Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market on Dong Xuan Street in the northern Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, is the city's largest covered wholesale market and a working hub for traders from across northern Vietnam. It first opened in 1889 under the French colonial administration and has been rebuilt several times, most recently after a major fire in 1994, so the present building is a large multi-level hall with a dome and arched front. Ground-floor and upper-level stalls sell clothing, fabrics, shoes, bags, cosmetics, household goods, toys, stationery and dry foods such as noodles, spices, dried mushrooms and sweets. Much of the trade is wholesale, so prices are competitive and vendors often sell in bulk, though small quantities can be bought at slightly higher rates. Bargaining is expected, and a polite, patient approach works better than aggressive haggling. The top floor has a food court where visitors can try Vietnamese dishes such as bun cha, pho and che at low prices. On Friday to Sunday evenings, from about 7:00PM to 11:00PM, a night market sets up in the surrounding streets, extending toward Hang Dao, with clothes, accessories, souvenirs and street food. The market is busiest in the morning, when wholesalers and porters move goods, and quieter in the afternoon. A visit takes about an hour, and longer for shoppers. Photo opportunities include the busy aisles, stacks of colourful fabric and vendors on motorbikes outside. The market sits about ten minutes on foot north of Hoan Kiem Lake and near Bach Ma Temple. Pickpockets can operate in crowded areas, so bags and phones should be kept secure. It opens daily from about 6:00AM to 6:00PM, and entry is free.