By aussiematesvietnam Shop Like a Local at Han Market Da Nang
G’day, fellow Aussies! Aussie Mates here with Tracy by my side, ready to give you the inside scoop on one of Da Nang’s most vibrant shopping experiences. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, I’ve become quite the expert at navigating local markets, and Han Market (Chợ Hàn) is an absolute ripper that deserves a spot on your Vietnam itinerary.
If you’re keen to ditch the standard tourist traps and dive headfirst into authentic Vietnamese culture, Han Market is your ticket. This bustling marketplace has been the commercial heart of Da Nang since the French colonial era, and it remains a cornerstone of local life today. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, eager to sample local cuisine, or just want to experience the controlled chaos of a Vietnamese market, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
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A Bit of History and Location
Han Market sits proudly at the western end of the Han River Bridge, making it dead easy to find. The market was established way back in the French colonial period, around 1940, but has been rebuilt and expanded over the years. Today’s incarnation dates from the early 1990s, but it hasn’t lost any of its old-world charm.
The market’s strategic location at 119 Tran Phu Street, right in the heart of Da Nang, means you can easily reach it from most hotels. Tracy and I usually recommend our mates walk if they’re staying in the city center – it’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere. If you’re further afield, any taxi driver will know “Chợ Hàn” (pronounced roughly as “chaw hahn”), and it’ll only set you back a few dollars.
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Market Layout – Getting Your Bearings
First time at Han Market? No worries, I’ll help you get your bearings. The market is basically a two-story concrete building with extensions spilling out onto the surrounding streets. It can seem like a bit of a maze at first, but there’s a method to the madness.
The ground floor is where all the action happens. It’s divided into roughly four sections:
- Fresh produce, meat, and seafood (mostly toward the back)
- Dried goods, spices, and tea (center area)
- Ready-to-eat food stalls (scattered throughout, with more along the outer edges)
- Household items and daily necessities (mixed in everywhere)
The upper floor is predominantly textiles, clothing, shoes, and souvenirs. If you’re after custom-made clothing or Vietnamese silk, this is where you’ll find it.
Tracy always says the best approach is to do a complete lap of the ground floor first to get oriented, then dive into sections that catch your fancy. I reckon that’s good advice – helps prevent that “overwhelmed tourist” feeling that can hit you like a ton of bricks.
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The Food Scene – A Feast for Your Senses
Strewth, the food at Han Market is something else! If you’re the adventurous type who doesn’t mind eating where the locals eat (and you absolutely should), you’re in for a treat.
Let me walk you through some must-try dishes that Tracy and I have enjoyed countless times over our 20 years here:
Mi Quang – Da Nang’s Signature Dish
You can’t visit Da Nang without trying Mi Quang (pronounced “mee kwang”). It’s a rice noodle dish with a minimal but flavorful broth, typically topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. Several stalls near the eastern entrance serve top-notch Mi Quang for about 30,000-40,000 VND ($2).
Back in 2005, when we first moved to Vietnam, Tracy was hesitant to try the bright yellow noodles. Now she reckons it’s the best breakfast in the world – especially with a squirt of lime and a dollop of chili sauce!
Banh Xeo – Crispy Pancakes
These crispy, savory pancakes are stuffed with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork. The Han Market version tends to be smaller than those you’ll find in Saigon, making them perfect for a quick market snack. Wrap them in rice paper with herbs and dip in fish sauce for the full experience.
Che – Sweet Soup Desserts
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, don’t miss the “che” stalls. These colorful dessert soups might look strange to the Western eye, but they’re bloody delicious. My favorite is che ba mau (three-color dessert), with layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk. Tracy prefers che chuoi, a warm banana dessert that’s perfect on a (rare) cool evening.
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Shopping Guide – What to Buy
Right, let’s get down to the serious business of shopping. Han Market is a bonza place to pick up both souvenirs and practical items. Here’s what Tracy and I recommend keeping an eye out for:
Coffee and Tea
Vietnamese coffee is world-famous for good reason. Look for freshly ground coffee beans in the central dried goods section. The vendors will usually have different varieties, from the standard robust Robusta to the more premium (and pricier) Arabica or weasel coffee.
Tracy’s tip: Buy the coffee beans whole if you’ve got a grinder at home, as they’ll stay fresher longer. Also, don’t forget to pick up a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) for about 20,000-30,000 VND ($1-1.50) if you don’t already have one.
Spices and Dried Goods
The market is a ripper spot to stock up on spices at a fraction of Australian prices. Look for cinnamon, star anise, and various curry powders. The dried fruit section is also worth exploring – dried mango, jackfruit, and kumquat make for healthy snacks on long bus rides.
One of our mates from Brisbane visited last year and went absolutely mental for the dried jackfruit. He ended up buying five kilos to take home!
Textiles and Clothing
The upper floor is where you’ll find textiles ranging from everyday wear to traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses. Quality varies, so check stitching carefully. If you’re after something specific, several tailors can whip up custom clothing within 24-48 hours.
Tracy got a beautiful silk ao dai made here for under $50 back in 2010, and she still wears it for special occasions. Just make sure you leave enough time in your Da Nang stay for fittings if you’re going the custom route.
Souvenirs with Character
Skip the mass-produced junk and look for these authentic souvenirs:
- Non la (conical hats) – practical and iconic
- Hand-carved marble items from nearby Marble Mountain
- Lacquerware boxes and bowls
- Traditional Vietnamese musical instruments
My personal favorite souvenir from Han Market is a set of hand-carved chopsticks I bought in 2007. They cost next to nothing but have outlasted fancy utensils that set me back ten times as much.
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Haggling 101 – The Art of the Deal
Alright, here’s where many Aussies feel a bit uncomfortable: haggling. But it’s expected at Han Market, and vendors actually respect you more for it. Here’s how Tracy and I go about it after years of practice:
- Start by asking “Bao nhieu?” (how much?) – even this small effort to speak Vietnamese will be appreciated
- Mentally aim for about 40-60% of the initial asking price
- Counter with about 30% of their initial offer (sounds harsh, but it’s part of the dance)
- Be prepared to walk away – often the vendor will call you back with a better price
- Keep a sense of humor and remember we’re often haggling over what amounts to a couple of Aussie dollars
A quick yarn for you: Last year, Tracy was bargaining for some spices and accidentally offered more than the asking price because she mixed up her numbers in Vietnamese. The vendor laughed so hard she gave Tracy an extra bag of cinnamon sticks for free. Sometimes your mistakes can work in your favor!
Practical Tips for Market Success
After nearly two decades of market adventures in Vietnam, I’ve learned a few tricks that’ll help you navigate Han Market like a pro:
Timing Is Everything
The market officially operates from around 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but the best time to visit is early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) when produce is freshest and the temperature is more bearable. If mornings aren’t your thing, late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) can also be good, though some vendors start packing up by 6:00 PM.
Avoid the lunch rush (11:30 AM-1:00 PM) when local office workers flood in for quick meals, unless you’re specifically going for the food experience.
Cash Is King
While Vietnam is rapidly modernizing, Han Market remains firmly in the cash economy. Bring Vietnamese Dong in small denominations (avoid 500,000 VND notes if possible). There are ATMs nearby if you need to withdraw money, but having cash ready will make your experience smoother.
Dress Appropriately
The market isn’t air-conditioned and can get seriously steamy, especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet (market floors can sometimes be damp from cleaning or condensation).
Tracy always throws a small hand fan in her bag when we’re heading to Han Market, and I’ve pinched it more than once when the heat gets overwhelming!
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Watch Your Belongings
Han Market is generally safe, but it’s crowded, making it an ideal environment for opportunistic pickpockets. Wear your backpack on your front, keep valuables secure, and be especially vigilant in tightly packed areas.
Bringing It All Home – Customs Considerations
Before you go mental buying everything in sight, remember that Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Here’s what Tracy and I have learned (sometimes the hard way) about bringing Vietnamese goodies back home:
- Coffee beans are generally fine if commercially packaged and declared
- Spices should be commercially packaged and clearly labeled
- No fresh produce, meat, or dairy products
- Wooden items need to be properly treated and declared
- When in doubt, declare it – better a quick inspection than a hefty fine
We once had some beautiful hand-carved wooden chopsticks confiscated at Brisbane Airport because they weren’t properly treated. Lesson learned the hard way!
Beyond Shopping – The Cultural Experience
Han Market isn’t just about buying stuff; it’s about experiencing a slice of authentic Vietnamese life. Take time to observe the interactions between vendors and locals, the careful selection of