Dong Ba Market’s Location
Dong Ba Market is strategically located on Tran Hung Dao Street, in Dong Ba Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. This vibrant market stretches along the northern bank of the Huong River, starting from the iconic Truong Tien Bridge and extending up to the Gia Hoi Bridge. It encompasses a vast area of 47,614 square meters, which includes a boat dock, parking lots, and a beautiful garden on Chuong Duong Street.
A Historical Overview of Hue’s Oldest Market
According to historical records in the book “Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi,” this market was once known as Dong Gia and was situated in Huong Tra District, southeast of the Dong Gia Bridge. During the reign of Emperor Gia Long, the market was relocated right outside the Eastern Main Gate of the Imperial City, and a two-story Quy Gia pavilion was built in its center. Unfortunately, in 1885, when the Hue Citadel fell, the market was completely destroyed by fire. It was then rebuilt in 1887, during the reign of Emperor Dong Khanh, in the Cua Dong neighborhood. A squad leader named Nguyen Dinh Nen volunteered to construct the market’s pavilion and two rows of tiled shops, and as a result, he was granted the right to collect market taxes for six years by the royal court.
In 1899, as part of the urban renewal process in Hue, King Thanh Thai ordered the relocation of Dong Ba Market to Truong Tien Street, its current location. The former site of the market, outside the Eastern Main Gate, was then transformed into the Dong Ba Franco-Vietnamese Primary School. At its new location, the market was constructed with four rows of shops: left, right, front, and back, totaling 48 tiled rooms, and a three-story bell tower with a clock in the center. The market also featured a stone well with a hand-cranked machine used for drawing water.
In 1967, the South Vietnamese government demolished the old market to build a new one. However, the construction was interrupted when the market was hit by a bomb during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Temporary repairs were made to allow traders to continue their business. Later, in 1987, the provincial government of Binh Tri Thien (now split into Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue) undertook a major renovation of Dong Ba Market, which included expansion and upgrades such as the bell tower, four two-story buildings at the market’s corners, five rows of kiosks, and numerous new and modern shopping areas. The total construction area spanned 15,600 square meters.
Trading Activities at the Market
Dong Ba Market offers a diverse range of products, including agricultural, forestry, aquatic, livestock, and handicraft items sourced from Hue and its surrounding areas, as well as consumer goods from all over Vietnam. Prior to 1975, the market boasted 56 types of goods, and by 1985, eight new items were introduced, such as seeds, clock repair services, firewood bundles, rubber slippers, bicycle parts, grinding services, painting, and net hanging.
Since its establishment, Dong Ba Market has attracted numerous Vietnamese traders who operate their businesses from the market stalls. According to the market’s management, before 1975, there were 2,614 registered businesses, 300 unregistered businesses, and over 400 unlicensed vendors. In 1977, nearly 400 unlicensed vendors from north of the Truong Tien Bridge were relocated to Tay Loc Market. By 1985, the number of registered businesses had increased to 3,122, representing 54 wards and communes within the province.
As of 2020, Dong Ba Market is home to over 2,700 stalls and 1,800 business households, occupying an area of 22,749 square meters, with approximately 60 product categories ranging from high-end to affordable goods. The market provides employment opportunities for thousands of workers. Every day, it attracts between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors, including both tourists and local shoppers.
Conveniently located on the city’s central route, Dong Ba Market is always bustling with activity. It operates daily from 5 am to 7 pm. The best time to visit is after 3 pm when the crowd thins out, allowing visitors a more relaxed shopping experience.
Based on local recommendations, the ideal way to explore Dong Ba Market is to start from the third floor and work your way down to the first floor. Each level of the market specializes in different types of goods, offering a diverse and enriching shopping experience:
– Third Floor: This floor is dedicated to fabrics and clothing. You’ll find beautiful fabrics for tailoring traditional ao dai or ready-made garments with a wide range of styles to choose from.
– Second Floor: Here, you’ll discover a variety of handicrafts such as incense burners, urns, conical hats, bamboo and rattan products, ceramics, and more. It’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the cultural essence of Hue.
– First Floor: The ground floor is where you’ll find an array of dry food products and Hue specialties like fermented anchovy sauce (mắm nêm), dried shrimp, and dried fish. If you’re looking for local delicacies to bring back as gifts for your loved ones, this is the place to explore.
By exploring the market from the top down, you can fully appreciate its beauty and easily find items that align with your interests.
Dong Ba Market’s Culinary Delights
It’s no coincidence that Dong Ba Market has earned a special place in the hearts of tourists. Many visitors refer to it as a “food paradise” when visiting Hue. As the sun sets, the area outside the market comes alive with street food vendors, each with a few simple plastic tables and chairs, yet enticing customers with their distinctive aromas. Here are some must-try dishes:
– Hue Lemongrass Skewers (Nem Lụi Huế): This dish embodies the flavors of Central Vietnam and is best enjoyed with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a savory dipping sauce. A portion that comfortably feeds two people costs only around VND 50,000, making it an affordable way to sample Hue’s specialties.
– Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế): While this dish may be familiar, the version served at Dong Ba Market has its own unique twist. To taste the authentic flavor, seek out the busy beef noodle soup stalls favored by locals. A bowl typically costs between VND 15,000 and VND 20,000.
– Sour Shrimp Noodle Soup (Bún Tôm Chua): This dish was once served to the royal family due to its delicious and distinctive flavor. Today, you can savor this royal treat at Dong Ba Market for just VND 20,000 per bowl, accompanied by fresh herbs.
– Hue Transparent Shrimp Dumplings (Bánh Bột Lọc Huế): These dumplings are meticulously prepared and carry the distinct flavor of Hue, leaving a lasting impression on those who try them. A serving of these dumplings typically costs between VND 20,000 and VND 30,000, depending on your preferences.
– Hue Sweet Porridge (Chè Huế): At the dessert stalls in Dong Ba Market, you’ll find an assortment of sweet porridge options displayed in trays and pots. Choose your favorite variety and enjoy the delicate sweetness, often accompanied by coconut milk to enhance the flavor.
A visit to Dong Ba Market offers you the chance to indulge in the diverse and affordable culinary delights of Hue in a warm and rustic atmosphere.
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