The story
Dong Ba is Hue's historic central market on Tran Hung Dao, stretching between Gia Hoi and Truong Tien bridges by the Perfume River. It has stood on this site since 1899 and was upgraded again in 2022. The ground floor holds local specialties such as mắm and dried seafood, and vendors serve Hue dishes such as banh beo, banh nam, banh bot loc, bun bo Hue, com hen and several kinds of che. Upper floors sell conical hats, crafts and ao dai fabric. The market once had a reputation for overcharging, and vendors now promote a 'no overcharging, no pushy selling' pledge.
Many small food vendors in one place rather than a single restaurant. A good stop for local specialties.
Market roots go back to the early 19th century (Qui Gia market). It was rebuilt and renamed Dong Ba in 1887 and moved to its current site in 1899, celebrating its 125th anniversary in August 2024. Renovated in 1986 and upgraded in 2022.
What to order
Steamed rice cakes in little bowls
Hue classic sold by the small bowl.
5,000₫Flat leaf-wrapped rice cakes
Hue rice cake sold by the bowl.
8,000₫Tapioca dumplings
Sold by the plate.
20,000₫Nam Pho thick noodle soup
Hue-style thick noodle soup.
30,000₫Clam rice
Hue's baby-clam rice dish.
Local tips
Head to the ground floor for specialties like mắm (fermented sauces) and dried seafood.
Try several small dishes instead of one big meal. Snack plates start at a few thousand dong.
Bargaining for goods is normal, and locals do it too.
Look for the Hue sweet soups (chè), such as lotus seed and corn.
Be careful buying pungent items like fish sauce if you are traveling on by air or train.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Cho em một phần giống mọi người hay gọi, ít cay nhé.”
One portion of what everyone usually orders, not too spicy, please.Plan your visit
Opening hours
Morning to afternoon
When to go
Early mornings have the freshest produce. Guides recommend from about 3pm for eating and browsing, when it is cooler and food stalls get going. The market closes in the evening. It is closed on the first day of Lunar New Year.
Closed on the first day of Lunar New Year; reported to resume from the 4th day.
Getting there
On Tran Hung Dao street between Gia Hoi and Truong Tien bridges. Motorbike parking about 10,000₫, car 40,000₫. City bus routes 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 stop at Dong Ba terminal, about 210 m away.
Open in Google Maps →Good to know
Crowded with narrow aisles.
- Vendors now promote a 'no old tricks, no overcharging, no pushy selling' pledge. Bargain politely.
Where this comes from
History and details come from named press or official sources. Hours and prices can change — travelers help keep them current.
- Google Maps listing · Traveler reviews · 2026
- Vietravel · Operator · 2024 · vietravel.com
- MoMo blog · Traveler reviews · momo.vn
- Thanh Niên · Press · 2024 · thanhnien.vn
- Visit Huế (official tourism portal) · Official · 2024 · visithue.vn
- Bamboo Airways travel guide · Operator · bambooairways.com
- Local travel guide (research report) · Research
