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Explore Dong Ba Market the Largest and Oldest in Hue

By huynhtuyen | Posted in Hue | June 27, 2024
Dong Ba market in Hue

Dong Ba Market is the most famous market in Hue City. Hue is not only famous for its historical attractions and gorgeous landscapes but also the local market. So, we will provide you with the beauty of Dong Ba Market Hue in this article—the market you should not miss when you come to the city.

Main Contents

About Dong Ba Market Hue

The history of Dong Ba Market Hue

Dong Ba Market Hue was built a long time ago. Before 1899, it was located at Dong Ba Gate, the eastern gate near the Hue Citadel. In 1885, the French colonialists destroyed the market when the capital city of Hue fell.

In 1877, Dong Khanh King rebuilt this market and decided to move the market close to the Perfume River between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge. So, the market is also one of the symbols of Hue City.

Dong Ba market 1968
The market in the 20th century
Dong Ba market in 1968
Inside the market in the 20th century

Location

Dong Ba market is located on the north bank of the Perfume River on Tran Hung Dao Street, Dong Ba Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. The market premises stretch from the foot of Truong Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge.

Address: 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue city.

Opening time

Dong Ba Market Hue opens every day from 5:00 AM until 7:00 PM, offering a vibrant shopping experience throughout the day.

Best time to visit Dong Ba market

If you want to buy fresh ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, meat,… You can go to Dong Ba market from 6:30 AM to 9 AM. However, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM is the best time for you to buy souvenirs, handcrafts, clothes, etc,.. in Hue as gifts for your friends or your family. The weather is quite pleasant and cool at this time. With fewer people in the market, you can explore it freely.

Dong Ba market in summer
Visit the market on a beautiful sunny day

The architecture structure of Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market in Hue is designed to include a 3-story building in the center and be surrounded by U-shaped rows of houses. Each floor of this market has its own items, divided into that make each area easy for customers to find.

The first floor is the place for food lovers. You obviously know how famous Hue fish sauce is, right? Here you will find many kinds of sauce, seasoning fish sauce, sour fish sauce, shrimp sauce, etc., prepared with rich flavors of the Central region. Moreover, there are also many types of dried seafood, such as fish, squid, and shrimp, for you to buy as gifts.

Floor 1 of Dong Ba market
Food paradise on the 1st floor

The second-floor area is filled with extremely sophisticated handicrafts and souvenirs. Here you will see countless displays of Hue’s famous poem conicals, ceramics from Phuoc Tich craft village, and eye-catching bamboo and rattan items. Therefore, don’t forget to choose some of these cute little items for relatives and friends.

Foor 2 of Dong Ba market
The 2nd floor sells handicrafts

The 3rd floor is the area selling fabrics and clothes, especially traditional fabrics for making Ao Dai.

Floor 3 of Dong Ba market
The 3rd floor sells Ao Dai and fabric

Top products selling at Dong Ba market

Local foods: Bun bo Hue, banh nam, banh loc, che, nem lui, banh khoai,… is always the must-try dish when tourists come to Hue City. You can easily find these dishes in this wonderful market at reasonable prices.

Types of Hue cakes
Types of Hue cakes
Bun mam nem
Bun mam nem & nem lui

Royal tea: Hue royal tea was once enjoyed by Nguyen Dynasty kings. Made from herbs, it is fragrant and beneficial for health. So, this tea has become a specialty of the ancient capital and a culinary culture of the people of Hue that tourists should not miss.

Hue royal tea
Hue royal tea

Conical Hat: The Hue poem conical hat has deep roots in the daily life and culture of the people in this region. These are not only products of traditional craft villages but also closely linked to the lifestyle and beauty of Hue women in particular and Vietnamese women in general. Therefore, when you travel to Hue, don’t forget to buy this item for your mom or relatives.

Conical hat at Dong Ba market
Hue conical hat

Dry food: dried fruit, dried squid,… will be displayed at many stalls along the way in this market. Especially, Banh Ep is also the dried dish that is a must-have for a gift when you travel to Hue.

Dried fruits
Dried fruit

Shrimp sauce: This is one of the famous dishes in Hue City because of its rich and tasty flavor. Additionally, you can easily buy this dish at reasonable prices in Dong Ba market.

Shrimp sauce at Dong Ba market
Types of Hue shrimp sauce

No Hue City Tour is complete without experiencing the delicious local food and vibrant shopping atmosphere at Dong Ba Market. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic Hue specialties, browse unique local products, and discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. If you’d like to book a tour, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +84 975 952 918.

Useful tips when traveling at Dong Ba market

Visit early for the freshest seafood. If you plan to buy seafood, it’s best to arrive in the morning when local fishermen have just delivered their fresh catch. This is the ideal time to find the widest selection of seafood at the best quality.

Don’t hesitate to bargain. Bargaining is a common part of shopping at Dong Ba Market, especially when buying souvenirs, clothing, or local specialties. Be polite and friendly when negotiating, and you may be able to get a better price than the initial offer.

Bring cash. While some stalls accept bank transfers, many small vendors still prefer cash, making your shopping experience quicker and more convenient.

Keep your belongings secure. As Dong Ba Market is often busy with both locals and tourists, it’s a good idea to keep your valuables close while exploring the market.

Conclusion

Dong Ba Market is one of Hue’s most iconic attractions, offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic local cuisine, shop for traditional products, and discover the city’s vibrant daily life. Whether you’re looking for delicious street food or unique souvenirs, this historic market has something for everyone. VM Car hopes this guide has given you a better understanding of Dong Ba Market, one of Hue’s most famous landmarks. Be sure to add it to your Hue itinerary for an unforgettable local experience.

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