The local market is a unique culture not only for Vietnamese but also for Asians. There are now thousands of local markets across Vietnam. So, what are the most popular names among them?
It’s hard to know exactly how many markets exist in Vietnam. The market was formed very early in human history. When people produced more goods than their needs, they wanted to bring it to exchange with others to get other products.
For the Vietnamese, from past generations, the market is not just a place to exchange goods but also a place to show the characteristics of the national culture. If you come to Vietnam, visit these ten famous local markets below to discover the unique culture of Vietnam.
1. Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
According to records, Dong Xuan Market was originally formed before the 1888s. The old position was south of the To Lich River. By 1889, when the To Lich River and Thai Cuc Lake were filled, the French re-planned and monopolized all the shops in the vacant area of Dong Xuan ward. There, the famous Dong Xuan market was formed.
For over 100 years, the market still exists and is associated with many important stages of the country. Not only is it bustling with wholesalers, but the market also contains many cultural and spiritual values of the Ha Thanh people.
Dong Xuan Market is a place to exchange everything. All rare products from all localities are here. The list of products 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 space that sells snacks to Hanoi specialties like Pho but much more. Nowadays, Dong Xuan market is one of the largest markets in the capital attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.
2. Hanoi Night Market
The Hanoi Night Market is located on a 3 km stretch of streets, from Hang Dao Street to the gate of Dong Xuan Market. From 6 pm to 11 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong streets are busier than ever.
Located in the old streets of Hanoi, this unique market gathers nearly 4,000 stalls with a variety of categories and different items. The list of goods includes clothing, toys, souvenirs, handicrafts, food, etc. Prices of products here are relatively cheap.
Entering the night market, you will be immersed in the space of sparkling colors and a bustling and bustling atmosphere. Under the bright light, the items for sale became brighter, attracting visitors. Especially on the occasion of mid-autumn festival, Christmas, or lunar new year, colorful lanterns will be displayed. This beauty at this time made all those who were passing by stop to look.
Visiting Hanoi night market, you will feel overwhelmed by a prosperous and attractive culinary paradise. Walking through the streets, you can freely choose a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, famous Hanoi snacks, or even Korean food and Asian and European-style dishes.
3. Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Ben Thanh Market is one of the typical places of Ho Chi Minh City. This place is not just a regular commercial market like other markets, but also a historical witness to witness all the ups and downs. It goes through all 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 old Ben Thanh Market, whose construction began in 1912 until the end of March 1914, was completed and operated continuously until now.
Ben Thanh market is considered the largest retail market. You can find all kinds of products (from the most affordable to the high-end) here, especially food products of selected types. The market has nearly 1,450 stalls and 6,000 small traders, retailing all kinds of goods (from basic food products to luxury goods). On average, the market receives about 10,000 visitors every day.
4. Bac Ha Market (Lao Cai)
Bac Ha Market is one of the largest markets in the Northwest in general and in Lao Cai in particular. The market is located in the high mountains of Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, about 76 km from the city of Lao Cai. The road to Bac Ha is quite tricky with winding curves.
One thing in particular is that Bac Ha Market only takes place once every Sunday from morning to 2 pm. Therefore, there will be a lot of people. The market is famous because it retains its immaculate aspect and carries the characteristics of the ethnic groups of the highland of Vietnam. Among the fairs of Lao Cai, Bac Ha Market has been elected one of the ten most unique fair markets in Southeast Asia.
Bac Ha Market is mainly a gathering place for the large-scale sale of horses and buffaloes. In addition, there is also a famous dog market with precious dog breeds from the Highlands. 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 commercial activities in this locality.
5. Dong Ba Market (Hué)
In the time of Gia Long, there was a large market called “Quy Gia Thi” (market for repatriates). The name of the market marked the return of Phu Xuan to the Nguyen army. In 1885, the capital was invaded, the Quy Gia market was set on fire. In 1887, King Dong Khanh rebuilt the market and changed its name to Dong Ba.
The 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 an index that seems a bit strange but very realistic, it’s to start the roadmap for buying Hué specialties by going directly to the 3rd floor and starting from there.
Many people think that by simply visiting the Dong Ba market in Hué, you can fully discover Hué culture and bring home unique souvenirs in a single afternoon. So, don’t skip this exciting destination even if you have little or more time in Hué.
6. Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market measures about 300 meters wide with about 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.
Take a stroll through the night market and stop to taste delicious dishes, chat, and learn more about the culture of the people, here’s what you should not miss.
When tourists visit the Hoi An Night Market, they are very impressed by the landscape of sparkling lanterns and sophisticated craft galleries. The lanterns are also the most unique handicraft products of Hoi An and are often bought by tourists as souvenirs.
7. Dam Market
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 commercial 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.
Dam Market in Nha Trang has long been famous not only for locals but also for tourists who visit here. It has not only beautiful architecture but also various goods. If you wonder where to buy gifts, Dam Market is the best answer for you.
At the time of the tourist season, Dam Market hosts more than 1,000 visitors every day. The market is vast and divided into three main areas to help visitors to visit and shop more easily. These areas include the central square, the left and right regions.
The center is a place to sell items essential to daily life, clothes, and toys. In addition, there are hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, handicraft products with pictures of Nha Trang serving tourists who want to buy gifts for their loved ones.
8. Da Lat Market
Da Lat is a city blooming all year round, blooming with a cool and cold climate, a simple and peaceful life. Therefore, the annual number of tourists to Da Lat is huge. One of the many attractions is the Da Lat market with a variety of items to meet all the needs of tourists.
The area for eating and drinking is a place that always attracts many visitors. Market stalls are arranged harmoniously. Here, the food is varied and affordable.
The unique attraction that makes one want to go to the Da Lat market is the flower selling area. While walking through the flower stalls here, visitors will be captivated by the colorful beauty and the fragrance emanating from the flowers.
9. Cai Rang floating market
The Cai Rang floating market is one of the three largest floating markets in Can Tho. The special feature of this famous market is the trading of fruits and specialties from the Mekong Delta region.
The Cai Rang floating market begins around 4 am. A very early time! So you need to leave a bit in advance, calculate to be able to arrive at the time when the market is the busiest. It will still be a bit dark at that time, the sun will not yet be visible and the wind will blow on the river, which will make you quite sleepy.
The appeal of the 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 in life here. In addition, you will see the sincerity, simplicity, and hospitality of the people of the Southwest in general.
10. Duong Dong Night Market (Phu Quoc)
The Phu Quoc Night Market is located in the center of Duong Dong town and is also the center of Phu Quoc Island. The Phu Quoc Night Market is located along Bach Dang Street and a part of Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Trai, and Le Loi Streets.
The night market extends along the river with a vast space decorated with sparkling electric lights. Small businesses sell from 19:00 to 23:00. Visitors who come here can stroll around the market and shop as well as taste delicious dishes from Phu Quoc cuisine.
Taking a few rounds to visit the Phu Quoc night market, visitors will immediately see souvenir shops with a variety of colorful items. These are mainly handicraft items such as bracelets, combs, and seashells.
Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. If you plan to come here, don’t forget to visit at least one of the famous markets above. It’s not just a bustling place of commerce, but also a unique culture of this nation.
