Buzz
1. Main Areas to Explore at the Market
To find affordable and stylish clothes, you should pay attention to the main areas of the market, including:
- Baza wholesale market: a market specializing in both wholesale and retail of various fabrics. Previously, the market was concentrated in the city center but now it has gradually moved out to Baza hill (about 1.5 - 2 km straight from La Slope)
- Sơn Long market: specializes in wholesale and retail of men's fashion. The source of goods varies by season and quality (clothes, shoes, accessories, socks, etc.)
- Phú Điền market: specializes in wholesale and retail of women's clothes, women's fashion. Sơn Long market and Phú Điền market are two recently built markets, located close to each other (opposite Ninh Hiệp primary school). In the market, there are also many mannequins, fashion accessories, hangers...
- Nành market (commonly known as the old market or village 5 market): wholesale, retail of all kinds of fashion accessories for men, women, old, young, big, small. The best time to shop is from 7:00 in the morning to 18:00 in the evening.
2. Shopping Strategies
Shop owners are keen to differentiate between wholesale and retail customers. If you're buying in small quantities, disguise yourself as a wholesaler to get cheaper prices. Carry a large bag with a few clothes inside, as if you're selecting merchandise for wholesale. Inquire enthusiastically about prices and sizes. Promise to return for a larger purchase next time. Don't hesitate to ask for the shop owner's contact information. Bring friends to benefit from wholesale prices, as buying just 3 to 4 items qualifies. This approach ensures the best prices.
If buying wholesale, select styles and ask for wholesale prices. Compare prices from different shops to negotiate the best deal. Remember, if you're a retail customer, avoid asking for wholesale prices. Keep the purchase receipt for exchanges within a week. Agree clearly with the seller to avoid misunderstandings. Afternoon is the best time for exchanges.
3. Best Time to Shop for Clothes at Ninh Hiệp Market
According to sellers, wholesale customers usually shop in the morning, while retail customers shop all day. Therefore, visiting in the morning allows for warmer receptions and more enthusiasm from shop owners, as there are fewer customers and they are eager to start their sales day, making prices easier to negotiate. However, be cautious as this is the time when shops are just opening. If you browse without buying, shop owners may not be pleased.
The pocket tip is to shop in the morning.
4. Getting Ready for the Adventure
Because the market area is often crowded and dusty, it's advisable to wear a mask and flat shoes to shop comfortably without getting sore feet. Pay attention to your personal belongings to avoid pickpockets, as the market is bustling with buyers and sellers, making it a prime target for thieves.
Additionally, if you need to withdraw money from an ATM, there are 2 machines located in the children's play area and the Nanh market section.
5. Transportation Options
You can travel by bus. Bus 10B departs from Luong Yen Bus Station and terminates at Baza Market, making it very convenient. There's a bus every 30 minutes, with a ticket price of 7,000 VND per trip. Bus 65 departs from Thuy Lam Dong Anh Hanoi Bus Station, with a ticket price of 8,000 VND per trip. It takes about an hour to reach Baza Market.
You can also opt for personal transportation. If traveling by motorbike from downtown Hanoi, pass through Long Bien Bridge - Gia Lam - Duong Bridge - Ha Huy Tap - Yen Vien - La Slope - Ninh Hiệp Market. It takes about an hour to travel. Since the market is crowded, it's advisable to park at a nearby shopping center and then proceed to shop.
