Han Market: An Awesome Shopping Destination in Da Nang
Han Market is an exciting shopping haven in the city centre of Da Nang. This unique shopping venue is situated along the Han River, a great location that has helped it bring in millions of visitors year-round.
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There are a huge variety of goods to buy in this incredible market, with plenty of bargains available. Clothes, trainers, Vietnamese handicrafts, and dried fruits are just a few things that you’ll be able to find at Han Market.
In this guide to the Han Market, we'll explore its history, how to get there, and what to buy at this bustling riverside shopping destination.
History of Han Market Da Nang in Hai Chau District
Han Market is located in the heart of Hai Chau District, Da Nang, Vietnam. This old market dates back to French colonial times and was originally built for the local community. Now it’s one of the most famous markets in Da Nang, and both locals and tourists love to visit this bustling market. Its location near the Han River and Han River Bridge has made this unique market a central hub for trade and commerce for decades.
Han Market view in Da Nang
In the old days, Han Market was just a small trading post where villagers would come to exchange goods and products. However, when Da Nang eventually became a major city, the market grew in size and also in terms of the variety of goods sold. The construction of new roads and bridges made it easier to access the market from the An Hai District, bringing more and more customers from different areas of Da Nang.
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Han Market has now become a symbol of Da Nang’s history and culture. You can find a huge variety of goods like traditional Vietnamese clothes, sporting goods, handicrafts, dried fruits, and Vietnamese coffee. Da Nang's unique pastes and sauces are also available here, making it a culturally iconic destination where visitors can shop and experience local culture at the same time.
What to Expect at Han Market
Han Market has an exciting variety of goods at very competitive prices. The entire 1st floor is dedicated to clothing and fashion accessories like bags, sporting goods, t-shirts, and shorts. While the ground floor is dedicated to souvenirs, dried foods, coffee, sauces, and Vietnamese snacks and sweets.
It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts, but do not expect so much street food inside the Han Market. You will be able to find a variety of Da Nang food, including local dishes like banh canh and cao lầu, at the street food stalls and small restaurants outside and nearby the market area.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experience is great but slightly chaotic at the Han Market. There are tons of stalls with lots of people and vendors inviting you to take a look at their goods. Haggling is also common, so be prepared to negotiate prices with vendors.
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Do not be afraid to negotiate, as many vendors do not have price tags on their goods, meaning they will likely quote you something based on what they feel like it's worth.
Nonetheless, this is a fun part of the experience, and prices at the market are usually very cheap regardless of haggling or not. Vendors are friendly in general, but keep in mind the market can get very busy, so if you're looking for a calm shopping experience, you should visit in the morning or early afternoon.
Best Things to Buy at Han Market
Items like sporting clothes, flip-flops, trainers, bags, and accessories are great at the Han Market. The prices are very reasonable for these items, and there is a huge variety available. Vietnamese snacks and coffee are also very popular items to buy at the Han Market, and you can find a lot of variety of snacks; most of them are local snacks and coffee brands.
In summary, the best things to buy are:
Clothing, fashion accessories, trainers, bags, and sporting goods.
Snacks like dried mango, coffee, and Vietnamese sweets.
Handicrafts and small souvenirs.
There are a variety of other goods available at the market too, but most stalls sell the products listed above.
How to get to Han Market, Da Nang
The market is centrally located in the heart of Da Nang city, Hai Chau District, just behind Bach Dang Street on Tran Phu Street. This convenient location makes it easily accessible by car, taxi, or motorbike. Walking to the Han Market is another great option depending on where you're staying in Da Nang.
It's around a 1-hour walk from My Khe Beach, but if you're staying near the riverside, walking is a very easy option, as it's only a 20-minute walk from the Dragon Bridge.
The address for Han Market is 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau 1 ward, Hai Chau district. Wherever you're staying in Da Nang, taxis are usually quite cheap to reach the Han Market, and it is easily accessible from most areas.
Best Time to Visit
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Best time to visit is between 10 am and 12 pm, when the market is not so busy
Early morning is a great time to try local food and drinks
Day Trip Itinerary
The Han Market is a great activity, but as it does not take more than 2 hours to visit, I recommend combining it with other tourist attractions in Da Nang, such as the Dragon Bridge or a Han River cruise.
View of the Dragon Bridge during sunset in Da Nang, Vietnam
Visiting the riverside and the main bridges of Da Nang is probably one of the most convenient ways to bundle your sightseeing. The Han Market is located right next to these attractions, and you could easily walk there.
The Son Tra Market near the Dragon Bridge is also a great night market, so if you finish your Han Market visit, you could move onto the Dragon Bridge and night market after.
Alternatively, taking a full-day Da Nang city tour, including the Han market and other famous landmarks, is another great way to enjoy Da Nang.
Local Restaurants and Coffee Shops
The area surrounding Han Market is teeming with restaurants and coffee shops that offer unique flavors and dining experiences. After a day of shopping, treat yourself to local dishes like Quang Noodles, Nem Lui, and vermicelli at one of the many nearby eateries.
For coffee enthusiasts, Cong Caphe and other local coffee shops provide a range of Vietnamese coffee options, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. These dining spots not only offer delicious food and drinks but also a chance to immerse yourself further into the local culture of Da Nang.
Hotels Near Han Market
The Hai Chau District is a great area to stay in, especially near the riverside. The area near the Han River has access to many of Da Nang's attractions, such as the Dragon Bridge, Han Market, and Son Tra Night Market.
There are plenty of hotels in the area, ranging from 5-star hotels to small guesthouses. It's a great place to stay, but it's a little far from the beach, so if that's your priority, you might want to stay in the My Khe Beach or Phuoc My areas.
Han Market vs Other Famous Markets
Han Market is one of the most popular markets in Da Nang, but it’s not the only one. Here’s a comparison with Con Market, another famous market in Da Nang.
Comparison with Con Market
Con Market is larger and better suited for household items and local crafts. However, Han Market’s central location and diverse range of products make it more convenient for visitors. While Con Market is known for its traditional Vietnamese products and souvenirs. Han Market offers a more compact shopping experience, it's easier to navigate, but it still has plenty of goods.
Son Tra Night Market, situated next to the Dragon Bridge, is another great shopping destination. However, it focuses more on street food, whereas Han Market and Con Market sell more products. If you're looking to try lots of street food, then I recommend Son Tra Night Market as an addition to Han Market, especially as it is located within a 20-minute walk of Han Market.
Summary of Han Market Da Nang
Han Market is a shopper’s paradise in the heart of Da Nang, Vietnam. It offers a wide range of products, including dried food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
It's a great place to experience the local culture and the daily life of Da Nang’s residents, along with picking up some bargains and unique products. Overall, the Han Market is a must-visit destination in Da Nang.