Discover the Biggest Local Market in Hanoi

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Vietnam, a country with a rich cultural and economic history, boasts a vibrant marketplace tradition. These markets have been flourishing for many years, bringing communities together and providing a unique glimpse into the local culture. Let’s explore the five most significant Local Markets in different provinces of the country, highlighting their distinctive characteritics.

1. Saigon Central Market (Ho Chi Minh City)

  • A historical market that exhibits architectural wonders with its high ceilings, arched windows, and central dome.
  • Over 1,500 stalls selling an array of items, including souvenirs, clothing, household items, and local delicacies.
  • Known for its vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to haggle with vendors for lower prices.
  • Built in the early 1900s, it showcases a unique architectural style that blends French Colonial and traditional Vietnamese elements.
  • A culinary haven, the market offers a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties and street food.

2. Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)

  • One of the most iconic markets in the city, famous for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of merchandise.
  • Features over 3,000 stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, electronics, and local produce.
  • Known for its food stalls that serve traditional Vietnamese delicacies and exotic street food.
  • Located in the heart of District 1, it offers easy access to other popular landmarks and attractions.
  • A shopper’s paradise, it provides a chance to experience the local culture and indulge in shopping.

3. Cho Cu (Can Tho)

  • Also known as Ba Can Market, this is a major wholesale market that supplies goods to the entire Mekong River Region.
  • Sprawling over a vast area, it features sections for different commodities, such as rice, fish, and poultry.
  • Offers a glimpse into the local economy and trading activities, especially for the rice trade.
  • A lively and vibrant market, it showcases the region’s cultural and economic dynamism.
  • A great place to witness the hectic trading activity and shop for various products.

4. Danang Central Market (Da nang)

  • A large and modern market that offers a wide range of products from local vendors.
  • Features sections for souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and fresh produce.
  • Known for its seafood stalls that serve freshly caught seafood and local delicacies.
  • Located near the Han River, it provides a scenic backdrop for shopping and relaxation.
  • A popular spot for tourists and locals to experience the regional culture and try local specialties.

5. Dam Market (Nha Trang)

  • A lively market that offers a vibrant mix of souvenirs, local handicrafts, and fresh produce.
  • Popular for its selection of Vietnamese silks, ceramics, and lacquerware.
  • Known for its friendly and welcoming vendors who are always ready to haggle.
  • Strategically located in the city center, it’s easily accesible for both tourists and locals.
  • Offers a chance to delve into the local culture and savor the local delicacies available at the food stalls.

These five Local Markets represent the rich and vibrant market culture of Vietnam. They offer unique experiences for visitors to explore, shop, and indulge in the regional culture. From the architectural marvels of Saigon Central Market to the lively bazaar in Cho Cu, these markets encapsulate the spirit of Vietnamese trade and hospitality.

Thien thuat market in Hanoi
Thien thuat market in Hanoi

The 7 Biggest Local Market near Hanoi

Hang Da Market

  • Address: P. Hàng Da, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.8 (2506)
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Sunday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Cyrus Zielinski✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    My wife and I went to the pottery shops in the basement and we were impressed by the selection and customer service of the stall owners. The rating of four stars is for cleanliness. The market itself is pretty dirty overall.
    Camille Tra Nguyen (Camille)✭✭✭
    in the last week
    It used to be an important and very busy market. It has lost its allure now due to the challenges of online era.
    Sumit Gupta✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Mostly garment, shoes, food items, flowers, gifts.. bargain for a good deal. Lower the price by about 30-50%. Even if you don’t want to shop.. it’s a good walk at night.
    Lauren Johnson✭✭✭✭
    5 months ago
    There’s A LOT of items (making it hard to walk around the piles of stuff in a fun way) on offer at this market and the inside is massive. You can find a wide selection of things: food stalls, produce/meats, clothes/shoes, electronics. The only thing missing is handicrafts, which is a little disappointing as they are a culturally important sector in Vietnam. Be sure to walk on the outside perimeter as many of there are beautiful fruit stalls and other Viet goods on offer.
    T. Baron
    a month ago
    Not helpful most shops are closed. Many sell items from china and use and second hand items. Many better places to go.

Dong Xuan Market

  • Address: Đồng Xuân Market, Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.1 (1349)
  • Reviews:
    donna maree✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    A diverse big market right near Christmas Street (Hang Ma). It’s all about branded knock’offs..straight out of shipping sacks. Not a lot to haggle here as they usually give best price straight up. Worth a visit if you want bulk amounts of gifts such as clothing accessories or stationery. Quite overwhelming though…it’s over 3 floors and two streets, so don’t get lost?
    Vũ Hải Nam✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Dong Xuan Market – Hanoi’s Cultural Gem

    Experience the heart of Hanoi at Dong Xuan Market. Here’s your traveler’s guide:

    Historical Haven: Explore this iconic market, dating back to the 19th century, steeped in history and Vietnamese culture.

    Shop Local: Find everything from clothing to electronics, souvenirs to fresh produce. Bargain politely for the best deals.

    Street Food Delights: Satisfy your taste buds with Vietnamese street food stalls. Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls are must-tries.

    Early Bird Advantage: Visit in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere and to avoid the crowds.

    Cash is King: Bring cash as many vendors may not accept cards.

    Dong Xuan Market is a vibrant tapestry of Hanoi’s traditions and flavors. Get ready to immerse yourself in its bustling lanes and savor the essence of Vietnamese culture.

    Katarzyna P.✭✭✭
    a month ago
    If u like to buy mamy fake brand clothes – its Perfect place 4 u. For me – its a little boring. Prices are high, every seller throw for tourists price from space and they dont want to bargain…for me nonauthentic place. But i have to sending a greeting for woman with socks stand- she was so helpful and smiling ? so not all the sellers are bad in here
    2bearbear Tom Lim✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    You can find many different things at Dong Xuan Night Market. The stalls set up usually sells shoes, shirts, bags and accessories. There are also many food stalls along the way during this walk. Lining the streets are stalls as well. For those who are interested in buying shoes and bags, we think that the stalls would probably give you better sizes and options but of course, prices may be a tad more expensive. Along the way, we also saw street performances – singing. We were told that Vietnamese (just like Singaporeans and much of Southeast Asia) love singing Karaoke. Hence, the singing performances does draw in the crowds.

    For more details, visit 2bearbear today!

    A G✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi is truly a gem, offering a remarkable array of goods that shouldn’t be overlooked. From vibrant local crafts to authentic Vietnamese delicacies, this market encapsulates the essence of Hanoi’s diverse offerings. A must-visit for anyone eager to experience the rich tapestry of Hanoi’s culture and commerce.

Long Bien Market

  • Address: Đ. Hồng Hà, Phúc xá, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (841)

Nguyen Cong Tru Market

  • Address: Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phố Huế, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4 (1667)

Châu Long Market

  • Address: 2RVR+HQV, P. Châu Long, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (10)

Chợ Ngọc Hà

  • Address: 2RMJ+GMC, Ngọc Hồ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.1 (495)

Ngo Sy Lien Market

  • Address: 14 P. Nguyễn Như Đổ, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4 (490)
Thien thuat market in Hanoi
Thien thuat market in Hanoi

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Top Local Market Alternatives in Hanoi

Vietnam (Vietnamese: Việt Nam [vîət nāːm] ),  officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of a bit less than 332,000 square kilometres (128,000 sq mi) and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's fifteenth-most populous country. Vietnam shares land borders with China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. It shares maritime borders with Thailand through the Gulf of Thailand, and the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia through the South China Sea. Its capital is Hanoi and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (commonly referred to by its former name, Saigon).
Vietnam was inhabited by the Paleolithic age, with states established in the first millennium BC on the Red River Delta in modern-day northern Vietnam. The Han dynasty annexed Northern and Central Vietnam under Chinese rule from 111 BC, until the first dynasty emerged in 939. Successive monarchical dynasties absorbed Chinese influences through Confucianism and Buddhism, and expanded southward to the Mekong Delta, conquering Champa. During most of the 17th and 18th centuries, Vietnam was effectively divided into two domains of Đàng Trong and Đàng Ngoài. The Nguyễn—the last imperial dynasty—surrendered to France in 1883. In 1887, its territory was integrated into French Indochina as three separate regions. In the immediate aftermath of World War II, the nationalist coalition Viet Minh, led by the communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, launched the August Revolution and declared Vietnam's independence in 1945.
Vietnam went through prolonged warfare in the 20th century. After World War II, France returned to reclaim colonial power in the First Indochina War, from which Vietnam emerged victorious in 1954. As a result of the treaties signed between the Viet Minh and France, Vietnam was also separated into two parts. The Vietnam War began shortly after, between the communist North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and the anti-communist South Vietnam, supported by the United States. Upon the North Vietnamese victory in 1975, Vietnam reunified as a unitary socialist state under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in 1976. An ineffective planned economy, a trade embargo by the West, and wars with Cambodia and China crippled the country further. In 1986, the CPV initiated economic and political reforms similar to the Chinese economic reform, transforming the country to a socialist-oriented market economy. The reforms facilitated Vietnamese reintegration into the global economy and politics.
Vietnam is a developing country with a lower-middle-income economy. It has high levels of corruption, censorship, environmental issues and a poor human rights record; the country ranks among the lowest in international measurements of civil liberties, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion and ethnic minorities. It is part of international and intergovernmental institutions including the ASEAN, the APEC, the CPTPP, the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIF, and the WTO. It has assumed a seat on the United Nations Security Council twice.

The Biggest Local Market in Vietnam

The local markets in Hanoi are vibrant and bustling, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Vietnamese culture and interact with the locals. Here are the top three local market alternatives that are very popular in Hanoi:

1. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market in Hanoi and is located in the Old Quarter. It is a vibrant and lively market that offers a wide range of products, including clothes, accessories, electronics, and household items. The market is also known for its fresh produce and street food stalls, where visitors can sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Beneficial information:

  • Open from early morning until late evening, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.
  • It is a great place to shop for souvenirs and handmade crafts.
  • The market can get crowded, so it is recommended to visit during weekdays and avoid peak hours.

2. Quang Ba Flower Market

Quang Ba Flower Market is a unique market that specializes in selling flowers and plants. It is located on Au Co Street and is most active during the early morning hours when the flower traders deliver their fresh blooms. Visitors can stroll through the market to admire the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the flowers.

Beneficial information:

  • The market opens at around 2-3am and is best visited during this time to experience the bustling atmosphere.
  • It is a great place to buy flowers for special occasions or simply enjoy the beauty of nature.
  • The market also offers a variety of ornamental plants and gardening supplies.

3. Hom Market

Hom Market, also known as Cho Hom, is a local market that offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. It is located in Hai Ba Trung District and is a popular shopping destination for locals. The market is divided into different sections, including clothes, shoes, accessories, household items, and street food.

Beneficial information:

  • Haggling is a common practice at Hom Market, so visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • It is a great place to shop for clothes and accessories, with a wide variety of styles and sizes available.
  • The market is less crowded compared to other popular markets in Hanoi, making it a pleasant shopping experience.

These local market alternatives offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant Vietnamese culture and find unique souvenirs, fresh produce, and delicious street food. Whether you are looking for a bustling market experience or a peaceful flower market visit, Hanoi has it all.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Local Market spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

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