Dong Ba Market
Hue's central market is the best place to try bun bo Hue, banh beo and other royal Hue specialties.
Overview
Hue’s largest and oldest traditional market, spread across 48,000 square metres on the northern bank of the Perfume River. Founded in 1887, it has been the city’s commercial and culinary heart ever since — three floors covering fresh produce, handicrafts, and textiles, plus a food court serving classic Hue street food.
Get There
Dong Ba Market is on Tran Hung Dao Street, on the northern bank of the Perfume River between Trang Tien Bridge and Gia Hoi Bridge — easy to reach from anywhere in central Hue.
By bus: City bus routes 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 all stop at Dong Ba Bus Station, roughly 210 metres from the main entrance.
By motorbike or taxi: A short ride from the Old Town or the hotel strip along Le Loi Street. Motorbike parking at the market costs 5,000 VND. Taxis charge approximately 13,500 VND per kilometre. Motorbike rentals are available around the city for 100,000–150,000 VND per day if you want to explore independently.
Hotels
Hotel recommendations coming soon.
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History
A marketplace called Qui Gia Thi existed here during King Gia Long's reign but was destroyed in 1885. King Dong Khanh rebuilt and renamed it Dong Ba Market in 1887. It moved to its current location in 1899 under King Thanh Thai, and a major renovation in 1987 expanded the bell tower and enlarged the market area.
Layout
- Ground floor — food and fresh produce: Fish, poultry, fermented anchovy sauce, and dried goods. A central food court seats around 200 people.
- Second floor — handicrafts: Conical hats from Phu Cam village, jewellery from Ke Mon village, bamboo products, ceramics, and metalwork.
- Third floor — textiles and clothing: Fabric stalls and tailors offering traditional áo dài made to measure.
What to Eat
- Bun bo Hue — the city's signature spicy beef noodle soup
- Banh beo — small steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp
- Banh nam / banh loc — flat and tapioca dumplings wrapped in banana leaf
- Che Hue — sweet soups with beans, lotus seeds, and jellies
- Nem lui — grilled pork skewers served with rice paper
What to Buy
- Conical hats (non bai tho) — Hue versions have poems woven between the layers, visible when held up to the light
- Me xung sesame candy and tom chua (sour fermented shrimp)
- Truoi tea and lotus seed products
- Lacquerware, silk paintings, and embroidered textiles
Tips
- Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily; vendors arrive from 4–5 AM — early morning is best for fresh produce and food
- Payment: Cash only — most vendors do not accept cards
- Bargaining: Expected; start around 50% of the asking price
- Pickpockets: Keep valuables close on the busy ground floor
- Ask vendors to vacuum-seal dried seafood or shrimp paste before packing it in your luggage
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays
