Con Market is one of the most exciting shopping locations in Danang. It typically receives high traffic during the day and is a favorite spot for visitors and locals who want to experience the true Vietnamese market atmosphere.
Introduction To Con Market
Con Market is one of the largest and most capable traditional markets in Da Nang, and it is consistently busy with both local natives and foreign tourists. Since the 1940s, it has developed into an exciting marketplace for anything you might want to buy, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood to clothing, household items, and souvenirs. It is located conveniently in the center of the city, and the energy of the market gives visitors a chance to see what everyday life is like for the people of Da Nang.
In addition to shopping, Con Market has a great food scene for foodies. You can taste the delicious, authentic local dishes in Da Nang, such as the famous Mi Quang, banh xeo, and pork rolled in rice paper, for far less than you would pay at home. The food area was busy and filled with customers, with food juices mixing to create delectable scents. If you are keen to enjoy the culture of Da Nang, then a visit to Con Market is a must, and it is more than just a place to buy things, but a place to discover the heart and soul of Da Nang.
History Of Con Market
Con Market developed in step with the city’s economy, as the market itself has a long history. The first Con Market was established in the 1940s. Originally, Con Market developed on a high dune of sand where a cluster of temporary stalls was created to meet the daily requirements of the local population. When the local economy began to grow in the Ngo Dinh Diem period, Con Market developed into a recognized trading center and one of Da Nang’s largest commercial centers.
Key milestones reflect its evolution: in 1956, when Han Market was overloaded, Da Nang city hall authorized the construction of Con Market, only 1km away. In 1958, temporary halls were put up and expanded in 1963 and 1965, whereby each had a cost of 4,000,000 VND. In 1966, the modern functions were added, i.e., drainage, electricity, and permanent stalls, which all helped significantly improve the trade.
Finally, in 1972, together with an urbanisation plan of Da Nang city, the Con market upgrade was prioritised over Han Market, which finally became more lucrative than Han Market and became the biggest and busiest traditional market in Da Nang city.
Top 3 Iconic Attractions in Con Market
Apart from being a thriving Da Nang commerce hub, Con Market is a food heaven as well as a paradise for trying real Central Vietnamese delicacies. When at this place, you had better come up with an empty stomach, because you are only going to covet trying everything!
Indoor Food Court
The indoor eating area is separated into just two sections: a salty food section and a sugary food section, though there are some vegetarian choices available. Prices are quite low at only 15,000 to 30,000 VND per dish, so you can sample a lot without breaking the bank.
Among its best attributes is its cleanliness and neatness. Most foodstuffs are either in glass cabinets or are wrapped in plastic wraps, so individuals are confident about food safety while still having their appetites up.
Street/Stall Or Outdoor Catering
When you are at Con Market in the afternoon, head to the food court outside Hung Vuong Street. It comes alive only around 3 PM when there are lines upon lines of stalls offering a variety of local snacks, which are a favorite for locals as much as tourists.
From spicy bites to sugary street food, items at these stalls cost between 10,000 to 15,000 VND. Due to its lively atmosphere and affordable prices, this venue is extremely popular, so you may find you need to eat quickly so you can make way for the next hungry customer.
Dry Food & Specialty Zone
Enjoying fresh food is not complete without trying out the dry food and specialty aisle at Con Market. It is a great place for purchasing souvenirs in the form of dried seafood, fruits, and snacks locally available, and preserves found nowhere else in Da Nang. Among its favorites are Muc Rim (squid stir-fried with tamarind/chili sauce), which are seasoned with rich local spices and classic recipes. Due to its numerous high-quality specialties available, this region is a haven for anyone looking to bring a piece of Da Nang back home.
4 Unique Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
It is not only a shopping and eating marketplace, but it is also a peek into Da Nang’s daily life and cultural heritage. These are some cultural highlights you should not miss when you are there.
Experience Real Local Flavors
Food is at its core in Con Market, and sampling the specialties is one of life’s most memorable cultural moments. From crunchy Banh Xeo served with fresh herbs to rich Mi Quang served with peanuts and shrimp on top, each bite is a testament to its rich culinary past. Sit yourself down in a wee plastic chair at a street stall, join locals for a meal, and you experience its warm hospitality.
Discover The Traditional Market Vibe
Strolling between Con Market’s narrow passages provides a real glimpse into daily life rhythms. You hear the cries of the vendors hollering for clients, watch locals haggling for fresh produce, and inhale scents of sizzling food emanating throughout. Such a vibrant, untidy environment is a manifestation of Vietnamese community spirit in which markets are not only stores for shopping but also social settings.
Talk With Amiable Merchants
One of the best ways to connect with the culture at Con Market is to chat with the vendors. Many have been working here for decades, passing down their stalls from one generation to the next. They’re always eager to share stories about their goods, whether it’s handmade souvenirs, fresh fruits, or fragrant spices. Even a short conversation can give you a deeper appreciation of the traditions that keep the market alive.
Shopping For Exclusive Souvenirs
Apart from food, Con Market is also an ideal location for you to find handicrafts and products that symbolize local Vietnamese culture. From woven clothes to carefully carved trinkets, such products are not just souvenirs; they bear Vietnamese artistic touches and craftsmanship. Opting for a product that is handmade not only contributes to local sellers but also allows you to take a meaningful piece of Vietnamese culture back home.
Entrance Fee
Good news for travelers: Like other markets, like Han Market or Bac My An Market, at Con Market, you don’t need to worry about entry fees. It’s a traditional local market in Da Nang, and entry is completely free! You can wander around savoring the atmosphere, shopping for local goods, or just enjoying the real street food ambiance. So, Con Market is also a welcoming option for people who want to experience everyday life in the city.
Opening Hours
Con Market is open for visitors daily starting at 7:00 AM, featuring a shopping extravaganza with over 2,000 vendors (stalls) inside its three-level building, two two-level halls, and multiple open-air shopping sections. With its earliest ability to begin shopping, it is the best time to experience lively energy as they collaborate to ready their food goods for the day.
The market usually shuts down at 7:30 in the evening, but to maximize your shopping experience and see the range of products available in this market, you will want to arrive before 6:30 in the evening, since many stalls start to wrap up for the night.
The busiest visiting times are in the morning and late afternoon when you have a mix of locals and tourists filling the aisles. For the food lovers out there, even after the market closes, the food stalls and restaurants surrounding the market remain open until later in the evening, giving you more opportunities to embrace Da Nang’s vibrant street food scene.
How To Get To Con Market
Con Market is located centrally in Da Nang, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors alike. Depending on where you start your journey, you can choose a few routes to arrive at Con Market easily enough.
- Route 1: From Da Nang Bus Station: Upon leaving, take a right on Ton Duc Thang St and cross the Nga Ba Hue overpass. From there, continue straight onto Dien Bien Phu and Ly Thai To St until reaching the intersection of Hung Vuong and Ong Ich Khiem – Con Market is located at that intersection.
- Route 2: From Da Nang International Airport: Head towards Nguyen Tri Phuong St and proceed through the Dien Bien Phu underpass. From there, you will follow along Dien Bien Phu and Ly Thai To until reaching the Hung Vuong – Ong Ich Khiem intersection.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Con Market
Before you explore Con Market, you’ll want to know a few practical things so that you can have a fun, enjoyable time. These tips will help you enjoy the food, shopping, and vibe without any inconvenience.
- Focus on trying the specialties of Da Nang, don’t fill up on the foods you can easily find wherever you’re from, the different local flavors are what you need to experience!
- Make a list of must-tries before you head to the Con Market, that way you don’t fill up too early and miss out on the unique delicacies.
- When buying dried goods, clothing, or souvenirs, don’t hesitate to bargain! Start by offering 30-40% less than the first price they offer.
- Keep an eye on your belongings due to the overcrowded atmosphere of the market.
- Try and get there at least one hour before closing time (7:00 PM) so you can eat as well as shop before vendors start packing up.
FAQs About Con Market
Con Market is a very active and bustling ancient market in Da Nang, which is favored by locals as well as tourists. Here are some frequently asked questions in case you plan a visit there:
What is Con Market famous for?
Con Market is famous for its abundance of local street food stalls, fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and affordable commodities. Many tourists come here to try real Da Nang food like Mi Quang, Banh Xeo, and mouth-watering desserts. It is also an ideal marketplace for buying outfits, souvenirs, as well as daily items.
Is Con Market a tourist centre?
Really, though, Con Market is quite tourist-friendly. Most stallholders are accustomed to dealing with overseas tourists, and some even speak rudimentary English. Even if there is no translation in an easily understood language, individuals are normally very friendly and enthusiastic about making it a wonderful and real local experience.
Can I negotiate at Con Market?
Yes, there is bargaining at Con Market, particularly for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. As for food items, their prices are generally fixed but are still in an affordable range; you may negotiate nicely for purchasing other items. Bargaining is a shopping culture at this place and is a part of it.
Final Thoughts: Is Con Market Worth Visiting?
If you want to explore Da Nang like a local, Con Market is definitely a place to visit for authentic street food, fresh produce, daily essentials, and souvenirs. It’s an authentically bustling place full of culture and flavors. Con Market is both traditional and modern because it’s a market for both locals and tourists, you can find it all, and it’s a great stop for travelers and foodies! Be sure to check out Con Market for the true local experience and join with Seni World now!
