Han Market – a famous central market in Da Nang, located near the Han River and Dragon Bridge. The market is a popular spot to purchase dried specialties and fermented sauces as gifts, as well as to sample local Central Vietnamese dishes.
Quick Summary
- Address: 119 Tran Phu, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang City
- Opening hours: Around 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM; many stalls close earlier in the late afternoon/evening
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Dried seafood, fermented sauces, fabrics, and a street food area
History and Features
- The market originated during the French colonial period and was named after the adjacent Han River.
- The market building has two floors, bordered by Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Hung Vuong streets.
- The ground floor sells dried goods, food, and snacks; the upper floor mainly offers fabrics, clothing, and footwear.
- The market has been renovated and upgraded in recent years.
What to Buy at Han Market
- Dried squid, dried fish, beef jerky, tamarind-glazed squid, and various dried seafood.
- Mắm nêm (fermented fish sauce), mắm ruốc (shrimp paste), fish sauce, and chili paste as gifts.
- Fabrics, ready-made clothing, and fast tailoring services.
- Sandals, woven straw bags, and souvenirs.
What to Eat at Han Market
- Bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), bánh xèo (crispy pancakes), and bánh ướt (steamed rice rolls) in the ground-floor food court.
- Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles) and typical Central Vietnamese noodle dishes.
- Ốc hút (spicy sautéed snails) and other affordable street snacks.
How to Get There
- Located in the heart of Hai Chau District, it is easily reachable by walking along the riverside Bach Dang Street.
- From the My Khe Beach area, it takes about 10–15 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing car via the Dragon Bridge or Han River Bridge.
- Motorbike parking is available around the market perimeter.
Tips for Visitors
- Compare prices among multiple stalls and negotiate, especially for dried goods and apparel.
- Choose vacuum-packed dried goods if you plan to travel long distances.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings when the market is crowded.
- Combine your trip with a stroll along Bach Dang Street, Dragon Bridge, and the nearby Da Nang Cathedral (Rooster Church).
Reference Prices
- Tamarind-glazed squid (mực rim me): around 150,000–250,000 VND/kg.
- Da Nang beef sausage (chả bò): around 300,000–500,000 VND/kg.
- Sesame dry cake (bánh khô mè): around 50,000–80,000 VND/pack.
- Fermented sauces (mắm nêm, mắm ruốc): around 30,000–80,000 VND/bottle.
- Dishes at the food court (Mi Quang, banh canh...): around 30,000–60,000 VND/bowl.
Prices are for reference only and may vary by season and individual stall.
Best Time to Visit
- Around 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM is the busiest period, when fresh goods are most plentiful and freshest.
- Around 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM sees moderate crowds, making it comfortable to browse and buy specialties or fabrics.
- From early afternoon, the market is quieter and fresh goods thin out, but specialty and souvenir stalls remain fully stocked; most stalls pack up around 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Ahead of Tet (Lunar New Year) and during the summer travel season, the market becomes very crowded, and prices for specialties may increase slightly.
Useful Information for Visitors
- Payment: Many vendors accept QR bank transfers, but it is still advisable to bring small-denomination cash for street food stalls.
- Restrooms: The market has public restrooms available for visitors, which may charge a small fee; ask vendors or security guards for directions.
- Language: This is a popular market among tourists, so many sellers speak basic English to greet customers and quote prices.
- Shopping: Choose stalls with clearly listed prices and compare rates at a few places before buying; dried goods are much easier to bring home than fresh seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Han Market's opening hours?
The market opens around 6:00 AM, and most stalls close around 7:00 PM.
What should I buy as souvenirs at Han Market?
Visitors often buy dried squid, dried fish, beef jerky, mắm nêm (fermented anchovy sauce), and mắm ruốc (fermented shrimp paste).
Is Han Market or Con Market better for food?
Han Market is best known for dried specialties and souvenirs, while Con Market is more famous for its diverse street food court.
Need a local guide for Han Market?
- Post a free tour guide request – receive quotes from local guides and interpreters.
- View available tours or request a customized tour.
- Vehicle rentals and airport transfers.
See also
Market hours and operations are subject to change; please check before your visit.
