Explore Vietnam culture through 5 most famous old markets in Vietnam

Nga Do
Together with beautiful landscapes, Vietnam has been famous for old markets, such as Dong Xuan, Dong Ba and Ben Thanh, which reflect the fine cultural features of Vietnamese people. Visiting these markets, tourists can buy things they need and learn about the country’s typical cultural features through handicraft products and traditional dishes.

Here are five oldest markets in different localities of Vietnam.

Explore Vietnam culture through 5 most famous old markets in Vietnam
Photo by Thomas Graindorge
1. Dong Xuan market in Hanoi

Located in Dong Xuan ward, Dong Xuan market, selling household commodities, shoes, cloths and clothes, is one of the biggest and oldest markets in Hanoi and has closely attached to the ups and downs of the thousand-year old city.

The market also attracts Vietnamese and international visitors by Hanoi’s traditional dishes, such as Bun rieu cua (served with tomato broth, topped with crab paste and noodle), Bun cha (grilled pork and noodle) and various kinds of sweetened porridge.

 Explore Vietnam culture through 5 most famous old markets in Vietnam 1
Photo by Alice Young
2. Dong Ba market in Hue City

Built in 1899 on poetic Huong River’s bank, Dong Ba market in Hue City of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue has been a favourite destination of both domestic and international tourists. The three-storey market, covering an area of 5,000sq.m, includes stalls selling different kinds of goods and souvenirs, such as Phu Cam palm-leaf conical hats, Ho Tinh dried lotus and paper flowers from Sinh village.

Touring Dong Ba market, the tourists can also enjoy traditional dishes of Hue, such as com hen (baby basket clams rice), cha tom (Shrimp patty) and khoai cake (Rice cake served with shrimp and vegetables). Dong Ba market, together with Trang Tien Bridge and Huong River, are Hue’s tourism attractions which tourists can not ignore.

Explore Vietnam culture through 5 most famous old markets in Vietnam 2
Photo by The Erica Chang
3. Dam market in Nha Trang City

Dam market has become one of the tourism attractions of Nha Trang City with unique architecture. It is always recommended for visitors to buy gifts for their relatives. Built in 1908, the two-story market sells seafood products, local dishes and souvenirs.

Explore Vietnam culture through 5 most famous old markets in Vietnam 3
Photo by Riza
4. Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City

Operational in 1914, the 100-year old market of Ben Thanh has become a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.

The old shopping centre, gathering garment and textile, and handicraft products, and famous dishes, has attracted both domestic and international visitors to visit and buy goods. A night market formed around the Ben Thanh also attracts tourists.

5. Nga Bay floating market in Hau Giang

Nga Bay floating market, also known as Phung Hiep floating market opened in 1915 and since then it has been a key trading spot for the locals in Nga Bay town. This market is very popular for travellers who aspire to discover the rich and diverse culture of Mekong Delta.

In the morning, the whole market comes alive with colour with vivid stacks of veggies, fruits and other household goods. Interestingly, each boat here only sells one particular type of good which loosely hang on the lateral bar for promotion. The market also sells animals such as turtles, birds, and even lizards to supply the locals and tourists’ demand. Goods sold here are occasionally transported nation wide and exported overseas.

If you ever had a chance to visit, do not forget to spend your early morning absorbing the whole atmosphere, floating across the river, sipping on your iced coffee, listening to a couple of folk songs and appreciating the colourful ao ba ba – the traditional southern Vietnamese garments. You will feel yourself blending into mixed crowds of locals who keep smiling yet never give up on bargaining.

This is one of the beauty of Vietnamese culture that visitors everywhere can experience during the visit. There are many other activities, cultural beauty unique you can experience in Vietnam, quick to plan and book packages to explore Vietnam attractive at: vietnamholidaypackages.net/category/vietnam-tours/

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