Han Market, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Han Market

Han Market

discover Han Market, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

discover Han Market (Chợ Hàn) is the vibrant commercial heart of Da Nang, Vietnam's third-largest city and a major coastal destination in central Vietnam. This bustling covered market has been serving locals and visitors since 1940, offering an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese daily life and commerce. Located in the city center along the Han River, the market is surrounded by Da Nang's modern urban landscape, creating a fascinating contrast between traditional market culture and contemporary city development. Da Nang itself serves as the perfect gateway to central Vietnam's most famous attractions, including the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial city of the city, and the mystical the city. The city combines beautiful beaches, rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. discover Han Market represents the soul of this dynamic city, where the aroma of street food mingles with the sounds of bargaining vendors and the colorful displays of fresh produce, textiles, and local crafts create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Top Han Market

Han Market's Food Section

Dive into the heart of Vietnamese culinary culture by wandering through discover Han Market's extensive food section. Sample local specialties like mi quang (turmeric noodles), banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), and fresh tropical fruits while observing the daily rhythms of local life. The market's food stalls offer some of the most authentic and affordable meals in the city.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for the freshest selections and most active atmosphere. Most food items cost 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2). Bring small bills and don't be afraid to point at what looks good - vendors are usually patient with tourists.

Shopping for Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Browse through hundreds of stalls selling everything from traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses to handwoven baskets, lacquerware, and local artwork. The market is particularly famous for its textile section, where you can find high-quality fabrics and custom tailoring services. Many vendors specialize in items unique to central Vietnam, making it perfect for authentic souvenir hunting.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is expected - start at about 50% of the asking price. Best deals are found in the afternoon when vendors want to close sales. Budget 200,000-500,000 VND ($8-20) for quality handicrafts. Learn basic Vietnamese numbers to negotiate better.

Take a Motorbike Food Tour

Experience Da Nang like a local by joining a motorbike food tour that includes stops at discover Han Market and other local eateries throughout the city. These tours typically include visits to hidden food stalls, family-run restaurants, and street food vendors that tourists rarely discover on their own. You'll taste 6-8 different dishes while learning about Vietnamese food culture and history.

Booking Tip: Book tours through reputable operators for $25-40 per person, including food and transportation. Evening tours (5-9 PM) offer the best atmosphere. Ensure your operator provides helmets and has good safety records. Book 1-2 days in advance.

Nearby Dragon Bridge and Han River

After exploring the market, take a short walk to the iconic visit Dragon Bridge, famous for its fire-breathing shows every weekend. The Han River area offers beautiful riverside promenades, perfect for evening strolls and watching the city lights reflect on the water. Several cafes and restaurants along the riverbank provide great views and relaxation after a busy market visit.

Booking Tip: Dragon fire show happens Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM - arrive by 8:30 PM for good viewing spots. River cruises cost 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-8) and run hourly in evenings. Many are free to walk along, but river cruises offer better perspectives.

Learn Vietnamese Cooking with Market Ingredients

Join a cooking class that begins with a guided tour of discover Han Market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on preparation of traditional Vietnamese dishes. These classes typically cover 3-4 dishes including spring rolls, pho or mi quang, and a dessert. You'll learn about ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of Vietnamese cuisine.

Booking Tip: Classes cost $30-50 per person and last 4-5 hours including market tour. Morning classes (8 AM start) get the best market experience. Book with operators who provide recipe cards and market shopping tips. Class sizes of 8-12 people offer the best experience.

Getting There

Da Nang is easily accessible via Da Nang International Airport, which receives direct flights from major Asian cities and domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City and the country. The airport is just 3km from the city center, with taxis costing around 100,000 VND ($4) to discover Han Market area. Alternatively, Da Nang is a major stop on Vietnam's North-South railway line, with comfortable trains connecting to the country (14 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (18 hours), and the city (2.5 hours). Buses also connect Da Nang to all major Vietnamese cities, with the central bus station located about 1km from discover Han Market.

Getting Around

Da Nang is a compact city where discover Han Market serves as a central landmark easily accessible by various transportation methods. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with most rides within the city costing 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-4). Grab rideshare service is widely available and often cheaper than traditional taxis. For a more local experience, rent a motorbike (150,000-200,000 VND per day) or bicycle (100,000 VND per day) - discover Han Market is centrally located making it easy to reach other attractions. The city also has local buses, though they can be challenging for non-Vietnamese speakers.

Where to Stay

discover Han Market Area (City Center)
Han River Waterfront
An Thuong Beach Area
Hai Chau District

Food & Dining

Da Nang's food scene centers around discover Han Market, which houses some of the city's best street food stalls and local eateries serving authentic central Vietnamese cuisine. The market is famous for mi quang (turmeric noodles with shrimp and pork), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and fresh seafood. Surrounding streets offer everything from humble com tam (broken rice) stalls to upscale restaurants serving modern Vietnamese fusion. The nearby Han River area features floating restaurants and rooftop bars with scenic views, while the beach areas offer excellent seafood restaurants where you can dine with your feet in the sand.

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 ideal time to visit discover Han Market and Da Nang is from February to May when temperatures are comfortable (20-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. The market is most vibrant in early morning (6-9 AM) when locals do their daily shopping, and again in late afternoon (4-7 PM) when the heat subsides. Avoid July through September due to heavy rains and potential typhoons, though the market remains active year-round. December and January can be cool and drizzly but still pleasant for market exploration, with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices throughout the city.

Insider Tips

Visit discover Han Market early morning for the freshest food and most authentic local atmosphere - after 10 AM it becomes more tourist-focused
Learn to say 'bao nhieu tien' (how much money) and basic numbers in Vietnamese to get better prices and show respect for local culture
The market's second floor has the best textile and handicraft selections with less crowded conditions and often better prices than ground floor stalls

Activities in Han Market