What to Buy in Han Market at Da Nang?

On the Ground Floor

Han Market (Cho Han) has two levels with four gates opening to four streets and the river (Tran Phu Gate as main entrance). Here, there are 576 stalls and 36 kiosks, attracting both local and foreign shoppers. It’s busy throughout the day.

On the ground floor, visitors can see a variety of local products to buy, including cakes (Cam Le dry black sesame cake, mung bean cake, durian cake, mango cake,…), candies (coconut candy, mango candy,…), crackers, candied fruits, nuts and seeds (lotus seeds, cashew nuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts,…), dried seafood (especially fishes, shrimp, squid, seahorse,…), Vietnamese beef jerky, caramelized seafood (most popularly fish, squid and small crabs), pork or beef sausage (sellers don’t mind to give buyers a small sample to know the flavour, beef sausage cha bo is famous in Da Nang), fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, coffee beans and powder, instant coffee, dried tea, Nam O fish sauce, fermented sauces or pastes (from shrimp, prawn, fishes), rice papers, dried noodles, prawn cracker, packs of spices (chilli, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, cinamon, star anise, black pepper, coriander seed,…), tiger balm (esp ‘golden star balm’), essential oils (cajeput oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil,…). Yes, Han Market is a paradise for shoppers to buy something to bring home. Like other local marketplaces, Tet holiday or Lunar new year festival when most things are sold in the year, is one of the best times to visit.

Sellers at Han Market do not mind giving a sample of food souvenirs which buyers are interested in. Visitors don’t have to buy something if they feel the stuff is not good enough or its price is not affordable. In this market, sellers are not rude like other local places.

Beside that, on the ground level, it’s also possible to find Vietnamese traditional leaf hat (non la), handicraft souvenirs (chopsticks, coconut boats, marble pieces, small wooden sculptures,…), postcards, local brand fashion items (bags, wallet, hat,…).

Along the covered walkway from Bach Dang Gate, there are some stalls selling local dishes (fishcake noodle soup or bun cha ca, pork rice paper rolls or banh trang cuon thit heo, bun mam nem or fermented anchovy sauce noodles, avocado ice cream or kem bo, and cold beverages (sugarcane juice, coconut water, coffee,…).

Han Market has a very small food court and number of stalls, so if seek a ‘local food market’, visitors should spend time at Con Market or Son Tra Night Market. For shopping, this market is still a top choice.

On the First Floor

Upstairs, visitors will see plenty of fashion items, for all ages and genders. There are ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), ready-to-wear T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, office shirts, short and long pants, jackets, dresses, shoes, sandal, hat, handbag, travel bags and suitcases, wallet, leather belt, shocks, underwear, swimsuit, more. The price depends on the seller, quality, brand, etc. Generally, buyers can bargain to make the price lower (if feel the stuff is too expensive) or request a discount if take some stuff from one shop. We advise going around and asking the price to compare between shops, to choose the best quality and best price stuff.

In addition, it’s possible to find fabric kiosks and tailors. Although there are a lot more choices in Hoi An, if do not have time, visitors can come here to get a dress made (the most popular dress made here is ao dai or Vietnamese long dress). The price depends on the material and style;

Outside the Market Building

Along streets around Han Market (Tran Phu St, Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Tran Phu St), visitors can see many banks, gold/accessory shops, fashion shops, café and restaurants.

On Pham Phu Thu St, between the Pink Church and Tran Phu St, most flower shops are seen, giving it the name ‘flower market’.