The local market is a unique culture of not only Vietnamese but also Asians. There are now thousands of local markets throughout Vietnam. So, what are the most popular names among them?
It is difficult to know exactly how many markets exist in Vietnam. The market was born very early in human history. When people have produced more goods than their needs, they want to bring it to trade with others to obtain other products.
For Vietnamese people of past generations, the market is not only a place to exchange goods but also a place to show the characteristics of the national culture. If you arrive in Vietnam, visit these 10 Famous Local Markets below to experience the unique culture of Vietnam.
1. Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
According to records, Dong Xuan Market was originally formed before the years 1888. The ancient position was south of the To Lich River. Around 1889, when the To Lich River and Thai Cuc Lake were filled, the French replanned and cornered all the shops in the vacant area of Dong Xuan district. There, the famous Dong Xuan market was formed.
For over 100 years, the market still exists and is associated with many of the country’s milestones. Not only the hustle and bustle of wholesalers, but the market also contains many cultural and spiritual values of Ha Thanh people.
Dong Xuan Market is a place to trade everything. All rare products from all localities are here. The product list includes exceptional items like fabric, silk, velvet, fresh food.
And like all other Vietnamese markets, Dong Xuan Market sells gifts. Dong Xuan Market has its culinary area that sells snacks to Hanoi culinary specialties like Pho but much more. At present, Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in the capital which attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.
2. Hano Night Marketi
Hanoi Night Market is located on 3 km of streets, from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market Gate. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, the streets of Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Duong are livelier than ever.
Located in the old streets of Hanoi, this unique market brings together almost 4,000 stalls with a variety of different categories and items. The list of goods includes clothing, toys, souvenirs, crafts, food, etc. The prices of products here are relatively cheap.
As you enter the market, you will be immersed in the space of colors and a lively, lively ambiance. In the bright light, the items for sale became brighter, which attracted visitors. Especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas or Lunar New Year, colorful lanterns will be displayed. This beauty at that time made everyone who passed by stop and look.
While visiting the Old Town Night Market, you will feel overwhelmed by a thriving and attractive gastronomic paradise. Walking through the streets, you can freely choose a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, famous Hanoi snacks or even Korean cuisine and Asian and European style dishes.
3. Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Ben Thanh Market is one of the typical places in Ho Chi Minh City. This place is not only a regular trading market like other markets, but also a historical witness to witness all the ups and downs. It goes through all the wars, so it is considered the symbol of the city. If you travel to Saigon without visiting Ben Thanh Market, it is not called a complete trip.
When the French came to this land, the original market was located along the Ben Nghe River, named Ben Thanh. It is the meeting place for small businesses selling goods on the street near the Saigon River. In 1911, the French colonial government decided to move the market to its current location. The Ben Thanh Ancient Market, whose construction began in 1912 until the end of March 1914, was completed and has been operating continuously until now.
Ben Thanh Market is considered the largest retail market. You can find all kinds of products here (from affordable to premium), especially food products of selected types.
The market has nearly 1450 stalls and 6000 small traders, retailing all kinds of goods (from everyday groceries to luxury goods). On average, the market receives around 10,000 visitors every day.
4. Bac Ha Market (Lao Cai)
The Bac Ha market is one of the largest markets in the Northwest in general and Lao Cao in particular. The market is located in the high mountains of Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, and about 76 km from Lao Cai town. The road to Bac Ha is quite tricky with winding turns.
One thing, in particular, is that Bac Ha market only takes place once every Sunday from morning to 2 p.m.. So there will be a lot of people. The market is famous because it maintains its pristine appearance and bears the characteristics of ethnic groups in the highlands of Vietnam. Among the fairs in Lao Cai, Bac Ha Market was voted one of the ten most unique fair markets in Southeast Asia.
Bac Ha market is mainly a gathering place for selling horses and buffaloes on a large scale. In addition, there is also a famous dog market with valuable Highland dog breeds. Another corner of the market is the semi-residential area with many varieties of rare birds. Guests coming here will have the opportunity to see many exciting business activities in this locality.
5. Dong Ba Market (Hue)
During Gia Long’s time, there was a big market called “Quy Gia Thi” (Returnee Market). The name of the market marked Phu Xuan’s return to the Nguyen army. In 1885, the capital was invaded and the Quy Gia market was burned. In 1887, King Dong Khanh rebuilt the market and changed its name to Dong Ba.
Dong Ba Market consists of a 3-story building in the center, called “Lau Chuong” and surrounded by rows of houses that form a U-shaped belt. There is a clue that looks a bit strange but very realistic , is to start the road map to buy Hue specialties by going directly to the 3rd floor and starting from there.
Many people think that by simply visiting Dong Ba Market in Hue, you can fully experience Hue culture and bring home unique souvenirs in just one afternoon. So, don’t skip this exciting destination even if you have little or more time in Hue.
6. Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market is around 300m wide with around 50 stalls spread all along Nguyen Hoang Road. The goods here are very diverse with a variety of categories: souvenirs, food, decorations, clothing, bags, etc. Notably, this market is characterized by local features of unique beauty only in this area.
Stroll through the night market and stop to taste delicious food, chat and learn about the people’s culture, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
When tourists visit Hoi An Night Market, they are very impressed by the scenery of sparkling lanterns and sophisticated craft galleries. Lanterns are also Hoi An’s most special handicrafts and are often purchased by tourists as souvenirs.
7. Dam Market (Nha Trang)
Dam Market is also the first market in Nha Trang. Located in the golden position of downtown Nha Trang, surrounded by main roads, this place is considered the most active shopping center of this coastal city. The market is designed with a different architectural style, built according to the lotus model with a diameter of 66.5 m, consisting of 2 floors from the ground floor and the upper floor up to 5,270 m2. Its capacity is up to 3,000 people.
Nha Trang Dam Market has long been famous not only for locals but also for tourists who visit here. It not only has beautiful architecture but also various properties. If you are wondering where to buy gifts, Dam Market is the best answer for you.
During the tourist season, the Dam market welcomes more than 1,000 visitors every day. The market is large and divided into three main areas to help visitors visit and shop more easily. These areas include the central square, left and right regions.
The center is a place to sell essential items for daily life, clothing and toys. In addition, there are hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts with photos of Nha Trang serving tourists who want to buy gifts for their loved ones.
8. Dalat Market
Da Lat is a city with flowers all year round, blooming with a cool and cold climate, a simple and peaceful life. Therefore, the annual number of tourists in Da Lat is huge. One of the many attractions is the Da Lat Market with a variety of items to meet all tourist needs.
The eating and drinking area is the place that always attracts many visitors. The market stalls are arranged harmoniously. The food here is varied and affordable.
The unique attraction that makes you want to go to Dalat market is the flower selling area. While strolling through the flower stalls here, visitors will be captivated by the colorful beauty and fragrance emanating from the flowers.
9. Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)
The Cai Rang floating market is one of the three largest floating markets in Can Tho. The particularity of this famous market is the trade in fruits and specialties from the Mekong Delta region.
Cai Rang Floating Market starts around 4am. A very early time! You must therefore leave a little in advance and calculate to be able to arrive at the time when the market is busiest. It will still be a little dark for now, the sun won’t be visible yet and the wind will be blowing across the river, making you quite sleepy.
The attraction of Cai Rang Floating Market for tourists is to preserve and promote the characteristics of the river and the freshness of the goods here. When you come here you will find your soul open and more open and at the same time you will feel the difference of life here. In addition, you will see the sincerity, simplicity and hospitality of the people of the South West in general.
10. Duong Dong Night Market (Phu Quoc)
Phu Quoc Night Market is located in the center of Duong Dong Town and is also the center of Phu Quoc Island. Phu Quoc Night Market is located along Bach Dang Street and part of Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Trai and Le Loi Streets.
The night market stretches along the river with a vast space decorated with twinkling electric lights. Small businesses sell from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors who come here can stroll through the market and do some shopping as well as taste delicious dishes from Phu Quoc cuisine.
Taking a few turns to visit the Phu Quoc night market, visitors will immediately see souvenir shops with a variety of colorful items. These are mainly handicrafts such as bracelets, combs and snail shells.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s favorite destinations. If you are planning to come here, don’t forget to visit at least one of the famous markets above. It is not only a crowded trading place but also a unique culture of this nation.
