Han Market Danang: A vibrant shopping experience in the city center
With its colorful stalls, friendly vendors, and a wide range of local products, Han Market Danang offers an authentic Vietnamese shopping experience that both locals and tourists appreciate. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, local snacks, or traditional fabrics, this bustling market is the perfect spot to explore Da Nang’s vibrant soul.
Where is Han Market Danang located? Its opening hours?
- Address: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily
Located right in the heart of Da Nang city, Han Market is not only a bustling shopping hub but also an attractive stop to explore the beauty of local life. This is not just one of the oldest markets of Da Nang residents, but also a place that gathers the culinary essence of Central Vietnam and coastal-themed souvenirs. Visiting Han Market gives you the chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere while finding distinctive gifts rich in the flavor and colors of Da Nang.
Read more: Con Market Da Nang – Your guide to explore Danang’s hub
Getting to Han Market: Easy and convenient
Han Market is located at 119 Tran Phu Street – one of the busiest and most central streets in Da Nang. This ideal location allows you to easily combine a visit to other famous landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, Han River, Da Nang Cathedral, or Love Bridge.
If you’re staying in the central area, getting to Han Market is extremely convenient. You can walk just 5 to 10 minutes if your hotel is near Dragon Bridge or Bach Dang Street. For those farther away, options like motorbikes, taxis, or ride-hailing services such as Grab or Gojek are available, the distance from My Khe Beach or Da Nang International Airport is only about 3 – 5 km.
An experience many tourists enjoy is renting a bicycle to ride around the city center and stopping by Han Market in the early morning. You’ll enjoy the cool riverside breeze along the Han River while blending into the bustling rhythm of the market. Additionally, if you’re traveling in a group, you can rent a cyclo – a relaxing ride with a friendly local guide who may share stories about city corners and culture.
If you’re riding a motorbike, it’s best to park at the designated lots along Tran Phu or Hung Vuong Streets. The fee is only about 5,000 – 10,000 VND per visit, very convenient.
Best time to visit Han Market
Although Han Market is open all day from around 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, the ideal times to visit are between 7:00 – 9:00 AM or 3:30 – 5:00 PM. These are the hours when the market is most vibrant, stalls are fully stocked, and vendors are in a cheerful mood, eager to chat and introduce their products.
In the morning, you’ll experience a very raw and authentic Han Market: the sound of sellers calling out, the aroma of breakfast dishes. This is also when you can easily purchase the freshest ingredients and newly packed dry goods, avoiding the crowd.
In the afternoon, the atmosphere becomes calmer, ideal for souvenir shopping or buying Da Nang specialties. Visitors can leisurely stroll and browse through the stalls. Some items are even slightly discounted near the end of the day, allowing you to grab some great deals.
If you enjoy photography or filming travel vlogs, come to the market early in the morning. The soft lighting and less crowded space will help you capture some truly impressive shots.
What’s inside the Han market Danang? A walkthrough of its vibrant corners
Located right in the heart of Da Nang, Han Market is a spacious two-story building, but hidden inside is a vibrant, colorful “maze” of goods. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be overwhelmed by the bustling atmosphere, with narrow paths branching in all directions, leading to tightly packed stalls. Each area has its own unique vibe, like a vivid piece in the overall picture of Han Market. Let’s explore each floor and each path to see that Han Market is not just a shopping place, but a cultural experience full of Central Vietnam’s spirit.
Ground Floor: A paradise of local specialties, dried seafood, and tropical fruits
Right from the main entrance, visitors step into the specialty section, a place that draws people in with the fermented fish, candies, and dried fruits. This area stretches from the main gate on Tran Phu Street straight into the market, with stalls on both sides overflowing with fish sauce, shrimp paste, pickled shrimp, “tré,” and sesame dry cakes, all strong-flavored specialties of Central Vietnam.
Going deeper inside, the dried seafood and fruit areas are arranged in rows. Dried goods like tamarind-sauce squid, spiced dried fish, and dried shrimp are vacuum-packed or neatly displayed in clean glass jars. Next to them is the dried fruit section: jackfruit chips, dried bananas, and soft dried mango, all highly favored by tourists as gifts.
Along the side aisles are fresh food stalls, selling vegetables, meats, fish, and familiar ingredients used daily by local households.
First Floor: Fashion, fabrics, and traditional accessories
Climbing up to the first floor via the central staircase, visitors enter a completely different world, where stalls selling clothes, fabrics, shoes, and fashion accessories are gathered. The atmosphere here is calmer, yet still lively with bargaining, fitting, and cheerful conversations.
On the left wing of the first floor is a section specializing in traditional ao dai, silk, lace, and cotton fabrics, in all colors and patterns. The shopkeepers skillfully introduce each fabric type and even suggest tailoring an ao dai right in the market if visitors are interested.
On the right side is a collection of casual fashion, jeans, and various footwear. Many of these items are said to be more affordable than those found in tourist shops outside. Some stalls also offer instant tailoring, which is very convenient for travelers on tight schedules.
Side aisles and hallways: Accessories, souvenirs, and refreshment stalls
Besides the main sections, Han Market also has several side exits leading to Hung Vuong Street or small alleys at the back. Along these hallways are stalls selling accessories, jewelry, hats, and handmade bags. Small items like keychains, embroidered pictures, and brocade cloth bags are beautifully displayed, perfect as souvenirs.
At the intersections between areas, you’ll also find refreshment stalls selling sugarcane juice, fruit smoothies, and pomelo sweet soup, helping you recharge in the middle of your market adventure. These corners are also perfect spots to sit down, watch people pass by, and take in the vibrant vibe of Han Market in your own way.
Top things to buy at Han Market Danang
Han Market is a paradise for souvenir hunters and bargain lovers alike. This iconic two-story market in the heart of Da Nang offers a wide range of goods, from fresh produce and local snacks to handcrafted items and fashionable clothes. Here are the top things you should consider buying when visiting Han Market:
Local specialties and dried food
Han Market is famous for its dried seafood and local delicacies. Visitors often bring home dried squid, sun-dried shrimp, or seasoned fish as gifts. One of the best-selling items is mực rim me (tamarind-sauce squid) – a sweet, sour, and spicy treat. Dried beef, rice crackers (bánh tráng mè), and Da Nang-style fermented pork (nem chua) are also worth trying. Prices are negotiable, especially if you buy in bulk.
Tropical fruits and local snacks
Depending on the season, you can find a variety of fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, mangosteens, longans, or dragon fruits. Many tourists also enjoy trying local snacks such as bánh khô mè Cẩm Lệ (crispy sesame cakes), coconut candy, or peanut brittle. Most are neatly packaged and easy to carry in your luggage.
Silk products and traditional fabrics
On the second floor of the market, you’ll find stalls selling silk scarves, áo dài fabric, and other colorful textiles. These make perfect gifts, as they reflect Vietnamese culture and craftsmanship. Many vendors can tailor garments on request, and you can even buy fabric to bring home if you prefer.
Clothes and accessories
Han Market is also a good place to buy casual clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flip-flops at affordable prices. You can find knock-off brands or unbranded fashion, mostly made in Vietnam. While the quality varies, prices are generally much cheaper than shopping malls. Bargaining is expected, and it’s often possible to get 20–30% off the initial asking price.
Handicrafts and souvenirs
Look for wooden carvings, ceramic goods, lanterns, conical hats, and hand-painted fans. These are perfect for gifts or home decoration. Popular picks include mini non la (Vietnamese hats), lacquerware, or hand-embroidered pouches.
Coffee and spices
Vietnam is one of the world’s top coffee producers, and Han Market offers many types of local beans and blends. You can buy ground coffee, whole beans, or even instant coffee with signature flavors like coconut or egg. Packaged Vietnamese spices and sauces, such as chili salt or fish sauce, are also available for those who want to recreate Vietnamese dishes at home.
Discover the must-try local dishes at Han Market Danang
Han Market is a true food lover’s haven. From traditional Vietnamese dishes to unique Da Nang specialties, the market offers a delicious culinary adventure right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re here for breakfast, a quick snack, or a full meal, you’ll find something tempting at every corner.
Mi Quang
One of the must-try dishes at Han Market is mi Quang. This turmeric-yellow noodle dish is served with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a splash of flavorful broth. It’s rich, fragrant, and packed with texture. A bowl usually costs around 25,000–35,000 VND. You can find delicious mi Quang at small food stalls in the back section of the market.
Banh Xeo and Nem Lui
Another local favorite is banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancakes) served with nem lui (grilled pork skewers). These dishes are wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in special peanut sauce. The sizzling sound and savory aroma will lure you to these food corners. A full portion costs about 40,000–60,000 VND.
Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc
These steamed rice cakes are delicate, slightly chewy, and topped with shrimp, pork, and scallions. Although they’re Hue-style snacks, they’re very popular in Da Nang and often sold in sets. A platter usually ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 VND.
Sweet Soup (Che)
After a savory meal, try a cup of che, Vietnamese sweet soup. From coconut milk and jelly to lotus seeds and green beans, each version is different and refreshing. A glass of che costs only 10,000 to 15,000 VND and makes for a great way to cool down.
Tips for shopping at Han Market like a local
Shopping in Han Market can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know how to play it like a local. Here are some useful tips to help you get the best value and avoid common tourist pitfalls:
- Take time to walk around before buying anything
Do not rush into buying the first item you see. Spend time exploring the stalls, comparing prices, and observing what other people are purchasing. This helps you avoid overpaying and allows you to spot the best deals.
- Bargaining is expected, just do it politely
Vendors at Han Market are used to bargaining, and most of them expect it. However, always be polite and friendly when you ask for a better price. A warm smile and respectful tone often lead to better results than aggressive haggling.
- Bring small cash and Vietnamese dong
Although some vendors accept bank transfers or digital payments, most still prefer cash. It is best to carry small denominations in Vietnamese dong to make the transaction smoother and avoid the need for change.
- Try to speak a few basic Vietnamese phrases
Knowing a few simple Vietnamese phrases such as “bao nhiêu tiền?” (how much is it?) or “mắc quá” (too expensive) can make a big difference. It shows effort and respect, and sometimes even earns you a small discount.
- Avoid buying from the first stall
You may notice several stalls selling similar items. It is a good idea to check multiple vendors before making a final purchase. You can often find the same product at a better price or higher quality just a few steps away.
- Shop in the morning for freshness and variety
If you are looking for fresh produce or local snacks, the best time to visit is early in the morning. This is when vendors are just opening, and the selection is at its best.
- Trust your instinct and enjoy the experience
While some stalls may seem pushy, most vendors are friendly and honest. If a price feels too high or a product looks questionable, do not feel pressured. Trust your gut feeling, and enjoy the cultural experience of shopping like a local in Da Nang.
Nearby attractions around Han Market
After exploring Han Market, you can easily visit several famous attractions located within a short walking or driving distance. These spots offer a deeper glimpse into Da Nang’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Dragon Bridge
Just a 10-minute walk from Han Market, Dragon Bridge is one of Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive steel bridge, shaped like a dragon stretching across the Han River, becomes truly magical at night. Every weekend at 9 PM, visitors gather to witness the dragon breathe fire and water in a captivating show. From the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city lights and riverside.
Da Nang Cathedral
Only 5 minutes away from Han Market, Da Nang Cathedral, also known as the “Rooster Church,” stands out with its pastel pink facade and French Gothic architecture. Built in 1923, this Catholic church is a popular photo spot thanks to its charming design and peaceful courtyard. It is a quiet escape from the busy market and a place to admire Da Nang’s colonial heritage.
Han River Waterfront
Right behind Han Market is the peaceful Han River promenade. Lined with palm trees, sculptures, and benches, it is a perfect spot for a relaxed walk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You can watch boats sail by, take in the breeze, or enjoy coffee at one of the many nearby cafés. The area is particularly beautiful during sunset, when the river reflects the golden sky.
Museum of Cham Sculpture
Located about 1.5 kilometers from Han Market, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. With ancient sandstone sculptures dating back to the 5th century, the museum offers a fascinating look into the Champa Kingdom’s rich heritage. It is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Central Vietnam’s history and unique art styles.
Read more: Discover Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
Looking for the perfect place to unwind after your Central Vietnam journey?
Treat yourself to a serene escape at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness. Nestled by the sea and surrounded by nature, this resort is a peaceful haven where luxury meets authentic Vietnamese hospitality – ideal for relaxing, recharging, and reflecting on your travels.
Han Market Danang is not only a shopping destination but also a cultural journey through this coastal city’s traditions, flavors, and daily life. By taking your time to explore, interact with the vendors, and venture into the surrounding attractions, you will leave with more than just souvenirs, you will take home stories and memories of a lively, welcoming city. So, make sure to include Han Market on your Da Nang itinerary and enjoy a truly local experience.
