Which market by time
| Market | When (quoted hours) | What you find | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dong Xuan | Daily, about 6:00 to 18:00 | Clothes, fabric, crafts, souvenirs | Shopping, local atmosphere |
| Old Quarter night market | Friday to Sunday, about 18:00 to 23:00 | Souvenirs, street food | An evening, eating on the move |
| Long Bien (near Long Bien Bridge) | Night and dawn, peak between 2:00 and 4:00 according to one source | Wholesale fruit and vegetable market | Early-morning photographers |
| Quang Ba flowers (Tay Ho) | About 2:00 to 6:00 according to one guide, others say 23:00 to 6:00 | The biggest flower market, according to one guide | Early risers, photos |
| Hom | About 6:00 to 18:00 | Fabric by the metre | Tailors, fabric |
How to choose
- A single market: Dong Xuan by day for the visit, or the weekend night market to eat and wander. Both are in the Old Quarter.
- A one-day plan: Long Bien and Quang Ba in the small hours, Dong Xuan and Hom during the day, the night market in the evening (Friday to Sunday).
- To taste: rather than buying, a guided food tour saves choosing at random; see street food in Hanoi.
- For shopping: see also souvenirs from Vietnam and Bat Trang.
Practical tips
- Prices are negotiable on clothes and souvenirs, not on displayed food.
- Bring cash in small notes and keep your bags in front of you in the crowd. See scams in Hanoi.
- Wholesale markets are not made for tourists: stay clear of carts and motorbikes.
- Night market hours vary between sources; the Old Quarter market is the most reliable for an evening out.
FAQ
What is the best market in Hanoi?
For a first stay, Dong Xuan by day and the Old Quarter night market at the weekend.
When is the night market?
Friday to Sunday, about 18:00 to 23:00 according to guides; food vendors sometimes stay later.
Can you visit the flower market?
Yes, but it takes place at night and in the small hours; hours vary between sources.
Where do I buy fabric?
At Hom market, or at the silk village of Van Phuc.
