Overview
History
Dong Ba Market in Hue, Vietnam, originated from Qui Gia Thi Market established during King Gia Long's reign. Destroyed in 1885, it was rebuilt by King Dong Khanh and renamed Dong Ba Market. Since then, it has served as a crucial trade hub and the primary food source for various institutions in Hue. In the late 19th century, the market was moved to its present location.
Dong Ba Market in 1969
Location
Dong Ba Market in Hue is situated along the northern bank of the Perfume River, on Tran Hung Dao Street. It stretches from Trang Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge.
Structure
Dong Ba Market is divided into three different floors based on the types of products, each cleverly organized to showcase a variety of goods.
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Floor 1: Offers everyday cooking ingredients and numerous specialties from Central Vietnam, such as fermented fish paste, poultry, and dried goods.
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Floor 2: Features exquisite and unique handmade items like traditional conical hats from Phu Cam village, decorative pieces from the Khe Mon jewelry village, bamboo and rattan products from Bau La, Da Le, and Phu Thu villages, as well as intricately carved pottery with ancient vibes.
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Floor 3: Showcase textiles and clothing, ranging from traditional ao dai outfits to regular sleepwear.
Active hours
Dong Ba Market opens every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It gets really busy in the first two hours as locals come to buy fresh stuff for their meals in the morning.
What are the things sold in Dong Ba Market?
As one of the largest markets in Hue, you can rest assured that Dong Ba Market offers a wide selection of interesting gifts for your loved ones. Covering an area of up to 15,600 square meters, it is not only a shopping destination but also a place to enjoy various delicious dishes!
Well-craft products
As mentioned earlier, on the second floor, you'll find a variety of exquisite handmade products. From simple conical hats to elegant ao dai dresses – the iconic symbol of Vietnamese women's beauty. These make for perfect gifts that anyone would cherish from friends or loved ones.
The non la kiosk stand on the second floor of the market
Local cuisine
If you want to savor the delightful cuisine of Hue at reasonable prices, make note of the list of mouthwatering dishes below!
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Beef noodle soup (Bun Bo) - (30,000 - 50,000 VND/ $1.5 - $2.5 per person)
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Clam rice (Com Nghieu) - (20,000 - 40,000 VND/ $1 - $2 per person)
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Lemongrass skewers with spring rolls (Cha Gio Xien Sa) - (40,000 - 55,000 VND/ $2 - $2.5 per person)
There are many delicious dishes at Dong Ba Market
Additionally, you can explore lighter and sweeter options like:
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Sweet soup (Che) - (10,000 - 20,000 VND/ $0.5 - $1 per person) - A MUST-TRY!
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Royal tea – the imperial beverage of the Nguyen dynasty (50,000 - 70,000 VND/ $2 - $3 per serving).
Colorful display of Che
Tips for visiting Dong Ba Market
When should we visit?
The best time to visit Dong Ba market depends on what you're looking for:
If you want to experience the bustling atmosphere and see everything the market has to offer:
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Early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): This is the busiest time with all stalls open and a lively buzz. It's perfect for seeing the full range of goods and soaking in the local energy. However, be prepared for crowds and potentially higher prices.
Dong Ba Market in the morning
If you prefer a less crowded experience and a chance to bargain:
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Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:30 PM): The crowds thin out in the afternoon, making it easier to browse and navigate the market. Vendors may also be more willing to negotiate prices. Additionally, the heat of the day has usually subsided by this point, making it more comfortable to walk around.
How to get there?
If you're near Trang Tien Bridge in the city center and comfortable with a short walk, you can reach Dong Ba market in under 20 minutes. However, if you're near An Dinh Palace and prefer a quicker option, a taxi ride will take around 10 minutes.
For more helpful insight, please read our Hue travel guide!
Dong Ba Market is a place that shows the traditions of the people of Hue. The bustling market is not only a special spot to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine but also a wonderful place to meet the friendly locals. If you want more useful tips or planning a Vietnam tour, don't hesitate to reach out to New Asia Tours. We assure you will have such an experience that everyone would want to!
