Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Hue, located on the north bank of the Perfume River at 2 Tran Hung Dao Street. Established in 1887, it is a major commercial and cultural landmark of the city. The two-story market houses hundreds of stalls selling Hue specialties, handicrafts, clothing, and fresh produce, and is notable for its role in daily local life and Hue cuisine.

Visitors can expect a large, bustling two-story covered market with narrow aisles lined with stalls. The ground floor focuses on fresh produce, seafood, meat and street food, while the upper floor sells clothing, fabrics including ao dai, conical hats, handicrafts and souvenirs. The surroundings are busy with vendors, shoppers and motorbikes near the Perfume River and Truong Tien Bridge. Visitors can walk through the aisles, sample Hue dishes, shop and observe daily trading activity.

Dong Ba Market was originally established in 1887 under Emperor Dong Khanh on the south bank of the Perfume River. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1899 by Emperor Thanh Thai at its current location on the north bank. It has since served as the central commercial hub of Hue through the Nguyen Dynasty and subsequent periods, and was renovated in the late 20th century.

The market is a cultural center of Hue, representing the city's trading traditions, culinary heritage and craft production. It is known for preserving and selling Hue's distinctive cuisine, traditional ao dai tailoring, conical hats and handicrafts, and serves as a daily gathering place for local community life.