun atmosphere, bustling with sellers and buyers and a variety of items. Dong Xuan Hanoi market will start to open to welcome guests from 6 am to 6 pm every day of the week, especially the food street will be open all night to serve tourists. In addition, every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), the market is open until 22:30 to serve the entertainment and shopping needs of visitors.
What to eat at Dong Xuan market
Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi is a busy trading center with a wide variety of products and large quantities. Therefore, wholesalers and retailers from localities often come to the market to order. Besides selling products to serve people’s living needs, the market is also famous for many attractive dishes. Dong Xuan Market with various savory and sweet dishes with different prices. Therefore, visitors can enjoy many delicious and attractive dishes with bold flavors of the capital at the market.
Visitors can enjoy snacks in small alleys near Dong Xuan market with a small but cozy space. The shops selling shrimp cakes, bun cha, pho, vermicelli, gio cakes, cast cakes, mango cakes, teas, etc. have affordable prices and impressive flavors. So don’t forget to try some Vietnamese street food when you come here!
Attention when coming to Dong Xuan market
Visiting Dong Xuan market, visitors can admire the bustling trading space. The colorful scene of the stalls combined with the lights at night give each person a memorable moment. However, when you come to Dong Xuan market to shop or visit, don’t forget to pocket the following tips:
- When you come to buy goods at Dong Xuan market in Hanoi, the sellers will definitely challenge you with a very high price, so remember to bargain to buy goods at a reasonable price. However, you should not bargain too much and be smart or you will fall into that awkward situation.
- Do not bid, bargain early in the morning or ask for products without buying. This may be harmless to you, but you will make the seller unhappy
- Dong Xuan Market is almost always very crowded, so you should be very attentive and careful with your belongings to avoid being pickpocketed without even knowing it.
- If you intend to import wholesale goods at Dong Xuan market, you should bring a sack or something and dress like a merchant, you will get it at a much more favorable price.
- Because it is located in the old town, Dong Xuan market will be very crowded with many different roads. If you are not a person who knows the way, go with friends and choose appropriate means of transportation to avoid getting lost.
Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi is a witness to the culture and long history of the capital land. Exploring the market gives visitors a multi-dimensional view, an impressive space about this unique culture. Hopefully the information provided through the article helps visitors have a meaningful and unique experience at the market!
Opening hours:
- Daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
- Night market: Weekend from 19:00 to 22:30.
Note:
- Be careful and remember to keep your possessions to prevent pickpockets.
- Ask for the price in advance and bargain before shopping.
