Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam – Discover The Food And Shopping Paradise
1. Introduction to Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam
Dong Ba Market is the most famous traditional market in the ancient capital, with high cultural and historical value. This market was originally named Quy Gia Thi to mark the return of the Nguyen Dynasty king when he returned to Phu Xuan. The name Dong Ba Market Hue first appeared in 1887 under the reign of King Dong Khanh.
Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao, right in the center of Hue city, between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge, and is famous for its large space and bustling trading atmosphere. Inside the market, visitors will find all kinds of goods, from food and clothes to souvenirs and local specialties.
The market is not only a familiar shopping place for local people but also an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Visiting Dong Ba market, you will clearly feel the culture, life, and typical hospitality of Hue people.
Dong Ba Market in the late 1920s with the bell tower in the center. (Source: internet)
2. Travel to Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam
Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam is located right in the center of Hue city, so it is very convenient to travel. You can easily ask people for directions or use a map to find this market.
From the hotel, visitors can choose to walk if they are nearby or take a taxi or motorbike to Tran Hung Dao Street, next to the Perfume River. Combining a visit to the market with a riverside stroll is also an interesting experience.
Dong Ba market opening hours are from 5:00 am to about 7:00 pm. On holidays, the market will close a little later to serve everyone’s shopping needs.
Dong Ba Night Market: Some of the outer areas and nearby streets continue to operate in the evening, mainly with food, clothing, and souvenir stalls, usually lasting until around 22:00.
Huong River – the symbol of Hue has a poetic beauty that captivates visitors. (Source: internet)
3. Guide to visiting and shopping at Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam
3.1. Learn about the layout of the areas in the market
Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam is designed with a central 3-story building called the “bell tower,” surrounded by U-shaped houses with an area of about 15,000 m². The space inside is divided into separate areas for visitors to easily find products.
1st floor: This area sells famous specialties such as Co Ri fish sauce, nem fish sauce, sour fish sauce, and many dried seafood such as fish, squid, and shrimp. The sellers are friendly and ready to advise you to choose the right gift.
2nd floor: On the 2nd floor, you will find countless exquisite handicrafts such as conical hats, jewelry, Phuoc Tich ceramics, and bamboo and rattan products. This is an ideal place to choose souvenirs imbued with Hue culture.
3rd floor: This is an area specializing in selling fabrics and clothing, especially traditional fabrics for making ao dai. Visitors can choose to buy some beautiful pieces of fabric as gifts for their mothers and grandmothers.
Dong Ba Market – The largest and most famous market in Hue. (Source: internet)
3.2. Enjoy Hue cuisine
The cuisine at Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam is diverse; each stall has a strong traditional flavor and affordable prices, only from 0.6 – 2.0 USD/dish.
3.2.1. Hue grilled spring rolls
Spring rolls are a typical dish of the Central region, made from minced pork wrapped around bamboo sticks and grilled until golden brown. When eating, you roll the spring rolls with raw vegetables and rice paper and dip them in a rich fish sauce.
A portion of spring rolls is enough for 2 people to enjoy, priced at only about 2.0 USD. This is an attractive choice for a light meal but is still full of flavor.
3.2.2. Bun bo Hue
Bun bo Hue is famous for its rich flavor and sweet and fragrant broth from beef bones and lemongrass. When you come to Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam, you will easily find crowded bun bo shops with bowls full of meat and sausage.
Each bowl of beef noodle soup costs from 0.6 – 0.7 USD, very affordable for a famous specialty. The little secret is to choose a crowded restaurant to enjoy the authentic Hue flavor.
Hue beef noodle soup – a rustic specialty that captivates many diners. (Source: internet)
3.2.3. Bun tom chua
In the past, bun tom chua was offered to kings thanks to its unique flavor and fresh ingredients. This dish is attractive because of its harmonious sweet and sour taste, served with fresh vegetables, and very unique.
Currently, you only need about 0.7 VND to enjoy a full bowl of bun tom chua. This is a culinary experience you should not miss when coming to Dong Ba market.
3.2.4. Banh bot loc Hue
Banh bot loc is made from chewy tapioca flour, with a rich shrimp and meat filling, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. When eaten, dip it in a sweet and spicy fish sauce to create an unforgettable flavor.
A portion of banh bot loc costs from 0.7 – 1.15 USD just enough to fill your stomach. This is a typical Hue dish that visitors must try.
3.2.5. Hue Sweet Soup
The sweet soup stalls at Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam are simply decorated but very diverse, from corn sweet soup and green bean sweet soup to lotus sweet soup. Hue sweet soup is famous for its sweet taste and is served with fragrant and fatty coconut milk.
You can choose to pay for as much as you want, which is very convenient and cheap. This is an ideal dessert after enjoying the savory dishes at the market.
Tapioca starch sweet soup with roasted pork is a unique Hue sweet soup, combining creativity and tradition in Hue cuisine. (Source: internet)
3.2.6. Nam Pho noodle soup
Nam Pho noodle soup is attractive with soft and chewy noodles and rich broth. Ingredients include shrimp, squid, and pork leg, skillfully prepared, creating an irresistibly delicious dish.
A bowl of hot noodle soup will warm your stomach during your exploration of Dong Ba market. This is a popular dish but full of Hue flavor.
3.2.7. Hen rice
Hen rice is a famous specialty, consisting of cold rice mixed with stir-fried mussels, herbs, and special spices. This dish is both rustic and rich in the flavor of the Central region.
The price of Com Hen is very affordable, suitable for a quick and nutritious meal. This is the perfect choice to end the journey of exploring Dong Ba market’s cuisine.
Mussel rice is a specialty of Hue and was a dish offered to the king in the past. (Source: internet)
3.3. Buy specialties and souvenirs.
Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam is truly a shopping paradise for tourists who want to find gifts with a strong Hue imprint. Along the stalls, you will encounter countless unique products, from local specialties to sophisticated handicrafts.
You can choose ready-made Ao Dai or Ao Dai fabrics such as silk or cotton in order to bring back gifts for relatives. In addition, ceramic items from Phuoc Tich village or Hue silk paintings with royal motifs and ancient landscapes are also very popular.
The market also sells many small and lovely souvenirs, such as key chains, refrigerator magnets, and handmade products showing the characteristics of Hue. If you want to bring the taste of the ancient capital home, don’t forget to choose Hue specialties such as sesame candy, royal tea, shrimp paste, pressed cakes, or spices.
In addition, visitors can also buy sophisticated silver or gold jewelry, everyday clothes, and many household items to serve essential needs. All are displayed in a bustling space, giving you an interesting and meaningful shopping experience.
3.4. Explore Dong Ba Market at Night
When the main stalls in the bell tower close, the areas around Dong Ba Market begin to light up and become bustling at night, especially the sidewalks in front of the market and the shops along Chuong Duong Street on the side of the market.
The night market mainly sells fashion items, accessories, souvenirs, and especially street food with many attractive snacks. The atmosphere of the night market is airy and somewhat more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of the day.
A corner of Dong Ba market at night (Source: Internet)
4. Experience going to Dong Ba Market in Hue, Vietnam.
Ideal time: Dong Ba market Hue Vietnam opens from 7am to 7pm every day. You should go after 3pm to avoid crowds and make it easier to bargain and explore the cuisine; if you want to buy fresh seafood, come early in the morning.
Bring cash & bargain reasonably: Most stalls do not support card payments, so bring cash. Don’t be afraid to bargain for a good price, especially in the afternoon when bargaining will be easier.
Keep your personal belongings safe: Because the market is crowded, you should be careful with your wallet, phone, and handbag. You need to be more careful during holidays to avoid theft.
Convenient transportation: Visitors can get to the market by taxi, motorbike, or on foot if staying near the center. In addition, the bus is also a suitable choice for those who want to save money.
5. Conclusion
Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam is not only the largest market in Hue but also a place that preserves the cultural and culinary values of the ancient capital. Contact Asia Luxury Travel to make your trip to Hue easy, convenient, and filled with memorable experiences at Dong Ba Market and many other destinations.
6. Contact :
Phone: +84 965 721 426
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Website: https://asialuxurytravels.com/
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