Dong Xuan Market

Market in Hanoi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / NKSTTSSHNVN

Dong Xuan Market is a historic and bustling market located in the Hoàn Kiếm district of Hanoi. Established by the French administration in 1889, the market has undergone several renovations, the most significant of which occurred in 1994 following a devastating fire. Today, it is the largest covered market in Hanoi, offering a wide array of goods, including clothes, household items, and various foodstuffs.

In the late 19th century, Hanoi’s Old Quarter had two main marketplaces on Hang Duong and Hang Ma streets. These were replaced by Đồng Xuân Market, constructed in 1889 by the French alongside the nearby Long Biên Bridge. The market, located near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, originally covered 6,500 square meters and featured a distinctive five-arch entrance and five 19-meter high domes. It also played a significant role during the First Indochina War, becoming a battleground on February 14, 1947. A memorial near the main gate, erected in 2005, honors this event.

Today, Đồng Xuân Market spans three stories, each filled with stalls selling a diverse range of products. From wholesale traders to small vendors, shoppers can find clothing, household goods, fresh vegetables, and various Vietnamese dishes. However, the market also faces challenges such as counterfeit goods and pollution, which pose health risks to the local community.

In 2003, the Đồng Xuân night market was launched, transforming the area into a vibrant tourist attraction. Operating every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, the night market features souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional foods, and cultural performances. This initiative not only boosts tourism but also helps preserve and promote Vietnam’s traditional culture.

The Dong Xuan Market appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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