Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi

Đồng Xuân Market is a historic and bustling market situated in the Hoàn Kiếm district of Hanoi. Established by the French administration in 1889, the market has undergone several renovations, with the most significant in 1994 following a devastating fire. Today, it stands as the largest covered market in Hanoi, offering a vast array of goods from clothes and household items to a variety of foodstuffs.

In the late 19th century, Hanoi's Old Quarter had two main marketplaces at Hang Duong and Hang Ma streets. These were replaced by Đồng Xuân Market, built in 1889 by the French along with the nearby Long Biên Bridge. The market, close to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, covered 6,500 square meters, featuring a distinctive 5-arch entrance and five 19-meter high domes. During the First Indochina War, it became a battleground on February 14, 1947. A memorial near the main gate was erected in 2005 to honor this event.

Today, the market spans three stories, each filled with stalls selling a diverse range of products. From wholesale traders to small vendors, shoppers can find clothing, household goods, fresh vegetables, and various Vietnamese dishes. However, the market also faces challenges such as counterfeit goods and pollution, which pose health risks to the local community.

In 2003, the Đồng Xuân night market was launched, transforming the area into a vibrant tourist attraction. The night market, which operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, features souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional foods, and cultural performances. This initiative not only boosts tourism but also helps preserve and promote Vietnam's traditional culture.