Nestled in the heart of Hue, Dong Ba Market is the city’s oldest and most vibrant marketplace, offering an authentic glimpse into local culture. No trip to the ancient capital is complete without exploring this bustling market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, savor delicious Hue specialties, and soak in the lively atmosphere. In this guide, Explore Private Car’s shares essential Dong Ba Market travel tips, along with nearby dining, sightseeing, and accommodation options—ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in Hue.
Introduction to Dong Ba Market
Where is Dong Ba Market Located?
Dong Ba Market is situated at No. 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Dong Ba Ward, Hue City, between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge. As the oldest and most bustling traditional market in Hue, it holds significant historical value and attracts visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and unique charm.
History of Dong Ba Market
Originally established in 1887 during the reign of King Dong Khanh, Dong Ba Market was first named Quy Gia Thi, marking the return of the Nguyen Dynasty to Phu Xuan (modern-day Hue). Over the centuries, despite historical changes, the market has preserved its traditional architecture, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to explore Hue’s rich culture.
What Are Dong Ba Market’s Opening Hours?
Dong Ba Market, a symbol of Hue’s liveliness, is open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, welcoming visitors to an authentic local shopping experience. However, for a more relaxed visit, it’s best to come after 3:00 PM, when the crowds have thinned.
Why Visit Dong Ba Market in the Afternoon?
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Fewer crowds, allowing for a more comfortable shopping experience.
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A more spacious and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for browsing and selecting souvenirs.
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A chance to indulge in Hue’s signature street food, creating lasting culinary memories.
Explore the Layout of Dong Ba Market Hue
More than just a bustling marketplace, Dong Ba Market is a must-visit destination, captivating visitors with its unique architecture and a wide variety of goods.
Impressive Design & Sections:
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Bell Tower (Lầu Chuông): Located at the heart of the market, this is the ideal starting point for visitors. Here, you’ll find stalls selling fabrics, clothing, and especially elegant Hue Ao Dai fabrics.
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Second Floor: A paradise for traditional handicrafts, featuring poem conical hats (nón bài thơ), fine jewelry, Phuoc Tich pottery, and intricate bamboo crafts—perfect souvenirs from Hue.
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First Floor: A hub for Central Vietnam’s specialty foods, including dried seafood, fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc), shrimp sauce (mắm tôm), and fish sauce (mắm nêm).
Best Time to Visit Dong Ba Market Hue
Dong Ba Market is open daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore, shop, and experience its vibrant atmosphere. However, the best time to visit depends on your purpose:
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For a hassle-free shopping experience: Visit after 3:00 PM when the morning rush has settled. Vendors are also more open to bargaining in the afternoon, making it easier to get better deals.
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For the freshest produce and seafood: Arrive early in the morning, as this is the best time to find the freshest ingredients at the market.
As one of the busiest markets in Hue, Dong Ba Market welcomes 5,000 – 7,000 visitors daily. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, be mindful of your wallet and personal belongings while exploring the crowded areas.
How to Get to Dong Ba Market Hue
Located in the heart of Hue, along the bustling Tran Hung Dao Street and the picturesque Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is a must-visit destination with over 100 years of history. Thanks to its central location, getting here is easy and convenient.
By Taxi
If you’re traveling in a group, taking a taxi is a comfortable and hassle-free option. There are many taxi companies operating in Hue, ensuring that you can easily find a ride to and from the market.
By Private Car
For a comfortable and hassle-free journey, booking a private car is the best way to visit Dong Ba Market. This option allows you to travel at your own pace, avoid crowded public transport, and enjoy a smooth ride with a professional driver.
If you’re staying in Hue, you can book a private car for a quick and convenient trip to the market. Book your private car in Hue here: ExplorePrivateCar.com – Private Car in Hue.
Coming from Da Nang or Hoi An? No worries! You can book a day trip to Hue, visit Dong Ba Market, and explore other attractions like the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Hai Van Pass before returning. Plan your Da Nang/Hoi An to Hue trip here: Da nang To Hue Day Trip
By Motorbike
Due to Dong Ba Market’s prime location, riding a motorbike is another great way to get there. Most hotels and homestays in Hue offer motorbike rental services, or you can easily find rental shops around the city.
Rental prices range from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day, depending on the type of motorbike. Upon arrival, you will need to park outside the market:
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Motorbike parking fee: 10,000 VND
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Car parking fee: 40,000 VND
By Bus
For an affordable and local experience, you can take a bus to Dong Ba Bus Station, which is just a 3-minute walk (210m) from the market. The following bus routes stop near Dong Ba Market: Routes 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13.
Exploring the Culinary Delights of Dong Ba Market, Hue
Dong Ba Market is truly a food lover’s paradise. While it may not have the luxury of fine dining, it offers a vibrant street food experience where visitors can enjoy the authentic flavors of Hue at affordable prices.
Must-Try Dishes at Dong Ba Market
Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)
This is Hue’s most famous dish, featuring a savory broth infused with lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste, giving it a rich and slightly spicy flavor. The dish is served with thick rice noodles, slices of beef, crab sausage, and fresh herbs. A bowl costs between 20,000 – 50,000 VND ($1 – $2 USD), depending on the toppings.
Grilled Lemongrass Skewers (Nem Lụi)
A signature Hue dish, these grilled pork skewers are wrapped around lemongrass sticks and cooked over charcoal, creating a smoky aroma. They are served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a flavorful peanut dipping sauce. The best place to try them is at small food stalls outside the market, with prices around 50,000 VND ($2 USD) per portion for two people.
Hue Crispy Pancake (Bánh Khoái)
Similar to the famous Vietnamese bánh xèo (savory rice pancake), bánh khoái has a crispier and thicker texture. It’s filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts and served with fresh greens and a unique peanut sauce. A serving costs around 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD).
Hue Sweet Soup (Chè Huế)
Hue is famous for its wide variety of sweet soups and desserts, collectively known as chè. Popular flavors include lotus seed and mung bean soup, purple yam dessert, and even a unique sweet and savory dessert made with roasted pork (chè bột lọc heo quay). Each bowl costs about 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.50 – $1 USD).
Hue Thick Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Nam Phổ)
This dish features thick, chewy noodles served in a flavorful shrimp and crab broth, topped with fresh herbs and crispy shallots. It is a comforting and affordable dish, usually priced at 5,000 – 10,000 VND ($0.25 – $0.50 USD).
Baby Clam Rice (Cơm Hến)
One of Hue’s signature dishes, cơm hến is a flavorful mix of rice, stir-fried baby clams, fresh herbs, crispy pork rinds, and chili sauce. It is known for its unique combination of textures and bold flavors. Prices range from 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($1 – $2 USD).
What to Buy at Dong Ba Market as Souvenirs
Dong Ba Market is not only a street food paradise but also a fantastic place to shop for unique Hue specialties and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for delicious local treats or handcrafted gifts, this market has something for everyone.
Popular Food Souvenirs from Hue
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Dried Seafood – A variety of dried seafood such as dried fish, dried shrimp, and dried squid are popular choices. These delicacies are known for their rich flavor and long shelf life, making them perfect for gifting.
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Fermented Sauces (Mắm) – Hue is famous for its fermented seafood sauces, including fermented shrimp (mắm tôm chua), fermented clams (mắm sò), and fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc). These flavorful sauces add depth to Vietnamese dishes and make great gifts for food lovers.
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Imperial Tea (Trà Cung Đình Huế) – A traditional herbal tea blend once enjoyed by Hue’s royal family. This tea is known for its aromatic flavor and health benefits, making it an ideal gift for parents or elders.
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Traditional Sweets & Cakes – Hue is known for its sesame peanut candy (mè xửng) and banana-wrapped sticky rice cakes (bánh bột lọc gói lá chuối). These sweet treats are delicious, easy to carry, and great for sharing.
Handicrafts & Cultural Souvenirs
In addition to food, Dong Ba Market also offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts, including:
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Hand-embroidered paintings – Exquisite embroidery showcasing Hue’s artistic heritage.
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Conical Hats (Nón Lá) – A symbol of Vietnam, especially the famous poetry conical hat (Nón Bài Thơ), which features delicate patterns woven into the layers of palm leaves.
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Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs – Small decorative items, ceramics, and handmade products that reflect Hue’s rich culture.
With its affordable prices and diverse selection, Dong Ba Market is the perfect place to find meaningful gifts for your loved ones while experiencing the charm of Hue’s local culture.
Conclusion
Dong Ba Market is not just a bustling shopping destination but also a reflection of Hue’s rich culture and cuisine. Here, visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, savor local specialties, and immerse themselves in the vibrant daily life of the ancient capital. If you’re planning a trip to Hue, don’t miss the chance to explore Dong Ba Market for an unforgettable experience!
