Home › Destinations › Con Market
Con Market, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Con Market

Con Market

visit Con Market, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

visit Con Market (Chợ Cồn) is a vibrant traditional market located in the heart of Can Tho, the largest city in the the city region of Vietnam. This bustling marketplace serves as the commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural communities, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Vietnamese life. The market is renowned for its incredible variety of fresh produce, from exotic tropical fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile delta soil to freshly caught fish from the Mekong River. Visiting visit Con Market provides travelers with an immersive cultural experience, where the sights, sounds, and aromas create a sensory feast. The market operates from early morning until late evening, with the most active period being dawn when wholesale buyers arrive to purchase goods for redistribution throughout the region. Beyond shopping, visit Con Market serves as a social gathering place where locals catch up on news, share meals at small food stalls, and conduct business deals that have sustained the delta's economy for generations.

Top Con Market

Early Morning Market Tour

Experience the market at its most vibrant during the pre-dawn hours when wholesale trading begins. Witness the organized chaos as vendors arrange their stalls with fresh produce, and observe the intricate negotiations between buyers and sellers that determine daily prices across the region.

Booking Tip: Visit between 4:30-6:30 AM for the most authentic experience. No booking required, but hiring a local guide costs around $15-20 and provides valuable cultural insights and translation help.

Traditional Food Sampling

Navigate through dozens of food stalls offering regional specialties like banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and various noodle soups. The market is famous for its tropical fruit section where you can taste exotic varieties like dragon fruit, rambutan, and durian with guidance from knowledgeable vendors.

Booking Tip: Budget $10-15 for extensive food sampling. Visit mid-morning (8-10 AM) when food stalls are fully operational but crowds are manageable. Bring cash in small denominations.

Local Handicraft Shopping

Discover traditional Vietnamese handicrafts including woven baskets, conical hats (non la), and handmade textiles produced by delta artisans. Many vendors offer items not found in tourist shops, providing authentic souvenirs while supporting local craftspeople and their families.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is expected - start at 50-60% of the asking price. Best selection available 9 AM-4 PM. Bring a sturdy bag for purchases and consider shipping costs for larger items.

Photography Workshop

Capture the vibrant colors, dynamic interactions, and authentic moments of daily market life. The interplay of natural light filtering through the market's architecture creates excellent opportunities for both portrait and street photography throughout different times of day.

Booking Tip: Golden hour (6-8 AM) offers the best lighting. Always ask permission before photographing people. Consider a photography tour guide for $25-30 to access best vantage points and cultural context.

Cooking Ingredient Tour

Learn to identify and select authentic Vietnamese cooking ingredients while exploring the market's extensive spice, herb, and condiment sections. Local vendors often share preparation tips and traditional uses for unfamiliar ingredients, enhancing your understanding of Vietnamese cuisine.

Booking Tip: Combine with a cooking class for full experience. Ingredient tours cost $20-30 and typically last 2-3 hours. Best done 10 AM-2 PM when vendors have time to explain their products in detail.

Getting There

visit Con Market is located in Can Tho city, accessible by various transportation methods from Ho Chi Minh City. The most convenient option is taking a bus from the Western Bus Terminal, with regular departures throughout the day and a journey time of approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Can Tho Airport, which offers domestic flights from major Vietnamese cities, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the market. For a more scenic route, consider taking a the city tour that includes transportation and stops at various attractions along the way.

Getting Around

The market area is easily navigable on foot, though the narrow aisles can become crowded during peak hours. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular local transportation options and can be rented nearby for exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are readily available for longer distances within Can Tho city. Many visitors prefer to walk from nearby hotels, as the market district is compact and most accommodations are within a 10-15 minute walking distance.

Where to Stay

Can Tho City Center
Ninh Kieu District
Cai Rang Area
Mekong Riverside
An Hoa Ward
Xuan Khanh District

Food & Dining

The market itself offers an incredible array of dining options, from street food stalls serving traditional breakfast dishes to small restaurants specializing in the city cuisine. Must-try local specialties include banh cong (crispy shrimp pancakes), hu tieu My Tho (clear noodle soup), and fresh tropical fruit smoothies. The surrounding streets feature numerous family-run restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese meals at very reasonable prices. For a more upscale dining experience, the nearby Ninh Kieu area offers restaurants with river views serving both local and international cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Danang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng

4.9 /5
(13395 reviews) 2

Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(7138 reviews) 1

Cô Ba Phở bò

4.8 /5
(6940 reviews) 2

Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang

4.7 /5
(6846 reviews) 1

Nhà hàng NHÀ BẾP CHỢ HÀN

4.8 /5
(5386 reviews) 2

Ăn Thôi Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4341 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit visit Con Market is during the dry season from December to April when weather conditions are most comfortable for walking around the covered and open-air sections. Early morning visits (5-8 AM) offer the most authentic experience with active trading and cooler temperatures, while late morning to early afternoon (9 AM-2 PM) provides the best selection of goods and food options. Avoid visiting during heavy rain as some market areas may become difficult to navigate, and consider that the market is busiest on weekends when local families do their weekly shopping.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small denominations (10,000-50,000 VND notes) as most vendors don't accept cards or large bills, and having exact change speeds up transactions significantly.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip as market floors can be wet and slippery, especially in the fresh produce and fish sections.
Learn basic Vietnamese numbers and common phrases like 'bao nhieu tien' (how much) to enhance your bargaining experience and show respect for local culture.

Activities in Con Market