The location of Dong Xuan market
Cho Dong Xuan or Dong Xuan market is located in the northern end of Hanoi old quarter and considered as the oldest & largest market in Hanoi capital.When travelling to Hanoi, Vietnam, beside visiting other attractions in the capital such as Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem lake or Hanoi old quarter, you should spend time visiting and shopping in this market for its interesting history and variety of local products that you can find here.
Shopping in Dong Xuan Market
The history of Dong Xuan Market.
In spite of being located in the heart of the Old Quarters, Dong Xuan market is quite young compared with the surrounding streets. It used to be a busy floating market for locals at the confluence of To Lich and Red River.When the French started their colonial exploitation policies in Vietnam, they renovated Hanoi city with many important constructions such as Opera House, Cathedrals, Hanoi railways, Long Bien Bridge and Hanoi old quarter….. They made old streets wider & straighter with pavements & dotted French buildings.The French also reclaimed the river ways to make the space for building up Dong Xuan Market in 1889 following the colonial French style architecture.
The original building was unluckily destroyed in 1994 on a fire, which caused big losses for local traders here.Then the market was reconstructed in 1997 following the same style of architecture before the fire and has become a popular destination for locals as well as tourists to get whole-sale or retail shopping here with good prices.
Dong Xuan Market’s Monument
When visiting this market, you can also see a big monument of brave solders’ statutes ( Cam Tu Quan) at its side to pay homages to their sacrifices to control French attack in 1947.Back to 1946, the French reocupied Vietnam and re-attacked Hanoi capital in February in 1947.In order to proctect Governments safely withdrawing from Hanoi, there was a fiece battle between Vietnamese solders & French army taking place here.
What you can buy in Dong Xuan Market?
The market is daily open from 8h00 a.m to 17h00 p.m so you can arrange your time to go here.This large three-story market offers a various kinds of local as well as Chinese products As a tourist, you can take a stroll around & get close view of items in the market.You can purchase many locally-made souvenirs or silk clothes here. Remember to bargain for good retail prices of the products you like.
Trader in Dong Xuan Market
To local residents, Dong Xuan market is mostly reserved for bulk sale and distribution points for many retailers in Hanoi. Main products include electronic devices, household equipments and clothing. At the back of the market is the trading place for animals (puppies, kitties, birds, fish, etc.) and plants (mostly Vietnamese bonsai). Suppliers for the market come mainly from North Vietnam with many Chinese blends
How to get to Dong Xuan Market?
From the northern bank of Hoan Kiem lake, you follow Hang Dao Street, then straight to Hang Ngang Street & Hang Duong Street. Eventually you reach to Dong Xuan Street. You will see the market with its big building on the right side of the road. The distance is about 400 meters and walking 20 minutes from Hoan Kiem lake.
Meals in Dong Xuan Market
