Shopping
Dong Xuan Market, the silver and silk streets around it, the Hang Dao weekend night market, and Trang Tien Plaza.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan is the covered market at the north end of the Old Quarter lanes, on Dong Xuan street. It runs over three floors, with clothes and accessories on the ground floor and a dry-goods area called Bac Qua. Come for a look at wholesale Hanoi more than for souvenirs. Entry is free.
The trade streets
The streets around the market still sell what their names promise. Hang Bac is the silver street, with jewellers' fronts along it. Hang Gai sells silk, Hang Ma sells festival goods, and Lan Ong sells herbs. Walk them as one loop from the lake to Dong Xuan and shop the windows as you go.
Hang Dao night market
On weekend nights Hang Dao, the street that runs north from the lake toward Dong Xuan, becomes a walking street and a night market under a lit arch. Come hungry: the stalls sell snail meatballs, grilled quail, and cured pork sausage.
Trang Tien Plaza
Trang Tien Plaza is the shopping center at 24 Hai Ba Trung, south of the lake, a change of pace after the lanes. It opens 09:30 to 21:30 Monday to Thursday, and 09:30 to 22:00 Friday to Sunday.
