An Cuu Market – A Local Market on Hue's South Bank with Hue Cakes and Bun Bo

An Cuu Market – a major local market on the southern bank of the Perfume River, located on Hung Vuong Street near the An Cuu River. Less touristy than Dong Ba Market, it is an ideal spot to savor affordable Hue delicacies and experience the authentic rhythm of local life.

History and Characteristics

• The market is named after the An Cuu River, a canal historically linked to the Nguyen Dynasty capital of Hue.
• This is a long-standing market, primarily serving residents on the southern bank of the Perfume River.
• The market features a main central hall surrounded by food stalls and fresh produce sections.
• The market atmosphere reflects the authentic, everyday lifestyle of Hue locals.

What to Buy at An Cuu Market

• Vegetables, meat, fish, and fresh produce for home cooking.
• Dried goods, fermented fish/shrimp paste (mam, ruoc), and Hue-style seasonings.
• Pre-wrapped Hue savory and sweet rice cakes, such as banh bot loc and banh it.
• Affordable clothing and everyday household goods.

What to Eat at An Cuu Market

• Banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, and banh it at very budget-friendly prices.
• Bun bo Hue and various other noodle dishes, porridges, and banh canh.
• Hue sweet soup (che), sold around the market area from afternoon until evening.

How to Get There

• The market is about 2 km south of Truong Tien Bridge; it is easily accessible by motorbike, taxi, or ride-hailing services.
• From the Pham Ngu Lao – Vo Thi Sau backpacker quarter, it is just a few minutes by bicycle or motorbike.
• Motorbike parking is available around the market.

Tips for Visitors

• Visit in the morning to experience the bustling market vibe and the widest selection of food.
• Ask for prices before ordering at stalls without displayed menus.
• Bring small cash denominations for easy payment.
• You can easily combine your visit with stops at Hue Railway Station, the banks of the Perfume River, or the nearby Western Quarter.

Reference Prices

• Banh nam, banh loc, banh uot, banh duc: around 5,000–10,000 VND/piece or small bowl.
• Banh khoai (crispy pancake): around 10,000 VND/piece.
• Bun bo Hue: around 15,000–30,000 VND/bowl.
• Porridge, banh canh, sticky rice with chicken or duck: around 15,000–30,000 VND/portion.
• Hue sweet soup (che): around 6,000–10,000 VND/glass.

Prices are for reference only and may vary by season and individual stall.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM is when the food section is busiest and offers the widest variety.
• From around 2:00 PM until evening, sweet soup and snack stalls open up, making it great for an afternoon snack.
• During the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the market is extremely crowded, so it is best to arrive early and park farther away.

Useful Information for Visitors

• Payment: Many stalls accept QR bank transfers, but small pastry stalls still prefer cash, so it is recommended to carry small change.
• Restrooms: If needed, you can use the restrooms at cafes or restaurants along Hung Vuong Street near the market.
• Language: As this is a local residential market, vendors rarely speak English, so you should use a translation app or visit with a tour guide.
• Parking: The food court area provides free motorbike parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of An Cuu Market?

The market usually runs from around 6:00 AM until late afternoon. The morning is the busiest and liveliest time.

How is An Cuu Market different from Dong Ba Market?

An Cuu Market mainly caters to local residents, so prices are more affordable and there are fewer souvenir stalls.

What should you eat at An Cuu Market?

You should try banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, Hue beef noodle soup (bun bo Hue), and Hue sweet soup (che Hue).

See More

• Dong Ba Market
• Thanh Toan Countryside Market
• Dong Ha Market