Thanh Toan Countryside Market – Village fair by the ancient tile-roofed bridge in Hue

Thanh Toan Countryside Market – a village market held beside Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, an ancient tile-roofed wooden bridge in the countryside east of Hue City. The market is associated with community-based tourism, where visitors can buy agricultural produce, enjoy rustic local dishes, and participate in traditional folk games.

History and Features

• Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge was built in 1776 and is a rare historical monument of Hue.
• Since 2019, the local community has organized a night market beside the bridge on the 16th day of every lunar month.
• Events such as the "Countryside Market on Festive Days" during public holidays and the Hue Festival attract large crowds of visitors.
• The market is run by local residents engaged in community-based tourism and features exhibitions of traditional farming tools.

What to Buy at Thanh Toan Countryside Market

• Agricultural produce, fruits, vegetables, and homemade products from local village households.
• OCOP products and local regional specialties.
• Handicrafts and rural folk items suitable as souvenirs.

What to Eat at Thanh Toan Countryside Market

• Rustic countryside dishes cooked on-site by local residents.
• Vegetarian food during festival occasions.
• Sweet soups (che), traditional cakes, and refreshing beverages.

How to Get There

• Travel about 8 km eastward from central Hue by motorbike, taxi, or bicycle.
• The route passes through picturesque rice paddies, making it ideal for a leisurely bicycle ride in the cool afternoon.
• Parking is available near the tile-roofed bridge area.

Tips for Visitors

• The market does not open daily, so check the schedule for market sessions or special events before visiting.
• Night market sessions usually begin in the early evening, so bringing a flashlight and mosquito repellent is advisable.
• Respect the historical monument by not climbing or writing graffiti on the tile-roofed bridge.
• Outside market sessions, you can visit the farming tools exhibition house and stroll around the surrounding countryside and fields.

Reference Prices

• Admission to visit the bridge and market area: Free.
• Hue sweet soup (che): Around 7,000–15,000 VND per bowl, following common prices in Hue.
• Rustic snacks and drinks at the bridge area: Around 5,000–20,000 VND per person for light bites.
• Motorbike parking: Usually free around the tile-roofed bridge area.

Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.

Best Time to Visit

• The market does not run daily but operates in scheduled sessions and during festivals, so check the schedule beforehand.
• The night market session is held on the 16th day of each lunar month, starting around 7:00 PM.
• During the "Countryside Market on Festive Days" events (typically held around the Hue Festival or April 30th holiday), you will find the widest variety of folk games, culinary dishes, and local farm products.
• On regular days, the bridge area is quite tranquil; early mornings or late afternoons are wonderful for rural photography.

Useful Information for Visitors

• Payment: Primarily cash; it is recommended to carry small denominations; some vendors may accept QR code transfers.
• Restrooms: Facilities in rural areas are limited, so it is best to use the restroom in central Hue beforehand or ask at local drink stalls near the tile-roofed bridge.
• Language: The vendors are local farmers who speak little to no English; international visitors should use a translation app or travel with a tour guide.
• Note: The market is about 8 km from central Hue, so arrange your round-trip transportation in advance, especially when visiting the night market session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Thanh Toan Countryside Market open?

The market convenes in scheduled sessions and during festivals rather than operating on a fixed daily schedule. The night market sessions usually start around 19:00.

Is there an entrance fee for Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge?

Visiting the tile-roofed bridge and the market area is free of charge.

Is it worth visiting on non-market days?

Yes, visitors can still admire the tile-roofed bridge, view the rice fields, and explore the countryside during the day.

See More

• Dong Ba Market
• An Cuu Market
• Han Market