Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba was moved to its present site by the river in 1899 under Thanh Thai, after the earlier market outside the citadel was destroyed, and it has been Hue's principal market since - a covered hall with a clock tower and a spread of stalls along the riverbank. The food section is the reason to go: bun bo Hue, banh beo, banh loc, banh khoai and the fermented shrimp sauces the city's cooking depends on, sold at counters rather than restaurants. The rest is conical hats, fabric, dried goods and household trade. It is a working market, and prices for visitors are quoted high.

What you actually see

• A market since 1899 - moved here under Thanh Thai.
• Hue's food at counters - bun bo, banh beo, banh loc and banh khoai.
• Fermented shrimp sauces - the base of the local cooking.
• A working trade market - hats, fabric and dried goods.

When to go

Year round; mornings for the freshest food. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Prices quoted to visitors are inflated and bargaining is expected. The hall is hot, crowded and can be overwhelming. Hygiene at food counters varies. Pickpocketing happens.

Nearby

The citadel is west; Truong Tien bridge is a short walk downstream.