The Ultimate Guide to the Best Street Food in Da Nang: A Century-Old Market That Still Draws Crowds

According to local historical records, Ha Than Market was established through the unity of the people from the seven communes on the right bank of the Han River. However, not long after the market opened, a dispute arose due to disturbances caused by the An Hai commune leader, which led to a temporary halt in the market’s activities. In the winter of 1826, two An Hai residents, Le Van Truc and Tran Van Chieu, traveled a great distance to Chau Doc to seek help from a high-ranking official who was also a fellow townsman, to resolve the conflict. Thanks to the intervention of this official, a meeting with representatives from all seven communes was held in April of the following year, right at the market site. As a result, the Ha Than Market was officially recognized and has continued to exist until the present day, marking a significant milestone in the history of commerce in the central coastal region.

Once a riverside market, Ha Than Market was redeveloped and relocated to its current location on Trieu Viet Vuong Street (An Hai Tay Ward) in the early 2000s. Although no longer situated by the ferry, the market retains its position as a central marketplace for Son Tra residents and a destination for those seeking to explore local culture.

Operating from around 8 am to 6 pm daily, Ha Than Market is not only a familiar shopping destination but also a vibrant folk attraction for those who appreciate the traditional market lifestyle and indigenous street cuisine.

Delicacies You Can Find at Ha Than Market

From Fresh Seafood to Hometown Specialties

With its proximity to the sea and the fishing port, Ha Than Market is renowned for offering a wide range of fresh and affordable seafood. The morning market scene is lively with vendors displaying their catches of the day, including gleaming fish, shrimp, and squid, along with green crabs that are firm in texture.

Visitors not only come to purchase seafood but also to indulge in freshly prepared delicacies right on the spot: grilled fish on charcoal, ginger-steamed squid, and spicy lemongrass clams, all embodying the essence of Central Vietnam’s seafood cuisine.

A Food Paradise Showcasing Quang’s Culinary Delights

Ha Than Market is also a must-visit destination for lovers of authentic local cuisine. Here, you can start your day with a golden bowl of Mi Quang, fragrant with roasted peanuts and fried shallots. Nearby, you’ll find stalls serving grilled meat bun with spring rolls, pork cakes, and fresh herbs, or peanut sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

Several eateries within the market offer a variety of Danang specialties, including crispy Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), chewy Banh Bot Loc (clear shrimp and pork dumplings), and tiny Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes) served with spicy garlic fish sauce. All of these delights are available at incredibly reasonable prices, ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 VND, making the market a true breakfast paradise for both locals and tourists alike.

Handicraft Gifts Capturing the Soul of the Seaside City

Beyond its fresh produce and local delicacies, Ha Than Market is also an ideal place to find handcrafted souvenirs that embody the spirit of Danang. The products here are primarily handmade crafts made from familiar Vietnamese village trade materials such as ceramics, bamboo, and rattan.

You can discover intricately handcrafted items such as woven bags, dainty conical hats, bamboo baskets, and beautifully painted miniature ceramic vases. While not as grand as modern shopping malls, each item here carries a story—of the artisan’s skilled hands, of traditional village trades, and of a nostalgic Danang preserved within the folds of this vibrant marketplace.

Transcending its role as a mere trading hub, Ha Than Market serves as a gathering place for community engagement and connection. Here, buyers and sellers are not merely customers and merchants but also neighbors who share their daily lives. The lively conversations in the early morning, the inquiries at the vegetable stalls, and the familiar calls of the vendors—these are the lifeblood that defines the essence of traditional Vietnamese markets.

Amidst the ever-evolving modernity of Danang, with its new markets and supermarkets, Ha Than Market remains a living memory. It is a place where one can listen to the whispers of history, embrace the authentic pace of local life, and discover cultural values that are deeply rooted in the region’s identity.

For those seeking to understand Danang beyond its beautiful beaches and modern landmarks like the Dragon Bridge, a morning stroll through Ha Than Market, engaging with the vendors, savoring the local dishes, and immersing oneself in the traditional ambiance, offers an invaluable experience.