3 Best Shopping in The Central Coast, Vietnam

Wander through the labyrinth of vendors serving up freshly prepared Hoi An specialties including cao lau—a regional dish made with noodles, pork, and greens that can only be found in Hoi An—alongside a good range of other Vietnamese favorites like pho, banh zeo (savory pancakes), and bun bo hue. This is where the locals shop, so expect a lot of activity in some cramped quarters, especially if you arrive for early-bird specials. Once you've chosen your stall you are welcome to order dishes and fruit juices from other vendors who will bring them to your table. Prices are fixed and displayed, and the food vendors follow strict food hygiene rules, making this one of the best spots to sample a vast array of dishes normally only available on the street.

Wander past the vendors to find market stalls packed with local spices, coffee, the famous Quang Nam Chili jam, and cooking utensils, but be prepared to barter hard with the friendly yet business-savvy stallholders in this area of the market.

Hue's main market, Dong Ba, situated north of the Citadel just beyond the central Hue bus station, is the place to go for street food, souvenirs, clothing, and knockoff brands. It's enormous and packed to the rafters, so it can feel cramped and hot, especially near the food stalls in the center. Unlike many other local markets in the central region, this one comes alive as the sun goes down, when crowds descend for dinner and a line of bia hoi (beer) stalls set up parallel to the river. Bargaining is expected at the market stalls.

Located right in the center of the city, this sprawling multi-story local Vietnamese market is a good place to head if you want to sample some good old-fashioned Danang specialties. It’s very much like a miniature version of Ben Tanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. There's an indoor food court near the meat section that offers the freshest and tastiest dishes. Worth trying are mi quang (noodles with pork, shrimp, and a light broth) or com hen (baby clams and rice). Venture upstairs for fabric, clothes, cosmetics, and housewares.