1. Introduction Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market Hue is one of the traditional markets of Hue that every tourist coming here must visit at least once.
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.
Currently, Dong Ba Market Hue is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Hoa, Hue City, right between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge
2. History and Architecture of Dong Ba Market
In 1899, King ThanhThai moved Dong Ba Market to its present location. Over time, Dong Ba Market has been repaired many times with an area of 47,614m2 from Gia Hoi Bridge to Truong Tien Bridge, on the one hand is the Perfume River, on the other is Tran Hung Dao main street, Dong Ba Market has a three-floor architecture with thousands of consignments meeting the demand for goods of the local people.
Dong Ba Market is the most famous and best market to visit in Hue city. If you come to Hue without buying some gifts or visiting local delicacies in this market, it is waste of change. Dong Ba Market is considered the largest market in Hue, when you step into the market, you will be overwhelmed with countless stalls and countless items for sale. If not, you can easily get lost or miss interesting selection. The market includes a 3-storey building in the center, called the bell floor, surrounded by rows of houses forming a U-shaped belt, busy goods hugging the bell floor.
The 3rd floor of the market is for fabric and clothes stands. The 2nd floor is the place to sell handicrafts as souvenirs when traveling to Hue. From the poem hat to the pottery items of the ancient village of Phuoc Tich … everything is on this second floor.
3. Time open Dong Ba Market
Location: Phu Hoa, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
- Day Market from 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM; Mon to Sun
- Night Market (Outside the market) from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM Next Day
Entrance Fee: Free of Charge
4. What to buy in Dong Ba market
Dong Ba Market has everything you need to buy, from fast food to handicrafts, shoes to gold jewelry. Everything is bargainable at a reasonable price. The ground floor is where you will find a variety of food, wholesale goods and the upper floor is where you will find clothes and costumes. And the more you explore, the more you will discover.
When asking the locals where to buy the best cultural souvenirs and souvenirs of Thua Thien Hue to bring home, everyone will point you to Dong Ba Market. The best souvenirs to buy are ‘Non La’ (hat tip with a poem embroidered on it), me (traditional Hue candy), Truoi fruit, Tuan tea, Tom chua (Hue sour shrimp), Tinh Tam lake lotus seeds, etc.
4.What to eat in Dong Ba market
One of the main attractions of Dong Ba market is its culinary delights, reflecting the rich and diverse cuisine of Hue. Hue cuisine is famous for its spicy, sour, and sweet flavors as well as its artistic and elegant presentation. Hue cuisine is also influenced by Nguyen Dynasty Royal cuisine.
4.1. Bún Bò Huế (Beef Noodle Soup)
This is the most famous dish in Hue and one of the best noodle soups in Vietnam. It has a rich and complex flavor, with a balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.
4.2. Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Flour)
These are steamed rice cakes that are topped with shrimp flakes, crispy pork skin, and chili sauce. They are served in small round shaped cups, and eaten with a bamboo stick. The cakes have a soft and chewy texture and a savory.
4.3. Bánh Khoái (Hue’s Crispy Pancake)
These are crispy pancakes that are stuffed with shrimp, pork, egg, and bean sprouts. They are folded in half cut into pieces, and eaten with a special sauce made from pork liver, peanuts, sesame, and soy sauce. The pancakes have a crunchy and tender texture and a nutty and sweet flavor.
4.4. Bánh Lọc (Tapioca Dumplings)
These are clear shrimp and pork dumplings that are made from tapioca flour and filled with minced fatty pork or bacon and shrimp, adding a little seasoning of sugar, pepper, chili, and fish sauce. Each dumpling is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The portions are small and can be eaten as a snack and appetizer.
4.5. Cơm Hến (Clam Rice)
This is a mussel rice dish that is made from rice mixed with baby mussels, fried pork fat, peanuts, sesame seeds, and herbs. The dish is served with a spicy broth made from fish sauce, shrimp paste, chili, and ginger. The dish has a crunchy and chewy texture and a spicy and sour flavor.
4.6. Bánh Nậm (Steamed Flat Rice Dumplings)
These are rectangular dumplings that are made from rice flour and filled with shrimp and pork, seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and scallion. Each dumpling is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The dumplings have a soft and moist texture and a savory and sweet flavor.
5. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
If you are looking for some unique and meaningful souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Hue, you will not be disappointed by the variety of local crafts and handmade products available at Dong Ba Market. Here are some of the highlights:
- Lacquerware: Dong Ba lacquer shop is one of the famous souvenir shops in Hue, specializing in beautiful lacquerware as well as handicraft products. You can find many items such as trays, boxes, vases, bowls and paintings, all decorated with intricate patterns and colors.
- Pottery: Ceramic products such as vases, pots, cups, bowls, and plates are made from clay and glazed with natural colors. The ceramics have a distinctive style, featuring simple shapes and delicate patterns inspired by nature.
- Conical hats: Hue is also known for its Nón lá, also known as conical hats, which are not only a practical accessory to protect against sun and rain but are also a symbol of Vietnamese culture and identity. The hats are made from palm leaves and bamboo, some with hidden patterns or poems inside, which can only be seen when held up to light.
If you want to visit Dong Ba market, join the tour: Hue City Private Tour
