Vietnam's Traditional Market

The Dong Ba Market traces it provenance way back in Hue history. Historically, the market stood outside the Hue Citadel and was the largest commercial center in Thua Thien Hue province. Unfortunately, when the Citadel was attacked in 1885, the market was burned down. Three years later, it was officially renamed, rebuilt, and relocated.

Residents in Ho Chi Minh City have a saying that goes, “If it’s in Ho Chi Minh City, you can find it in Ben Thanh Market.” The city’s central market spreads on one side of a major roundabout in District 1, which has been the market’s location for more than a century.

Cai Rang is the largest floating market in Vietnam. It’s located on the Mekong Delta’s Can Tho River. Get there in the morning to see the market at its busiest – the market gets going at around 5:00 AM. Boat rides from Can Tho takes about 30 minutes, and give you the chance to see this riverside community wake up.

The Mekong Delta is known as the most fertile part of the country, and a visit to Cai Be Floating Market allows you to get a sense of the intense abundance. Shop like a local as you carefully step from one boat to the next, interacting with friendly local vendors and learn what it’s like to shop in this aquatic atmosphere.