VIETNAMESE MARKETS: EXPLORING VIETNAMESE CULTURE

Vietnamese markets are an indispensable part of daily life and a destination not to be missed on a trip to Vietnam. These bustling trading centers are a place to exchange goods, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and showcase the beauty of traditional culture and local cuisine. Vietnamese markets will bring visitors new and interesting experiences. 

1. 6 TYPES OF VIETNAMESE MARKETS 

1.1. Day market – Vietnamese traditional market 

Day market are a typical cultural feature in Vietnamese daily life, where people gather to shop for essential items, fresh food or local products. The day market offers products ranging from fresh foods such as vegetables, meat, fruits to consumer goods such as clothes, shoes or handicraft products. This is where you can learn about the customs and lifestyle of the local people. You will easily see images of Vietnamese women going to the market early in the morning to buy the freshest foods for their families. Day Market is the most popular Vietnamese market across the country, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of local culture.

1.2. Night market – vibrant lifestyle of local 

The Vietnamese night market is a famous destination for visitors to experience the bustling life of the city at night. These markets usually open in the evening and end the next morning. Night markets in Vietnam are always busy and bustling, where visitors can enjoy delicious local dishes and participate in activities taking place at the market. Unlike the day market, the night market focuses on selling street food or local specialties. In some markets, visitors can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts made by local people.

1.3. Flower market – colorful Vietnamese market 

The flower market is an interesting and colorful destination, where visitors can explore the diversity of flowers. These markets often open early in the morning or on special occasions such as Tet and full moon days. The colorful colors and scent of flowers create a relaxing space. Visiting the flower market is a great opportunity to buy beautiful bouquets of flowers. The flower market is not only a place to shop but also an ideal destination for tourists on the journey to explore the culture of Vietnamese markets.

1.4. Vietnamese seafood market 

The seafood market is a place that focuses on selling fresh seafood, an ideal destination for seafood lovers and those who want to learn more about marine seafood. There are also seafood processing counters here for the convenience of buyers. These markets are often located near coastal areas, where there are rich and diverse seafood sources. Visiting a seafood market is a great opportunity to find and purchase fresh seafood for your Vietnamese market exploration.

1.5. Vietnamese highland market 

Highland markets are special markets located in high mountain areas of Vietnam. These markets often sell local specialties such as vegetables, handcrafted foods and traditional ethnic textile products. Visiting highland markets allows you to learn about the culture, customs and lives of local people.

1.6. Vietnamese floating market 

Floating markets are a typical Vietnamese market form in the southwestern regions of Vietnam. These markets are not located on the ground but take place on rivers, creating a unique and vibrant trading space. People buy and sell goods on boats. The floating market is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy delicious dishes right on the boat.

2. TOP 5 FAMOUS VIETNAMESE MARKETS IN VIETNAM 

2.1. Dong Xuan Market – symbol of Vietnamese market 

Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest Vietnamese markets in Hanoi. With a long history, Dong Xuan market is not only a place for shopping but also an important destination to learn about the history and culture of Hanoi. The market offers a variety of products such as clothes, shoes, handicrafts and is especially an ideal place for tourists to enjoy Hanoi cuisine such as bun cha (kebab rice noodle), pho, banh cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake). Go to Dong Xuan market , visitors will feel the nostalgia in the market’s architecture, the friendliness of the sellers and the excitement and bustle of this city.

2.2. Ben Thanh Market – must-visit in HCMC 

Ben Thanh Market is one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City and one of the oldest Vietnamese markets in the south. Located in District 1, Ben Thanh market has a bold architectural style of the French colonial period. Ben Thanh Market offers diverse products and attractive dishes. This market is always bustling with shopping and trading activities. Foreign tourists often come here to buy souvenirs and enjoy local specialties.

2.3. Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is one of the traditional markets of Hue city. Located in the city center, this market is not only a shopping place but also a place that reflects the cultural life of the people of the central region. Visiting Dong Ba market is a great opportunity to enjoy Hue specialties such as Hue beef noodle soup, banh canh, etc. This market will give you the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and customs of the Hue people. You will feel the traditional and warm atmosphere of the local people.

2.4. Cai Rang floating market

Cai Rang floating market is one of the most famous markets in the southwest. This market stands out with trading activities taking place on small boats, giving visitors unique experiences about the river life of local people. This place offers many local products, especially tropical fruits such as watermelon, mango, and grapefruit. Besides, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine such as banh xeo, noodles, etc.

2.5. Con Market

Con Market is one of the famous markets in Da Nang, located in the city center and is an attractive place for tourists on their journey to explore famous Vietnamese markets. This is an ideal place for tourists to buy meaningful souvenirs and local specialties. There are separate areas here for food enthusiasts. This is the place to help you experience the cultural life of Da Nang city in an authentic and interesting way.

2.6. Sapa love market

Sapa love market is one of the unique cultural features of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. This is not only a place to shop but also an opportunity for ethnic minority communities to meet and exchange cultures. Love markets usually take place on weekends. This is the time when ethnic groups from all over come to participate, creating a vibrant and rich atmosphere. If you are a lover of Vietnamese culture, don’t forget to visit this unique Vietnamese market.

3. Bargaining tips for foreign tourists at Vietnamese markets

Bargaining is an exciting part of the shopping experience at traditional Vietnamese markets. Melon Travel suggests some effective bargaining tips for foreign tourists:

• • Find out the average price of the items you want to buy before going to the market. You can ask hotel staff or local people.
  • Always smile and be positive during the price negotiation process
  • If possible, buy multiple products at the same time to receive a discounted price
  • Start bargaining at a price about 50% lower than the seller’s asking price. Then, slowly raise the price to find a reasonable price for both parties
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese sentences like Bao nhiêu tiền? (How much), Có thể giảm giá được không? (Can you give me a discount)
  • Bring cash for easy payment

Vietnamese markets are not only a place to trade but also a place to preserve traditional Vietnamese culture. Each market, from the traditional market to the bustling night market, gives visitors wonderful experiences. Come to Vietnamese markets to feel the vibrant, rich life and hospitality of local people.