Vietnamese markets: TOP 16 bustling shopping spots throughout the country

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Exploring Vietnamese markets is a great way to experience the local culture (Source: Collected)

During your Vietnam travel journey, besides visiting famous tourist attractions, wandering around Vietnamese markets should also be one of the top activities on your bucket list. At these markets, you can savor the local cuisine, purchase souvenirs for your loved one, and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on to explore the top 16 Vietnamese markets.

1. Top 5 well-regarded Northern Vietnam markets for tourists

1.1. Dong Xuan Market Vietnam

Dong Xuan Market stands as one of the most iconic Vietnamese markets. Located right in the heart of the Old Quarter in downtown Hanoi, the market can be reached easily from any part of the city. It has been around for centuries, witnessing the city’s many changes. This bustling day market sells a wide variety of goods, including fashion items, electrical equipment, fresh produce, and tasty local street food. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique charm of Hanoi’s urban life.

Vietnamese markets are known for their blend of traditional and modern goods (Source: Collected)

1.2. Hom Market in Vietnam

As one of the largest fabric Vietnamese markets in Hanoi, Hom Market has a myriad of stalls selling clothes and accessories in different designs, colors, materials, and quality. If you are looking for ao dai, the traditional dress of Vietnamese women, you will find several shops selling them at affordable prices. Additionally, the market has a great selection of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits like durians, watermelons, pineapples, and coconuts. Tourists can also enjoy some delicious Vietnamese dishes at the food courts like pho, Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork, spring rolls, vermicelli with snails, and grilled meat skewers.

1.3. Quang Ba Flower Market Vietnam

Quang Ba Flower Market is often listed as one of the most charming Hanoi night markets. It is a lively place that operates from midnight until dawn, bustling with sellers and buyers. The flowers here come from nearby areas like Dong Anh, Tay Tuu, and Gia Lam, so you can get beautiful flowers at reasonable prices. Like other Vietnamese markets offering flowers, Quang Ba is also a great spot for taking lots of stunning photos with colorful blooms. It will be a delightful and visually enchanting experience for all.

A wide variety of flowers at Quang Ba Flower Market (Source: Collected)

1.4. Sapa Love Market Vietnam

Different from other Vietnamese markets, Sapa Love Market in Vietnam offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that attracts visitors from around the globe. This market started as a place for local ethnic groups to meet, court, and exchange gifts during the harvest season. Nowadays, it has transformed into an event where young people can socialize and potentially find love. As you stroll through the bustling market, you will come across colorful stalls selling everything from silks to herbal remedies. It is a lively place filled with captivating sights, sounds, smells, and flavors that you will not forget anytime soon.

1.5. Ha Long Night Market in Vietnam

Ha Long Night Market, also known as Bai Chay Quang Ninh Night Market, is a bustling spot in the heart of Ha Long City. Covering a large area of 5,000 square meters, it houses hundreds of stalls selling all sorts of things, from souvenirs and clothes to local specialties. One of the highlights here is the delicious food. You can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes, including seafood, squid cakes with steamed rice rolls, and the famous Ha Long pearl yogurt. In addition, you can also shop for colorful brocade clothing and bags, as well as intricately crafted handicrafts made from sea snail shells.

The seafood selection in Vietnamese markets is incredibly fresh and diverse (Source: Collected)

2. What are the best Central Vietnam markets?

2.1. Hoi An Vietnam Market

Your Hoi An travel journey would not be complete without a visit to Hoi An Market. Similar to other Vietnamese markets, this market has a lovely design with yellow walls, arched doors and windows, and decorative columns. It is a great place for photos, so be sure to bring your camera. This famous market in Vietnam is easy to navigate, with separate sections for fresh seafood, fruits and veggies, and souvenirs. And when it comes to food, Hoi An Market is a foodie’s paradise. Here, you can try some delicious local dishes like cao lau, Quang noodles, white rose dumplings, steamed rice rolls with grilled pork, and sweet soup.

2.2. Dong Ba Market Vietnam

Dong Ba Market is an old market that has been part of the city of Hue for over 120 years. As one of the oldest Hue markets, it is a reflection of the city’s rich culture and history. The market has three floors of 15,000 square meters each. The first floor is all about dried seafood and local delicacies. You can find things like Co Ri fish sauce, fermented fish sauce, and dried food. On the second floor, you will discover a wide range of handicrafts, including fabrics with different colors and patterns. The third floor is a great place for ao dai lovers, as many shops sell unique ao dai inspired by Hue’s distinctive style.

Visiting Vietnamese markets is a must for any food enthusiast (Source: Collected)

2.3. Han Market Da Nang Vietnam

Han Market Da Nang continues to stand as a beloved shopping destination in Da Nang. One of this market’s highlights is its fresh seafood section, which offers a wide variety including halibut, stingray, round scad, rough fish, clams, squid, crabs, and more. You will also find top-notch dried seafood along with Da Nang’s special pastes like shrimp paste and fish sauce. And while you are here, be sure to try some of Da Nang’s unique cakes like Vietnamese pancakes and water fern cakes.

2.4. Da Lat Vietnam Market

When you are in the charming city of Da Lat, make sure to visit the lively Da Lat Market. This bustling marketplace offers a little bit of everything, from fresh fruits and vegetables to beautiful traditional clothing, ceramics, and handicrafts. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some local delicacies like banh trang nuong here. Da Lat Market is a vibrant place that truly captures the essence of this lovely city, making it a must-visit for both tourists and locals.

Vietnamese markets are great places to buy souvenirs (Source: Collected)

2.5. Dam Market in Vietnam

As one of the most famous Nha Trang markets, Dam Market is a renowned tourist hotspot in Nha Trang. It offers a lively shopping experience with a diverse range of goods. Standing out from other Vietnamese markets, Dam Market boasts a unique design resembling a lotus flower, a cultural symbol of Vietnam. This market is divided into three distinct shopping areas. The central area is the go-to spot for essentials, accessories, fashion items, toys, and more. The left area is where you can find a variety of seafood, including squid, shrimps, crabs, and stingray. Meanwhile, the right area offers popular dishes such as rice paper, fish cakes, and Vietnamese noodles.

2.6. Con Market – a famous Vietnamese market for food shoppers

Con Market is a not-to-be-missed destination in your tour around Da Nang markets. Here, you will see many small stalls offering tempting food, which is both tasty and affordable, making this market a favorite spot for food lovers. Additionally, it can also be an excellent place to buy souvenirs in Da Nang. Many people come here to purchase dried goods like dried squids and dried sweet potatoes. You can also find special sauces like mam nem and mam tom that will make unique gifts to take back home.

Many Vietnamese markets are open early in the morning (Source: Collected)

3. Recommended Southern Vietnam markets to visit

3.1. Ben Thanh Market Vietnam

Ben Thanh Market is famous for its unique architecture, blending both Indochinese and French styles. Despite some renovations, the market’s exterior and interior still retain their historical charm, giving you a glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s rich culture. As one of the biggest Saigon Vietnam markets, Ben Thanh Market offers a wide range of products from fruits, handicrafts, dried specialties to clothing and accessories. If you are a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, don’t miss the market’s dining area, where you can savor delicious dishes like Vietnamese pancakes, avocado ice cream, Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork, and grilled meat skewers. 

3.2. Hanh Thong Tay Vietnam Market

Hanh Thong Tay Market is a large outdoor market in Ho Chi Minh City. It is divided into different sections, each selling various items like clothing, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, toys, and souvenirs. What makes this Vietnamese market unique is that it mainly caters to local shoppers rather than tourists. This means you can find a wide range of products at very affordable prices. The market is also known for its lively atmosphere, with vendors playing music and offering free samples to attract customers. It is a great place to shop and soak up the local vibe.

Bargaining is a common practice in Vietnamese markets (Source: Collected)

3.3. An Dong Market Vietnam

An Dong Market is a top spot in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local culture. Whether you want to shop for clothes or enjoy delicious Vietnamese food, this historic market has it all. It is well-known as the city’s main wholesale fashion market, attracting retailers from other Southern provinces who come to buy traditional Vietnamese clothing, shoes, and accessories. An Dong Market also offers a delightful culinary experience. You can try popular dishes like bun moc, bun mam, mi quang, banh canh, hu tieu, and many more here.

3.4. Phu Quoc Island Vietnam Night Market

As one of the most bustling Phu Quoc markets, Phu Quoc Night Market is a haven filled with the irresistible scent of Vietnamese street food. The market is bustling with vendors selling a variety of treats that will make your taste buds happy. Moreover, it is an ideal place for tourists to purchase souvenirs such as pearls, keychains, printed shirts, and specialties like dried squid with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and pepper. Unlike other Vietnamese markets, this night market sometimes has street performances, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Exploring Vietnamese markets brings a sensory delight

3.5. Cai Rang Floating Market in Vietnam

Cai Rang Floating Market, situated in Can Tho, is one of the biggest and liveliest floating markets in the Mekong Delta region. It offers a truly unique experience. Here, vendors sell an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products right from their boats. The market is like a colorful and bustling waterway filled with the sights and flavors of the region. Visitors can soak in the lively atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and indulge in delicious street food as they explore this iconic market. Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic culture of the Mekong Delta.

>>> Check out the best things to do in Vietnam!

After exploring Vietnamese markets, it is highly recommended that you visit VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, and VinWonders Nha Trang, VinWonders Phu Quoc. These entertainment complexes offer travelers an opportunity to experience exhilarating roller coasters, unwind at enchanting water parks, and enjoy captivating cultural shows. Here, you can create many cherished memories with your family and friends in the heart of the thrill.

The energetic atmosphere at VinWonders

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to relax and have fun with your family and friends!

Vietnamese markets are ideal places for food lovers and shopaholics thanks to the wide variety of exquisite dishes and appealing products. Now that you know all the information about some popular Vietnamese markets, what are you waiting for? Book a plane ticket and grab your backpack to discover the beautiful country of Vietnam and start your shopping tour in this nation!