Hanoi Night Market, Hanoi Overview

Hanoi Night Market is a vibrant and bustling market that takes place in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, typically running from Friday to Sunday evenings. Spanning several streets around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, there are stalls selling a diverse array of goods, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and local street food.

The market offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to shop for traditional Vietnamese items such as lacquerware, silk products, embroidery, and unique handmade goods. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by street performances, live music, and cultural shows, adding to the overall vibrancy of the experience. Visitors can also find local artisans showcasing their craftsmanship, providing insight into traditional Vietnamese arts like water puppetry or calligraphy. The Night Market is not only a shopping destination but also a place to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy the buzzing energy of Hanoi's nightlife.

What To Shop at Hanoi Night Market

Numerous stalls in Hanoi Night Market sell various products such as ceramics, handicrafts, porcelain, clothing, and fashion accessories. Handcrafted clay figures have served as Vietnamese souvenirs, especially for children, since the 1990s. Vendors selling keepsakes and handicrafts are popular among the tourists.
One of the most creative souvenirs is the 3D postcard, and it costs around VND 20,000 - VND 30,000. Other items on display include bamboo dolls, painted masks and leather handbags in various sizes and colours, handmade postcards, pictures and portraits

Street Food at Hanoi Night Market

A visit to the Hanoi Night Market would be incomplete without stopping at one of the delicious food vendors on the streets. Food stalls flock the market with cuisines forms from all over the country. Hanoi traditional dishes such as bloating fern-shaped cake, Hai Phong bread, grilled sausages and bacon are the most famous ones. Foreign tourists try out snacks and sweets as well, which includes salt and chilli treated fruits, sticky candy, ice-cream rolls, boiled sweet corn and sweet potatoes. Beside local dishes, many foreign cuisines are sold at the Old Quarter New Market as well to meet the demands of foreign visitors. Local beers and Chinese Hot Pots are among the must-try things that interest many tourists.

Ta Hien Street at Hanoi Night Market

Ta Hien Street, locally known as Western Street, is famous for live concerts by music bands performing instrumental versions of Western songs, European classical music and latest Vietnamese songs. Once the musical extravagance begins, the streets are clustered by youngsters, who sit around small tables, drink lime tea, eat junk food and chat amongst themselves. One can get closer to the Vietnamese daily life, learn about the customs and traditions, and make friends during this time as well.

Important Tips for Visiting

Bargaining is the only way to get the best deal on items. Offering 75% of the maintained price is a good way to start the negotiation.
As the market remains packed, beware of thieves and pickpockets. Bring fewer packages and personal belongings and monitor them carefully.
Trying the most ordered item on the menu comes handy in case you are confused about what to eat.
Tourists bringing private vehicles have to park outside the market by paying a fee of VND 5,000 (INR 15), as vehicles cannot enter the market after 6.00 PM.
The average cost of items is:
Local cuisines: VND 15,000 - VND 30,000 (INR 45 to INR 90)
Outfits and souvenirs: VND 100,000 - VND 200,000 (INR 300 to INR 600)

How To Reach Hanoi Night Market

Hanoi Night Market is located in the Old Quarter, a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. One has to walk on Le Thai To and head towards Pho Bao Khanh. Then take the first exit at the roundabout onto Dinh Tien Hoang. After passing Dunkin Donuts and continuing onto Hang Dao, Hanoi Night Market will be on the left.

Tourists can also avail taxi and motorbike services to reach the market. The prices are:
Taxi: VND 11,500 to VND 16,550 per kilometre
Motorbike: VND 30,000 per hour