Han Market Da Nang: Food, Shopping & Local Experiences

Han Market Da Nang is the vibrant, beating heart of the city's commercial and cultural life. For over 80 years, this bustling indoor market has served as a vital hub for locals and a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, a whirlwind of colorful sights, enticing smells, and the energetic hum of commerce. If you're hunting for the perfect souvenir, eager to taste iconic local street food, or simply want to immerse yourself in the daily life of Da Nang. Here at GTrip, we've put together the ultimate guide to help you navigate this iconic landmark, covering its history, what to buy, what to eat, and essential tips for the best possible visit.

Overview of Han Market Da Nang

• Address: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, daily
• Entrance fee: Free

Han Market is a sprawling two-story complex situated in a prime location in Da Nang's City centre, making it easily accessible to any visitor. It stands as one of the most significant and historic Da Nang markets, offering a comprehensive glimpse into local life. It’s an unmissable stop on any Da Nang itinerary.

Han Market is a centrally located, two-story landmark that offers an authentic glimpse into local life and is a must-visit stop in Da Nang

How to get to Han Market in Da Nang

Thanks to its central location, getting to Han Market is simple and convenient from almost anywhere in the city.

• By ride-hailing app (Grab/Be/Xanh SM): This is the easiest and most popular option. Simply input "Han Market" or "Cho Han" into the mobile app. The ride is affordable from most central hotels.
• By motorbike: If you've rented a scooter, you can easily drive to the market. Parking is available nearby for a small fee. Be prepared for heavy traffic on the surrounding streets.
• On foot: If you are staying in a hotel near the Han River or Da Nang Cathedral, the market is just a short and pleasant walk away, allowing you to see more of the city en route.

A brief introduction to Han Market, Da Nang

Established in the 1940s, Han Market has a rich history that mirrors the growth of Da Nang itself. What began as a spontaneous trading spot for a small community has evolved over 83 years into a massive commercial landmark covering 28,000 square meters. Today, its two floors house 576 booths and attract a constant stream of locals and international visitors. Its prime location near four of Da Nang's main streets, Tran Phu, Bach Dang, Hung Vuong, and Tran Hung Dao, cemented its status as a central trading point. The market is renowned for its diverse offerings, especially its aromatic spices, high-quality fish sauce and other dried foods, beautiful fabrics, and unique souvenirs.

Han Market has grown from a small trading hub into a historic two-story landmark famed for its spices, dried foods, fabrics, and central role in Da Nang’s commerce

Exploring the architecture and layout of Han Market Da Nang

The Han Market Da Nang is neatly organized into a two-story building, making navigation relatively straightforward. Each floor caters to different needs, with the ground floor serving mostly locals and the first floor designed more for tourists and shoppers looking for non-food items.

• On the ground floor: This is the heart of the local grocery shopping experience. The front is dominated by vendors selling dried foods, local specialties, and an incredible array of fermented sauces like the famous mam nem. The air is thick with the pungent, savory scents of Vietnam. Deeper inside, you'll find the fresh seafood section, a wet market area bustling with locals buying their daily catch of fish, shrimp, and squid.
• On the first floor: Head upstairs to find a shopper's paradise. This floor is dedicated to clothing, fabrics, shoes, and cosmetics. It's particularly famous for its tailors who can create a custom-fit traditional ao dai in less than a day. You'll also find a vast selection of souvenirs, such as conical hats and lacquerware, making it the perfect place to hunt for gifts.

What to buy at Han Market Da Nang?

Han Market is a treasure trove of goods, offering everything like edible souvenirs, handcrafted treasures. Here’s a breakdown of the best things to look for.

Fresh seafood

The fresh seafood section on the ground floor is a captivating spectacle of local life. While primarily a spot for residents to purchase their daily groceries, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's bountiful coastline. You'll see vendors expertly handling live crabs, massive shrimp, glistening whole fish, and buckets of fresh squid, all caught that morning. The lively chatter of bargaining and the organized chaos of the wet market provide an authentic sensory experience. Though most tourists won't be buying fresh fish to cook, a walk through this section is essential to understanding Da Nang's deep connection to the sea.

Fermented paste and dried foods

This is where you'll find the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. The ground floor is packed with stalls selling essential ingredients that make perfect, authentic souvenirs. Look for high-quality fish sauce and the hyper-local speciality, fermented fish paste, which is a key component of many Da Nang dishes. You can also buy a wide variety of dried seafood, crispy rice paper, dried noodles, and local delicacies. Don’t miss out on pre-packaged specialities like beef sausage and sesame dry cakes. These are a delicious and easy-to-transport taste of Da Nang.

Established in the 1940s, Han Market has grown from a small trading hub into a historic two-story landmark famed for its spices, dried foods, fabrics, and central role in Da Nang

Da Nang specialty cakes & food souvenirs

For travelers looking for gift-friendly treats, the specialty food section is a goldmine. Stalls here specialize in pre-packaged local snacks, sweets, and cakes that are perfect for taking home. You’ll find a wide selection of coffee from the Central Highlands, artisanal teas, and various dried fruit candies. Many vendors offer vacuum-sealed packages of popular items like dried squid or beef jerky, ensuring they stay fresh for your journey home. This is the most convenient spot in Han Market to buy food souvenirs without worrying about packing or transport.

Clothes, fabrics, and traditional ao dai

The first floor of Han Market is a hub for fashion and textiles. While you can find plenty of ready-to-wear T-shirts, elephant pants, and summer dresses, the real highlight is the fabric and tailoring section. One of the most unique experiences is getting a custom ao dai tailoring han market service offers. You can choose from hundreds of beautiful silk and brocade fabrics, get measured on the spot, and have a stunning traditional Vietnamese tunic made for you, often within a few hours or by the next day. It’s an affordable and memorable way to get a perfectly fitted, one-of-a-kind souvenir.

The first floor is famous for fashion and tailoring, especially quick, custom-made ao dai crafted from a wide selection of fabrics

Rattan, bamboo, and handcrafted products

If you’re searching for beautiful, lightweight souvenirs, look no further than the handicraft stalls. These areas are filled with expertly made products crafted from natural, local materials. You will find an incredible variety of woven rattan bags and purses, which are both stylish and practical. Additionally, there are decorative bamboo items, traditional conical hats, comfortable straw sandals, and other lightweight crafts. These items reflect traditional Vietnamese artistry and make for excellent gifts that are easy to pack in your luggage.

Shops and services around Han Market

Han Market experience isn't confined to the building itself. The four streets encircling the market are just as dynamic, offering a range of essential services and more shopping opportunities. If you need to exchange currency or withdraw cash, you’ll find several banks and ATMs along the main roads. The area is also famous for its gold and accessory shops, where you can find intricate jewelry. The surrounding area is packed with fashion shops, souvenir stores, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient one-stop spot for shopping and dining.

Han Market’s handicraft stalls offer lightweight, beautifully crafted souvenirs like rattan bags and straw sandals that showcase traditional Vietnamese artistry

What to eat at Han Market Da Nang

Han Market is a paradise for food lovers. The ground floor hosts a bustling food court where you can find some of the best and most affordable local dishes in Da Nang. Just pull up a plastic stool and point to what looks good.

• Mi quang (Da Nang-style turmeric noodles): The city's signature dish, featuring wide, turmeric-infused rice noodles in a rich, savory broth with pork, shrimp, and a quail egg, topped with peanuts and crispy rice crackers.
• Banh beo & banh ram it (Steamed rice cakes & sticky rice dumplings): Delicate steamed rice flour cakes served in tiny bowls, topped with minced shrimp and crispy shallots, often paired with fried sticky rice dumplings.
• Banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake): A crispy, golden-brown crepe made from rice flour and turmeric, stuffed with pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a savory dipping sauce.
• Banh xanh (Vietnamese thick noodle soup): A hearty soup featuring thick, chewy tapioca or rice noodles in a flavorful pork or seafood-based broth.
• Nem lui & bo la lot (Grilled pork skewers & beef wrapped in betel leaves): Lemongrass-skewered grilled pork and fragrant grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves, served with rice paper and vegetables for wrapping.
• Oc hut (Da Nang-style spicy snails): A popular local snack of small snails stir-fried in a mouth-watering sauce of lemongrass, chili, and coconut.
• Che sam & fruit smoothies (herbal sweet soup & fresh fruit smoothies): The perfect way to cool down. Try a refreshing herbal sweet soup or a fresh fruit smoothie made with local tropical fruits.

Han Market’s lively food court is a must-visit for food lovers, serving a wide range of authentic Da Nang dishes at very affordable prices

Other attractions near Han Market in Da Nang

Han Market’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring some of Da Nang’s most famous landmarks, all within easy walking distance.

• Han River (50m): The scenic riverside promenade is just steps away, perfect for a stroll day or night. It’s an ideal place to enjoy fresh air, city views, and the gentle flow of the river.
• Da Nang Cathedral (Pink Church) (300m): A stunning example of French colonial architecture, this famous pink church is one of the city's most photographed spots. Its distinctive color and tall spire make it a charming landmark in the city center.
• Han River Bridge (650m): Da Nang's iconic swing bridge, which rotates on its axis late at night to allow ships to pass. Watching the bridge in motion is a unique experience that reflects the city’s modern spirit.
• Dragon Bridge (950m): Famous for its spectacular weekend fire and water-breathing show, held every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM. The bridge comes alive at night with vibrant lights and an energetic crowd.
• Museum of Cham Sculpture (1km): Home to the world's largest collection of sandstone sculptures from the ancient Cham Kingdom. It offers deep insight into the rich history, art, and culture of central Vietnam.

Tips for visiting and shopping in Han Market

To make your trip to Han Market smooth and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind.

• Go early: Visit in the morning (around 8 AM) to see the market at its most active with local shoppers and to avoid the afternoon heat.
• Bring cash: While some larger stalls may accept cards, cash (Vietnamese Dong) is essential for most vendors, especially in the food court.
• Politely bargain: For souvenirs, clothing, and non-food items, bargaining is expected. Start by offering 50-60% of the initial price and aim to meet somewhere in the middle. Always stay polite and smile!
• Watch your belongings: The market is crowded, so keep your bag secure and be mindful of your surroundings, just as you would in any busy public place.
• Cross the street safely: Traffic around the market can be chaotic. The safest way to cross is to wait for a gap and walk at a steady, predictable pace, or follow a group of locals.
• Enjoy the sunset nearby: After an afternoon of shopping, the riverside sculpture park near Han Market is an ideal spot for watching the sunset over the Han River.

Visit early with cash, bargain politely, stay aware of your belongings, and end your trip with a relaxing sunset walk by the Han River

FAQs about Han Market Da Nang

Before planning your visit, many travelers have common questions about Han Market Da Nang, from whether it’s worth seeing to how to shop like a local. The answers below will help you make the most of your time at this iconic market and enjoy a smooth, rewarding experience.

Is Han Market Da Nang worth visiting?

Absolutely. Han Market Da Nang is one of the most worthwhile attractions in the city. It offers an authentic glimpse into local life, is a fantastic place for souvenir shopping, and has a food court serving some of the most delicious and affordable local dishes. It perfectly combines culture, food, and commerce in one vibrant location. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, a visit is essential for the experience alone.

What is the best time to visit Han Market Da Nang?

The best time to visit is in the morning, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. During these hours, you can experience the lively local shopping atmosphere before the peak tourist crowds and midday heat arrive. However, visiting in the afternoon (around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) is also a great option, as the market is still buzzing with energy and the food court is in full swing.

Is bargaining allowed at Han Market Da Nang?

Yes, bargaining is not only allowed but also expected, especially for non-food items like clothing, souvenirs, and fabrics. Prices for food in the dining area are generally fixed. When shopping for goods, a good rule of thumb is to politely offer a price that is about 20-40% lower than the initial asking price and negotiate from there. A friendly attitude and a smile go a long way.

Bargaining is expected for non-food items, so negotiate politely with a smile, while food prices are usually fixed

Han Market Da Nang is an institution and a window into the soul of Da Nang. Blending flavorful street food, fragrant spices, and brilliant textiles, the market creates an experience that’s both immersive and unforgettable. It's a place to engage your senses, practice your bargaining skills, and leave with both unique souvenirs and lasting memories. We hope this guide helps you explore every corner of this amazing market. For more insider tips on Vietnam, be sure to check out other Da Nang guides from GTrip.