Hanoi weekend night market: opening hours, what to eat and what to buy
Hanoi's weekend night market sets up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening in the pedestrian streets of the Old Quarter. It starts near Hang Dao Street, north of Hoan Kiem Lake, and runs north along Hang Ngang and Hang Duong streets to Dong Xuan Market; guides give between 1 and 2 km of route. Traffic is closed off, and you walk down the middle of the road between the stalls. Mostly it sells cheap clothing, souvenirs, phone accessories, toys and a lot of street food. It is a popular market rather than a craft market: come for the atmosphere, street meals and small purchases. See also: the weekend pedestrian streets, Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake and street food in Hanoi.
Highlights
The Old Quarter stalls
Stalls of clothing, hats, souvenirs and toys line the roadway for hundreds of metres. The goods are mostly mass-produced; compare prices at several stalls before buying.
The atmosphere in the street
On weekend evenings the crowd takes over Hang Dao and neighbouring streets: families, students, travellers. It is when the whole district turns into one big promenade.
The street food
Grilled skewers, cold drinks, ice cream and snacks are found on every corner. For a fuller meal, the safest option is a guided food tour (see our article on street food in Hanoi).
The souvenirs
Postcards, T-shirts, fans, conical hats, cloth bags and lacquer items are sold everywhere. Prices are not fixed: bargain with a smile.
Practical info
Tips
- Access is free. Keep your bag and phone in front of you, as the crowd attracts pickpockets, and leave valuable documents at the hotel. Payment is mostly in cash: bring small banknotes in dong. Ask the price before picking up an item or a dish. Guides say some stalls pack up earlier on Sunday, so come before 10pm that night. For advice on traps in the centre, see scams in Hanoi.
How to get there
From the start of Hang Dao Street (north of Hoan Kiem Lake) to Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. From the lake, allow 5 minutes on foot to the start; Dong Xuan Market is at the other end. Taxis and Grab cannot enter the pedestrian zone: get out at the edge (for example Dinh Tien Hoang or Hang Bong street) and walk.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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