Hang Da Market (Hang Da Plaza): Location, History & What to Buy?

Hang Da Market, nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, combines a modern shopping plaza with a traditional underground market. It’s a long-time favorite of locals for its diverse products and history. From leather goods and vintage clothing to authentic street snacks, the market offers a rich, multifaceted experience. This GTrip guide will walk you through its location, history, must-buy items, and practical tips for your visit.

Necessary information about Hang Da Market

Hang Da Market has long been a shopping hub in Hanoi, known for its mix of fresh food, fabrics, flowers, and imported goods. Smaller than Dong Xuan but more modern and comfortable, it remains a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Where is Hang Da Market?

Location: 1 Hang Da Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi

Hang Da Market is centrally located and easily accessible for anyone exploring the capital. Its prime position in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter places it within walking distance of other key attractions, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph's Cathedral, making it a convenient stop on any tourist's itinerary. The building is accessible from multiple streets, including Hang Da, Nguyen Van To, and Ngo Tram.

Hang Da Market sits in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city

Opening hours of the market

Hang Da Market is open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, making it convenient for both early risers and afternoon shoppers. For the best experience, plan your visit on a weekday morning when the market is calmer, while the food court and snack stalls become busiest at lunchtime with plenty of affordable local dishes.

How to get there?

Thanks to its central location, reaching Hang Da Market is straightforward from anywhere in Hanoi. It features a spacious parking area for motorbikes and cars, adding to its convenience.

• Bus: Several public bus routes, including numbers 09, 14, and 34, have stops near the market, offering an affordable way to get there.
• Motorbike: A flexible option popular with locals, but be mindful of finding a proper parking spot, which is available at the market.
• Car: Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off right at the entrance, and there are parking facilities nearby if you choose to drive.
• Walking: For those staying in the Old Quarter, walking is the best option. It allows you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic streets. Walking around the Old Quarter is an experience in itself. For a perfect route, check out our self-guided walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Hang Da Market is easily accessible by bus, motorbike, car, or even on foot from the Old Quarter, with convenient parking and transport options for every traveler

History of Hang Da Market

The history of Hang Da Market dates back centuries, with its origins as a traditional market street in Hanoi, Vietnam. The name "Hang Da" translates to "Leather Street", reflecting its original function as a thriving market for leather goods. Historically, the street was a hub where artisans crafted leather, and traders actively bought and sold hides, making it an essential part of Hanoi's commercial and cultural fabric.

Over time, Hang Da evolved from a small market with temporary stalls into a more structured marketplace, and eventually into a modern commercial center. Its distinctive architecture blends French colonial and Vietnamese styles, symbolizing Hanoi's historical and cultural heritage. Though today the market offers a wide variety of goods beyond leather, its roots in leather trading remain a significant part of its identity. Hang Da Market continues to be a vibrant place where tradition meets modernity, attracting locals and tourists alike.

What to buy in Hang Da Market?

Hang Da Market is a treasure trove for shoppers, offering a diverse range of products spread across its different levels. In the market, you can find everything from daily necessities to unique souvenirs.

• Leather goods: True to its origins, the market is still a great place to find handcrafted leather products like wallets, belts, and bags.
• Clothing and accessories: The market is renowned for its selection of clothing, including high-quality fabrics, imported fashion, and especially secondhand and vintage items. You can even have a traditional ao dai tailored from exquisite silk.
• Fresh food: The basement level operates as a traditional wet market, bustling in the mornings with vendors selling fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, meat, and seafood, which is often kept alive in oxygenated bowls.
• Handicrafts: Discover unique Vietnamese souvenirs, such as items made from rattan, intricate textiles, and traditional paper lanterns.
• Snacks: The market is a fantastic place to sample famous local snacks, such as banh goi (pillow cakes), banh ran man (savory donuts), and various types of che (sweet soup). If the local snacks at Hang Da whet your appetite, you won't want to miss our guide to the 23 best street foods in Hanoi.

Hang Da Market offers a rich mix of goods across its levels, from fresh food and daily essentials to vintage clothing, leather goods, handicrafts, and local snacks

Features of the old goods market

Hang Da has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for "Hang Thung" (secondhand goods), attracting fashion lovers and bargain hunters. The market is well-known for genuine imported goods, including designer items and overstock clothing, offered at more reasonable prices than new products. The quality of these secondhand clothes is often considered better and more diverse in design than in other markets.

The atmosphere, especially in the basement and on the first floor, is bustling and crowded with shoppers jostling to hunt for hidden treasures. Unlike many other markets in Hanoi, aggressive bargaining isn't always a necessity here, as prices for many secondhand items are considered fair, though negotiating is still a common practice.

Tips when visiting the market

To make the most of your shopping trip to Hang Da, keep these practical tips in mind.

• Bargaining: While prices can be reasonable, light bargaining is still common and often expected, especially for clothing and souvenirs. A good rule of thumb is to start by offering 20% of the initial price and meet somewhere in the middle.
• Cash is king: Many smaller vendors, particularly those in the basement's wet market and the secondhand stalls, may not accept credit cards. It is advisable to bring sufficient Vietnamese Dong (VND) in cash for a smoother transaction.
• Check quality carefully: When purchasing secondhand clothing or vintage items, take the time to inspect them thoroughly for any damage, stains, or defects before you buy.
• Explore all levels: Don't just stay on the ground floor. The basement is renowned for its selection of secondhand clothing and fresh produce, offering competitive prices, while the upper floors house more high-end, boutique-style products.

Tips for shopping at Hang Da Market: bargain politely, bring cash, check secondhand items carefully, and explore all levels for the best finds

Read more:

• Hang Ma Street: Locations, Highlights & Things to Do
• Hang Buom Street Hanoi: Explore Its History, Food, and Culture
• Hang Be Market: A Culinary Paradise For Your Trip in Hanoi

Hang Da Market captures the essence of Hanoi by blending a modern shopping plaza with the charm of a traditional bazaar. Known for its leather trade roots and lively mix of street food, vintage finds, and local staples, it offers visitors an authentic cultural experience. For those seeking a shopping spot beyond the usual tourist stops, let GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency be your guide to uncovering the hidden gems of this remarkable city.