Hanoi plans to rebuild biggest wholesale market

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi's Ba Dinh District People's Committee has announced a plan to renovate Long Bien Market - the city's biggest wholesale marketplace - in cooperation with Hanoi University of Civil Engineering.

The project is part of the International Workshop of Built Architecture (Atelier International de l'Architecture Construite - AIAC 2025) with the theme "Reconstruction of Long Bien Market."

The event brings together 14 student teams from top universities around the world, including Paris-Belleville School of Architecture in France, University of Tokyo in Japan, Tsinghua University in China, Gyeongsang National University in South Korea, Ricardo Palma University in Peru, and Hanoi University of Civil Engineering in Vietnam.

Long Bien Market covering an area of 2.75 hectares in Phuc Xa Ward, Ba Dinh District was opened in 1992 for trading of fruits, vegetables, and food.

Over the years, the market has become cramped and run down. Narrow aisles, lack of parking, and other deficiencies have led to traffic congestion and unsanitary conditions.

Through AIAC 2025, organizers aim to re-create the cultural and historical image of old Hanoi, with landscapes along the Red River, under the Long Bien Bridge, near the former Ben Nua Dock, and connected to Dong Xuan Market and the Old Quarter.

Ba Dinh District expects the new design to combine traditional and modern elements, making the market a multifunctional space for trade, cultural activities, street art, and a food court.

District officials will review the best submissions and consider them for future renovation plans for Long Bien Market.