Inbound@winway.vn | +84 903 396 676
winway.vn
Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba market Hue has long been known as the city’s iconic and oldest market. More than 130 years old, this must-visit attraction is not simply a local market but a witness for this place’s rich culture and history. Do not miss the chance to get involved in the authentic flavors and charm of Dong Ba market on your visit to Hue.

A Dong Ba Market's main gate

Location

Dong Ba market is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao street, Phu Hoa ward, Hue city, between Truong Tien bridge and Gia Hoi bridge. This place is conveniently located just 1.3km away from Hue center, making it easily accessible for visitors to explore. Besides, Dong Ba Market opens from 3:00AM - 8:30PM everyday 

Huế to upgrade famed Đông Ba market

Dong Ba Market at night

Meaning of the name

Tourists may be confused when they find several things here named “Dong Ba” in Hue city. Actually, Dong Ba is both the name of the largest market in Hue and of a small canal connecting the market with the busy river port of Bao Vinh, Lo Street and Thanh Ha.

Dong Ba market in Hue: Detailed guide - Da Nang Tours City

The old Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba is also the name of the first steel bridge across the Dong Ba River and Dong Ba Street. The market was originally located outside the citadel’s Chanh Dong Gate (also commonly called Dong Ba), where today stands a park at the end of Phan Dang Luu Street. The market was burnt down in the summer of 1885. In 1887, King Dong Khanh had it rebuilt and named it Dong Ba. In 1889, King Thanh Thai had it moved to the current location at the crossroads of the Huong (Perfume) River and the west bank of the Dong Ba Canal. Due to the convenient location, the market has always been very popular. In 1987, the market was under its greatest restoration.

Explore the structure of Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba market is a busy three-floor building with each floor size of up to 15,000 m2. It is formed like a giant bell surrounded by U-shaped rows of houses. Items on this marketplace are organized into separate areas for easy searching. Rather than beginning on the third floor and shopping your way down as usual, it is preferable to start from the first floor and shop your way up in order to have an efficient shopping experience.

Dong Ba Market

There are three floors in this market

The first floor

The first floor is the domain of dried seafood. Here you will find a vast selection of Hue’s culinary specialties, including Co Ri fish sauce, fermented fish sauce, locally-sourced dishes, and a variety of unique dried foods. The food is mainly processed according to the Central region’s strong flavors. There is no shortage of knowledgeable sellers happy to offer advice and even let visitors sample their wares. For those who have a passion for food in the Central region of Vietnam, do not miss out on this floor.

Dong Ba Market

Fish sauce dishes have made the brand name of Hue cuisine

The second floor

Visitors will be astounded by various selections of handicrafts available in diverse fabrics, hues, and patterns on the second floor. The Vietnamese conical hat, an indispensable accessory to wear with the Ao Dai, is the most well-known item made in Hue market. The price for one hat ranges between 150,000 and 200,000 VND. The second floor of Dong Ba market also offers other well-liked goods, such as blue-steel scissors from Hien Luong forging village, sophisticated pieces of jewelry from Ke Mon village, ceramic products from Phuoc Tich village, bamboo products from Da Le village, etc.

Dong Ba Market

Handicrafts on the second floor

The third floor

It may sound strange, but the best starting point for a journey in Dong Ba market is actually the third floor. You will definitely get lost in an exhibition of colorful fabric and clothing stalls. The special thing about this floor is that it is heaven for Ao Dai lovers because there are countless shops selling unique Ao Dai inspired by the distinctive style of Hue here. If you are seeking meaningful gifts for grandmothers and mothers, this 3rd-floor area is not a bad suggestion.

Dong Ba Market

The third floor is full of colorful fabrics

Things to do at Dong Ba Market

Go shopping with various selections

When it comes to souvenirs for your beloved, find the way to Dong Ba market. In this marketplace, you can choose from many categories such as sesame candy, royal tea, conical hats, some porcelain items that reflect the Hue people’s life and landscapes, fabrics, a few keychains, etc. Whatever the gift is, the most important thing is still your heart. As long as you choose to buy it yourself, your loved one will surely love it. Moreover, shopping at Dong Ba market is also the best way to dive into the life of local people – how people bargain, what they consume every day, and what is trendy at the moment.

What To Do At Dong Ba Market Hue, Vietnam? - Hoi An Private Taxi

Foreigners go shopping at Dong Ba Market

Enjoy delectable local foods

When asking locals where to buy the best food in Hue, every single person will point to Dong Ba market. When sunset comes, step out of the bell-shaped building and the first thing striking visitors’ eyes is the numerous array of street food vendors. There are many attractive Hue special foods to mention, such as turmeric vermicelli, Sia rice paper, Kim Long barbecue vermicelli, Nam Pho thick noodles, Khoai pancake, shrimp leaf cake, Nam cake, wet cake, condensed bean soup, mixed tea, roasted meat porridge, etc. 

Dong Ba Market

Bun Bo Hue has a strong flavor of sweet broth

A trip to Hue would not be complete without savoring Dong Ba market bun bo Hue. For foreign tourists, this dish can be described as Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup in Hue style, which is a signature of this ancient capital. You can easily find this delicious noodle soup in almost every corner of Dong Ba market Hue. Despite its reputation, the price per bowl ranges from only 15,000 to 20,000 VND.

A visit to Dong Ba market in Hue is a must-do for anyone traveling to this historic city. As the oldest market in the area with over 130 years of history, it offers visitors a unique insight into the culture and traditions of the region. With its three floors packed with local goods, including colorful fabrics, handmade crafts, and delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Winway Travel