What is the Hanoi Weekend Night Market like?
The Hanoi Weekend Night Market stretches through the heart of the Old Quarter from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, coming alive every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. From around 6:30 PM onward, the streets fill with vendors, food carts, and crowds as the area becomes completely pedestrian-only.
It’s noisy, colorful, and packed — but also relaxed and welcoming, with kids playing, couples dancing, and families wandering between stalls. The mix of bargain shopping, sizzling street food, and spontaneous street performances gives the Hanoi Weekend Night Market its unmistakable energy and charm.
Practical visiting information
Days & Opening Hours
The Hanoi Weekend Night Market runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, starting around 6:00 PM. Most stalls are fully set up by 6:30 PM, but the market hits its peak between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM, when the streets are at their most lively. Things begin to wind down after 10:30 PM, though some vendors stay open until close to midnight.
Location & Map Orientation
The market begins at Hang Dao Street, just a short walk north of Hoan Kiem Lake, and continues straight up through the Old Quarter until it reaches Dong Xuan Market. The entire stretch is around 2 kilometers long, passing through streets like Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, and Hang Giay. It runs parallel to many of the Old Quarter’s most famous alleys.
Street closures & Traffic changes
On weekend evenings, the Old Quarter transforms into a walking-only zone, with all motorized traffic blocked from entering the market area. This creates a safer and more relaxed environment for visitors to explore the streets on foot. If you’re planning to arrive by car or motorbike, be aware that access is limited and you’ll need to continue the rest of the way on foot — we’ll explain more about getting there and transport tips in a later section.
Highlights of the Hanoi Weekend Night Market
1. Endless street food options
Food is one of the biggest draws of the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. As you walk along the stalls, you’ll smell grilled meats, fried dough, and roasted chestnuts in the air. You’ll find everything from dried beef salad (nom bo kho) and sticky rice with pork to tofu vermicelli, rib porridge, fried squid, and sweet sticky rice balls. Grilled skewers and snacks on a stick are everywhere — easy to grab and eat while moving.
Crowd favorites include grilled chicken feet, coconut ice cream, and the occasional banh mi cart. Expect to queue during peak hours and eat standing up or while walking — there’s little to no formal seating. Hygiene standards vary: some stalls are clean and efficient, others feel a bit rough around the edges. That said, it’s part of the night market charm — a mix of chaotic energy and irresistible smells.
2. Bargain shopping & Souvenirs
Shopping here is more about the experience than luxury goods. Stalls are packed with cheap clothing, souvenirs, Vietnamese-style T-shirts, pop-up cards, wooden trinkets, handbags, and mass-produced electronics and toys. You’ll also spot more local items like bamboo crafts, ceramics, and embroidery, though these are mixed in with plenty of factory-made goods.
Prices are low, especially if you bargain — but quality can vary a lot, so check what you’re buying. It’s ideal for travelers on a budget, people hunting for quirky gifts, or anyone who enjoys browsing stalls without pressure to buy. If you’re after high-end craftsmanship or unique designer items, this isn’t the place. But for fun, fast, and cheap — it delivers.
3. Live Music & Street Performances
The sound of music and the buzz of performance are everywhere. Near Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and along side alleys, you’ll often find live music, dance groups, and spontaneous performances by kids, students, and street artists. It ranges from traditional Vietnamese acts like hat xam or cheo to breakdancing, pop singing, and acoustic covers.
It’s informal and interactive — sometimes a solo guitarist, sometimes a full group with speakers and lights. There’s no fixed schedule, but part of the fun is stumbling across it. These performances give the market an open, festive feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere in Hanoi.
4. Locals reclaiming the streets
One of the most charming parts of the night market isn’t in the stalls — it’s in the space between them. With the roads closed to traffic, locals take full advantage: kids ride scooters, families push strollers, and teens hang out in groups. You might see spontaneous group dances, chess games, or children drawing with chalk on the pavement.
The atmosphere feels less like a shopping trip and more like a street party. Despite the crowds, it’s oddly relaxing — and offers a glimpse of Hanoi in a more playful, communal light. Locals aren’t just shopping here — they’re socializing, enjoying the weather, and claiming the streets as public space.
Special events & Holiday versions of the market
While the Hanoi Weekend Night Market is already lively on a typical weekend, it becomes something entirely different during major holidays and festivals. The atmosphere intensifies, decorations cover every stall, and the entire area transforms into a themed celebration. If your trip coincides with one of these events, the market offers an even more colorful and memorable experience.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, you’ll see lion dances, toy stalls, and vendors selling mooncakes and glowing lanterns. At Christmas, the streets sparkle with lights, decorated trees, and plenty of Santa hats for sale. On Tet (Lunar New Year), the market becomes a frenzy of red envelopes, good luck charms, and traditional gifts, with the energy level turned up to the max. It’s more crowded than usual — but also more festive and visually stunning. During these times, the night market becomes more than just a weekend tradition — it becomes a city-wide celebration.
Shopping at Hanoi Night Market
What to buy
The Hanoi Weekend Night Market is packed with stalls selling a wide mix of goods — from typical tourist souvenirs to everyday clothing. You’ll find pop-up cards featuring Vietnamese landmarks, conical hats, lacquerware, bamboo crafts, and embroidered items alongside cheap printed T-shirts, handbags, socks, toys, and the occasional phone accessory or LED gadget. Some stalls focus on traditional Vietnamese designs, while others lean toward fast fashion or trendy streetwear — often with quirky or random branding.
It’s not a curated craft fair, so expect repetition and mixed quality. That said, if you’re looking for fun, inexpensive gifts or something small to take home, there’s no shortage of options.
How to bargain
Bargaining is expected at most stalls — especially those selling clothes, accessories, or souvenirs. A good starting point is to offer 50–60% of the asking price and work from there. Vendors may use a calculator to show prices, and you can do the same to make counter-offers. It’s usually friendly and low-pressure, but don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the price — many stalls sell similar items.
Some cultural tips: stay polite, smile, and don’t get too intense — it’s not a high-stakes negotiation. If a seller seems annoyed or disinterested, just move on. For smaller items, discounts are modest; for bulk purchases (3+ items), you’re more likely to get a deal.
Cash-only tips
Almost all stalls at the Hanoi Weekend Night Market are cash-only, and many vendors won’t have change for large bills. Bring plenty of small denominations — 10,000 to 100,000 VND notes work best.
ATMs are available in the Old Quarter, but they get busier in the evening, especially on weekends. It’s a good idea to withdraw earlier in the day if you plan to shop, so you’re not stuck queuing or scrambling for change.
How to get there and Around
Important note: Can’t get dropped off or picked up in the Old Quarter
From around 6:00 PM onward, vehicle access to much of the Old Quarter is blocked off due to the weekend walking street zone. This means taxis, ride-hailing services like Grab, and private cars cannot drop you off directly at the market entrance. If you try to book a ride, expect to be let off somewhere outside the restricted zone.
This also affects travelers returning from places like Halong Bay or Ninh Binh in the late afternoon or evening. Limousine buses and shuttle vans are not allowed to enter the walking street area, so you’ll need to walk from the nearest accessible drop-off point. If you’re staying inside the Old Quarter, be prepared for a short walk with your bags — especially on weekends.
Walking Is the only way in
If you’re staying at a hotel inside the Old Quarter, you’re in luck — the night market is easily reachable on foot. Most streets lead toward Hang Dao Street, so just follow the crowds and lights.
If you’re coming from the French Quarter, West Lake, or other districts, your best bet is to take a taxi or Grab to the edge of the walking zone. From there, walk in — the most convenient entry points are:
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Dinh Tien Hoang Street)
- Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
- Cau Go Street or Hang Bong Street, depending on direction
Walking is not only necessary — it’s also the best way to take in the street life, food stalls, and evening energy that build as you approach the market.
What to do after the Hanoi Night Market
Once you’ve wandered the length of the Hanoi Weekend Night Market, the night doesn’t have to end there. The area around the Old Quarter stays active well into the evening, with plenty of options for food, drinks, or a bit more culture. Whether you want to wind down or keep the energy going, here are a few ideas for what to do next:
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
More than just a landmark, Hoan Kiem Lake is part of the night market experience. On weekend evenings, it’s surrounded by colorful lights, glowing temples on the islands, and crowds of people playing games, dancing, skateboarding, or just strolling. A few stalls even set up along the lake’s edge, making it a nice place to snack, people-watch, or join in. - Catch a Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is nearby and offers performances in the early and mid-evening. If you time it right, you can visit the market before or after the show. - Grab a Bia Hoi on Ta Hien Street
Often called “Beer Street,” this lively area is perfect for people-watching and enjoying cheap local draft beer. It’s touristy, but always buzzing — especially on weekends. - Try a Rooftop Bar
For a quieter or more scenic finish to the evening, head to a rooftop bar like Diamond Sky Bar or Skyline Hanoi for views over the Old Quarter and a more relaxed setting. - Take a Night Food Tour
If the market whet your appetite, a guided street food tour is a great way to dig deeper into Hanoi’s culinary scene. Many tours start around 6–7 PM and run until late. - Explore More Old Quarter Streets
Even after the market closes, the Old Quarter stays awake. Wander side streets, browse late-night shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere as the crowds begin to thin out.
Is Hanoi Weekend Night Market worth visiting?
Yes — if you’re in Hanoi on a weekend, the Hanoi Weekend Night Market is almost impossible to miss, and honestly, it’s worth experiencing at least once. It’s a mix of charm and chaos: loud, crowded, sometimes touristy, but also full of local energy, spontaneous performances, and people reclaiming the streets.
Don’t expect high-end or one-of-a-kind shopping — many items repeat, and bargaining can be hit or miss. But the atmosphere makes up for it: walking through car-free streets lit by food carts and glowing storefronts, with kids playing and music in the air, feels distinctly Hanoi.
If your Vietnam itinerary is flexible, it’s a nice bonus to be in Hanoi on a weekend, but not something you need to rearrange your whole trip for. It’s not a life-changing market — but it is a fun, lively, and memorable part of the city’s evening scene.
