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13/01/2023
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Con Market – the busiest market in Danang, Vietnam (Source: Collected)
Similar to how Dong Xuan Market is a highlight of Hanoi, Con Market is a must-see for any Da Nang trip. Having existed for nearly a hundred years, this Danang market is an appealing attraction that foodlovers and shopaholics should not miss out on in this city. This article will provide you an all-inclusive travel guide to this famous market.
1. About Con Market in Da Nang
- Address: No. 200, Hung Vuong Street, Vinh Trung Ward, Hai Chau District, Danang
The market was first established in 1940 on a reedy sand dune and named “cho Con” (Con Market), which means “the market on the dune”. There were only temporary small stalls made from bamboo then. French invaders decided to set up an ammunition depot here, which later became a trading market when the Vietnamese army liberated and took control of the city.
In 1984, the authority of Quang Nam Province had this place rebuilt into a trading center with an area of 14,000 square meters, including one 3-floor building, one 2-floor building, and six market sections. It was renamed to “Trung Tam Thuong Nghiep Da Nang” (Danang Commercial Center). However, the name Con Market is still more familiar with the local people.
Con Market in the past (Source: Collected)
Between 1990 and 2005, it used to be the largest wholesale and retail market in Danang.
In 2012, the old name Con Market was given back to the market soon after that, the local authority decided to demolish this market and Han Market to form new commercial centers. However, because the citizens were strongly opposed to this proposal and wanted to preserve the traditional values of the market, the demolition project was canceled.
Nowadays, Con Market has about 2,000 business households with diverse commodities. It is not simply a market but also an attraction that draws thousands of domestic and international tourists each year.
2. What to do in Danang Con Market?
Con Market in Da Nang is an appealing attraction that tourists should not miss out on. It is one of the best markets in Da Nang where you can find several Danang specialties without worrying about expensive prices or bad quality. Below are two activities for tourists to try at the market:
2.1. Enjoy mouthwatering local dishes
Con Market is a paradise for food lovers (Source: Collected)
Whether you are a foodaholic or not, it would be a big waste if you don’t try the scrumptious Da Nang food during your visit to this Central Vietnam destination. Con Market Danang is well-known for the various tasty delicacies of not only Danang and the Central provinces but also other regions in Vietnam.
Strolling around the street food in Con Market, visitors will see several eye-catching and fragrant foods displayed on small stalls along the market. Here, you can find many famous Danang street foods, such as “banh canh” (Vietnamese udon), “mi Quang” (Quang noodles), “goi kho bo” (salad with beef jerky), “banh bot loc” (water fern cake), “che” (Vietnamese sweet soup), “banh xeo” (Vietnamese sizzling cake), etc. Surprisingly, even though there are no big tables and chairs, the stalls are always crowded. Customers only need some small plastic chairs and bamboo food trays.
Visitors can taste authentic Danang delicacies in this market (Source: Collected)
It is the low price and good taste of Con Market food that draw the huge attention of visitors. The price often ranges from VND 5,000 to 30,000 for a dish or drink. In other words, in Con Market, you can get your stomach full with only around VND 100,000 – a price that you can never have in big restaurants.
2.2. Buy specialty foods and souvenirs
Not only a paradise for gastronome travelers, Con Market is also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs in Danang. Visitors often head to this famous Danang market to buy dried foods and Vietnamese handicraft products to bring home as gifts.
Aside from eateries where you can try the food right away, there are also sections where dried foods are sold. Here, there are dried foods like jerky, dried squid, dried sweet potato, etc., and some special sauces like “mam nem” and “mam tom” – wonderful sauces for meat dishes. You can also find rustic snacks of Vietnamese people here.
The dried food area in Con Market (Source: Collected)
Moreover, similar to other famous markets in other destinations in Vietnam, Con Market sells other Vietnamese goods such as leather, handicrafts, and “non la” (conical hats), which will be ideal souvenirs to bring home.
>>> Read more: Things to do in Da Nang: A comprehensive guide for your perfect getaway
3. The best tips for your excursion to Con Market
Con Market Danang is a famous tourist attraction in this city. Follow the tips below to explore this wonderful market easily and thoroughly!
3.1. The ideal time to visit Con Market
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM every day
The outdoor food area is open in the afternoon (Source: Collected)
This place is a food paradise, but you will likely miss out on the best dishes if you come at the wrong time. The market opens from early in the morning until late at night. However, the food stalls will open later. The eateries in the indoor food area often open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while the street food area welcomes guests from 3:00 PM only. Most travelers choose to get to Con Market in the afternoon, after having completed a tour around the city’s other attractions. It is the best time to fill up your stomach, when the market is the most vibrant, also.
3.2. The recommended directions to get there
Con Market is located in the city center, so you can get here easily.
- From Danang bus station: Go to Ton Duc Thang Street and cross Nga Ba Hue Overpass. Continue straight to Dien Bien Phu and Ly Thai To Streets to reach Con Market (at the intersection of Hung Vuong and Ong Ich Khiem Streets).
- From Danang airport: Head to Nguyen Tri Phuong Street and go to Dien Bien Phu Tunnel. Then, go straight to Dien Bien Phu and Ly Thai To Streets, and to the intersection of Hung Vuong and Ong Ich Khiem Streets to reach the market.
3.3. Useful notes for shopping
- It is better to use Vietnam Dong notes when you come to Con Market. Some shops here accept US Dollars, but it is better to trade in VND since many products are of very low prices (below 1 USD).
- Bargaining is a skill that you must learn before going to Vietnamese markets. In Con Market, even though the price is quite affordable in general, bargaining is still necessary. When you shop for souvenirs or clothes, try to bargain down to 40-50% of the initial price offered by the seller. If you are not fond of bargaining, you can check the shops that have price tags.
- The seafood area often has wet ground, so avoid wearing slip-ons or sandals.
- Mind your personal belongings, especially wallets and jewelry.
- Make a list of Danang specialties to try in advance so as not to feel overwhelmed before the wide range of food choices here.
Make a list of Danang foods before going to the market (Source: Collected)
Besides Con Market, the beautiful city of Danang is also home to many famous attractions, such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Cham Museum, Da Nang beaches, etc.
Travelers often combine visiting Danang, Hue, and Hoi An Ancient Town into a single tour since these three destinations are close to each other. There, aside from natural and cultural attractions, you should also pay a visit to VinWonders Nam Hoi An – an amazing amusement park near the ancient town. Here, you can explore the distinctive culture, architecture, and traditional arts of Vietnam and the world. You can also participate in several thrilling games and immerse yourself in the festive vibe of the cultural events and shows here.
The quintessential settings of VinWonders Nam Hoi An
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here
Although Con Market might not be the oldest Da Nang market, it still plays a significant role in the life of the local people. With more than 2,000 shops selling various products, the market is an interesting place for travelers to visit and feel the authentic Danang vibe.
