Every weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dong Tac Market is packed with shoppers. Vendors say the number of foreign visitors has risen sharply over the past two years.
One of the market's best-known stalls belongs to Hong, where towering piles of clothes are all sold for just VND10,000 apiece. Customers must leave their shoes outside before climbing over the mountains of clothing in search of hidden bargains.
Dong Tac Market, located on Dong Tac Street in Kim Lien Ward at the foot of the Khuong Thuong residential area, is home to around 100 tightly packed stalls.
Shoppers can find a wide range of clothes at affordable prices for a dress or shirt.
George (L) from the U.K. said he visited the market with his girlfriend, looking for T-shirts and jeans, after reading recommendations in travel groups.
According to George, most of the products were in good condition, although some were heavily stained. He advised shoppers to inspect clothes carefully rather than focusing solely on the lowest prices.
Pham Yen, who has been selling clothes at the market for 14 years, said international tourists rarely bargain over prices, and she has never overcharged them.
Most of the goods sold at Dong Tac Market are imported in bulk. Unsold items are typically discounted to recover capital and make room for new shipments.
Vendors said they often have to select products of acceptable quality from each batch to put on display, discarding many heavily damaged or substandard items.
Hailey, an American living in Hanoi, said Dong Tac Market has been her favorite shopping destination for the past two years.
With Hanoi entering the summer season, she visited the market looking for lightweight clothing. The dress she was trying cost VND100,000 ($3.79), while a secondhand item of similar quality in the U.S. would typically sell for more than $12.
"This market is like a paradise," she said.
Some vendors also help customers mix and match outfits.
Among regular bargain hunters at the market, one commonly shared tip is to stay in contact with familiar vendors to find out when new shipments arrive.
Early visitors usually have a better chance of picking out high-quality items as soon as vendors open fresh batches of clothing.
"There's so much to try on in this market, and one afternoon probably isn't enough," said Chris from the U.S.
He advised shoppers to browse several stalls before making a purchase to avoid missing better deals elsewhere in the market.
On Google Reviews, the market holds a 4.1-star rating based on around 470 reviews.
Many visitors praised the affordability and quality of the clothing, while some foreign visitors complained about being overcharged and suggested shopping with a Vietnamese friend who can help bargain with vendors.
Other negative reviews mention high parking fees, typically VND20,000 per motorbike, as well as concerns over the quality and variety of some clothing items.
