Formed in the late 19th century, Cho Xep is tucked away in a small alley near the East Ba Gate. Initially, it was just a small market, catering to the local community with basic necessities.

Cho Xep is located at the end of Nhat Le Street in Hue City. Many stalls here only open in the morning, so if you want to hunt for unique bargains, an early visit is a must!
As a famous second-hand market, Cho Xep attracts many shoppers with its affordable offerings. In Hue, “do banh” is a term used for reasonably priced pre-owned items. If you haven’t experienced shopping with just 10,000 VND, Cho Xep is the place to try it.
While Cho Xep remains a traditional market with a variety of food and daily essentials, its unique appeal lies in the second-hand goods section. No one knows exactly when the pre-owned stalls started popping up, but over time, they became an integral part of the market. Here, you can easily find clothing, shoes, hats, accessories, and children’s toys at very reasonable prices.
The “do banh” stalls at Cho Xep usually open early in the morning, offering a wide range of fashion items for both adults and children. By 8 am, the market is bustling with shoppers, especially women. Around 10 am, the crowd swells, creating a lively atmosphere, and after 11 am, the market gradually quiets down.
The goods at Cho Xep mostly originate from Guangzhou, South Korea, and Japan, while Western items, particularly American products, are less common. The prices here might surprise you! Many items are priced at just 10,000 – 15,000 VND. Nice shirts can be had for 50,000 – 80,000 VND, dresses for around 80,000 – 100,000 VND, and bags from 80,000 – 150,000 VND. With smart bargaining, you can fill a bag with unique clothing and accessories for just 500,000 VND.
Apart from the second-hand section, Cho Xep also delights foodies with its traditional snacks. You can take a break at the che (sweet pudding) stalls, try some spicy snails, or indulge in fresh fruit. Dishes like coconut-flavored mung bean pudding for just 5,000 VND a bowl, spicy salted mango for 15,000 VND a bag, or stir-fried snails for 12,000 VND a plate will surely satisfy your cravings.
In addition to Cho Xep, Hue boasts two other famous “do banh” markets: Cho Ben Ngu and Cho Tay Loc. However, with its convenient location and reasonable prices, Cho Xep remains a favorite among second-hand enthusiasts and a unique experience for visitors to the ancient capital.