If you’re visiting Hanoi, the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is a can’t-miss experience. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this vibrant market offers a feast for the senses. In this guide, Lily’s Travel will provide everything you need to know before exploring.
Where is the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market located?
Stretching from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, located around 3 kilometres right in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hanoi Weekend Market or Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is one of Hanoi’s most popular tourist destinations. Renowned for its bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings, this iconic market comes to life in the evenings, transforming from the narrow streets into a colourful and bustling hub of activity. With hundreds of selling stalls and vendors, this pedestrian-friendly zone will offer a unique shopping experience during your visit to the city.
Best time to visit the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
The night market Hanoi Old Quarter is open to travelers from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. However, it is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. that the market truly comes alive. Depending on where you start, there are numerous means of transportation that tourists can choose from to get here. For those looking for a hassle-free journey, bus service is a wonderful option. Bus routes 9, 14, and 36 will provide a shortcut to the lakeside region, where you can easily join the market.
Meanwhile for personal vehicles, if you choose to travel by motorbike, for instance, you can park your bike near the market. A parking lot along Bao Khanh Street is next to Hang Trong for 10,000 VND. Because Hanoi city has currently planned the market as part of the walking street on weekends. Therefore, parking spaces to enter the night market Hanoi Old Quarter are also provided along with the walking street area.
What can you buy at the Hanoi old quarter night market?
Night market Hanoi Old Quarter is a treasure trove of souvenirs. Strolling through the market, visitors will have the opportunity to buy their favorite items. This includes traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, textiles, lacquerware, ceramics as well as everyday household goods such as clothing, accessories, and household items. The items here not only become perfect gifts for loved ones back home but they also are designed for people who are seeking budget-friendly shopping.
With approximately 4,000 stalls and thousands of diverse items, travelers can easily find items such as:
- Sweaters for about 90,000 – 120,000 VND
- Denim starting from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
- A customized wooden keychain with your name being crafted for 30,000 VND
- Unique postcards and DIY scarves for only 40,000 VND.
- Winter clothing items start from 50,000 VND/piece.
- Graphic T-shirts cost from 50,000 -120,000 VND/each.
When you explore the market, all of these items will be displayed on mobile stalls, or in vendors along the street. However, before purchasing a certain product, please notice that most of the goods here are mainly from China, imported from Mong Cai – Quang Ninh area or Lang Son, Lao Cai border gates… Therefore, visitors need to consider carefully, because there may be some items that are sewn wrong or have errors.
What street food to try near Hanoi old quarter night market?
Referring to Hanoi cuisine, diners who have been here often compare Hanoi as a street food paradise with a variety of delicious and attractive dishes. When you shop at the night market Hanoi Old Quarter, you can also enjoy street foods around the place. The cuisinNighht mare of Hanoi Old Quarter is always famous for its attractiveness and variety.
So “what street food to try around the market?” To answer this question, Lily’s Travel will list out for you some of the signature mouthwatering foods near the market. Even though each of them has its own taste, once you read this article, you will not have to think about what to try when you visit Hanoi Old Quarter anymore.
1. Pho Ganh at Hang Bac Street
Hanoi with 36 streets is always bustling and crowded with people during the day. At night, there is no exception. There is always a place where many people gather, especially at the intersection of Hang Bac and Hang Ngang. They gather here not to buy or sell or exchange, but to come here to enjoy Pho Ganh. Normally, Pho Ganh in Hang Bac is open from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., but most of the time it will close earlier due to being out of stock.
There are two types of pho here: Beef Pho with Wine Sauce and Stir-Fried Beef Pho with Rolls. Both dishes feature chewy rice noodles immersed in a flavorful broth made from simmered meat and bones. The broth is infused with the aroma of herbs and spices. Tender, marinated beef and green onions are added to create a bowl of pho. Enjoy it with a side of garlic and stir-fried vegetables for an extra taste.
Address: 4 Hang Ma Street, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 03:30 a.m. – 07:30 a.m.
Price: 50,000 VND
2. Grilled goose vermicelli at Hang Bong Street
Regarding Hanoi’s nightlife, Ngan Hien restaurant is not very well-known, but once you’ve dined there, you’ll want to return. This little restaurant is tucked away amid big-box retailers on Hang Bong Street. To explore the place, you’ll have to look closely to find.
One of the most popular dishes here is the grilled goose dish. The goose patties here are expertly marinated, grilled over charcoal, and exude a mouthwatering aroma. Additionally, the grilled goose meat is equally delectable. The deboned goose meat, sliced into thick pieces, is marinated and grilled to brown.
Address: 75 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 05:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: 45,000 VND – 50,000 VND
3. Wonton noodles at Hang Chieu Street
If you want to enjoy the unique taste of wonton noodles in Hanoi, you need to visit Binh Tay noodle at 54 Hang Chieu. In the past, the restaurant was famous for the name Pho Co noodles, but after moving to Hang Chieu Street, the owner changed the name to Binh Tay noodles. The restaurant is open from day till night so you can stop by at any time.
Enjoying a bowl of wonton noodles and dumplings on windy days is a perfect combination. Another plus point for the restaurant is the cleanliness of the space, ensuring hygiene in the making process. Therefore, the restaurant is visited by many foreign travellers.
Address: 54 Hang Chieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: 40,000 VND – 55,000 VND
4. Bread with beef stew in red wine at Dinh Ngang Street
If you want to change your taste, visit Dinh Ngang Street. A famous local restaurant’s signature dish is the grilled beef stew with red wine sauce. Although imported from the West, wine sauce bread now has become a familiar dish for many Vietnamese people. The bread is toasted to a golden-brown crisp and then served with tender beef tendon, fiery chilli, and fragrant coriander. With a unique recipe, the bread with wine sauce at Dinh Ngang Street is like an addictive substance that makes diners who accidentally step into the restaurant have to come here back to back. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why the restaurant is always so crowded.
Address: The Junction between Hang Bong – Cua Nam – Dinh Ngang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 03:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Price: 40,000 VND – 60,000 VND
5. Chicken noodle soup at Hang Bo Street
As one of the oldest restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter with nearly 30 years of experience, the chicken noodle soup in Hang Bo Street always seems to stand out from other restaurants. A long-standing sidewalk restaurant brings a unique Hanoian vibe.
In a bowl of chicken noodle soup, the main ingredients will be chicken, bean sprouts, vegetables and herb-marinated medicine. The chicken will be stewed with mugwort in the pot for about 1-2 hours. Chicken in here has often been cut into bite-sized pieces. More than that, the stewed chicken is just cooked enough so diners can feel the chewy and sweet taste.
For more detail, there are two types of chicken here: simmered chicken and normal chicken. Each bowl typically contains half a small chicken. The fragrant mugwort vegetable goes extremely well with chicken marinated with herbal medicine.
The noodles used here are often instant noodles, providing a chewy texture when soaked in the broth. To enhance the flavor, the restaurant offers a signature dipping sauce for the chicken, allowing customers to customize their experience. However, because the restaurant focuses mainly on food quality, drinks here are also quite simple. Drinks mostly will be lemon tea, kumquat tea, iced tea or water.
Address: 24 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 05:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Price: 50,000 VND – 60,000 VND
Tips for Bargaining at the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
According to locals, items sold in the market are affordable for most people. However, there is a risk of tourists being subjected to price gouging. Hence, if you buy items worth several hundred thousand, you should try to bargain because you may get a better price than the original price.
Besides, you can also double-check items at different stalls to find a suitable price. Buying a beautiful item at the right price will increase your experience when you explore the night market Hanoi Old Quarter.
Night Market Entertainment and Activities in the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
The night market Hanoi Old Quarter is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a cultural hub. As long as you explore the market, you will likely encounter a variety of captivating activities. Here are some activities you can check out:
1. Live street art
Hanoi night market offers one-of-a-kind experiences. each visit reveals new facets of Hanoi, ensuring a fresh perspective and a new list of activities to explore. A significant contributor to this enduring appeal is the free-style music performances that take place nightly. In other words, the market is a vibrant hub for singing and dancing performances. Anyone can turn on the music and showcase their talent, regardless of nationality, gender, or appearance. Even the audience can become artists, seizing the microphone and sharing their voices or dance moves. In this inclusive space, everyone can be shined.
2.Traditional cultural show
Besides live street art, the market is also an attractive location for cultural acts since it is both a tourist attraction and a cultural hotspot. Here, there are many Vietnamese customary shows such as Cheo, Chau Van, Hat Xam. These shows are not only aimed to be preserved but also serve as an effective platform for introducing Vietnamese traditional arts to international visitors.
During the weekend, the shows are mainly hosted by the Vietnam Musicians Association. These performances are not only for the professional; young performers can also take the stage. While performances from them sometimes may lack the polish of professionals, however, the joy and enthusiasm these people bring will captivate audiences. These shows are considered as a cultural exchange platform for people from diverse backgrounds and provide them with opportunities to unleash their talents.
How Safe is the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market for Tourists?
Is the night market Hanoi Old Quarter safe to travel to? Absolutely! It is safe to visit here. However, it’s always prudent to take necessary precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night and opt for licensed taxis for transportation.
To further enhance your safety, remaining vigilant and keeping your belongings close is essential. While petty theft can occur, violent crimes are less frequent in Hanoi. To further mitigate risks, store valuables like extra cash, credit cards, and passports in your hotel and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
How to Plan a Night Market Tour in Hanoi Old Quarter
If you want to have the most wonderful moment when visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you need to save the following tips immediately:
- To travel to the market, you can go by bus, taxi or motorbike. In Hanoi, there are 3 main bus routes numbered 09, 14 and 36 with routes to the lakeside location, then you can walk to Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market.
- For personal vehicles, you can park your car at the parking lot at the beginning of the walking street or at surrounding houses to ensure there is no crowding and make it easier to get the car.
- When buying things at the market, you should bargain and consult prices at many stalls to buy your favorite item at a reasonable price. Besides, you should also check the goods carefully before buying to avoid errors.
Besides traveling to the night market Hanoi Old Quarter, in the day, you can also visit some famous Hanoi tourist attractions near the market such as Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison… or family amusement parks in Hanoi such as West Lake Water Park an Thu Le Park…
To plan your trip seamlessly and ensure a memorable experience, book your accommodation and tours through Lily’s Travel. Our expert team will provide personalized recommendations and assistance, making your Hanoi adventure unforgettable.
Read more: Hanoi Old Quarter Rooftop Bar: Soaring Above the Bustle
Surrounding Attractions Near the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
The Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is surrounded by many attractions that you can explore during the day or after the market closes. Here are some of the most popular options that you can look at:
1. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers a captivating glimpse into the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry. This centuries-old form of storytelling combines music, puppetry, and dramatic elements, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.
The theatre’s evening performances create a magical atmosphere with dimmed lights, the reflection of puppets on the water, and rhythmic music. To plan your visit, check the showtimes on the theatre’s official website or contact the staff directly. Performances typically run multiple times daily, but schedules may vary.
- Admission: VND 100,000 – 300,000 (USD 4 – 12);
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
- Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam;
- Distance from the center: about 600 meters.
2. Quang Ba Flower Market
Quang Ba Flower Market offers a captivating glimpse into Hanoi’s traditional flower market culture. Experience the vibrant energy, admire the stunning floral displays, and immerse yourself in the bustling trade as the day begins.
Please note that Quang Ba Flower Market operates early in the morning, limiting food options within the market itself. However, you’ll find a variety of nearby cafes and breakfast spots where you can enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine and coffee.
- Admission: free to enter;
- Opening hours: from 2:00 AM;
- Address: no. 236 Au Co Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam;
- Distance from the center: 4.5km.
3. Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien Street is renowned for its vibrant Hanoi nightlife culture. Explore the numerous bars and beer stalls lining the street, offering a diverse selection of local and international brews. It’s an ideal spot for socializing, meeting friends, and immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Be aware that Ta Hien Street can become crowded during peak hours, typically from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Exercise caution while walking and use designated crosswalks. When purchasing souvenirs or items from street vendors, bargaining is customary. Negotiate politely to secure the best price.
- Admission: free to enter;
- Opening hours: the whole day;
- Address: Ta Hien, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi;
- Distance from the center: 300 meters.
4. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral offers evening Mass services at 8:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 9:00 PM (Sunday). If you want to attend a Catholic Mass, please check the schedule for specific times. To ensure a respectful experience, dress appropriately when visiting the cathedral, especially if you plan to attend religious services or prayer. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour to honour the sacred space.
- Admission: free to enter;
- Opening hours: all day;
- Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam;
- Distance from the center: 1.2 kilometers.
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and culinary delights. It’s a gathering place where locals and tourists mingle, immersing themselves in the city’s lively energy. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, savoring delicious street food, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this bustling market offers an unforgettable experience.
Come prepared, bring your appetite, and embark on a journey through the heart of Hanoi. For more local experiences, book your tour with Lily’s Travel. With Lily’s Travel, experience a seamless journey. Our expertly curated tours include pre-booked transportation, accommodations, and dining experiences. Contact us today to book your Hanoi tour or explore other exciting destinations that ignite your wanderlust.
