By aussiematesvietnam Experience Local Life at Con Market Da Nang
G’day fellow Aussies! Aussie Mates here with another slice of Vietnam life. After nearly two decades calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I have become pretty well-versed in the local markets. And let me tell you, if you’re heading to Da Nang, Con Market (Chợ Cồn) is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a shopping spot—it’s a full-blown cultural experience that’ll give you the authentic Vietnam vibe you’re after.
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When Tracy and I first stumbled upon Con Market back in the early 2000s, it was significantly different from what you’ll see today. Yet despite all the modernization that’s swept through Da Nang, this market has maintained its authentic local charm. Whether you’re after some cheap clothes, unique souvenirs, a proper Vietnamese coffee, or just want to people-watch while sampling street food, Con Market delivers the goods in spades.
So grab a cold one, put your feet up, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about experiencing local life at Con Market in Da Nang. Trust this old bloke—it’ll be worth your while!
A Bit of History and Location
Con Market has been around since the French colonial period and has seen Da Nang transform from a sleepy coastal town to the booming city it is today. The name “Cồn” refers to the slightly elevated land it was built on, which used to be a small hill or “cồn” in Vietnamese.
You’ll find the market smack-bang in the heart of Da Nang, at the intersection of Hung Vuong, Ong Ich Khiem, and Tran Phu Streets. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the famous Dragon Bridge, making it dead easy to include in your Da Nang itinerary.
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When Tracy and I visit Da Nang (which is at least 3-4 times a year these days), we usually stay in the beach area and grab a Grab taxi to the market. It’ll set you back about 70,000-100,000 VND (roughly $4-6 AUD), depending on traffic and your haggling skills. If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a motorbike is another option, but fair warning—Da Nang traffic can be a bit hectic for us Aussies who aren’t used to the organized chaos of Vietnamese roads!
The Layout and What to Expect
Con Market isn’t your typical Western shopping center with neat aisles and clearly marked sections. No, mate—it’s a sprawling labyrinth of stalls spread across multiple levels, with vendors selling everything under the sun.
The market is roughly divided into these main areas:
- Ground floor: Food stalls (both street food and raw ingredients)
- First floor: Clothing, shoes, accessories
- Second floor: More clothing and household items
- Outer perimeter: Souvenirs, electronics, and miscellaneous goods
But honestly, these boundaries are more like suggestions. You’ll find little food vendors tucked between clothing stalls, random souvenir sellers in the food section, and pretty much anything else where you least expect it. That’s all part of the charm!
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The market gets cranking early, around 6:00 AM, and starts winding down by 8:00 PM. However, some food stalls might open later and close earlier, so if you’re specifically after a meal, aim for standard meal times. Tracy and I reckon mid-morning around 9-10 AM is the sweet spot for shopping—it’s busy enough to have a good atmosphere but not so crowded that you can’t move.
Food Heaven at Con Market
If you ask me, the main reason to visit Con Market is the food. Crikey, the selection is incredible! You’ll find central Vietnamese specialties that’ll knock your socks off for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Some must-try dishes include:
- Mì Quảng: Da Nang’s signature dish—yellow rice noodles with a small amount of broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, peanuts, and herbs.
- Bánh Xèo: Crispy rice pancakes stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Tracy’s absolute favorite!
- Bánh Mì: Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich. The ones at Con Market are proper authentic—no fancy hipster versions here.
- Bún Thịt Nương: Grilled pork over rice vermicelli with fresh herbs and fish sauce.
- Chè: Sweet dessert soups with various beans, jelly, and coconut milk that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
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One of our regular stops is a little food stall on the eastern side of the market run by an elderly woman named Cô Hạnh. Her mì quảng has been consistently fantastic for the past 15 years we’ve been visiting. Just look for the stall with photos of Western tourists—that’s the spot!
Fair dinkum, you’ll be amazed at how cheap the food is. Tracy and I usually spend about 30,000-50,000 VND (roughly $2-3 AUD) per dish. Even with several dishes and drinks, you’d struggle to spend more than $10 AUD for a hearty meal for two.
Shopping: From Souvenirs to Local Goods
Beyond the tucker, Con Market is a ripper place to pick up souvenirs and everyday items at local prices. Unlike the more tourist-oriented Hàn Market, Con Market caters primarily to locals, so prices start lower and the range is more diverse.
Here’s what we recommend looking for:
- Coffee and tea: Vietnamese coffee is world-class. Get the local beans and a phin filter to bring the experience home.
- Spices and dried goods: Stock up on Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, and dried shrimp or mushrooms.
- Silk items: Scarves, clothing, and table runners are beautiful and practical souvenirs.
- Lacquerware: Bowls, trays, and decorative items with intricate inlaid designs.
- Custom-made clothing: Several tailors can whip up decent clothes within a day or two at bargain prices.
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One thing to remember—haggling is expected, but do it with a smile. As a rule of thumb, Tracy and I usually counter with about 60-70% of the initial asking price and settle somewhere in the middle. And don’t worry if your Vietnamese isn’t up to scratch; many vendors speak basic English or can communicate with a calculator.
I still wear a tailored linen shirt I had made at Con Market five years ago. Cost me about $20 AUD and has outlasted designer shirts from back home that cost ten times as much!
Navigating the Chaos as an Aussie
Let’s be honest—Vietnamese markets can be overwhelming for us Aussies used to orderly shopping centers and wide-open spaces. Con Market is noisy, crowded, and can feel a bit chaotic. But that’s exactly why it’s worth experiencing!
Here are a few tips Tracy and I have picked up over the years:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The floors can be slippery, especially in the food sections.
- Keep valuables secure. While Da Nang is generally safe, crowded markets anywhere in the world are prime spots for opportunistic pickpockets.
- Bring small denominations of Vietnamese dong. Vendors often don’t have change for large bills.
- Learn a few Vietnamese phrases. Even a simple “cảm ơn” (thank you) goes a long way.
- Bring your own shopping bag or backpack for purchases.
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Tracy always wears a cross-body bag with a zipper for security, and I keep my wallet in my front pocket rather than the back. Simple precautions, but they’ve served us well through nearly two decades in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit
Con Market is a year-round destination, but there are definitely optimal times to visit depending on what you’re after.
If you’re keen on experiencing the market at its most authentic and bustling, the lead-up to Tết (Lunar New Year, usually in January or February) is absolutely mental. The energy is incredible, with locals shopping for new clothes and special food items. Just be prepared for serious crowds!
For a more relaxed experience, weekday mornings are your best bet. Tracy and I prefer Tuesday or Wednesday around 9:30 AM, after the initial morning rush but before the lunch crowd descends.
Weather-wise, Da Nang’s rainy season (September to January) can make market shopping a bit challenging. The market is mostly covered, but moving between sections might leave you drenched during a downpour. If you’re visiting during these months, bring a compact umbrella or rain poncho.
Cultural Etiquette Tips
Vietnamese people are generally very forgiving of cultural missteps from foreigners, but a little cultural awareness goes a long way in enhancing your market experience.
- Feel free to touch and examine products, but be gentle with food items.
- It’s acceptable to try a small sample of fruits or nuts if offered.
- Pointing can be considered rude—try indicating items with your whole hand instead.
- If a vendor invites you to sit for tea while shopping, it’s a friendly gesture worth accepting if you have time.
- When haggling, keep it friendly and don’t get too aggressive. Walking away is often part of the process.
[IMAGE:tea-with-vendors]
Tracy and I once spent nearly an hour chatting with a fabric vendor over tea, learning about her family and sharing stories about Australia. We ended up buying some lovely silk, of course, but the conversation was the real highlight. Those kinds of authentic interactions are what make market visits special.
Getting the Most from Your Visit
To really make the most of your Con Market experience, Tracy and I recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours. This gives you enough time to explore all sections, have a meal, and do some leisurely shopping without feeling rushed.
If you’re staying in Da Nang for several days, consider making two separate visits: one focused on exploring and food, another for targeted shopping once you’ve got the lay of the land.
For photography enthusiasts (like me), the market offers fantastic opportunities for candid shots of local life. Just be respectful—ask before taking close-up photos of people or their goods. A smile and a gesture toward your camera is usually enough to get permission.
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And don’t forget to look up occasionally! The market architecture itself has some interesting elements, from the colonial-era structural features to colorful modern additions.
Wrapping Up: Why Con Market is Worth Your Time
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I still make a point of visiting Con Market whenever we’re in Da Nang. It remains one of the most authentic ways to experience local Vietnamese life and culture, away from the increasingly tourist-oriented attractions along the beachfront.
Sure, it’s not as polished as a