What's attractive about Dong Ba Market in Hue? Discover the famous shopping and dining experience coordinates of the ancient capital

Hue - the ancient capital is not only famous for its ancient historical relics but also a place that preserves the quintessence of culture and cuisine of the Central region. Whenever mentioning Hue, people not only remember the poetic Huong River or the majestic tombs but also immediately think of Dong Ba market, a destination associated with the simple life of the people here. Exploring Dong Ba market is not only about learning about a traditional market but also a journey to fully enjoy the flavor and spirit of the ancient capital.

Located in the center of Hue city, Dong Ba market is one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in Central Vietnam. This place is not only an ideal shopping place but also a famous Hue tourist destination for visitors to explore the unique culture of the ancient capital.

1. Introduction to Dong Ba Market Hue

Explore Dong Ba Market - The most bustling market in the capital (Photo source: Collected)

Dong Ba Market in Hue is not only a long-standing traditional market but also a cultural and historical symbol of the ancient capital of Hue. Established in 1887 under the reign of King Dong Khanh, the market is a place to preserve the typical values of the capital. Initially, this place was named Quy Gia Thi, associated with the event of King Nguyen's return to Phu Xuan. Currently, Dong Ba Market is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, a prime location between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge, next to the poetic Huong River.

2. The fastest way to get to Dong Ba Market Hue

Because it is located right in the city center, it is quite easy to get to Dong Ba Market in Hue. You can use the following means of transport:

• Motorbike or self-driving car: Just navigate to Tran Hung Dao street and you will immediately see this bustling market.
• Taxi: This is a convenient, fast and safe option.

3. Ideal time to visit Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market in Hue is open all day, but the best time to explore is from 3pm onwards. At this time, the weather is more pleasant and the market is less crowded, allowing you to comfortably visit and experience. In particular, this is also the time when snack stalls start operating, providing the opportunity to enjoy famous Hue specialties such as banh beo, banh nam, and bun bo Hue.

4. "Map" of areas in Dong Ba Market in Hue

Dong Ba Market Hue is designed with a prominent 3-storey building, often called the “bell tower”, surrounded by U-shaped rows of houses. The areas in the market are clearly divided:

• 3rd floor: This is where fabrics are sold, especially ao dai fabric - a gift imbued with Hue tradition.
• 2nd Floor: This floor displays handicraft products, from conical hats, Phuoc Tich pottery to exquisitely woven bamboo items.
• 1st floor: Dedicated to culinary specialties such as Hue fish sauce, dried seafood and typical foods of the Central region.

5. What to experience at Dong Ba market in Hue?

Dong Ba market culinary paradise (Photo source: Collected)

If Hanoi is famous for Dong Xuan market, Saigon attracts tourists with Ben Thanh market, Hue is proud of Dong Ba market. This is not only an ancient market with a long history but also a place to preserve cultural values and daily life of the people of the ancient capital. So what is special about Dong Ba market, Hue that makes tourists always stop to explore?

5.1. Enjoy shopping for Hue specialties

Dong Ba Market is a shopping "paradise" for those who love specialties and traditional handicrafts. Here, you can easily find:

• Hue specialties: Banh bot loc, mam ruoc, mam nem, royal tea.
• Handicrafts: Conical hats, hand embroidery, and bamboo products.
• Ao dai fabric: Soft, colorful fabrics, imbued with Hue tradition.
• A big plus point of Dong Ba market is that the prices are reasonable, and there is less haggling than in some other tourist destinations. Therefore, visitors can feel completely secure when shopping here.

5.2. Discover the culinary paradise of Hue

No one comes to Dong Ba market, Hue without the opportunity to enjoy the dishes imbued with the identity of the ancient capital. The market is considered a miniature "culinary paradise", with a series of attractive dishes:

• Cakes: Banh bot loc, banh nam, banh khoai.
• Famous dishes: Hue beef noodle soup, mussel rice, grilled spring rolls.
• Desserts: Lotus seed dessert, corn dessert, sweet rice balls dessert.

The dishes here are not only delicious but also artistically presented, reflecting the sophistication of Hue cuisine.

5.3. Take a set of "virtual life" photos with a poetic style

Dong Ba Market is not only a place for shopping and eating but also an ideal place for taking photos. With ancient architecture and close-up scenery, this place helps you easily capture beautiful moments. In particular, if you wear traditional Ao Dai when taking photos, you will look like a muse in the heart of the ancient capital.

In addition, Dong Ba market is also located near many famous landmarks such as Truong Tien bridge, Thien Mu pagoda, and Vi Da village, making it easy for you to combine sightseeing and take impressive photos.

6. What should I buy as gifts when visiting Dong Ba market in Hue?

At this old market, visitors can find many famous Hue specialties (Photo source: Collected)

6.1. Dried seafood - top choice

If you are looking for typical gifts from the sea, Dong Ba market in Hue has a wide variety of high quality dried seafood at reasonable prices. Some of the featured products include:

• Dried fish: Cleanly processed and carefully packaged.
• Dried shrimp: Rich in flavor, suitable for preparing many dishes.
• Dried squid: Chewy and delicious, with the flavor of the ocean.

These are gifts that are not only convenient but also carry the mark of the central coastal region.

6.2. Fish sauces with rich Hue flavor

Dong Ba Market is also famous for its fish sauces made according to traditional recipes, captivating anyone:

• Sour shrimp paste: Sweet and sour taste, great with white rice or noodles.
• Clam sauce: Unique specialty, rich in flavor.
• Shrimp paste: An indispensable ingredient in Hue-style dishes.

These fish sauces are not only delicious but also have cultural value, demonstrating the sophistication of Hue cuisine.

6.3. Hue Royal Tea

Besides salty foods, Hue royal tea is also a choice worth considering. This type of tea not only has a unique flavor but also helps to improve health, very suitable as a gift for parents or loved ones.
Can't miss the special cakes:

• Sesame candy: Sweet and sticky, with the typical flavor of Hue.
• Banh bot loc wrapped in banana leaves: Delicious, easy to preserve and take away.

These cakes clearly represent the culinary quintessence of the ancient capital, making them meaningful gifts for family and friends.

Visiting Dong Ba Market, Hue, you will not only bring back meaningful gifts imbued with Hue culture but also immerse yourself in the unique cultural space of one of the oldest traditional markets in Vietnam. Hopefully, the above information will help you have an interesting and meaningful journey of discovery at this attractive destination in your Hue travel itinerary.
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Source of article: Collected and compiled
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Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/cho-dong-ba-hue-co-gi-hap-dan-v16168.aspx