Sitting along the north bank of the Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is not just a shopping spot, it’s one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Vietnam. A maze of colors, sounds, and scents, the market captures the daily rhythm of Hue: part commerce, part culture, part chaos in the most charming way.
- Location: Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue City (along the Perfume River, near Truong Tien Bridge)
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (mornings are busiest and most atmospheric)
- Type of Market: Traditional Vietnamese market with local food, souvenirs, clothing, and household goods
It’s a favorite stop for visitors who want to taste local food, see daily life, and pick up authentic souvenirs. You should try it.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- A Brief History of Dong Ba Market
- Exploring Dong Ba Market: Layout & Tips
- What to Buy at Dong Ba Market
- What to Eat at Dong Ba Market
- Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions
A Brief History of Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market has been part of Hue’s life for centuries. Its origin dates back to the early 19th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty. It was originally located outside the Chanh Dong Gate of the Imperial City, where locals came to trade food, tools, and daily goods.
In 1899, under the reign of Emperor Thanh Thai, the market was moved to its current location and rebuilt into a more organized structure. Since then, it has survived wars, floods, and urban changes, but remains the beating heart of commerce in Hue.
Even today, you’ll find vendors who’ve worked the same stalls for decades, passing down both space and skills through generations.
How to Get to Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market sits in the heart of Hue, just across the Perfume River from the city’s main attractions. It’s easy to reach by:
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Taxi or ride-hailing car: Most convenient for private travelers, budget around 20,000–40,000 VND from the Citadel.
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Cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi): A charming, leisurely option that costs around 30,000–50,000 VND and lets you soak in street life.
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Motorbike: If you’re comfortable riding, parking is available nearby.
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Walking: If you’re already near the Imperial City or Perfume River, Dong Ba is just a 10–15-minute walk. Reference for a half-day exploration route.
All transport options are quick and affordable, making Dong Ba easy to build into your Hue itinerary.
Exploring Dong Ba Market: Layout & Tips
Dong Ba Market covers three levels and a wide surrounding area. It’s a bit of a maze, but that’s part of the fun. Each floor and section offers something different.
First Floor: Everyday Essentials
Fruits, vegetables, dried seafood, rice, spices, and pickled goods. It’s bustling in the morning when locals come for groceries. The scent of fermented shrimp paste and fresh herbs hits you as soon as you step inside.
Second Floor: Clothes and Household Items
Textiles, pajamas, school uniforms, bags, and kitchen tools dominate this level. Visitors can find embroidered áo dài, Vietnamese-style sandals, or conical hats.
Third Floor: Souvenirs and Specialty Items
This quieter level offers handmade crafts, non la (conical hats), silk scarves, incense, and packaged specialties like sesame candy or lotus seeds.
Outdoor Area: Food Stalls & More Chaos
Small vendors set up around the building with bowls of noodles, juices, or baskets of produce. It’s informal, lively, and not to be missed.
💡 Tip: Dong Ba is not a place to rush. Take your time, watch locals interact, and enjoy the organized chaos.
Best Time to Visit Dong Ba Market
For the best experience, visit early in the morning (7–9 AM) when the market is busiest and freshest. Late afternoon (after 4 PM) is cooler and calmer but has fewer food vendors.
How to Pay and Bargain at Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba’s payment is cash only or internal bank transfer, so bring small bills (10,000–500,000 VND). Most vendors won’t have change for large notes, especially early in the day.
Bargaining is expected, particularly for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Here’s how to do it right:
- Be polite and smile. A friendly attitude makes negotiation smoother.
- Start by asking the price, then offer 10–20% less. It’s normal.
- If it feels too high, walk away calmly. Often, the vendor will call you back.
- Buying multiple items? Ask for a combo discount.
💡 Tip: If you’re on a guided tour, your guide can help with translations or suggest what a fair price might be
Cultural Etiquette in a Local Market
To blend in and show respect while exploring Dong Ba Market, a few cultural gestures go a long way:
- Dress modestly: Avoid beachwear or overly revealing outfits. Lightweight pants or skirts and short-sleeve shirts are ideal.
- Ask before taking close-up photos: Vendors are usually friendly, but a quick smile and gesture to ask permission is polite.
- Don’t block walkways: The market aisles can be narrow and busy. Step aside if you need to stop or take photos.
- Greet vendors: A simple “Xin chào” (hello) with a smile often sparks a friendly interaction and warmer service.
Is Dong Ba Market Family-Friendly?
Yes!! Especially for families with older kids or teens who enjoy tasting new foods or seeing daily life. The market is lively and colorful, though parents should watch younger children closely in crowded areas.
What to Buy at Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market offers a rich showcase of Hue’s craftsmanship and culinary heritage. From classic souvenirs to unique artisan goods, the market reflects the soul of central Vietnam in every stall. Here’s a closer look at what to bring home:
- Sesame candy (Kẹo mè xửng): This sticky, nutty delight is a local specialty made from malt, peanuts, and sesame. It’s sweet, chewy, and comes beautifully packaged
- Hue-style conical hats (Nón lá thơ): These aren’t just any hats. Many feature hand-stitched poetry or delicate images visible when held up to sunlight. They’re iconic symbols of Hue’s romantic spirit.
- Incense sticks and herbal oils: Handmade by artisans from nearby villages, these fragrant items often use traditional ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, and lemongrass.
- Scarves and textiles: Lightweight silk or cotton scarves are easy to pack and often hand-dyed or embroidered. Some stalls also sell fabric by the meter.
- Hue-style tea and coffee: Look for lotus tea, green tea with jasmine, or finely ground Vietnamese coffee in decorative tins.
- Dried foods and condiments: Adventurous shoppers can take home dried shrimp, lotus seeds, or jars of fermented shrimp paste, essential ingredients in central Vietnamese cooking.
These souvenirs aren’t just charming for personal keepsakes, they also make thoughtful and culturally rich gifts for friends and family back home.
What to Eat at Dong Ba Market
This market is a dream for food lovers. Many of Hue’s signature dishes are available in small servings so you can try several in one visit. Head to the food stalls outside or to the inner first-floor section for these highlights:
- Bún bò Huế: A rich, spicy beef noodle soup — the pride of Hue. Made with lemongrass, chili oil, pork knuckle, and sliced beef.
- Bánh bèo (Water fern cake): Mini steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp and crispy shallots, served with fish sauce. Light and flavorful.
- Nem lụi (Vietnamese pork lemongrass skewer): Grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, herbs, and peanut sauce. Wrap your own bite and dip away.
- Chè Huế (Sweet soup): A variety of sweet dessert soups with beans, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk. Try “chè bắp” (corn pudding) or “chè thập cẩm” (mixed).
- Bánh bột lọc (Rice dumpling cake): Tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork belly, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Drinks: Fresh sugarcane juice, lotus tea, or iced green tea with kumquat to cool down between snacks.
Prices are friendly: most items range between 15,000–100,000 VND (~$0.50–$4.00).
💡 Tip: Order small portions and try a bit of everything, it’s the tastiest way to experience Dong Ba
Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions
Dong Ba fits beautifully into a half-day itinerary in Hue:
- Morning at the Imperial City
- Walk across Trường Tiền Bridge
- Shop and eat at Dong Ba Market
- Enjoy sunset by the Perfume River
Dong Ba Market is full of life, flavor, and real Vietnamese charm. If you want to experience it comfortably and meaningfully, Vietnam Travel Online can arrange a tailored Hue experience that includes Dong Ba plus nearby sights, local food stops, and cultural insights — all paced to your style.
Want to explore Hue beyond the usual? Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the journey.
