Dong Xuan Market Hanoi (Chợ Đồng Xuân) is the city’s largest indoor market and best-known Hanoi shopping market, built by the French in 1889–1890 on Dong Xuan Street at the northern edge of the Old Quarter. Its 3-floor building, with an original covered area of about 6,500 square metres, is open daily from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Dong Xuan Market sells wholesale clothing from about ₹100 (27,300 VND) per piece, lacquerware from ₹150 (41,000 VND), silk scarves from ₹200 (54,600 VND) and Vietnamese coffee from ₹120 (32,800 VND) per pack, with no minimum purchase for individual buyers. The food alley beside the market serves Hanoi street food, including vegetarian-friendly dishes, from about ₹40 (10,900 VND) per serving.
According to the team at Vietnamtour.in, which has arranged Vietnam itineraries for 428,000+ Indian tourists since 2015, Dong Xuan Market is one of the most visited shopping stops for Indian travellers exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, combining wholesale prices, street food and souvenirs in one place.
Dong Xuan Market at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Dong Xuan Market timings: about 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily; some stalls stay open later on Friday–Sunday during the night market.
- Is Dong Xuan Market open today? It opens every day of the year except for several days around Tet (Lunar New Year, 6 February 2027).
- Location: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, about 1 km walk north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Search “Chợ Đồng Xuân” on Google Maps.
- Weekend night market: Friday–Sunday, from about 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, along Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong and Dong Xuan streets.
- What to buy: clothes and fabric at wholesale prices, silk scarves, lacquerware, conical hats, coffee and dried snacks.
- Payment: mostly cash in VND (about 1 INR ≈ 273 VND); bargain politely.
What Is Dong Xuan Market?
Dong Xuan Market (Chợ Đồng Xuân) is the largest indoor market in Hanoi, built by the French colonial administration in 1889–1890 on Dong Xuan Street, in what is now Hoan Kiem Ward. The 3-floor building, with an original covered area of about 6,500 square metres, has around 2,000 stalls. The ground floor mainly sells dry goods, local specialties, household items and clothing, while the upper floors focus on clothing, fabric and children’s goods. Dong Xuan Market works both as a wholesale hub, where smaller Hanoi shops restock, and as a retail market open to individual buyers with no minimum purchase.
The market takes its name from the former Dong Xuan ward where it was built. It has been at the northern edge of Hanoi’s 36-street Old Quarter for more than 130 years, making it one of the city’s oldest markets.
Trading took place in this area long before the French building existed, as small markets grew up along the old Hanoi streets. A major fire in 1994 badly damaged the market, and it was rebuilt in a style based on the original French design, keeping its famous arched façade.
The market’s size and mix of goods are often compared to Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi or Crawford Market in Mumbai: clothing, food, household goods and wholesale fabric under one roof, with no minimum purchase.
Where Is Dong Xuan Market and How to Get There
Dong Xuan Market is on Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, about 600 metres north of Hoan Kiem Lake in a straight line, or roughly 1 km and 15–20 minutes on foot from the lake’s northern shore.
3 transport options from Hoan Kiem Lake to Dong Xuan Market:
- Grab or taxi: ₹100–₹150 (27,300–41,000 VND), 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, with drop-off at the main entrance on Dong Xuan Street.
- Walking (Hang Dao → Hang Ngang → Hang Duong): free, 15–20 minutes, passing the Old Quarter’s busy garment and snack streets that lead straight to the market gate.
- Cyclo or xe om (motorbike taxi): ₹60–₹100 (16,400–27,300 VND), 8–12 minutes; agree the fare in VND before you get on.
Motorbike parking is available around the market for a small fee. Search “Chợ Đồng Xuân” in Google Maps for the most accurate pin.
Closed-toe walking shoes, light cotton clothing and a crossbody bag worn at the front are the 3 essentials for visiting Dong Xuan Market. Floors can be uneven and aisles get very narrow at busy times, so sandals are less comfortable. Hanoi humidity is high from May to September, making cotton or linen the best choice. A bag worn at the front helps keep valuables safe in the crowded aisles. Indian travellers in salwar kameez or saree can move around comfortably; there is no dress code.
Dong Xuan Market Opening Hours and Floor-by-Floor Layout
Dong Xuan Market opening hours are about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, seven days a week, with wholesale trading starting earlier for vendors restocking. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, the separate weekend night market runs from about 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM on the streets in front of the market.
What Is on Each Floor of Dong Xuan Market?
Dong Xuan Market’s 3 floors are broadly divided by product category (layouts change as stalls move):
| Floor | Main Product Categories | Pricing Style |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor | Dry goods, local specialties, household goods, clothing, shoes and accessories | Wholesale + retail |
| First floor | Clothing and fabric | Wholesale + retail |
| Second floor | Children’s clothes, toys and baby goods | Mostly retail |
| Food alley (beside the market) | Street food, snacks, drinks and desserts | Per-dish pricing |
The ground floor is busiest between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays, when wholesale buyers and Hanoi shopkeepers restock. Most street food is in the food alley (Ngo Cho Dong Xuan) beside the market, open from early morning until about 5–6 PM, with Vietnamese rice dishes, noodle soups and snacks from about ₹70–₹175 (19,100–47,800 VND) per dish.
Is Dong Xuan Market Open on Public Holidays?
The market is open daily, including most Vietnamese public holidays such as National Day (2 September), Reunification Day (30 April) and New Year’s Day (1 January), although some stalls may close early.
The main exception is Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). Most stalls close for several days around Tet and reopen gradually afterwards. In 2027, Tet falls on 6 February, so expect closures from around 6 to 9 February 2027, with full activity returning about a week later.
Indian tourists visiting Hanoi around Diwali (8 November 2026) and the Christmas–New Year period find Dong Xuan Market open as usual.
Dong Xuan Night Market
The Dong Xuan Night Market (Hanoi Old Quarter weekend night market) is a separate open-air market along Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong and Dong Xuan streets, ending at the Dong Xuan Market gate. It runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from about 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and has operated since 2003.
The night market sells street fashion, handicrafts, accessories, handmade souvenirs and street food from hundreds of stalls on the pedestrianised streets. Prices start from about ₹35 (9,600 VND) for small accessories and ₹105–₹350 (28,700–95,600 VND) for handmade souvenirs.
The night market is much busier than the daytime market, with the biggest crowds between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM on Saturdays.
What Is the Difference Between Dong Xuan Market and Dong Xuan Night Market?
| Feature | Dong Xuan Market | Dong Xuan Night Market |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Indoor 3-floor building | Open-air pedestrian streets |
| Operating Days | Daily | Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Hours | About 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | About 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Primary Goods | Wholesale clothing, fabric, household goods, dry food | Street fashion, handicrafts, souvenirs, street food |
| Best For | Bulk shopping, fabric, local specialties | Casual browsing, gift shopping, evening atmosphere |
Is the Dong Xuan Night Market Good for Vegetarians?
Yes, the night market has several vegetarian-friendly street food options on Friday to Sunday evenings.
Five vegetarian-friendly items with approximate INR prices:
- Gỏi cuốn chay (fresh spring rolls with tofu and vegetables): ₹50–₹90 for 2 pieces.
- Bắp nướng (grilled corn): ₹40–₹70 per cob.
- Đậu hũ chiên (fried tofu with chilli sauce): ₹50–₹80 for a small plate.
- Chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup): ₹50–₹90 per cup.
- Bánh mì chay (vegetarian baguette sandwich): ₹50–₹80 per piece.
Say “chay” (vegetarian) when ordering; vendors understand it well. Check that dishes are not cooked with fish sauce if you are strictly vegetarian.
Street Food at Dong Xuan Market
Most street food at Dong Xuan Market is in the food alley beside the market (Ngo Cho Dong Xuan) and on the surrounding streets, open from early morning until about 5–6 PM. It is one of the best places in the Old Quarter to try many Hanoi dishes in one short walk.
Snacks and small bites:
- Bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper): ₹40–₹80 (10,900–21,800 VND).
- Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls): ₹80–₹150 (21,800–41,000 VND).
- Đậu hũ chiên (fried tofu with chilli sauce): ₹50–₹100 (13,600–27,300 VND).
- Xôi (sticky rice, vegetarian version available): ₹60–₹120 (16,400–32,800 VND).
Full meals:
- Bún chả (grilled pork with rice noodles): ₹150–₹250 (41,000–68,200 VND).
- Cơm bình dân (Vietnamese set rice meal): ₹120–₹180 (32,800–49,100 VND).
Drinks and desserts:
- Sinh tố (fresh fruit smoothies): ₹60–₹100 (16,400–27,300 VND).
- Chè (sweet dessert soup): ₹50–₹90 (13,600–24,600 VND).
- Cà phê trứng (Hanoi egg coffee): ₹80–₹150 (21,800–41,000 VND).
- Nước mía (fresh sugarcane juice): ₹30–₹60 (8,200–16,400 VND).
On Vietnamtour.in group tours, the vegetarian-friendly items Indian travellers order most here are Đậu hũ chiên (fried tofu), Xôi chay (vegetarian sticky rice), Chè (dessert soup) and Bánh mì chay (vegetarian baguette).
What Are the Must-Try Foods at Dong Xuan Market?
The 6 must-try dishes at Dong Xuan Market are Bánh mì, Bún chả, Bánh cuốn, Chè, Đậu hũ chiên sả ớt and Xôi, chosen for easy availability, local prices and vegetarian options.
- Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich): ₹40–₹80 (10,900–21,800 VND); ask for “bánh mì chay” for a vegetarian filling.
- Bún chả (grilled pork with rice noodles and dipping broth): ₹150–₹250 (41,000–68,200 VND).
- Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls): ₹80–₹150 (21,800–41,000 VND), made to order; the standard filling has pork, so ask for a plain version if vegetarian.
- Chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup): ₹50–₹100 (13,600–27,300 VND); most varieties are vegetarian.
- Đậu hũ chiên sả ớt (lemongrass-chilli fried tofu): ₹60–₹100 (16,400–27,300 VND), vegetarian.
- Xôi (sticky rice): ₹80–₹150 (21,800–41,000 VND); order “xôi chay” for a vegetarian version.
Is the Street Food at Dong Xuan Market Safe to Eat?
Yes, cooked and fried street food at Dong Xuan Market is generally safe for most travellers if you follow 3 simple precautions: choose busy stalls, avoid raw garnishes and eat food served hot.
Choose stalls with a steady stream of local customers, as high turnover means fresher food. Avoid raw herbs and bean sprouts if you have a sensitive stomach; say “không rau sống” (no raw vegetables) when ordering. Eat dishes served hot straight from the pan or steamer, such as bánh cuốn, fried tofu and sticky rice.
Indian tourists with sensitive stomachs or on their first trip to Vietnam can choose sit-down eateries in the food alley and on nearby streets, which have seating and menu boards with prices.
Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy at Dong Xuan Market
If you are wondering what to buy at Dong Xuan Market, souvenir prices start from about ₹80 (21,800 VND) and are often lower than at tourist shops on Hang Gai Street, covering lacquerware, silk, conical hats, coffee and tea. For a full list of gift ideas, see our guide on what to buy in hanoi.
- Lacquerware and pottery (bowls, chopstick sets, vases, painted trays): ₹150–₹1,200 (41,000–327,600 VND). Hand-painted pieces show visible brush marks; machine-printed pieces have a uniform surface.
- Silk and fabric items (scarves, ao dai fabric by the metre, embroidered cushion covers and table runners): ₹200–₹2,500 (54,600–682,500 VND). Silk blends are most common at lower prices; pure silk costs more, from about ₹800 (218,400 VND) per metre.
- Vietnamese conical hats (Nón Lá): plain palm-leaf hats ₹80–₹150 (21,800–41,000 VND); decorated versions ₹250–₹300 (68,200–81,900 VND).
- Coffee and tea (Vietnamese drip coffee, instant coffee, lotus tea): ₹120–₹600 (32,800–163,800 VND) per pack. Ground coffee and tea can go in cabin or checked baggage.
Vietnamtour.in’s local experts recommend coffee and silk scarves as the most popular gifts for Indian travellers, as they are light and easy to pack.
What Souvenirs Are Unique to Dong Xuan Market?
4 types of products at Dong Xuan Market are hard to find in Hanoi’s tourist-facing souvenir shops:
- Wholesale embroidery pieces (large table runners and wall panels): about ₹300–₹1,500 (81,900–409,500 VND) per piece, often cheaper than similar pieces in Hang Gai Street shops (₹800–₹3,000 / 218,400–819,000 VND).
- Traditional votive paper goods (vàng mã): ceremonial paper offerings sold in packs for ₹80–₹200 (21,800–54,600 VND), mainly found in local markets and on Hang Ma Street.
- Locally made herbal soaps: made with Vietnamese botanicals, sold loose at ₹60–₹120 (16,400–32,800 VND) per bar.
- Handwoven rattan and bamboo baskets: in the household goods area, ₹120–₹480 (32,800–131,000 VND) per piece.
What Are the Best Gifts to Buy for Family Back in India?
The 4 best gifts to buy at Dong Xuan Market for family in India are instant Vietnamese coffee, silk scarves, small lacquerware items and Vietnamese chilli sauce, as they are easy to carry home.
- Instant Vietnamese coffee (3-in-1 sachets): ₹120–₹300 (32,800–81,900 VND) per box of 20 sachets; light and fine in cabin baggage.
- Silk scarves: ₹300–₹800 (81,900–218,400 VND) each; they fold flat and weigh very little.
- Small decorative lacquerware (boxes, trays, miniature bowls): ₹150–₹600 (41,000–163,800 VND); wrap in clothing to protect the finish.
- Vietnamese chilli sauce (sealed bottles): ₹80–₹200 (21,800–54,600 VND) per bottle; bottles over 100 ml must go in checked baggage under liquid rules.
Dong Xuan Wholesale Clothing Market
The market is Hanoi’s best-known wholesale clothing market, open to both bulk buyers and individual visitors without registration or minimum spend. Many vendors offer wholesale prices from about 5–10 pieces per design or colour, while smaller quantities are charged at retail prices.
A basic cotton T-shirt can cost about ₹100–₹180 (27,300–49,100 VND) per piece at wholesale (around 10 pieces) versus ₹250–₹450 (68,200–122,800 VND) at retail, a saving of roughly 40–60% for larger orders. For more ideas on shopping vietnam style, see our guide to the best things to buy across the country.
The main clothing categories are women’s fashion (₹150–₹600 / 41,000–163,800 VND per piece), men’s shirts and trousers (₹200–₹800 / 54,600–218,400 VND), children’s clothing (₹100–₹400 / 27,300–109,200 VND), sportswear (₹150–₹500 / 41,000–136,500 VND) and ao dai fabric by the metre (₹300–₹1,200 / 81,900–327,600 VND).
Can Tourists Buy Wholesale at Dong Xuan Market?
Yes, tourists can buy at wholesale prices at Dong Xuan Market with no registration, simply by negotiating quantity directly with vendors. Most vendors speak Vietnamese only, but Google Translate’s camera mode reads price tags and labels well. A simple method works at most stalls: point at the item, show the quantity with your fingers, then type your target price on a calculator app.
Cash in VND is the usual payment at wholesale stalls. Exchange money or withdraw cash before you go; at about 1 INR = 273 VND (November 2026), ₹1,000 is worth about 273,000 VND.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Dong Xuan for Wholesale Shopping?
The best time for wholesale shopping at Dong Xuan Market is weekday mornings between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when vendors have restocked, full size and colour ranges are available, and aisles are easier to walk through.
Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings are busier with tourists, and vendors have less time to negotiate. Avoid arriving after 4:00 PM, when many vendors start packing up and are less flexible on price.
Shopping Tips for Indian Tourists at Dong Xuan Market
8 shopping tips for Indian tourists at Dong Xuan Market cover timing, cash, translation, bargaining, bags, meals, night market timing and Indian customs limits.
- Tip 1: Arrive before 9:00 AM on weekdays. Stalls are fully stocked and aisles are easier to navigate before tourist crowds build from about 10:00 AM.
- Tip 2: Carry Vietnamese dong (VND) in cash. Most stalls and food vendors accept cash only; there are ATMs on the surrounding Old Quarter streets, but withdraw cash before you start shopping.
- Tip 3: Use Google Translate camera mode. Point your camera at Vietnamese labels for instant translation.
- Tip 4: Start bargaining at around 60% of the asking price and settle around 70–75%. Always bargain with a smile.
- Tip 5: Bring a large tote or foldable shopping bag. Vendors provide minimal packaging for bulk purchases.
- Tip 6: Take a meal break in the food alley. A Vietnamese set rice meal costs about ₹120–₹180 (32,800–49,100 VND), much less than tourist restaurants.
- Tip 7: Arrive at the night market by 6:30 PM on Saturdays. Popular low-priced items can sell out early, and crowds peak from 7:30 PM.
- Tip 8: Check India’s duty-free limit before bulk buying. Under India’s Baggage Rules, 2026 (from 2 February 2026), residents arriving by air can bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free; anything above that may be charged customs duty.
Best Time to Visit Dong Xuan Market
The best time to visit Dong Xuan Market is October to April, when Hanoi is cooler (about 15–28°C) and drier, making it comfortable to walk around both the covered market and the weekend night market.
June to August is hot, often above 35°C, with heavy afternoon rain. The covered market stays open in the rain, but the open-air night market can be uncomfortable in the heat or a downpour.
Several Indian holiday periods fall in the October–April window: Diwali (8 November 2026; 29 October 2027), Christmas and New Year school holidays (about 20 December to 5 January), Republic Day (26 January) and the start of summer holidays in April. Avoid the days around Tet (6 February 2027), when many stalls close.
Which Month Is Best to Visit Dong Xuan Market?
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Crowd Level | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 23–28°C | About 130mm | Medium | Good, rain easing |
| November | 20–25°C | About 45mm | Medium | Best overall, cool and dry |
| December | 15–22°C | About 25mm | Medium-High | Cool, dry, busy before Christmas |
| January | 14–20°C | About 20mm | Medium-High | Coolest month; busy before Tet |
| February | 16–22°C | About 30mm | Variable | Avoid the Tet holiday (around 6–9 February 2027) |
| March | 18–24°C | About 50mm | Low | Good, mild and quiet |
| April | 22–28°C | About 90mm | Low | Last comfortable month |
Is Dong Xuan Market Worth Visiting During Tết?
Yes, the 2 weeks before Tet are the busiest and most colourful time at Dong Xuan Market, when vendors sell Tet decorations, gift boxes, dried fruits, candied snacks and ceremonial goods not found the rest of the year. Before Tet 2027, this period runs from about 23 January to 5 February 2027, with extra seasonal stalls and big crowds.
During Tet itself, most stalls close for several days and reopen gradually. In 2027, plan your shopping before 5 February or after mid-February.
Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary Around Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market fits easily into a half-day Hanoi Old Quarter walk: start at the market around 9:00 AM, walk back through Hang Duong, Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets to Hoan Kiem Lake, and finish with lunch by 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, you can visit hanoi train street, about 2 km away.
If you are wondering about the vietnam capital name, it is Hanoi, and Dong Xuan Market is one of the best places to see everyday life in the city. Vietnamtour.in’s Hanoi city tours include guided shopping at Dong Xuan Market with an English-speaking guide, lunch at a vegetarian-friendly local restaurant and curated souvenir stops, as part of our all Vietnam tours for Indian travellers.
Want a guided Dong Xuan Market visit in your Hanoi itinerary? Share your travel details and our team will plan it for you.
What Else to Explore Near Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
After exploring Dong Xuan Market, the surrounding Old Quarter offers many specialised shopping streets and markets, each focused on particular goods: silk on Hang Gai Street, herbs and traditional medicine on Lan Ong Street, fresh produce at Hang Be Market, and fabric at Hom Market in the south of the city centre.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter grew around trade, with many streets named after the goods once sold there. The streets near Dong Xuan Market include Hang Bac (silver), Hang Thiec (tin), Hang Ma (paper offerings), Hang Dao (formerly silk and textiles) and Lan Ong (herbs), all within walking distance.
Indian tourists who want to explore more of Hanoi’s markets can find opening hours, specialties and bargaining tips for each in our markets in Hanoi guide.
Walking the lanes around Dong Xuan Market connects your fabric, silk and lacquerware purchases to the streets where these goods have been traded for centuries. The Old Quarter’s history, street specialties and walking routes are covered in our Hanoi Old Quarter guide.
Opening hours, prices and travel details in this guide were last checked in November 2026 and may change.
