Dong Ba Market is where Hue truly wakes up. This isn’t just a place to buy groceries; it is where Hue breathes, eats, trades, and talks. Located at No. 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, stretching from Trang Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge, this market has been my playground since I was a kid. I remember the smell of fermented fish and the sound of vendors laughing long before I knew it was a “tourist attraction.”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the stalls like a neighbor would, showing you the best Hue street food, the hidden textiles, and the rich history that makes this place so special.
Discover the Best Things to Do and Buy at Dong Ba Market
What to Eat at Dong Ba Market: Local Flavors You Shouldn’t Miss
When my friends visit Hue, I always take them straight to the first-floor food court. Bun bo Hue is a must. Unlike the versions you may find in Saigon or Hanoi, the broth at Dong Ba Market is slow-simmered with lemongrass and shrimp paste, giving it a bold, authentic soul.
For something simple and filling, try bun thit nuong with grilled pork, herbs, noodles, and peanut sauce. Hue is also famous for its small cakes, and you’ll easily find banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc served together—light, savory, and full of local flavor.
If you like grilled food, nem lui is a great choice. You wrap the pork skewers with herbs and rice paper, then dip in sauce. To finish, have a bowl of Che Hue. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect after walking around the market.
What to Buy on the Second Floor: Handicrafts and Local Specialties
If you want to bring a piece of my city back with you, the second floor is a real treasure trove. This is where you’ll find traditional Vietnamese handicrafts that still carry cultural meaning.
Look for the famous Non la bai tho, conical hats with poems woven into the leaves. When you hold them up to the sunlight, the verses appear—it still feels like magic every time I see it. I also recommend Me xung candy (Sesame peanut candy) and Truoi tea. These are the local specialties we locals actually buy as gifts for our own families.
For something more refined, explore Ke Mon jewelry or Phuoc Tich ceramics. The craftsmanship in these pieces truly reflects Hue’s artisanal heritage.
Explore the Third Floor: Textiles and Custom Ao Dai
The third floor offers a completely different vibe. Here, the market turns into a textile paradise. This is where I go whenever I need a new Ao Dai.
The selection of fabrics and apparel can feel overwhelming at first, but the vendors are experienced and patient. They will help you choose the right silk and can even arrange a custom-tailored Ao Dai that fits like a glove. It’s a great example of the quiet elegance Hue is known for—and a meaningful souvenir that lasts far beyond your trip.
Essential Visitor Guide: Best Time to Visit and Opening Hours
Dong Ba Market is located at No 2. Tran Hung Dao street which operates daily from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM, but the clock works differently for us locals. If you want to see the “real” market, you need to arrive around 04:00 AM or 05:00 AM. This is when the fresh seafood and poultry arrive from the coast. It’s hectic, wet, and loud, but it’s a vibrant showcase of our daily resilience.
- 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: This is the “golden hour” for photography. The light hitting the bell tower is beautiful.
- 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM: The peak heat. I usually avoid the market during these hours because it gets very stuffy inside.
- After 03:00 PM: This is my favorite time for a relaxed stroll. The temperature cools down, the crowds thin out, and you can actually chat with the vendors.
If you’re looking for more general advice on navigating our city, check out this useful guide to Hue’s top attractions to plan the rest of your trip.
Navigating the Three-Story Architecture of the Market
The market is massive – over 47,600 square meters. It’s easy to get lost, so use the bell tower as your North Star. The layout is quite logical once you understand it.
The first floor is the culinary heart. This is where you find the dried seafood, the famous Hue specialty fish sauces like mam co Ri, and the food court. I’ll be honest; the smell of fermented fish can be strong here. I like it because it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, but I know some visitors find it a bit intense at first.
The second floor focuses on handicrafts and souvenirs. You’ll find bamboo products from Bau La and sculpted ceramics. It’s much quieter than the ground floor. The third floor is strictly for textiles. It feels like a sea of color with thousands of bolts of fabric hanging from the ceiling.
Proven Tips for Shopping and Bargaining in Hue
Bargaining is a sport here, and you should definitely play. A good rule of thumb is to start at 50% of the quoted price and work your way up. However, please remember to be friendly. A smile goes a long way in getting a better deal.
Local Pro Tip: We have a superstition about the “first customer” of the day. If you are the first person to browse a stall in the early morning and you don’t buy anything, the vendor might feel it brings bad luck for the rest of the day. I usually avoid serious browsing before 8:00 AM unless I’m ready to buy.
Always carry cash. While Vietnam is modernizing, 99% of the vendors here only accept Vietnamese Dong (VND). Also, keep your personal belongings secure. Like any crowded place, pickpockets can be an issue. I always use a crossbody bag and keep it in front of me. Knowing a few Vietnamese common phrases like “Xin chao” (Hello) and “Bao nhieu tien?” (How much?) will earn you a lot of respect from the aunties running the stalls.
How to Get to Dong Ba Market and Nearby Landmarks
The market sits right on the northern bank of the Perfume River. It’s incredibly easy to find. If you’re staying in the city center, a taxi will cost you about 13,500 VND per kilometer.
If you prefer more freedom, you can rent a motorbike for about 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. There is a parking lot right at the entrance that costs only 5,000 VND. For the budget-conscious, public buses (routes 8, 9, 10, 12, or 13) stop at the Dong Ba Bus Station, which is just a 3-minute walk away.
The market is a perfect starting point because it’s close to many of Hue’s icons. After shopping, you can walk across Trang Tien Bridge, enjoy a short Perfume River walk, or take a 10-minute ride to the Hue Imperial City (The Citadel).
Nearby, you can also visit An Dinh Palace, the Museum of Royal Antiquities, or head west to Thien Mu Pagoda for a peaceful riverside view.
If you enjoy a social experience and a fixed plan, a Hue small group tour is a convenient way to see the main attractions in one day. On the other hand, traveling by private car gives you more flexibility to adjust stops and timing, especially if you want to spend longer at places like Dong Ba Market or the Citadel and other famous destinations in Hue.
The Remarkable History of the Oldest Market in Hue
This market has a soul that has survived wars and fires. It started as Qui Gia Thi outside the Chanh Dong Gate during King Gia Long‘s reign. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1885 during an attack on the capital.
In 1887, King Dong Khanh rebuilt it and gave it the name Dong Ba Market. Later, in 1899, King Thanh Thai decided to move it to its current spot to make trading easier. The major renovation in 1987 gave us the bell tower we see today. For me, the market represents Hue culture because it shows how we always rebuild and keep our traditions alive, no matter what happens.
FAQs about Dong Ba Market
Is Dong Ba Market touristy?
It’s a mix. While tourists come for the souvenirs and Ao Dai, it is still the primary place where local families buy their cooking ingredients and dried seafood. It’s very authentic.
Can I eat safely at the food court?
Yes! I eat there all the time. The turnover is very high, so the food is always fresh. Just look for the stalls that have the most locals sitting at them—that’s my secret for finding the best Bun bo Hue.
What should I buy as a small gift?
Me xung candy (Sesame candy) is the easiest. It’s cheap, delicious, and easy to pack. Another great option is lotus seeds from Tinh Tam Lake.
How long does it take to see the whole market?
If you want to explore all three floors and have a meal, give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours.
Dong Ba Market is more than just a trading hub. It’s where the ancient trading traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty meet the modern energy of today. Whether you are there for the handicrafts, the street food, or just to take some Dong Ba Market photos, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually met the people of Hue.