In Photos: Cho Dong Xuan (Dong Xuan Market) in Hanoi

One of my most favorite spots in the Old Quarter of Hanoi is the Cho Dong Xuan or the Dong Xuan Market. Located very close to the famous tourist destinations like the Hoan Kiem Lake in the busy Hoan Kiem District, the Cho Dong Xuan is considered Hanoi’s biggest indoor market. Every day, thousands of people visit the market which sells virtually anything that you could ever imagine.

Cho Dong Xuan

The Dong Xuan Market is my usual first stop whenever I visit Hanoi on weekends for a lot of reasons. First, it sits very close to most tourist destinations in the city. Second, it is located only several hundred meters away from the Long Bien bus station where I get off. Third, it is swarming with tourists (which is a good thing.) And lastly, because it is always full of color and life.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the chaotic but beautiful Dong Xuan public market in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Cho Dong Xuan is a massive structure which is easy to find and get to. You will know you are in the right place because of a massive sign in the facade of the structure which reads Chợ Đồng Xuân.

The communities surrounding the Dong Xuan Market are also filled with busy businesses that benefit from the market’s popularity, especially among tourists.

Biggest Indoor Market in Hanoi

Entering the massive four-story building housing the market, you will see just how hectic and busy the whole place can be. In fact, the place is stuffed to the rafters even during the slowest days of the week.

Despite the very heavy foot traffic, it is important to note that the market is kept relatively dry, clean, and in order at all times. This is one of the many things I like about this market.

Souvenirs Aplenty at Cho Dong Xuan

The Chợ Đồng Xuân houses dozens of small shops that sell souvenir items as well as apparels, home needs, gadgets, and more.

These native bags are very popular among tourists. As a matter of fact, a lot of Filipinos buy these bags before flying back to the Philippines. Some Filipinos actually come to Vietnam to buy stuff and mark up the price when they sell them back home.

This tiny shop near the main door of the market sells hundreds of different kinds of shades and eyewear. They’re quite cheap and the designs are pretty good, too!

A Collector’s Paradise

According to one of my Vietnamese friends, these vases and wall decor are very popular among European tourists. Who wouldn’t like them, though? If I had enough money or baggage space, I’d buy them all!

Another important souvenir item sold at Cho Dong Xuan is these pop-up cards with intricate paper art featuring some of the country’s most identifiable tourist attractions. They’re really creative and beautiful.

Check out more souvenir items you can score for cheap at the Cho Dong Xuan in Hanoi:

Figurines, bowls, trays, fans, coasters, and musical instruments

One of the most popular items sold at Cho Dong Xuan is the figurines/action figures of some of the wold’s most iconic anime characters. Take a look at each one. Can you identify all of them?