Con Market Da Nang – Your guide to explore Danang’s hub
Right in the heart of Da Nang, Con Market is not only a go-to shopping spot for locals but also a must-visit destination for travelers. From flavorful Central Vietnamese dishes and dried seafood to fragrant spices and the warm greetings of friendly vendors, every detail brings you closer to the city’s vibrant culture. If you’re looking for a place to truly taste and feel the spirit of Da Nang, Con Market is the perfect stop on your journey.
Where is Con Market located? How and when to get there?
The name “Con Market” originates from its original location – on a high mound of land in the alluvial area of the Han river. Established in the 1940s, it quickly became the largest trading hub in Danang at the time. After multiple renovations, Con Market now boasts a more modern appearance while still preserving its bustling atmosphere, friendly vibe, and strong local character. For visitors, Con Market is not only a place to shop and enjoy local specialties, but also a destination to truly “taste” the culture of Danang.
- Address: 290 Hung Vuong, Vinh Trung Ward, Thanh Khe District, Danang
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Read more: Where is Danang? Discover Vietnam’s central coastal city
How to get to Con Market?
Because it’s right in the heart of the city, Con Market is super easy to get to, whether you’re coming from your hotel, or just finished visiting another nearby attraction. You can even plan a market trip together with stops at famous Danang spots like Dragon Bridge, Han River, or the Cham Museum, all in one day.
The easiest way to get there is to head straight along Nguyen Van Linh, one of the main roads into the city center. When you reach the crossroads with Ong Ich Khiem, turn left and go for about 1 km. Then turn right onto Hung Vuong, and after around 200 meters, you’ll spot the main entrance to Con Market on your left. It’s a short, simple route that’s easy to remember and rarely busy, perfect if it’s your first time in Danang.
If you’re staying near Le Duan, Nguyen Van Linh, or Ong Ich Khiem streets, you could even walk or rent a bike to get there. On the way, you might pass by some nice cafés, clothing shops, or street food stalls, a fun little warm-up before you dive into the market.
When to get to Con market?
Con Market Danang opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to shop, eat, and explore every corner at your own pace. Still, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re after fresh seafood, dried goods, or packaged specialties to take home, head there in the morning, when stocks are fullest and the products are at their freshest. But if your main goal is to dive into the local food scene, especially street snacks, then late morning to mid-afternoon is the “golden hour,” when the food court comes alive with energy and every Danang delicacy is on display.
History and architecture of Con Market
Con Market was established in the 1940s, originally just a small marketplace set on a raised mound of land along the banks of the Han River. Thanks to its prime location for trade, it quickly grew into one of Danang’s busiest commercial hubs at the time. The name “Con” comes from the Vietnamese word “cồn”, meaning a sand dune or mount, a nod to the landform on which the market was first built, and it has stuck ever since.
Over the decades, the market has undergone several renovations and upgrades. Today, Con Market boasts a spacious, well-structured layout with sturdy roofing and wide aisles, making it comfortable to explore even on the busiest days.
The market is divided into distinct sections: the dry goods area; the fresh produce area; and the food court. This smart arrangement not only makes shopping easy but also gives the market its unique charm, letting visitors “make a full round” while still finding exactly what they’re looking for.
Exploring the main sections of Con Market
Stepping into Con Market is like entering a lively maze of colors, scents, and sounds. Each section has its own unique charm, from the vibrant fresh produce stalls to the aromatic dry goods and the irresistible food court. Knowing where each area is located will help you navigate the market with ease and make the most of your visit.
Dry goods area
Located on the left-hand side as you enter from the main Hùng Vương gate, the dry goods area is a paradise for anyone looking to take home local specialties. Here, stalls are neatly arranged, packed with dried seafood, Central Vietnamese spices, candies, teas, and coffee. The air is filled with the savory aroma of dried goods, accompanied by the friendly calls of vendors, many of whom are happy to offer samples before you buy.
Fresh produce area
Close to the side entrance and next to the food court, this section buzzes with energy, especially in the early morning. You’ll find baskets overflowing with freshly caught seafood, seasonal vegetables, tropical fruits, and freshly butchered meats. The colorful displays, mingled with the scents of the sea and fresh herbs, give this part of the market an authentic local feel that immerses you in Danang’s daily life.
Food court
Often called the “heart” of Con Market, the food court sits right in the middle, so no matter which way you come in, you’ll stumble upon it. Dozens of food stalls stand shoulder to shoulder, serving Danang and Central Vietnam favorites. The tiny plastic stools, stainless steel tables, and the irresistible aroma of simmering broths create an inviting, homely atmosphere. Many visitors end up spending hours here, hopping from one stall to another.
Household goods & clothing area
If you’re after clothing, shoes, accessories, or household items, head upstairs to the second floor or to the north wing on the first floor. This spacious area offers everything from affordable ready-to-wear items to tailor-made garments. Prices are generally reasonable, and bargaining is welcome, making it a favorite shopping spot for locals. The lively back-and-forth between buyers and sellers adds to the market’s unmistakable character, something you won’t find in modern shopping malls.
Must-try food at Con Market
If Con Market is the “heart” of Danang’s local life, then its food court is the market’s most vibrant heartbeat. Every small aisle here is a journey for your taste buds, where the aroma of simmering broths, the sizzling sound of hot pans, and the vivid colors of fresh ingredients blend into a lively culinary picture. Once you step in, it’s nearly impossible to leave without trying at least a few of its most iconic dishes.
Mi Quang
At Con Market, Mì Quảng is prepared fresh right in front of you, so you can watch every step while waiting. The thick, golden noodles are served with a rich yet slightly thick broth made from pork bones and fresh shrimp. Toppings vary, from plump red shrimp, shredded chicken, and quail eggs to tender pork or snakehead fish. Fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, crispy rice crackers, and a touch of green chili complete the experience, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness, nuttiness, and mild heat that lingers long after your last bite.
Bún Mắm Nêm
This is a dish that can be a “challenge” for first-timers but quickly becomes addictive. Soft rice vermicelli is topped with slices of boiled pork, Vietnamese beef sausage, fermented pork roll, fresh herbs, cucumber, and pickled green papaya. The star is the fermented anchovy sauce (mắm nêm), expertly mixed to keep its signature aroma without being overpowering. Once tossed together, every strand of noodles soaks up the sauce, delivering a burst of savory richness balanced by fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Bánh Xèo & Ram Cuốn Cải
The bánh xèo stalls at Con Market are always buzzing with activity. Golden crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and pork are constantly sizzling on red-hot charcoal pans. Right beside them are small, crunchy fried spring rolls (ram) with flavorful fillings. To eat, place a piece of bánh xèo and a spring roll on a mustard leaf, add fresh herbs, roll it up, and dip into sweet-and-sour fish sauce with garlic and chili. The mix of crispy, fresh, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Vietnamese Sweet Soup (Chè)
After indulging in savory dishes, head to the sweet soup stalls for balance. You’ll find everything from fragrant corn pudding (chè bắp) and creamy mung bean sweet soup to colorful mixed sweet soup with jellies, water chestnuts, and rich coconut milk, or Thai-style sweet soup packed with tropical fruit. A chilled cup of chè offers a sweet, cooling finish to your food adventure.
Seafood & Street Snacks
Near the market’s side entrance, seafood stalls tempt you with the smoky aroma of grilled oysters with scallion oil, spicy grilled squid, and fiery stir-fried baby snails (ốc hút). Everything is cooked to order, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite. You’ll also find local favorites like pork rice paper rolls, grilled lemongrass skewers, steamed rice cakes, and bánh nậm, all at reasonable prices and served in minutes.
Souvenirs and local specialties to bring home from Con Market
Leaving Con Market empty-handed would be a real pity, as this place is a treasure trove of Central Vietnam specialties, tasty, easy to pack, and perfect as gifts. The dry goods stalls are always bustling, tempting every passerby to stop and shop.
Dried seafood
The dry goods section on the west side of the first floor is a paradise for seafood lovers. Here you can find tamarind-rimmed squid with a sweet-and-tangy kick, seasoned dried fish, bright red dried shrimp, and fragrant dried scad. Everything is neatly packaged for easy storage and travel. Vendors are friendly and often offer free tastings, so you can pick exactly what you like best.
Traditional sweets and candies
Con Market is also home to countless traditional treats such as crispy Cam Le sesame dry cakes, chewy Hue sesame candy, and hand-made candied ginger, coconut, and winter melon. Their sweet, nostalgic flavors, attractive packaging, and affordable prices make them a favorite choice for gifts.
Spices & fish sauce
Cooking enthusiasts will love the selection of regional staples like fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem), shrimp paste, and the famous Nam O fish sauce. These amber-colored bottles with their deep aroma bring the authentic taste of Central Vietnam right into your kitchen. You can also find dried chili, turmeric powder, and ready-mixed spice packs for local dishes like mì Quảng or bún mắm.
Freshly roasted coffee & tea
The dry goods area also offers stalls selling freshly roasted coffee beans and fragrant teas such as jasmine tea and lotus tea from the Central region. The aroma alone is enough to captivate anyone, making them a thoughtful gift for friends and family who love traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Shopping & dining tips at Con Market
Con Market is known as Danang’s ultimate hub for food and shopping. To make the most of your visit and avoid a few first-timer mistakes, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early for fewer crowds and more choices
If you want to shop for souvenirs or take great photos, morning is the best time to visit. Stalls are fully stocked, vendors are in high spirits, and you can wander around without getting caught in the crowd. The fresh and ready-to-eat food areas are also calmer, letting you enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.
- Browse before you buy
With hundreds of stalls, it’s worth taking a lap around the market before making any purchases. Most vendors have posted prices, but you might get a small discount if you buy in bulk.
- Don’t be shy about asking or tasting
The market’s vendors are famously friendly, many are happy to let you sample snacks or inspect products closely before buying. This is especially useful for dried seafood, fish sauce, and spices, so you can pick the flavor that suits you best.
- Bring cash, especially small bills
While some stalls now accept bank transfers or e-wallet payments, cash (particularly small denominations) is still the most convenient way to pay, especially for street snacks or small purchases.
- Try small portions instead of one big dish
Con Market’s food court is packed with tempting dishes like mì Quảng, bún mắm, bánh bèo, sweet soups, and shellfish. To taste as much as possible, opt for smaller servings or share plates with friends, that way, you can sample a variety without getting too full.
- Mind your belongings and hygiene
The market can get busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying too much cash or wearing flashy jewelry. Also, remember to wash your hands or use sanitizer after shopping or eating to stay healthy.
To make your Danang and even Hoi An adventures even more unforgettable, let Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort be your trusted companion. Not only do we offer curated tours to experience the very best of Hoi An and Danang, but we are also the perfect haven for relaxation after your days of exploration. With Bliss, you can dive into authentic experiences by day and unwind in absolute comfort by night.
Con Market captures the essence of Danang in every sense, from hearty street food and unique local snacks to the bustling yet welcoming atmosphere. A stroll through the market doesn’t just fill your stomach and shopping bags; it leaves you with lasting memories of the city’s flavors and charm.
