Lots of locals recommend wandering along
Hanoi
night market is one of the great activities in Hanoi at night with one thousand
years old of culture and civilization.
One can’t miss attraction of Vietnam’s cultural capital is Hanoi night market,
the place bridges the gap between tourists and locals. Founded in the Old
Quarter, visitors can also have chances to taste several types of Vietnamese
street food along the three-kilometer long pedestrian street, enjoying
intriguing cultural activities and purchasing a diversity of goods.
Night Market Hanoi is divided into two main markets which include:
- Weekend Night Market
- Old Quarter Night Market
Every market has its own special charm which appeals thousands of tourists and
locals coming there every day.
1. Weekend Night Market Hanoi
Weekend Night Market in Hanoi - a pedestrian street full of historical sites
Weekend night market boasts over 3000 booths from numerous small traders selling
local food, clothes, accessories, daily necessities, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Although it's a tremendous chance to immerse in the festive lifestyle of Hanoi,
goods from this market seem not to meet the demands of Western visitors.
Therefore, the majority of shoppers coming here are Vietnamese young people to
seek fashionable products like smartphone accessories.
Food
In general, shopping in the capital of Vietnam is relatively similar to other
places in Asia with outfits, trinkets, special cute from Asian countries.
Tourists can buy them at any store, shop or market in Hanoi. Weekend Night
Market boasts its highlight with a variety of local cuisines which are displayed
in three intersections of the market.
You can easily find these mouthwatering dishes in any road and traffic cut. You
will be involved in roadside grills, Vietnamese bread, Bun Cha, and Vietnamese
treats. Along two sides of crowded streets are various vendors selling
Vietnamese specialties and serving seats for tourists. Chinese Hot Pots and
local beers are two must-see things that most tourists are interested in.
Cultural shows symbolizing Vietnamese values
If you are a lover of Vietnamese arts, you can't miss cultural performances
which are held at the end of Weekend Night Market. A lot of amazing shows
take place in these market alluring lots of kids and families gathering here.
Especially at occasional events, Weekend Night Market is more crowded than ever
before.
Boozing at Ta Hien Street
Moving to Ta Hien street also known as Western street, it is time to enjoy the
modern world. Live performances from music band play instrumental, from the
popular US – UK songs, European classical music to Vietnamese latest songs in
the central square of this street.
Ta Hien street is covered by groups of youngsters sitting around small tables,
drinking lime tea, eating street junk foods and chatting. It's a wonderful
opportunity to make friends and get closer to Vietnamese daily life, customs and
traditions.
Hanoi Night Market Opening Hours:
Opening days: Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night
Opening hours: From 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Average price: The cost of items varies on every type:
- Local cuisines: From 15.000 VND to 30.000 VND
- Necessary goods such as outfits and souvenirs: 100.000 VND- 200.000VND
2. Hanoi Night Market Old Quarter
What are the unique features of the Old Quarter Night Market?
- Shopping
Despite the development of other markets, shopping at the Old Quarter night
market cannot be beaten.
A plethora of stalls sells a huge number of products, including handicrafts,
ceramics, porcelain, fashionable clothing, and accessories.
Along the walking street, lots of vendors are equipped with many great
souvenirs. For many foreign visitors, handicrafts sold here are the most
memorable products found at the weekend market.
Vendors also display bamboo dolls, pictures, handmade postcards, and even
leather handbags with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Eating at Old Quarter Night Market
Visitors can’t explore the night market completely without stopping at one of
the delicious food vendors along the way.
Food stalls pepper the market with cuisine from around the country,
especially Hanoi traditional food such as bloating fern-shaped cake (Bánh
Bèo),
bacon, grilled (Nem Chua), grilled sausages and Hai Phong bread. Visitors will
also find snacks and sweets including sticky candy, boiled sweet potatoes and
boiled sweet corn that are popular among Vietnamese children, most of which are
sold at a reasonable price.
Besides local dishes, Old Quarter Night Market also sells foreign cuisines,
meeting the demands of many locals and tourists as well.
- Entertainment and cultural performances
The Old Quarter is especially thriving on Saturday nights with live performances
and works of art.
Vietnamese traditional music concerts are performed at walking street,
attracting lots of people keen on discovering the country’s traditional folk
music.
- ‘Ca tru’ is on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent
Safeguarding.
- ‘Cheo’, ‘Hat xam’, ‘Chau van’ are performed along the street and in front of
small temples by professional artists.
It is a great opportunity to experience various types of Vietnamese traditional
art and these concerts are all free.