Hang Da Market

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s main district, Hang Da Market is one of the city’s largest and most popular markets, both among locals and visitors. This market, constructed in 1937, is a historical witness to numerous key events in this Vietnamese capital city.

In the past, the market’s name was derived from its primary product, leather, and so it has been known as Hang Da Market (Hang Da = leather market) until this day. This was a market with fewer than 300 vendors in the past. It is now a large shopping center offering everything from food and beverages to jewelry and household appliances.

The indoor market consists of three distinct floors. The basement primarily sells food items such as fresh meat, fish, vegetables, etc. Additionally, packaging materials are available at this location. The first story is mostly devoted to beverages and confections, while the second floor sells branded clothing and accessories.

This market is mostly distinguished by its one-of-a-kind items: traditional Vietnamese attire (Ao Dai) and well-known breach clothing. Ao Dai at the Hang Da market never disappoints with its intricate stitching and weaving of genuine silk.
In the neighboring region, street sellers primarily sell used clothing, paper products for students, and street food for locals and visitors.

The market is open everyday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Due to its location on the western border of the Old Quarter, Hang Da market is in close proximity to a number of notable locations, including Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Vietnam Women’s Museum. In addition, because the market is located at the intersection of Ha Trung, Duong Thanh, and Hang Dieu streets, you can easily reach there via these routes.

The best time to visit Hang Da market is in the morning, when the market’s basement is stocked with fresh food such as meat, beef, fish, chicken, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and the first floor sells high-quality beverages and sweets. Let’s take a break and eat freshly prepared Vietnamese delicacies such as “xôi ch cua,” “min ln,” etc.

And the most alluring aspect of Hang Da market is the second floor, where you can find and haggle for several second-hand apparel items, such as skirts, dresses, and coats. The majority of these secondhand products are still in excellent shape. It would be astonishing if you were able to haggle for really fashionable secondhand skirts or dresses from a world-famous brand in good shape.

If you are not interested in secondhand clothing, let’s go up to the third floor, where there are many new clothes available in all sizes. The majority of the clothes on this floor are imported from all over the world, including Japan, Europe, Korea, and the United States, so you are almost certain to find something that fits you.

Particularly, the traditional Vietnamese long gowns “Ao Dai” in the Hang Da market are exquisite and of superior quality due to the use of genuine silk and intricate embroidery.

If you enjoy bird watching, let’s stroll to the corner of the market (between Hang Da and Hang Dieu streets) to observe a large shop lined with bamboo cages containing exotic birds.

Lastly, remember that negotiating is truly anticipated when shopping at the Hang Da market.