Dong Ba Market Hue, Vietnam

Dong Ba Market Hue Introduction

Dong Ba Market is one of the oldest of its kind in Hue, with hundreds of shops selling all kinds of products from household items, handicrafts, clothing to fresh produce. Located on the northern bank of Perfume River, on Tran Hung Dao Street, it occupies a large grey building. The market opens early from 03:00 to 18:00 so it is such a food paradise for all.

Dong Ba Market Opening Hours

As mentioned above, the Dong Ba market Hue opening hours are from 3 am to 6 pm so it is convenient to explore this market. With local experience, Best Hue City Tour suggests you visit Dong Ba market around 3 pm.

Normally all the tour programs in Hue start in the morning because it will be cooler and you won’t waste your precious time in a day.

To the business people, the first guest in the morning is very important to them because of the good luck for the whole day. So if you visit the Dong Ba market in the morning and you don’t buy something for their shops, it will be a bad day for both.

Not so different from other markets in Vietnam, most of the best local foods sold in the afternoon. So lunchtime and later so the afternoon is the right time to enjoy the best street food in Hue at Dong Ba market.

So around 3 pm is the golden time to explore this beautiful market as well as the best time to enjoy the best food in Hue. Moreover, you can avoid the bad luck of the day.

The best way to explore Dong Ba Market Vietnam

The total area of Dong Ba market is about 1.5 hectares and there is a total of 2 floors lasting from Truong Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi bridge. If you have no guiding direction, it would be very easy to get lost and miss some beautiful sections.

The setting of the Dong Ba market Hue is the U shape with the Bell Tower in the middle with a lot of shops and stands surrounded. We recommend you start from the second floor. This is a fabric paradise of all kinds and all prices with various colors. So you can easily choose a kind of fabric to make Ao Dai “Long dress” flowing Hue styles.

After that, walking down the first floor, you will be overwhelmed because of the colorful souvenirs. You can find out everything you need in this fabulous market with a wide range of prices. A travel tip is that you must bargain to buy something here. Normally, we often bargain around 40% down from the price they gave you. Always ask for the price from sellers first and then you can start a bargain.

Sometimes, you should pretend to walk away and if they agree to sell their products, they will call you back. Plus, you can ask for the best price first and go to check some other stands with similar products, then get the best price they offered.

Outskirts of the 1st floor also the place where they sell dry seafood such as prawns, squids, fish, etc. Moreover, if you are the first time exploring the Asian markets, you will be curious about fish and shrimp pastes.

Don’t forget to enjoy the best Hue Street Food here.

When you finish your shopping tour, step out of the bell tower, and walk into the food court around the market. This is the most interesting point in the Dong Ba market Hue. This is the place where you can enjoy all kinds of Hue specialties at a reasonable price. They are super cheap but SO delicious! Some recommended dishes that you must try are

Bun Bo Hue- Hue Noodles soup with beef

Banh Khoai Hue – Vietnamese Rice Pancakes

Nem Lui- Hue Grilled Port with lemongrass sticks.

Bun Hen – Hue Mixed Noodle with clams.

Che Hue- Hue sweet soup ( a kind of sweet soup mixed from sugarcane juice, many kinds of beans, banana slices, coconut meat, coconut milk, etc)

Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc (Hue cakes made from rice flour or tapioca with prawns, pork wrapped in banana leaves).

A lot of people believe that by exploring the Dong Ba Market Hue Vietnam, you fully experience all senses of Hue and bring home some unique gifts from Hue imperial citadel.

How to get there?

Dong Ba Market is located in Hue city center so it is very easy to explore. You can walk there from your hotel, drive a scooter with helmets, ride a bike or take a taxi. Most of the tourists, who visit Dong Ba market, also would like to explore other famous attractions such as Hue Royal Tombs, Hue Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu pagoda. In this case, you should book Hue City Group Tour or Hue City Private Tour to make full use of your time!