The Entrance

          The Dong Xuan Market - an indoor market building, built in 1889. Dong Xuan Market, or Cho Dong Xuan, is the oldest and the biggest market in Hanoi. It is located at Dong Xuan Street, at the end of Hang Dao Street. The market is located just north of the Old Quarter. It is known as the largest indoor market in Hanoi and has a wide range of products such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances.
There are three floors in the building.
Just like most markets in Southeast Asia thw Dong Xuan Market has a "wet market" section, which is located on the ground floor is where the local buy their fish, meat and vegetables, while the rear section is reserved for the sale of pets (cats, dogs, and fish), and where they sell fresh flowers from Vietnam.
The second floor of this building is divided into small stalls, each with a different owner. Fabrics are stacked from floor to ceiling. The vendors are on their fabrics, as there is almost no space. Everything is packed and busy!

Dong Xuan Market is a "must" if you're looking for the real local life. Many products which are sold on the market particularly useful for the daily life of the people in Hanoi. There is also a restaurant area where you can enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee or exotic local dish, such as a steaming hot pho cuon (beef wrapped in long irregular strips of rice vermicelli, served with aromatic herbs and spicy sweet and sour fish sauce). Although Dong Xuan market is more focused on the locals than tourists, you can start looking on the upper floors for souvenirs. Find cheap sunglasses or a real Vietnamese hat against the sun. At the Dong Xuan street are shops where you can buy traditional Dong Ho drawings, Bat Trang ceramics, Binh Da embroidery, laces, and sand paintings.

Wet Market

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is a night market at Dong Xuan market. Also around the market building targets are stalls. Here you can buy souvenirs. While tourists are looking around between the stalls, you can also try the traditional North Vietnamese dishes st the street restaurants.

Dong Xuan Market is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of the capital and is a way for Hanoi to develop tourism and attract more international visitors. There is now a walking tour through the Dong Xuan market.
How to get to the market:
You ca Start at the northern bank of Hoan Kiem lake, take Hang Dao Street. Slowly changes the name to Hang Ngang Steet and then to Hang Duong Street. End up being the Dong Xuan Street. You'll see the Dong Xuan Market on the right side of the road. The distance is about 400 meters.

Narrow Paths

From a travel blog:

"A great place to get most things food wise that you want either in bulk or idea for picking up a few items. Located in the old French Quarter. We skimmed this place walking outside and it looks amazing.....most of the old quarter is! avoid Taxis and get a Cyclo to drop you off! all lit up at Christmas!"