Long Bien wholesale market, also known as Dong Xuan Bac market, has a long history dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the development of the Hanoi-Haiphong railway. Initially, it served as a mere gathering and trading spot for suburban residents. Over time, it evolved into the largest wholesale market in Northern Vietnam, supplying agricultural produce and foodstuff to the entire nation. The name ‘Long Bien’ stems from its location beneath the historic Long Bien Bridge since 1992, and it remains one of the most vital trading hubs in Hanoi.
While some may shy away from places that are overly bustling and lively, the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of this market during the night is what makes it intriguing and captivating. Long Bien wholesale market was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the seven most fascinating street markets worldwide. Go Backpacking magazine also ranked it among the “Top 5 most attractive markets in Southeast Asia.” These accolades not only acknowledge the market’s sheer scale but also emphasize its cultural allure and uniqueness in the eyes of international visitors.
Ideal Time to Explore the Market
Long Bien market is a hub for agricultural produce from various provinces, catering to the entire Hanoi market and its surrounding areas. Hundreds of trucks carrying a diverse range of goods, from vegetables and fruits to seafood and imported agricultural products, arrive here daily. The market boasts at least 1,200 stalls offering a wide variety of items, with agricultural produce remaining its forte.
Being a wholesale market, it starts its operations very early. From 9 to 10 pm, trucks loaded with agricultural goods from different regions start pouring into the market, creating a bustling scene. The peak hours usually occur between 1 and 2 am daily. During this time, shop owners, wholesale buyers, and street vendors flock to the market to procure their required goods. The market operates every day without any breaks. For visitors wishing to witness the vibrant atmosphere and the abundance of life here, the ideal time to visit is between 1 and 5 am.
To reach the market, tourists can opt for taxis, ride-hailing services, motorcycle taxis, or rent a motorbike within the city. Located right under the Long Bien Bridge, the market is easy to find. Visitors can enter the market from Yen Phu or Hong Ha Street. The entrance is divided into three distinct zones: the central area is designated for shoppers, car and motorbike users; the two lanes on either side are exclusively reserved for loading and unloading goods. This arrangement ensures efficient and orderly operations, despite the massive volume of people and goods.
Unique Experiences at Long Bien Market
One might assume that a market is merely a place for trading goods, but Long Bien market defies this notion. Visitors will discover that it offers far more intriguing experiences than they might imagine.
Exploring Local Culture
At Long Bien market, visitors have the opportunity to witness the continuous and relentless processes of assembling, unloading, trading, and transporting goods. The defining characteristic of this market is its nocturnal nature, coming alive at night. As dusk falls, a vibrant pulse of life flows through the heart of the city, revealing a different side of Hanoi, a city that never sleeps. It presents a chance to explore the capital’s nightlife, where the values of labor culture are preserved and celebrated.
Shopping for Affordable Food
As the largest agricultural trading center in Hanoi, Long Bien market is the perfect place to purchase goods at incredibly low prices and in unlimited quantities. Street vendors often source their products from here to cut down on procurement costs. Owners of restaurants, beverage shops, and food stalls also favor this market as their go-to choice for obtaining fresh ingredients at reasonable prices.
The wholesale area is the market’s busiest and most vibrant section, primarily operating from midnight to the early morning hours. Here, visitors will encounter trucks loaded with agricultural produce from all corners of the country. Fresh vegetables from Dalat, sweet fruits from the Mekong Delta, and live seafood from coastal regions—all contribute to a colorful and vibrant tableau of sights and sounds. The wholesale area is ideal for those seeking to purchase goods in bulk at incredibly low prices.
For those who only need to buy small quantities of food for their families, the retail area is a more suitable option. This section typically operates from early morning to late evening, offering a diverse range of foodstuffs, including vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy products, spices, and dried goods. Visitors can comfortably bargain and chat with the friendly vendors, experiencing yet another facet of Long Bien market.
Indulging in Nighttime Market Cuisine
Visiting the market at night often induces hunger, and there’s nothing better than a hot meal to satisfy your cravings. Rest assured, the market boasts several well-known nighttime food stalls that have been operating here for decades, catering to both locals and visitors alike.
Some must-try dishes in the market include the famous hot steamed rice cakes, flavorful fish cake soup, mixed noodles, mixed rice crackers, fragrant crab rice crackers, the quintessential Hanoi dish of fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and herbs, and the renowned Co Dao’s bun rieu (a traditional Vietnamese vermicelli soup). While agricultural produce here may be inexpensive, the cost of nighttime snacks is not exceptionally cheap. However, with just 15,000 to 50,000 VND, visitors can enjoy a hearty late-night meal, refueling for further exploration of this unique nighttime market.
Long Bien market is not just a bustling commercial hub; it is a vibrant cultural destination where visitors can feel the pulse of Hanoi’s sleepless city and immerse themselves in the distinct and captivating characteristics of the capital.
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