If the flea market and fair highlight traditional beauty of Hanoi capital, Cho Tay (the market for foreigners) brings something new, attractive and distinctive.
Hanoi has plenty of supermarkets, shopping centres, traditional markets, even fairs…but the existence of the Foreign market still delights customers. The market is actually 2 small courtyards opposite each other in an alley of To Ngoc Van street, Hanoi. People go to the market by all means of transport – cars, motorbikes, bicycles and walking. This is perhaps the only market in Hanoi where customers do not have to pay parking fees.
The market opens at 9.30 am and closes at 12.30 pm every Saturday morning and mostly serves foreign ex-pats. It was founded in 2009 by a French businessman with a hope of promoting the sale of fresh and organic agricultural products. Traders at this market are both Vietnamese and foreigners. It is special that people do not make bargains at the market because all goods are listed with fixed prices and origin.
Cho Tay includes two zones, one for food and drink, one for handmade, souvenir and secondhand clothes…But the separation seems to be temporary because clothes stall and sweet ginger tea stall sat side by side.
At first, Cho Tay has only several stalls but after 4 operating years, the stalls increase up to 30 which are arranged very tidily and scientifically within 300 m2.
The outstanding feature of the market is authentic farm products: The customers are totally secure of vegetables, fruits, eggs and honey to some regular drinks such as wine, tea, and fruit juice. All foods and beverages sold in the market are fresh and most are organic.
Not only are attracted by fresh food, but the buyers are also interested in unique handmade products. The girls who love exotic style could buy yourselves exceptional bags made of natural materials or essential oils distinctly Vietnamese.
Aside from fruits and handmade products, the book is another popular item in the market, particularly the French and Vietnamese book. It is interesting to know that the books are sold in each theme every week. Thereby, the customers are never bored when visiting the market.
The most impressive stall is the one called “Little Tigers”, which is opened by a group of foreign women. The stall sells second-hand clothes to raise fund for charity. Customers not only purchase goods but also donate used items to the stall, for example, books, clothes or toys. Everything is accepted, recorded in the stall’s diary and sold for charity purpose. All profits gained from the business are donated for disabled and homeless children.