Hanoi is the city that no one wants to compromise on their Vietnam trip. Overall, Vietnam has turned out to be the go-to destination for most Indians. And there are frequent travellers to Vietnam, and they know where to go and what to do.
But if you are a first-time traveller, you definitely need someone like me to give you a guide to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. So, in this blog, you can find all the information about the Hanoi night market.
This is going to help a lot of budget travellers. These markets are local, and you can wander around for free at the same time, getting a party nightlife like a local.
And don’t think too much about what to buy because these night markets in Hanoi offer hundreds of options at affordable prices. So, foodies, fashion hunters, culture enthusiasts, or just chasing nightlife in Hanoi– this blog will be your guide, leading you to some of the captivating corners in the city.
Hanoi Night Markets: Best Nighttime Wanderings
There will be a lot of markets when you are travelling to other cities, but you should know the right market for a touristy experience, to get cheap things, the best street food, and to watch live performances. So, here is your list to explore the right ones for you.
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
The Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is arguably the most renowned market, attracting tourists from all over the world. If you are staying in the Old Quarter, you don’t have to book a ride or find a way to reach this market. You can just take a few-minute walk from your hotel.
Though it is quick to reach the market, walking around here surely is not easy. This market street spans over 3 km, and if you are someone who stops at every stall, it will take you hours to explore all the things this market sells.
This market is best if you want to get handmade products like carved wood, keychains, paintings, bamboo dolls, bracelets, silk scarves, embroidered goods, clothes, leather bags, and so many more.
You will find many street food stalls giving you yummy snacks and food. Enjoy live music performances or any events happening at the entrance of the market.
You don’t really need to buy tickets and go to a musical performance, just get a beer and enjoy all this for free in the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market.
- Market Time: 06:00 pm – 12:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
- Location: Hang Dao Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi.
- Attractions near Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
Here, I have mentioned a list of things to do, along with the distance from the night market.
- Hoan Kiem Lake – 1km
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – 600m
- Ngoc Son Temple – 950m
- Ta Hien Beer Street – 300m
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market has been in Hanoi since 1889, so for over 100 years, this place has undergone numerous changes. You can even call this a historical place. It offers a glimpse into the lives of local people and provides a vibrant cultural experience.
This market is located just 400 m from the Old Quarter. Here, you can see the trading activities taking place, so it’s the right place if you’re shopping in bulk.
The shops are placed inside a building, and on each floor, you can find categorised items. However, this market is not primarily a night market for purchasing products.
This is one of Hanoi’s night markets, which is best for the culinary presence that comes to life from the evening. You can find a long hall where you can get the best Vietnamese street food.
But there will be a lot of souvenir stalls operating at night. So you don’t have to worry, many stalls will also be open during the night, and you can still find a lot of souvenirs to buy.
What to buy here –
- Electronics and mobile accessories
- Vietnamese snacks in bulk
- Traditional Ao Dai fabric
- Local spices and dried fruits
Bulk shopping or daytime shops: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Small shops and food: Active from 06:00 PM
Attractions near Dong Xuan Market-
When you are in the market, you can also go to some of the other places. I have mentioned the distances you can reach from this market. And, all these places are easily walkable.
- Long Biên Bridge – 1.5 km
- Bach Ma Temple – 400m
- Hanoi Train Street- 1.4 km
Note: This is a foodie paradise. If you prefer only Indian, there are a few Indian restaurants in Hanoi to save your taste buds.
Quang Ba Flower Market
When we imagine local markets, they’re usually filled with clothes, bags, slippers, food, and other items. But have you ever thought of going to a flower market? No, right?
Going to the Quang Ba Flower Market is a unique experience. A Hanoi night market breaks the typical standard market nightlife in Vietnam and attracts tourists with its colourful, pretty flowers even after midnight.
You heard it right, this market comes to life when the city goes to sleep. Many people come here to take Instagram-worthy pictures with a backdrop of these flowers.
What can you do in the flower market?
- Buy fresh orchids, roses, lotuses & so many flowers you’ve never seen before.
- If you are interested in flowers, you can ask the vendors and learn more about them.
- And take street style photography.
- Take a peaceful walk in as both sides are filled with flowers in the middle of the night.
Time: 01:00 am – 05:00 am is the right time to visit the flower market.
Places to visit near the Quang Ba Flower Market
- West Lake (Hồ Tây) – 1.0 km
- Tran Quoc Pagoda – 3 km
- Phu Tay Ho Temple – 2.7 km
Long Biên Market
This lively wholesale market is one of Hanoi’s oldest and largest. It is mainly known for its early morning trades. But more famous for its buzzing nightlife scene.
You will be shocked to see traffic even at 03:00 am in the street, that’s because that’s the time all the local vendors come to purchase fruits, vegetables, and some set up their shops.
And all vendors here are very friendly, always smiling, but most of them don’t speak English; however, they will be happy to help you out. It’s handy to learn some common phrases in Vietnamese, just to have a lovely conversation with locals.
I am warning you- if you cannot handle the crowd, please refrain from coming to this place before 5:00 am, as that is the time they load the products and arrange them.
And if you’re staying in Hanoi and cooking, only buy ingredients from here or a local market and cook. It’s much cheaper than any other supermarket or small grocery store.
Go to a few other attractions nearby:
Make note of the places mentioned below, with the distance that you can reach from Long Biên Market
- Long Biên Bridge – 500m
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – 2.6 km
- Đồng Xuân Market – 700m
- Hoe Nhai Pagoda – 550m
Note: Wear closed shoes. Because it’s busy, bustling, and a little sandy, but incredibly authentic. It’s Ideal for travellers curious about the supply chain behind Hanoi’s local products.
Hang Da Market
Among tourists, Hang Da Market is not as famous as the other markets. But if you are looking for a quiet, clean, and organised shopping space, you need to go here.
The speciality of this market is that it offers you a great selection of secondhand clothes, ceramics, and wines. This market is in a three-story building, and each part has a set of products.
Basement: You can buy freshly produced vegetables, fruits, herbs and food. Also, get delicious Bun Thang and Crab Noodle Soup at the food stalls in the basement.
First floor: You can find a lot of cheap clothes with the best quality, handmade goods and souvenir items.
Third floor: You can buy high-end products like clothes, bags, and accessories.
And the speciality here is that you get the best rice wine at great deals. So don’t miss out on the authentic Vietnamese products that can not be bought anywhere.
Attractions near Hang Da Market
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral – 550m
- Hanoi French Quarter – 1.6 km
- Ly Quoc Su Pagoda – 450m
- Hanoi Opera House – 1.7 km
Linh Nam Night Market
The Linh Nam Night Market is 8 km away from all the major Hanoi attractions, including the Old Quarter. So, the crowd will be smaller when compared to those areas.
There are many locals and students shopping, as the cost is much cheaper. And this market is special for its handmade woven baskets, lanterns and many craft items.
Plus, there are a lot of small parks near the marketplaces with no tourist presence at all. So, after shopping, take a walk or chill at these parks.
Market Time: 07:00 pm – 01:00 am
Attractions near the Linh Nam Night Market
The market is not in the central tourist places, so there are no exciting, new things you can find. This market is mainly for someone who doesn’t like bustling streets. If you like to visit a few places, I have mentioned them with the distance from the market.
- Den Lu Lake Park – 2.2 km
- VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium – 2.7 kms
Chợ Phùng Khoang
This Market is a popular destination if you’re looking for vintage clothes and accessories. It also offers a wide variety of goods. Some of the fresh produce, street food, and household items can be found at such a cheap price.
For the great budget, it has become the go-to market for local university students. Because all the things they use regularly, like shoes, dresses, shirts, jeans, trendy mobile phone cases, and unique merchandise, can be bought for just around 200 – 600 INR.
The market is not in the bustling parts of Hanoi; from the Old Quarter, you have to travel 10 km to get here, even though it is filled with people, as it is situated near universities.
Market Time: 03:00 am – 11:30 pm
Attractions near Chợ Phùng Khoang
- Temple Of Literature – 7 km
- Astronomy Park – 5 km
- Local cafes with student vibes (The cost in this area will be much cheaper)
Dos & Don’ts in Hanoi Night Market
Going to the markets is always exciting. Shopping time brings joy to everyone, regardless of age. And when you are actually amazed by a lot of shiny products and the smell of street food, you forget to be mindful. That’s why, as a reminder, I have listed tips to be followed.
- Bring cash and change. Most vendors don’t accept cards, so come with cash and keep it safe.
- Be ready with your negotiation skills. Bargaining is common in the local markets. And if you are not smart, they will easily overcharge you just because you are a tourist.
- Get your shoes on. Shopping in the market involves walking for hours, so do it comfortably. Your legs will thank you at the end of the day.
- Wear light clothes and carry water bottles. The places you visit will be congested and filled with numerous vendors and buyers. Therefore, your body will easily become overheated, and you will lose energy.
- Carry a camera. The markets come alive at night with lights and live performances. To capture the local life and street photography, this is the right place.
- Most vendors will not speak English. So, try to learn basic phrases that you use mostly during shopping. Also, consider downloading the Google Translate app when travelling to a foreign country, especially if you struggle with the local language.
Conclusion
Take advantage of this blog to explore each of these Hanoi night markets for a diverse local vibe. These markets offer something for every kind of traveller.
Whether you are wondering what to buy in the Hanoi night market or looking for authentic local street food, these vibrant hubs promise a memorable slice of Vietnamese culture.
And the secret to enjoying all this market is going there hungry. Because then you will get different snacks and taste as much as you can. So, keep yourself hydrated to maintain your energy.
You will be roaming around for hours in each of these markets, looking at all the shops that sell cute little things. I can guarantee you will have the most fun.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hanoi Night Markets
What is the popular night market in Hanoi for tourists?
The Hanoi Old Quarter night market is the most popular one among tourists. The reason is that it’s in the central place of Hanoi, the Old Quarter, where the traveller chooses to find their accommodations.
Can you bargain in Hanoi night markets?
Absolutely! Bargaining is typical and expected, especially at smaller, non-branded stalls. So, don’t ever feel shy or hesitate to bargain; if you do, you will miss out on a considerable discount.
What to buy in the Hanoi night market?
There are so many things you will end up buying. So, let me tell you about some very popular things, such as silk, Ao Dai, paper fans, lacquerware, Vietnamese coffee beans or powder, chopsticks, carved wood items, and many other unique things you can buy there.
