The Bustling Marketplace of Quang Ninh: A Seafood Haven and Culinary Paradise

With its impressive scale of 6 modern floors and over 750 businesses, Cai Dam Market offers a diverse shopping experience. From fresh agricultural produce and seafood to exquisite handicrafts, fashion, and cosmetics, it has something for everyone. The harmonious blend of traditional market charm and modern commercial center amenities makes this place uniquely appealing.

A Variety of Shopping Spaces on Each Floor

Cai Dam Market is thoughtfully designed with each floor dedicated to specific product categories, making it easy for customers to explore and find what they’re looking for.

Ground Floor: The heart of the market, the ground floor boasts over 300 food, agricultural, and especially live seafood vendors. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere and marvel at the vast array of freshly caught seafood, including shrimp, crab, squid, and local Ha Long fish. It’s also the perfect place to source ingredients for a delicious seafood feast.

1st Floor: The first floor offers a different ambiance with vibrant fashion and cosmetics shops. You’ll also find stationery, pharmaceuticals, and general merchandise to cater to a range of consumer needs.

2nd Floor: The second floor is a haven for tech enthusiasts, woodcraft lovers, souvenir seekers, and jewelry aficionados. With over 200 businesses, visitors can discover unique Ha Long-themed gifts or opt for high-quality electronics and jewelry.

Upper Floors (4th to 6th): The top floors of Cai Dam Market mainly accommodate various services and other product categories, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience.

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Cai Dam Market offers a convenient schedule for visitors to explore. Its diverse product range, modern facilities, and amenities have transformed it into more than just a shopping destination—it’s also a vital commercial hub that contributes significantly to the local economy.

Delightful Culinary Experiences and Local Specialties

Cai Dam Market is renowned not only for its diverse merchandise but also for its culinary delights and local specialties that attract food enthusiasts from near and far.

Live Seafood and Processed Specialties:

– Ha Long (Ha Long squid cake): Known as the “soul” of Quang Ninh cuisine, the at Cai Dam Market is always fresh, crispy, and full of distinctive flavors. It’s the most popular souvenir among tourists, with each visitor buying at least 0.5 kg on average.

– : Despite its unusual appearance, is a precious seafood delicacy with high nutritional value. At the market, you can choose between fresh and dried . A tip for selecting the best is to look for ones with brighter colors.

– : is a source of pride for Quang Ninh fishermen. To pick the freshest , look for clear eyes, slightly protruding gills, a smooth and unscratched body, and a flat belly.

– : Larger than clams, are highly nutritious and considered especially beneficial for men’s health. When buying, choose larger, evenly sized clams without any strange odors when soaked in water.

– (Shrimp with peeled eggs): At Cai Dam, you’ll find shrimp with peeled eggs that retain the sweetness and fragrance of fresh shrimp. Ensure you select shrimp with a natural red color, firm meat, and no strong fishy smell.

– : A large fish, is widely available at the seafood stalls and is known for its high nutritional value.

– : is made from shrimp meat ground with gac fruit, fish sauce, and various spices, resulting in a uniquely flavored delicacy.

Local Delicacies Prepared On-Site:

In addition to live seafood, Cai Dam Market is renowned for its unique local dishes, each bearing the distinct flavors of the sea:

– (Fish cake with ground thu fish): This delicacy is made from rice flour, ground thu fish, and spices, then skillfully wrapped into a ball. The sweet and chewy texture of the cake blends beautifully with the characteristic flavor of thu fish, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

– (Fish grouper hot pot): This hot pot is made from carefully selected fresh grouper, resulting in a flavorful, tasty, and nutritious dish.

– (Shrimp steamed with crab eggs): Originating in Hai Phong, this dish has gained popularity at Cai Dam Market. The shrimp and crab eggs are carefully steamed in a delicious broth, resulting in a uniquely rich and creamy flavor.

– (Crab grilled with spring onion oil): Fresh crabs are grilled over charcoal and topped with spring onion oil and cinnamon leaves for a visually appealing and mouthwatering dish.

– (Fish with crab eggs): Another unique dish, this one features fish pieces mixed with crab eggs, seasoned to perfection, and fried to a crispy golden brown.

Souvenirs and Handicrafts:

Beyond being a culinary and consumer goods hub, Cai Dam Market is also a treasure trove of souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect the local culture. These items are crafted from various materials, including shells, pearls, bamboo, wood, and even coal.

– Jewelry and Decorations: From bracelets and wind chimes to keychains, these items are crafted from shells and convey the natural beauty and uniqueness of the sea.

– Carvings: Skillfully crafted wooden sculptures, models of boats, and depictions of Ha Long’s famous landscapes make for meaningful souvenirs.

Cai Dam Market is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a cultural experience. From the bustling atmosphere of the live seafood stalls to the distinctive flavors of local delicacies and the intricate craftsmanship of the handicrafts, it paints a vibrant picture of Ha Long. Cai Dam Market is truly a “shopper’s paradise” and a vital hub for commerce, enriching the Quang Ninh exploration journey for visitors.

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