One of the must see sites for visitors coming by Hue is Dong Ba Market. Roaming around this food market would add new color to your visit to the known romantic city. What consists in the attraction towards this market is the preservation of ancient distinctiveness. With its wide range of traditional products, its rich history and interesting culture, Dong Ba is considered as the biggest and most significant market in both Hue and Central Vietnam.

Location and HistoryThe market is situated along the north bank of Huong River, on Tran Hung Dao Street of Hue and stretches from Trang Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge.Delving into the history of this place, the bazaar was burnt down in the summer of 1885. Two years later, Emperor Dong Khanh had it rebuilt and named it Dong Ba. However, in the year of 1889, King Thanh Thai had it moved to the present site which is about 100km north of Truong Tien Bridge. It is the convenient location that leads to its popularity. Under the greatest restoration in 1987, Dong Ba market was much upgraded into the area of 47.614 square meters attracting from 5000 to 7000 people coming everyday.The Dong Ba Market ExperienceThe market begins at early in the morning.

From about 3.00 AM, food stalls are already positioned and people coming to buy food at a lower price start too pour in. The market opens the entire day until 8.30 in the evening.Tourists coming to Dong Ba market may not be able to get out that soon. The myriad of goods and local specialties will simply overwhelm them. It has anything and everything. It's worth a wander around this huge market. Here, you can find many traditional crafts reflecting Hue's ancient cultural features such as “non la bai tho” (conical hats having poems woven into their design), Hien Luong scissors, bronze articles of the Duc guild, Phuoc Tich pottery, Ke Mon jewelry, Nam Thuan sweets, Bao La rattan and bamboo products, Tinh Tarn lotus and so on.

The market also has an abundant supply of local daily dishes like clam rice, beef vermicelli, shrimp cakes, pancakes, bean puddings, and sour shrimps. Buying here, whether it’s good or food, one must know how to bargain. Few sellers can speak English fluently, but it doesn’t matter since they can say the number and use the calculator. Buying in bulk will give you quite a good deal. If your are really good at bargaining, you can get the best price on any item since Hue’s cost of living is quite cheap.Ways to Get ThereThere’s a bus station inside the market where tourist buses often park.

Thus, it’s convenient for travelling there by bus or car as well. Some even opt to come here by boat when they start off from starting from Vi Da Boat Station. However, the most interesting way to visit Dong Ba Market must be by cyclo.When coming to Dong Ba Market, visitors can easily spot the old bell tower standing proudly amidst the complex of buildings. With nine new buildings and four new sections ranging from seafood to clothes, the market reaches an area of up to 16,000 m2.Tourists make visit to Dong Ba Market not only because they can buy many goods and local specialties, but because in their hearts it is a symbol of Hue's civilization. Though several new markets have emerged inside the fast-growing Hue city, Dong Ba remains its important role as the biggest market where lots of commercial activities take place everyday. If you find it interesting in food and culture, Dong Ba market is worth paying a visit.