Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

By Phuong Linh   October 21, 2025 | 07:14 pm PT
Hanoi’s Buoi Market comes to life through 100-year-old photos of its bamboo and rattan trade.
Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

Photographs of cho Lon (Pig market) on Duong Thanh Street in the early 20th century are in a publication on the development of Dong Xuan Market released on Oct. 8. Photo from the book “Cho Dong Xuan - Khong gian ky uc” (Dong Xuan Market - A Space of Memories)

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A bamboo and rattan market on the side of the Red River, Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the National Archives Center I

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A bamboo and rattan market on Hang Tre Street. Photo from the book “Cho Dong Xuan - Khong gian ky uc”

According to French journalist Paul Bourde, in the late 19th century Hanoi “had no roofed markets or designated trading areas. The whole city was a large open-air market.”

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A street behind Dong Xuan Market. Photo courtesy of Edgard Imbert

Records from the National Archives Center I show that after Hanoi became a French concession, covered markets were built. Regulations on market taxes and street vending were also introduced.

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A vegetable market in the early 20th century. Photo courtesy of the French Defense Audiovisual Agency

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

Buoi Market on a trading day in 1926.

Yen Thai village held a market six times each month on the 4th and 9th days. Photo courtesy of the National Archives Center I

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A produce vendor at Buoi Market. Photo courtesy of the National Archives Center I

Buoi Market and Mo Market did not gather daily, only periodically. Bourde wrote: “The narrow, uneven streets became even busier on market days.”

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A bunch of women selling rice at Buoi Market. Photo courtesy of the National Archives Center I

Life in Hanoi’s markets a century ago

A trading scene on a street in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the National Archives Center I

Bourde wrote: “A market was held in Hanoi every six days. Merchants and craftsmen came from nearby villages, and the streets were packed full of people.”

 
 
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