Dong Ba Market in Hue – A Complete Shopping and Dining Experience
Dong Ba Market in Hue is one of the city’s most iconic traditional markets, and any visitor to Hue should make sure to visit at least once. So, what makes this market special, and what should you eat and buy here?
If you have the opportunity to travel to Hue, visiting The Market is a must-do experience, as recommended by many who have visited before. This market is not only a place to buy goods and food; it also offers many fascinating discoveries and great gift options for your loved ones and friends. Let’s explore some tips for fully experiencing this market!
1. Introduction to Dong Ba Market in Hue
Dong Ba Market in Hue is the most famous traditional market in the ancient capital city, with a high cultural and historical value. Originally named Quy Gia Thi, it marked the return of the Nguyen Dynasty to Phu Xuan. The name “The Market” began to be used in 1887 during the reign of King Dong Khanh.
Currently, Dong Ba Market is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City, right between the Gia Hoi Bridge and the Truong Tien Bridge.
2. Fastest Way to Get to Dong Ba Market in Hue
Dong Ba Market’s central location in Hue makes it easy to find. From your accommodation, you can take a taxi or ride a motorbike to Tran Hung Dao Street, along the Huong River, where you’ll find this bustling market. When traveling by taxi, be sure to choose a reputable and quality taxi service, such as Xanh SM Taxi, for the best experience.
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3. Convenient Hotels Near Dong Ba Market in Hue
To fully explore Dong Ba Market and save time, it’s recommended to stay in hotels near Dong Ba Market in Hue or the nearby area. One option to consider is Melia Vinpearl Hue, which is located right in the city center and is only about 3 km away from Dong Ba Market, making it convenient for exploring the city.
4. Best Time to Visit Dong Ba Market in Hue
Dong Ba Market in Hue is always bustling with people and offers a wide variety of goods, from food to daily necessities. However, based on the experience of visiting Dong Ba Market, it’s best to go around 3 PM. At this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, and the market is less crowded, allowing for a comfortable exploration.
5. Layout of Dong Ba Market in Hue
The biggest market in Hue is designed with a central 3-story building called the “Bell Pavilion,” surrounded by U-shaped rows of shops. Each floor has its own distinct categories of products, making it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for. Specifically:
- 3rd Floor: As you enter, you’ll find shops selling fabrics, clothing, and especially beautiful fabrics for making traditional Ao Dai (Vietnamese dresses). If you’re looking for gifts for women or mothers, this is a great place to shop.
- 2nd Floor: Descending to the second floor, you’ll discover exquisite handicrafts. Here, you can find conical hats with poems, jewelry items like brooches, traditional ceramic products from Phuoc Tich Village, bamboo crafts, and many souvenirs that you can buy as gifts.
- 1st Floor: This floor is dedicated to dried seafood from the central region and famous Hue specialties like fermented shrimp paste (mam tom), fish sauce (nuoc mam), and more. The sellers here are friendly and will provide helpful advice, making it easy for you to choose some unique gifts.
6. What to Eat at Dong Ba Market in Hue? After the sun has set, when you step out of the Bell Pavilion, you’ll immediately see numerous food stalls and vendors surrounding Market center. Here, you can indulge in a wide range of Hue’s tempting specialties, including:
- Bun Bo Hue: This is a must-try dish in Hue. It’s a delicious beef noodle soup with a unique broth that’s both spicy and savory. You can find it in various stalls around the market for around 15,000-20,000 VND per bowl.
- Bun Tom Chua: Bun Tom Chua is a delightful dish featuring sour shrimp vermicelli soup. It’s known for its distinctive sour taste, and you can find it at a reasonable price of around 20,000 VND per bowl.
- Nem Lui Hue: Nem Lui is a specialty of Central Vietnam, featuring flavorful grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. It’s a delightful dish to share, and you can enjoy it at the street stalls for approximately 50,000 VND for a meal for two.
- Banh Bot Loc: These are clear dumplings made from tapioca starch and filled with shrimp and pork. They’re a popular snack or appetizer and are typically priced at 15,000-20,000 VND for a serving.
- Che Hue: Don’t leave without trying Che Hue, a traditional Hue dessert. It’s a sweet treat that can also serve as a refreshing beverage on a hot day.
7. What Souvenirs to Buy at Dong Ba Market in Hue?
In addition to enjoying local food, the Market in Hue is a great place to buy souvenirs. You can consider purchasing dried seafood such as dried fish, dried shrimp, and dried squid. Popular Hue specialties like mam tom (fermented shrimp paste) and nuoc mam (fish sauce) are also available and make excellent gifts.
Moreover, Dong Ba Market offers a variety of items suitable for gifts, including traditional Hue-style conical hats, jewelry, ceramics, bamboo products, and more.
The Market in Hue provides a delightful shopping and dining experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and flavors of Hue. Don’t miss the chance to explore this iconic market during your visit to Hue.
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