Long Bien Market in Hanoi is a vibrant and colorful slice of the capital, showcasing the bustling and lively essence of the locals. Open throughout the night, it captures the relentless hustle of vendors and buyers alike. Whether you're in the mood to shop or simply want to absorb the local atmosphere, Long Bien Market is an essential stop on any Hanoi itinerary.
1. About Long Bien Market: location, opening hours
- Location: Hong Ha Street, Phuc Xa Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Long Bien Market stands as one of Hanoi's most iconic and historic markets, renowned for its wholesale trade in fresh produce, seafood, and meat. This bustling market is a hive of activity, where vendors and buyers energetically negotiate and haggle over prices.
Located under the Long Bien Bridge and about 1 kilometer from Dong Xuan Market in the heart of the Old Quarter, this Hanoi market offers a unique experience. As you stroll through, you'll see the intricate architecture of the iron and steel bridge overhead, a testament to Hanoi's colonial past and engineering prowess.
Long Bien Market operates daily, starting at 10 PM and continuing until dawn. The peak hours, from 2 AM to 4 AM, are the best time to visit and witness the vibrant, bustling atmosphere illuminated by the night lights. During these hours, the market is at its most dynamic, with a constant flow of goods being unloaded, displayed, and sold. The air is filled with the sounds of bargaining, the clatter of crates, and the hum of activity.
More than just a busy trading hub, Long Bien Market vividly reflects the unique culture of the people in the capital. The market is a microcosm of Hanoi's diverse and resilient spirit, where people from different backgrounds come together in the pursuit of their livelihoods. Visitors can observe the strong sense of community among the vendors, many of whom have been working in the market for generations.
>>> Check out 12 most bustling markets in Hanoi for shopping and more!
2. Things to do while visiting Long Bien Market
2.1. Explore the diversity of products
The market produce arrives from various corners of the country, like Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Phu Tho, and as far south as the Mekong Delta. Transporters efficiently ferry crates of fruits and vegetables daily to the bustling stalls of Long Bien night market. Its clientele consists largely of small-scale vendors preparing for the day ahead: street food stands, family-owned restaurants, and smaller markets.
Moreover, Long Bien Market is renowned as Hanoi's most affordable nighttime spot for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Summer visitors can easily find mangoes, watermelons, plums, guavas, jackfruits, avocados, lychees, and longans, while winter sees a bounty of oranges, pomegranates, and bananas. Foreign tourists have the opportunity to engage in Vietnamese-style bargaining, setting prices according to their preferences.
2.2. Enjoy plenty of local foods
The food stalls at Long Bien Market mainly serve the local laborers. Though not extensive, the rustic yet delicious options here leave a strong impression with their authentic flavors, delightful aromas, hearty portions, and budget-friendly prices. Among the renowned Hanoi street foods worth trying at Long Bien Market are:
- Hanoi pho
- Hanoi bun rieu (crab noodle soup)
- Banh gio (pyramid-shaped rice dumpling)
- Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste)
- Banh da cua (crab noodle soup with flat noodles)
- Mien tron (mixed glass noodles)
These tasty dishes range from 15,000 to 50,000 VND per serving, ensuring a satisfying and affordable late-night meal experience.
2.3. Immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance
Unlike buzzing fairs or flashy nightlife districts, Long Bien Market offers travelers a distinctly unique experience. Voted one of the world's most captivating street markets, it authentically portrays urban nightlife.
Visiting Long Bien Market from late evening until dawn, you will be amazed by the vibrant atmosphere and bustling energy. Trucks laden with agricultural goods stream into the market, followed by a flurry of loading, unloading, buying, and selling activities. This scene leaves an indelible impression of the relentless urban hustle under the city lights, showcasing the dynamic rhythm of daily life.
2.4. Admire the scenery from Long Bien Bridge
Tourists can also opt to take a leisurely walk on Long Bien Bridge to gain intriguing views of the vibrant night market. They can witness convoys of vehicles arriving from different directions and dispersing at intersections. Furthermore, the illuminated market stands in stark contrast to the tranquil surroundings, offering visitors a comprehensive and novel perspective on local life.
3. How to get to Long Bien Market?
Tourists can easily reach Long Bien Market by motorcycle or car, as it's conveniently located directly beneath Long Bien Bridge. The market entrance is on Yen Phu Street, divided into three distinct zones upon arrival. The central area is for buyers and serves as a two-way route for both motorcycles and cars. The side zones are one-way streets designated for pedestrians and vehicles transporting goods to and from the Long Bien Night Market in Hanoi. These sections are separated by gray concrete columns for clear demarcation.
>>> Explore Hanoi’s rich history with this meticulously crafted Hanoi itinerary!
4. Where to go near Long Bien Market?
Near Long Bien Market, visitors can explore a wealth of the capital's famous attractions. Just a short distance from Hanoi Old Quarter, travelers will find renowned tourist destinations such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, The Huc Bridge, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. These sights are conveniently located near the market, allowing tourists to optimize their itinerary and minimize travel time and expenses.
Apart from Long Bien Market, Hanoi offers a plethora of other popular sightseeing and entertainment options. VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium stand out, offering exciting entertainment activities for people of all ages.
Located east of Hanoi, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park features a variety of exhilarating water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones designed to provide fun and excitement for visitors seeking a day of aquatic adventure. VinKE provides an educational playground where children can explore various career paths. Adjacent to it, Vinpearl Aquarium invites guests to marvel at interactive exhibits and dive into the wonders of the ocean.
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Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium now
Long Bien Market is not just a popular local market; it is also a captivating nighttime tourist destination in Hanoi. If you want to delve into and discover more about the traditional cultural aspects of the capital, be sure to visit Long Bien Market. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights for your Hanoi trip!
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