Sellers on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Ha Dong Ward.
According to reports from ward and commune People's Committees, the city has reorganized 98 out of 231 makeshift markets and informal trading sites.
The remaining 133 sites will be handled under a roadmap for 2026–2027, ensuring a consistent, focused approach suited to local conditions.
Hanoi currently has 468 markets, including 16 first-grade markets, 59 second-grade markets, 346 third-grade markets and 47 unclassified markets.
Among them are 213 urban markets and 255 rural markets. Six wards and communes still lack markets: Linh Nam, Phuong Liet, Yen So, Hong Son, Yen Bai and Thu Lam.
Driven by urbanization pressure, rising consumer demand and inadequate commercial infrastructure in some areas, makeshift markets continue to emerge. Reviews show that 231 makeshift markets and informal trading sites are operating across 52 wards and communes.
Authorities classified these sites into four groups based on scale and impact, with a reorganization roadmap extending to 2027.
Ha Dong Ward police tour around and keep monitoring the arrangement of local markets.
Seventy-five high-impact sites encroaching on roads and sidewalks and seriously affecting traffic safety will be cleared before January 30, 2026. The remaining will be addressed by June 30, 2027.
Under the city plan, ward and commune authorities have reviewed, counted and classified all makeshift markets based on scale, operational nature and impact.
Many informal trading clusters that caused urban disorder and traffic risks have been dismantled, helping restore urban order and significantly improve the urban landscape and living environment in many areas.
So far, the city has reorganized 98 out of 231 makeshift markets and informal trading sites, while continuing to address the remaining 133 under the 2026–2027 roadmap.
The plan preparation has been careful and phased, following city leadership guidance to avoid hasty or extreme measures.
Markets continue to play an important role in distributing essential goods and creating jobs and income for many workers. Notably, some markets have begun adopting electronic payments and cashless models, promoting commercial civility and consumer convenience.
A market in Ha Dong Ward is now well-arranged.
However, challenges remain. In areas lacking markets or where existing systems fail to meet demand, makeshift markets continue to reappear, affecting traffic safety, urban aesthetics, environmental hygiene and product origin control.
Media reports indicate that in some areas, makeshift markets have resumed or newly appeared on main streets, causing public concern.
The city affirms its firm stance on handling makeshift markets while avoiding extremism, balancing urban order with livelihoods, social security and consumer needs, especially during sensitive periods such as the Lunar New Year.