We’ve always found that some of the most real experiences while traveling come at the markets. So when we heard there was a big debate about the Han Market vs Con Market in Da Nang we had to go see for ourselves! In the city of Da Nang you’ll find a range of diverse and fun options for shopping. Interestingly enough, the two most popular markets couldn’t be more different from each other. Here’s our tips for visiting both the Han and Con Market and what makes them so unique from each other.
Pin For Later ↓
Han Market vs Con Market
Han Market Da Nang
Make no mistake about it, Han Market is one of the main attractions in Da Nang. With its close proximity to the river and famous Dragon Bridge, it brings in around the clock visitors. The first floor is for eating, with one side being giant bags of snacks, fruits, and other various foods.
It’s amazing to stroll through this section and watch people sifting through the colorful Da Nang market stands. The other side of the first floor is a full fledged food court with delicious juices, noodle soups, and Banh Xeo roll ups.
The 2nd floor of Han Market in Da Nang is where you’ll find all the clothing. If you thought walking through the snack section was wild, this is a whole different beast!
The area is quite packed so you’ll be tasked with weaving your way through the maze of clothing. Here you’ll find everything from knock off name brand athletic gear to tailors who will make a customized outfit of your choosing.
Han Market Pros & Cons
Pros: Although this is known as the “tourist” market you should know you’re still buying everything from locals. The setting is nice and somewhat cleaner compared to most other markets you’ll find in Central Vietnam. While the clothing is clearly marketed towards tourists there is actually some really nice stuff. So make sure Han Market a part of your Da Nang shopping trip!
Cons: As with any tourist attraction the Han Market will get very crowded. This is especially noticeable in the clothing section where you’ll find yourself squeezing around corners just to get by. You’ll also be up-charged just slightly because of the location, but we’re only talking a few thousand Vietnamese Dong here!
Da Nang Market Tip: If you’re looking for clothing in Da Nang or specialized fabric this is a great place to shop. Take advantage of the 2nd floor and bargain your way into a snazzy new outfit.
Con Market Da Nang
Most tourists don’t make it to the Con Market in Da Nang, but it’s definitely worth exploring! When looking at Han Market vs Con Market, it’s much bigger than its crosstown rival and comes with a different vibe.
Locals here will be shopping and eating, paying you no mind as they go about their business. To us there’s something refreshing about that instead of the vendors trying to drag you into their stalls.
The food area is our favorite part as it has a variety of cheap eats in a small enclosed area. This spills out onto the streets at night when they set up the tables and food stalls outside, too.
Just inside the main entrance you’ll see plenty of Da Nang clothes, but they’re scattered in piles on the floor that you’ll have to sort through yourself. This is clearly a different scene than we described at Han Market in Da Nang, but it’s all part of getting that local experience!
→ 18 Amazing Things to Do in Da Nang Vietnam (+ Fun Day Trips!)
Con Market Pros & Cons
Pros: Everything is sooo cheap here in comparison to the tourist market, or anywhere else in Da Nang. Cafe Sua Da’s are 10,000 VND (.40 cents USD), and a meal won’t cost you much more than that! We haven’t been able to find much information on this next part, but at some point in each day the clothing section goes WILD. We can only describe it as a fire sale where everything was suddenly the same price as the Vietnamese coffee we just mentioned.
Cons: Due to the fact that it’s very local, things don’t feel as clean as the other market. If you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty though it can be a lot fun! The parking situation is also not ideal with hundreds of bikes jammed together outside at all times. Make sure to take a taxi or walk to Con Market in Da Nang.
Da Nang Market Tip: Try the Kem Bo Ice Cream! This avocado dessert is a real treat, and a specialty of the Da Nang Market. We highly recommend grabbing one of these while you explore and shop.
Son Tra Night Market
If you have time check there is one more Da Nang market that we love. The Son Tra Night Market recently opened in the last couple years and it’s a great place to grab dinner or do some last second Da Nang shopping. On the weekends you can even plan your night to see the Dragon Bridge breath fire!
→ Da Nang Dragon Bridge: How to See the Fun Weekend Fire Show
Where To Stay In Da Nang Vietnam
Ultra Luxury – InterContinental Danang – Although it’s outside the main city, the InterContinental is one of the nicest beachfront resorts in all of Vietnam. The ultra luxury bungalows are nestled into mountainside boulders and feature private pools with balconies facing the ocean. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Beachside Boutique Hotel – Prana Boutique Hotel and Apartments – After many visits to the city this is our favorite place to stay! The family who owns Prana is extremely kind and helpful with information, tours, and motorbike rentals. Enjoy beautiful rooms that are modern and spacious. We also loved the rooftop pool with views of Da Nang!
Beachside Hostel – Light House Hostel – Fun hostel near the beach in Da Nang Vietnam. Everything is clean and new, plus they also have private rooms to accommodate couples.
Who do you think wins in Han Market vs Con Market? Let us know which Da Nang Market you think is best in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
_______________________
Vietnam Travel Planning
Check out all our Vietnam articles to help plan your trip! We cover everything from the best Vietnamese food to 50 travel tips & how to get around.
Transportation: 12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and transfers while traveling through Vietnam!
Flights: For cheap flight deals check out Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc for $20 USD and Vietnam to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Get Your Guide is an amazing place to find fun activities all over Vietnam! There is everything from a Hanoi Cooking Class and market tour to a Mekong Delta Pagoda & rowing boat trip, and even the Phu Quoc Cable Car Ride with three island snorkeling tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without insurance. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
