Dong Xuan market

Dong Xuan Market, or Cho Dong Xuan, is the oldest and largest market in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is located at Dong Xuan Street, at the end of Hang Dao Street, on the northern part of the Old Quarters. The original building was constructed in 1889, on the site of one of Hanoi's lakes. On 14 July 1994, a big fire destroyed the original building, putting 3,000 workers out of job, causing damage amounting to millions of dollars and claiming five lives. Thousands of exotic animals were also lost in the flames. 

In its place stands the present Dong Xuan Market, opened for business in December 1996 with "quite a bang". Hundreds of disgrunted women vendors took to the streets in anger to demonstrate against what they felt were unfair stall allocations, so much so that the prime minister's office had to intervene.

Today the present Dong Xuan Market already looks aged. It has an escalator - probably the first in Hanoi - but it doesn't work. The market itself looks like an old shopping mall and sells all sorts of low-priced garments such as counterfeit t-shirts, watches and the likes. If you're looking for more interesting goods, the shops surrounding the market may be more promising.

RELATED INFORMATION

• Hanoi travel guide 

  • Hanoi