Da Nang‘s markets are vibrant hubs of commerce, culture, and cuisine, offering Indian travelers an authentic glimpse into Central Vietnamese life and an excellent source for affordable shopping and delicious street food. This guide, crafted by Vietnam Story, details the must-visit markets for everything from souvenirs to late-night local dining.
The traditional giants: The famous Han Market and Con Market
These are the city’s two primary and most famous traditional markets. A visit to at least one of them is an essential part of any Da Nang itinerary, as they offer the most comprehensive shopping and dining experiences. Each of these giants has its own unique personality. Let’s explore what makes them different.
Han Market (Chợ Hàn) – The souvenir heaven
Where is Han Market located, and what souvenirs are popular here? This is the market every tourist knows and loves. You’ll find it at 119 Tran Phu Street, a very central and convenient location right near the beautiful Han River Bridge. It is open daily from about 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Han Market is the top market for tourists looking for souvenirs. The second floor is a paradise for finding beautiful, ready-made clothes, affordable silk scarves, and a huge variety of fabrics. This is a great place to buy a mini Nón Lá (our iconic conical hat).
The ground floor is famous for its wide selection of packaged dried seafood, Da Nang’s specialty Nước Mắm (fermented fish sauce), and a variety of delicious local dried fruits and snacks. Han Market is housed in a well-organized, two-story building, which makes it the most comfortable and easy-to-navigate market for foreign visitors.
READ MORE: A guide to the sights, sounds and flavours of Han Market for Indian travellers
Con Market (Chợ Cồn) – The ultimate foodie paradise
What can I buy at Con Market? While you can shop here, the real reason to come is to eat! It is located at 290 Hung Vuong Street, right in the city center. The market is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but many of the outdoor food stalls stay open much later into the evening. Con Market is most famous for being the city’s best and largest street food hub. It has a massive indoor and outdoor food court that is a true paradise for food lovers.
This is where you can find the most authentic and incredibly affordable Central Vietnamese specialties. You must try a bowl of Mi Quang (Quang noodles), a crispy Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), or a plate of delicate Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes). Don’t leave without trying the famous Avocado Ice Cream! Most dishes here will cost you only around $1 – $2 USD.
Con Market is much more of a local’s market. It is more chaotic, louder, and a bit more crowded than Han Market, but it is perfect for adventurous foodies who are seeking the most authentic and wallet-friendly meals.
The night markets: Your hub for evening food and fun
Are there night markets in Da Nang with street food? Yes, absolutely! When the sun goes down, Da Nang’s night markets come to life, offering a wonderful combination of street food, shopping, and lively entertainment. These are the perfect spots for a fun and scenic evening out. Let’s explore the best ones.
The famous Son Tra night market
This market has the best location in the city, situated right at the foot of the iconic Dragon Bridge. This makes it the perfect spot to grab a snack and enjoy the spectacular Dragon Bridge Fire and Water show on the weekends. It is open daily from 6:00 PM to Midnight.
It offers a great mix of souvenir shopping, local crafts, and a huge variety of delicious, cooked-on-the-spot street food, like fresh grilled seafood and the popular Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza).
The modern Helio Night Market (at Helio Center)
Helio Night Market is located on 2/9 Street, next to the Asia Park. It is open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
This is the largest and most modern night market in Da Nang. It is incredibly well-organized and clean, with dedicated zones for Fresh Seafood, a lively BBQ & Beer area, and a huge variety of other street food. It often features live music and entertainment, making it a fantastic and comfortable choice for families and large groups.
READ MORE: Helio Night Market: Da Nang’s ultimate food & entertainment hub
The specialty markets and true local gems
For those of you who love to get off the beaten path and see where the locals really shop, these smaller, more specialized markets offer a truly authentic experience. Which market in Da Nang sells the freshest seafood? For the absolute freshest, you have to wake up early!
- Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market: This is a truly unique experience. This market operates in the very early hours of the morning, from about 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM. This is the main docking area where the local fishermen bring their boats ashore to sell their nightly catch. This is where you can buy the absolute freshest seafood in the entire city, directly from the source. It is an incredible sight for early risers and photography lovers.
- Bac My An Market: This market is famous for being a local student hangout. Because of this, it offers some of the city’s cheapest and most authentic street food. It is particularly famous for having the best Avocado Ice Cream and the local specialty, Ốc Hút (spicy stir-fried snails).
- Dong Da Market / Thanh Khe Dong Ward Market: These are purely local markets located outside the main tourist centers. A visit here offers a very authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Da Nang, with a focus on fresh produce and everyday necessities.
Shopping etiquette and practical tips for you
Are bargaining and price negotiation common in Da Nang markets? Yes, they are! Knowing how to shop like a local will make your experience much more fun and rewarding. Here is my essential advice for navigating the markets with confidence.
The art of bargaining and payment
In the souvenir and clothing sections of Han Market and the other local markets, negotiation is common and expected. A good and polite strategy is to start by offering about 50% of the initial price and then aim to meet the vendor somewhere in the middle, usually around 60% to 70% of the original price.
Please remember to avoid bargaining for food in the dedicated food courts (like at Con Market or Helio). These prices are already very low and are typically fixed. Almost all of the market stalls are cash-only (VND). It is a very good idea to have small denomination bills ready to make your purchases quick and easy.
Your safety and food hygiene
The main tourist markets are generally very safe. However, they can get very crowded, so it is always a good practice to keep your valuables, like your phone and wallet, in a secure zipped bag or in your front pockets to prevent any opportunistic theft.
Our best advice for eating street food is to choose the stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers, especially local ones. This is the best sign that the ingredients are fresh and the food is delicious.
READ MORE: Da Nang street food culture: A culinary crawl for Indian travelers
Conclusion
A trip to Da Nang would be incomplete without the vibrant and authentic experience of its local markets. They are an essential part of understanding our city’s culture, a required stop for any adventurous foodie, and the absolute best place to find meaningful and affordable souvenirs. From the tourist-friendly aisles of Han Market to the foodie paradise of Con Market and the modern energy of Helio Night Market, there is a perfect market experience waiting for every type of traveler.
Let Vietnam Story make your market exploration completely seamless and enjoyable. We can integrate a guided market tour into your itinerary, offer our expert tips on the best stalls to visit, and handle all your transportation needs. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and let us help you discover the bustling, delicious, and unforgettable heart of Da Nang.