Traditional markets tour in Vietnam – A Cultural Expedition

Markets are a place for exchange, trade, and a representation of the unique and delicate cultural characteristics of each region. Traditional markets tour in Vietnam not only allows tourists to buy their favorite items and souvenirs but also to discover the architecture of ancient markets and especially, to explore the unique cultural features of each region. Let Athai Travel help you learn about the traditional market in Vietnam.

Since ancient times, a market has been understood as a place where buying and selling activities, exchange of goods and services for money or bartering take place. It can also be a place for research, introduction, advertising, and marketing of products and services.

At the market, people can connect, collaborate and share with each other to achieve common benefits and form cultural, social,
and economic relationships. However, nowadays, the concept of a traditional market is understood in a more familiar way.

It refers to a type of business that has been developed based on traditional commercial activities, organized at a designated location, meeting the needs of buying, and exchanging goods and services and the consumption needs of the local residents.

Markets often appear in areas that are not too crowded or bustling, especially in rural and suburban areas. They are familiar shopping places for local people in that area. Many people ask whether they should go to the traditional market vs modern market, which one they will like better. The answer depends on each person’s preference.

However, if you are considering whether to go to a traditional market in Vietnam or not, the answer is that you should. The images of well-organized, clean, and attractive traditional markets, where traditional stores are mixed with traditional markets and convenient accompanying services, have attracted locals and tourists to visit and shop.

Each traditional market is bustling and preserves the long-standing traditional cultural features. Here, not only can you learn about Vietnamese culture and people, but you can also immerse yourself in and enjoy a food tour in Vietnam. You are guaranteed to never forget these valuable experiences.

The market was completed in 1914, and until now, with a lifespan of over 100 years, the market is not only the largest trading center in the South but also considered a witness to the ups and downs of the city’s history.

This is the place where many items are concentrated, from clothes, shoes, fabrics, handicrafts, souvenirs, and jewelry to specialty dishes. The market operates both day and night, especially when night falls, many small night markets gather around, creating a bustling and vibrant night market area that makes Saigon always colorful.

When it comes to Thang Long – Hanoi, we can’t miss Dong Xuan Market, a famous market in the northern region. Located right in the center of the Old Quarter, it gathers a wide variety of items such as fabrics, household items, clothes, etc.

Moreover, tourists also know Dong Xuan Market as a famous street food market in Hanoi. It is not only a bustling trading place, but also a cultural and historical symbol of Hanoi, which has existed since the Nguyen Dynasty.

Visiting Dong Xuan Market, you can freely shop for beautiful and unique items and enjoy the delicious street food of Hanoi, along with unforgettable experiences. When coming here, you can fully enjoy traditional Northern cuisine such as bun cha, pork rib porridge, bamboo shoot vermicelli soup, etc.

Initially, the market was built outside the East Gate of the city. Around 1885, during the siege of the imperial capital of Hue, the market was also burned down by the French colonialists.

During the reign of King Thanh Thai (1899), the market was moved closer to the intersection of Song Hang Be and Song Huong where it remains to this day.After undergoing several destructions and repairs, this market has become much more splendid and bustling.

The special feature of Dong Ba market is its ancient Hue-style architecture, including a central bell tower and nine rows of surrounding buildings with four new commercial areas such as the service area, the self-produced goods area, the fish market, and others.

Around 1885, during the time of the Hue capital’s defeat, the market was also burned down by the French colonialists. After being destroyed and repaired several times, until now, this market has become more spacious and bustling.

The special feature of Dong Ba Market is that it is built in a traditional Hue architectural style. Traditional markets tour in Vietnam include a bell tower in the central area and nine rows of surrounding buildings with four new commercial areas such as the service area, the self-produced goods area, the fish market, and more.

The market was built in 1958 on the foundation of the old market called Cay Market. In 1960, the market was completed with the idea and design of architect Nguyen Duy Duc.

Due to the increasing development of tourism in Da Lat and the growing demand for trade, in 1993, a B zone with three floors was added. Until now, it is considered the first multi-story market in Vietnam.

Ensuring that traditional markets tour in Vietnam will provide you with the most complete experience of the people and the beautiful Central Highlands region full of sunshine and wind. It is guaranteed that visiting this street market Vietnam will give you the fullest experience of the people and the beauty of the sunny and windy Central Highlands region.

Traditional markets tour in Vietnam – Dam Market is called Dam Market because the market is located on a large old pond, which is 7 hectares wide, flowing out to the Nha Trang River under Ha Ra Bridge.

The market now sells a wide variety of household products and souvenirs, seafood, and more. At the entrance and exit, the parking area is located near the market, and on both sides of the market’s covered arches, seafood, dried goods, grilled nem, souvenirs, and essential items are sold.

With its dense network of rivers and canals, the Mekong Delta is known for its fascinating floating markets. Built in 1915, the Nga Bay Floating Market has not only been a place for trading goods among the locals but also a popular tourist destination for experiencing and shopping.

The uniqueness of this market lies in its location where seven major river branches converge: Xeo Vong, Lai Hieu, Xeo Mon, Soc Trang, Bung Tau, Mang Ca, and Cai Mon. This convergence has made the Nga Bay Floating Market a distinct feature that cannot be confused with any other market, as well as a mystery that attracts many visitors who want to explore the floating market tour.

Upon arrival, visitors will see a colorful scene of fruits, vegetables, and food vendors on the water. Each boat usually sells only one type of product and advertises it on hanging signs, adding to the market’s unique charm.

If you have the chance to traditional markets tour in Vietnam, everyone should try to float on the water surface to enjoy the early morning coffee, and delicious fish noodle soup, or listen to the captivating folk songs of the girl in the charming ao ba ba (traditional dress). It will definitely provide tourists with many exciting experiences when visiting this market.

One of the most special things when coming to Vietnam is experiencing the floating markets in the Mekong Delta region. This is the most unique feature and also the pride of Vietnam when bringing this cultural trait to the international community.

Cai Rang Floating Market usually operates from early morning until around 9 am, and tourists should visit around 6-7 am to experience the most crowded and bustling atmosphere.

The market specializes in trading famous local agricultural products and fruits, such as Vinh Long pomelos, Tra Vinh coconuts, Lai Vung pink mandarins, and Cai Mon durians. In addition to essential items, many other services are available here, such as cafes, floating bars, etc.

Traditional markets tour in Vietnam can come here to trade, have breakfast and enjoy local specialties on the boats. This is a typical cultural feature in the Mekong Delta that attracts many foreign tourists to visit.

Cai Be Floating Market is located in Tien Giang province, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre. The market operates from 2 am to 8 am. The market offers a variety of products for sale, from fabrics, household items to food and drinks.

The market is famous for being a large fruit trading center in Tien Giang province with many famous fruits such as green-skinned pomelos, Lo Ren milk apples, oranges, grapefruits, and Cai Be mandarins.

The floating boats selling noodles such as hu tieu, pho, and bun are very lively and interesting.

Traditional markets tour in Vietnam – Tra On Floating Market is located at the end of the Hau River with a length of over 300 meters, right in the middle of the intersection of Hau River and Mang Thit River.

This market can be considered a central market because large quantities of products such as lard, sweet potato, cucumber, pomelo, Tan Thanh mandarins, and Lục Sĩ Thành durians are traded here. The popular dish, considered a specialty of the market, is a beef noodle soup with banana blossom.

Traditional markets tour in Vietnam – Long Xuyen Floating Market is located on the Hau River in My Phuoc Ward, Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province. People live and do business on their boats here every day, and they consider it their home.

The busiest time at Long Xuyen Floating Market is in the morning, with mainly colorful flowers, vegetables, pumpkin, and cabbage, as well as famous dishes of An Giang such as fish noodle soup, pigskin cake, and silk-worm cake.

The special thing about this market is that all products are sold at very low prices, so buyers do not need to bargain, and sellers always do business with a generous heart, typical of people in the Western region.

Each market has its own unique features that showcase the beauty of each region. Take your time and join Athai Travel to enjoy the “Traditional markets tour in Vietnam”. Let’s experience and understand more about the life, people, and culture of Vietnam together.

Read also: Top traditional handicraft market tour in Vietnam