Hom Market In Hanoi: Locations, History & What To Buy?

Hom Market is one of Hanoi’s most authentic and bustling traditional markets, offering a vibrant glimpse into local life. While many travellers flock to the more famous markets in Hanoi like Dong Xuan, Hom Market (Cho Hom) offers a unique, less-crowded experience, particularly for those interested in textiles and authentic Hanoi cuisine. It stands as a testament to the city's enduring commercial and cultural heritage, a place where the daily rhythms of Hanoians are on full display. This complete guide from GTrip provides everything you need to navigate the market like a local, from its new official address and rich history to can't-miss items and essential bargaining tips. We will cover its location and hours, delve into its past, detail what to buy, and provide insider advice to ensure you have an unforgettable visit to this iconic shopping destination.

Overview of Hom Market

Dating back to the 19th century, Hom Market was originally an afternoon-only market, which gave it the name “Cho Hom’’ (“Evening Market”). Today, it opens all day and remains a lively shopping destination. Known for affordable prices and a wide range of goods, the market still preserves its cultural and historical charm, attracting both locals and tourists.

Where is Hom Market in Hanoi?

Address: No.79 Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi.

To ensure a smooth visit, note that some older maps and guides may still list the former address as No.79 Hue Street, Ngo Thi Nham Ward, Hai Ba Trung District. This change comes from Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reforms. Always use the updated “Hai Ba Trung Ward” designation to avoid confusion when searching on maps or ride-hailing apps.

Hom Market offers visitors a vibrant blend of fashion, fabrics, fresh produce, and rich cultural history right in the heart of the city

When to visit Hom Market?

Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (daily).

During holidays, the market is usually more crowded and may close later than usual.

GTrip’s suggestion: The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when you can browse and bargain comfortably. In the early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM), the market is busiest with locals buying fresh produce, and some vendors consider it bad luck if the first customer bargains without purchasing. Midday or afternoon visits are more relaxed, especially for tourists interested in fabrics and souvenirs.

How to get Hom Market?

Thanks to its central location in the Hai Ba Trung district, getting to Hom Market is straightforward from anywhere in Hanoi.

• Is parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot at the market. Be prepared for fees that are slightly higher than the city average.
• By bus: This is an excellent, low-cost option. Buses number 29, 30, and 31 have stops conveniently located near the market, making it easily accessible via public transport.
• By motorbike: For those comfortable navigating Hanoi's traffic, finding a motorbike rental in Hanoi is a popular and flexible choice. The market's central location makes it an easy ride, and the on-site parking provides a secure place for your vehicle.
• By ride-hailing app: Besides traditional Hanoi taxis, the most convenient method for tourists is to use a ride-hailing app like Grab, Be, or XanhSM. Simply enter “Cho Hom” or the full address, “79 Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung”, as your destination for a hassle-free trip.

Easily accessible from anywhere in Hanoi, Hom Market offers multiple transport options including bus, motorbike, ride-hailing services, and on-site parking

History of Hom Market

Hom Market’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of Hanoi itself, with roots stretching back to the early 19th century. Originally, it began as a humble fowl market situated on Hang Bai Street. A significant turning point came in 1921 when the market was relocated to its current location on Pho Hue. This move was made to clear space for the construction of the Duc Vien Pagoda.

Its name, “Hom”, comes from its earliest days when it operated primarily in the late afternoon, catering to locals buying daily essentials after their workday. Over time, as the city's population and commercial needs grew, the market evolved from a part-time operation into the bustling, all-day hub it is today. By the early 20th century, it had already solidified its reputation as one of Hanoi's most important trading posts, expanding from poultry and produce to include a vast array of goods, most notably becoming the city's preeminent center for textiles.

What to buy in Hom Market

Hom Market unfolds across two bustling floors, each offering its own unique shopping experience. The ground floor is filled with ready-to-wear clothing, fashion accessories, fresh produce, and local food stalls that cater to both visitors and nearby residents. Head upstairs, and you’ll find rows of vibrant fabric stalls, renowned as one of the best places in Hanoi to shop for high-quality textiles in countless colors and designs.

With its lively atmosphere and wide-ranging products, Hom Market truly feels like a shopper’s paradise. From exquisite fabrics to authentic local delicacies, here’s your guide to the must-buy items.

• Fabrics and textiles, Hom Market is celebrated as Hanoi’s top destination for fabrics. The second floor is entirely dedicated to textiles, where you can find an incredible variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, linen, brocade, and synthetic blends. It is especially famous for fabrics, making it a key stop for those looking for where to buy ao dai in Hanoi, as you can have one custom-made on site. Many stalls also offer on-site tailoring and design services.
• Clothes and fashion accessories, the ground floor features a wide selection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Shoppers can browse through numerous stalls selling fashionable items, including dresses, shirts, shoes, handbags, and scarves. The range of styles and prices is extensive, ensuring there are options available for every taste and budget.
• Food & specialties, the market is a haven for food lovers, renowned for its fresh ingredients and authentic Vietnamese dishes. The ground floor is packed with vendors selling fresh produce, such as durians, watermelons, and pineapples, along with meat and seafood. The food courts offer a chance to taste Hanoi classics like like some of the most authentic pho in Hanoi, the best bun cha in Hanoi that once charmed President Obama, and other local delights.
• Souvenirs & household items Beyond fashion and food, the market is a great place to find budget-friendly household goods, and while not as specialized as Bat Trang village, it's a convenient location where to buy ceramics in Hanoi. It’s also a great alternative to the best place to buy souvenirs in Hanoi if you're seeking unique, locally-used items. Look for beautiful items like lacquerware, handcrafted jewelry boxes, and decorative photo frames to take a piece of Hanoi home with you.

Hom Market delights shoppers with two bustling floors offering everything from premium fabrics and stylish fashion to fresh local specialties, souvenirs

Hom Market vs. Dong Xuan Market: Which is right for you?

When planning a shopping trip in Hanoi, travelers often wonder whether to visit Hom Market or Dong Xuan Market. While both are iconic, they offer distinctly different experiences.

Hom Market is smaller, more specialized, and offers a more relaxed, local atmosphere. Its undisputed specialty is fabric, making it the go-to destination for tailors, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to have custom clothing made. The quality of goods, especially fresh food and textiles, is often considered higher, though this can come with slightly higher prices. The environment is less overwhelming than Dong Xuan, making it a good choice for those who want to shop at a pace and interact more closely with vendors.

Dong Xuan Market, on the other hand, is the largest indoor market in Hanoi and operates on a much grander scale. It is primarily a wholesale market, attracting business owners from all over northern Vietnam. Here, you can find a staggering variety of goods, including electronics, souvenirs, clothing, and household items, often at bulk prices. Because of its size and wholesale focus, the atmosphere is more chaotic and crowded. While you can find retail items, the experience is less about specialized quality and more about variety and bargain hunting on a massive scale.

• Choose Hom Market if: You are specifically looking for high-quality fabrics, want to have clothes custom-made, or prefer a more authentic, less crowded local shopping experience.
• Choose Dong Xuan Market if: You want the experience of a massive, bustling wholesale market, are looking for a wide variety of goods in one place, and enjoy the energy of a crowded, high-volume shopping hub.

Tips when visiting Hom Market

To make the most of your visit to this classic Hanoi market, keep these friendly tips in mind.

• Bargain: Sellers often quote higher prices for tourists. It is standard practice to bargain 10 - 30% down from the initial offer. Check prices at a few different stalls to get a sense of the fair value. Also, try to avoid aggressive bargaining first thing in the morning, as sellers consider it unlucky if the first interaction doesn't result in a sale.
• Crowd time: The market can get very crowded, particularly during midday and on weekends. For the best selection of fresh food, early mornings are ideal. For a more relaxed shopping experience with fewer crowds, plan your visit for the afternoon.
• Parking tip: While official parking is available, the fees are known to be higher than average. Pay the parking attendant directly when you arrive and be sure to keep your ticket safe to avoid any issues when you depart.
• Bring cash: The vast majority of vendors at Hom Market do not accept credit cards. You must bring enough Vietnamese Dong (VND). If you're running low on cash, it is essential to know where to exchange money in Hanoi for the best rates. Having small denominations helps pay for small items and makes bargaining easier.
• Watch your belongings: As with any busy public place, it is wise to be mindful of your possessions. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets, so keep your wallet, phone, and bags secure and close to you at all times.
• Navigation: The market building is compact, but the stalls are packed tightly together, creating narrow and sometimes dimly lit aisles. Expect tight spaces as you explore, and allow yourself plenty of time to navigate both the ground and second floors without rushing.

Make the most of your Hom Market experience with practical tips on bargaining, timing your visit, parking, bringing cash, staying alert, and navigating its bustling aisles

You might also like:

• Hanoi Night Market: A Complete Guide for Foodies and Shoppers
• The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Hanoi: From Silk to Souvenirs
• Exploring the 36 Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter

Hom Market is a bustling traditional market offering a wide variety of goods such as clothing, accessories, fabrics, and fresh food and is a distinctive cultural landmark of the capital. It is an ideal destination for those who love shopping, exploring the blend of tradition and modernity, and enjoying unique local cuisine right within the market. Visiting Hom Market offers a complete shopping and cultural experience, allowing you to feel the spirit and history of Hanoi. Book your Hanoi tour with GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency now, to make sure you don’t miss the chance to explore Hanoi and many other must-see spots in the city!