Jan - 28 - 2026
Bac My An Market is one of Da Nang’s most authentic local markets, where everyday life, street food culture, and budget-friendly shopping come together in one lively space. Famous for its legendary avocado ice cream, bustling food court, and fresh seafood stalls, this market offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into how locals eat, shop, and socialize. For travelers exploring Da Nang with GTrip or planning a deeper local experience beyond tourist hotspots, Bac My An Market is a must-visit stop.
Overview of Bac My An Market in Da Nang City
- Address: 25 Nguyen Ba Luan Street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward (formerly My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District), Da Nang City
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Fresh market (produce & seafood): 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Food court & stalls: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Desserts: Most close at 7:00 PM, but famous spots (like avocado ice cream) often stay open until 8:00 PM
- Entrance fee: Free
Bac My An Market is a vibrant, authentic local market located in the Ngu Hanh Son Ward. Unlike the more tourist-focused Han Market, this is where residents come for their daily groceries, fresh produce, and, most importantly, some of the city’s best street food. It’s particularly famous for its bustling food court, which is beloved for its iconic snacks and desserts. The market offers a genuine glimpse into the daily life of Da Nang's people, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking an unfiltered cultural and culinary experience off the main tourist trail.
Bac My An Market is a lively local market in Da Nang, famous for its authentic atmosphere and some of the city’s best street food
How to get to Bac My An Market
Getting to Bac My An Market is straightforward, with several convenient options available for travelers. Its location in the Ngu Hanh Son Ward makes it easily accessible from both the city center and the popular My Khe Beach area.
- Motorbike/Scooter: Renting a scooter is a popular and flexible way to explore Da Nang. The drive to the market is simple using Google Maps. Parking is usually available nearby for a small fee.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Using apps like Grab or Gojek is a hassle-free and affordable option. Simply input "Bac My An Market" or "Cho Bac My An" as your destination. This is the recommended choice if you're unfamiliar with navigating the city's traffic.
- Public bus: For a more local experience, you can take a public bus. Check the local bus routes that pass through the former Ngu Hanh Son District and ask the driver or a fellow passenger to alert you at the stop closest to the market.
What to buy at Bac My An Market?
Bac My An Market is a great place to shop like a local, offering everything from everyday clothing to regional food specialties. Below are the main product categories you can explore, if you’re looking for practical items, edible souvenirs, or authentic Da Nang flavors.
1. Clothing and accessories at Bac My An Market
Bac My An Market offers a wide array of affordable clothing and accessories perfect for both locals and travelers. You can find beautiful, ready-made ao dai, the elegant traditional Vietnamese dress, which makes for a wonderful souvenir or special occasion outfit. For everyday wear, browse through stalls selling inexpensive T-shirts, shirts, shorts, and long pants. You’ll also discover a selection of casual dresses and jackets suitable for Da Nang’s climate.
The market is an excellent place to pick up travel essentials or accessories you may have forgotten. Hunt for deals on practical items like shoes, sandals, hats, handbags, suitcases, wallets, and belts. If you're heading to the nearby beaches, you can easily find budget-friendly swimwear right here.
2. Local food and traditional snacks to buy in Bac My An Market
This Da Nang local market is a treasure trove of edible souvenirs. Be sure to look for Cam Le dry black sesame cake (banh kho me), a crispy, nutty specialty from the nearby Cam Le Village. Other popular treats include sweet mung bean cake, durian cake, and mango cake, which capture the tropical flavors of Vietnam.
For those with a sweet tooth, the aisles are filled with colorful coconut candy and mango candy, perfect for bringing a taste of Da Nang home with you. You'll also find an extensive selection of dried fruits like jackfruit and banana chips, alongside various assorted nuts and seeds. These pre-packaged snacks are easy to pack and make for delicious, authentic gifts.
The market is a great place to buy edible souvenirs, such as local sesame cakes and tropical sweets, dried fruits and packaged snacks perfect for gifts
3. Dried seafood and Da Nang specialties
As a coastal city, Da Nang is renowned for its seafood, and Bac My An Market showcases this with an impressive variety of dried specialties. These items are packed with umami flavor and have a long shelf life, making them excellent souvenirs. Look for vendors selling high-quality dried fish and dried shrimp, which are staples in Vietnamese home cooking.
One of the most popular items is dried squid, which you can find plain or as a ready-to-eat snack like tamarind-glazed squid. Other must-buy products include flavorful yellowstripe scad and tubs of pre-marinated caramelized seafood. You can also find packets of dried seaweed, a healthy and versatile ingredient to add to your pantry back home.
4. Fish sauce and fermented sauces from Da Nang
No culinary exploration of Vietnam is complete without an introduction to its powerful sauces. Bac My An Market is the perfect place to buy authentic, locally produced condiments. Nam O fish sauce, a famous GI-protected product from a nearby fishing village, is known for its pure, rich flavor derived from long-tail anchovies. It’s a top-tier fish sauce prized by chefs.
You can also find other essential Vietnamese fermented sauces. Mam nem (fermented anchovy sauce) is the pungent, savory heart of many Da Nang dishes, including bun mam nem. For a different flavor profile, look for mam ruoc (shrimp paste) or the tangy mam tom chua (fermented sour shrimp paste). These sauces are the soul of central Vietnamese cuisine.
Bac My An Market is an ideal place to buy authentic Central Vietnamese sauces, from premium Nam O fish sauce to bold fermented specialties like mam nem and shrimp paste
5. Fresh meat, seafood, and produce at Bac My An Market
The heart of Bac My An Market is its "wet market" section, which comes alive early in the morning. This is where residents and restaurant owners flock to buy the freshest ingredients for the day. While travelers staying in hotels may not be cooking, a walk through this area is a feast for the senses and a fascinating cultural experience.
You will see vendors displaying a vibrant array of fresh vegetables and exotic tropical fruits. The seafood section is particularly impressive, with stalls overflowing with gleaming fresh seasonal seafood caught just hours before. The market also has a dedicated area for fresh meat, including pork, beef, and poultry, all prepared daily. It’s a powerful reminder of how central fresh ingredients are to Vietnamese cuisine.
6. Vietnamese coffee, tea, and spices
Bring the iconic flavors of Vietnam back to your kitchen by picking up some local coffee, tea, and spices. The market has numerous vendors selling robusta and arabica coffee beans, which they can grind for you on the spot. Packaged ground coffee from famous Vietnamese brands is also widely available and makes for a perfect, easy-to-pack souvenir.
Alongside coffee, you'll find a selection of dried tea, including green tea and aromatic jasmine or lotus-infused teas. The spice section is a fragrant paradise. You can buy high-quality packaged spices like fiery chili, golden turmeric, ground ginger, and fragrant lemongrass. Whole spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and famously potent Vietnamese pepper are also available and much more flavorful than what you might find at home.
7. Local souvenirs and specialty products from Bac My An Market
Beyond food, Bac My An Market offers a fantastic selection of local products that make for unique souvenirs and gifts. The fragrant tea, high-quality spices, and authentic bottled fish sauce and fermented sauces are perfect for any food lover. These edible gifts allow you to recreate the taste of Da Nang in your own home.
For a more traditional souvenir, look for Golden Star Balm (Cao Sao Vang). This iconic mentholated aromatic balm, sold in a tiny red tin, is a nostalgic and practical remedy for everything from headaches to insect bites. You can also find a variety of locally produced essential oils, with popular scents like cajeput, lemongrass, and cinnamon known for their therapeutic properties.
Beyond its food stalls, Bac My An Market is a great place to find authentic local souvenirs, from teas and spices to the iconic Golden Star Balm and fragrant essential oils
8. Fresh local vegetables, herbs, and fruits
This section of the market is where the diversity of Vietnamese agriculture truly shines. It’s a visual and aromatic delight, filled with a stunning variety of local vegetables you may have never seen before. You’ll find everything from crisp morning glory and bitter melon alongside many kinds of gourds and squash.
The selection of fresh herbs is fundamental to Vietnamese cooking. You'll see mountains of basil, mint, perilla, cilantro, and fish mint, all essential components for dishes like pho, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls. The fruit stalls are equally impressive, overflowing with tropical delights like dragon fruit, rambutan, mangoes, and mangosteens, depending on the season. Exploring these stalls offers a direct connection to the country’s rich culinary landscape.
What to eat at Bac My An Market
Right near the entrance of Bac My An Market lies a buzzing food court that serves up some of the most authentic, affordable, and delicious Da Nang street eats. Must-try signature: creamy, refreshing kem bo (avocado ice cream). Head straight to legendary Kem Bo Co Van for the best version in town.
Other crowd-pleasing local favorites you’ll spot:
- Oc luoc: Boiled snails fragrant with lemongrass and chili
- Bun tron: Bold mixed vermicelli salad tossed with herbs and peanuts
- Banh trang cuon thit heo: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with boiled pork belly, veggies, and herbs
- Banh xeo: Crispy golden rice pancakes stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
- Bun cha ca: Fishcake noodles served with fermented anchovy dipping sauce
- Bun bo Hue: Spicy Hue-style beef noodle soup packed with flavor
- Bun mam nem: Pungent fermented anchovy sauce noodles
- Banh bot loc: Translucent tapioca dumplings with shrimp and pork
- Banh beo: Delicate savory steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and scallion oil
- Banh nam: Flat steamed rice rolls with minced pork
- Bun thit nuong: Smoky grilled pork over cool vermicelli noodles
- Banh can: Mini crispy pancakes cooked in mini cast-iron pans
Just inside the entrance, Bac My An Market’s lively food court is famous for affordable local street food, especially the must-try Kem Bo Co Van stall
Other attractions near Bac My An Market
While Bac My An Market is a destination in itself, its location offers easy access to other key attractions in Da Nang. After exploring the market, you can continue your day by visiting these nearby sites.
- Han River (50m): The market is located very close to the iconic Han River. A short walk will bring you to its banks, offering a pleasant stroll and a different perspective of the city.
- Da Nang Cathedral (300m): Known locally as the "Chicken Church" for its rooster weathervane, this lovely pink cathedral is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture and a popular photo spot.
- Dragon Bridge (950m): This world-famous bridge is a modern symbol of Da Nang. Head here on a weekend night at 9 PM to see the dragon's head breathe fire and water.
- Museum of Cham Sculpture (1km): Home to the world's largest collection of Cham sculpture, this museum provides fascinating insight into the ancient Cham civilization that once thrived in the region.
- Han Market (1.2km): If you want to compare local market experiences, the more tourist-oriented Han Market is a short trip away. It’s known for tailored clothing, souvenirs, and a large dried goods section.
Its central location makes Bac My An Market an easy base for visiting nearby attractions like the Han River, Dragon Bridge, and Da Nang Cathedral
Tips for visiting and shopping in Bac My An Market
To make the most of your trip to this bustling Da Nang local market, keep these tips in mind. A little preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. The GTrip team has put together this advice based on our many visits.
- Amenities: The surrounding area is well-equipped. You'll find banks, ATMs, currency exchange points, and shops just outside the market, so you can easily handle any financial needs before or after your visit.
- Best time to visit: Go in the morning during the dry season (February to August) to enjoy the market's full energy while avoiding the intense midday sun. In the rainy season (September to January), remove raincoats before entering to navigate the crowded aisles more easily.
- Pricing: Bac My An Market is known for its reasonable prices on everything from food to clothing, making it a favorite for locals and savvy tourists alike.
- Cash-only and small bills: This is a cash-only environment. Vendors rarely have change for large bills, so bring small notes to make transactions quick and easy.
- Bargaining: For food items, prices are generally fixed. However, for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, it's acceptable and often expected to politely bargain for a better price.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Bac My An Market.
1. Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entrance fee to enter Bac My An Market. It is a public market, and you are free to walk in, explore the stalls, and soak up the local atmosphere without any charge. You only pay for the food you eat and the items you decide to purchase.
2. What are the top must-try foods at this market?
The absolute must-try is kem bo (avocado ice cream), as this market is its most famous home. It’s a creamy, delicious dessert you won't forget. Beyond that, be sure to sample banh trang tron (rice paper salad), bun thit nuong (grilled pork noodles), savory banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and oc hut (sauteed snails).
3. Are there vegetarian-friendly options?
Yes, but you may need to be specific. Look for stalls selling che (sweet soups), fresh fruit smoothies, and of course, kem bo (avocado ice cream). For savory dishes, you can ask for "chay" (vegetarian). A dish like Banh xeo can sometimes be made without meat or shrimp if you ask the vendor politely.
4. Is the market wheelchair or stroller accessible?
Navigating Bac My An Market with a wheelchair or stroller can be challenging. The aisles are often narrow, crowded, and wet, especially in the fresh market section. The food court area is tightly packed with small stools and low tables. While possible, it is not ideal for easy accessibility.
5. Are there restroom facilities available?
Yes, there are public restroom facilities available at the market, but they are very basic. It's a good idea to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The facilities may require a very small fee for use, typically around 2,000 VND, so keep some small change handy.
6. Are prices fixed or should I bargain?
It depends on what you are buying. For food and drinks, prices are generally fixed, and you should pay the listed price without bargaining. For clothing, souvenirs, and other non-food items, bargaining is common and expected. Start by offering 50-70% of the initial price and negotiate politely from there.
Bargaining is expected for non-food items like souvenirs and clothing, while food and drinks are sold at fixed prices
Bac My An Market is the perfect place to experience Da Nang like a local, such as iconic street food and fresh seafood, to everyday shopping and authentic cultural moments. If you’re here to hunt for the famous avocado ice cream, taste Central Vietnamese specialties, or simply observe daily life away from tourist crowds, memorable slice of the city. If you want to go deeper into local food scenes, markets, and hidden neighborhoods, GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency offers curated Da Nang City tours designed to help you explore beyond the obvious highlights. Add Bac My An Market to your itinerary and let Da Nang surprise you most deliciously.
