Wow did I ever find a great market in Da Nang. There are many here in the city, but this one is the largest and most vibrant of the lot. The authentic Con Market in Da Nang Vietnam will brighten and enlighten all of your senses, guaranteed.
Where to Go
Da Nang is divided into two main sections by the river. The side with the big beautiful beach is lined with hotels and a popular place for tourists. The other side, the down town core, is across the river and where the Con Market is located (here).
Many tourists will visit the Han Market near the river. It is more oriented for visitors looking for souvenirs. However, if you crave a more authentic experience, walk a mere 15 minutes down one street, and find yourself immersed in all things Vietnamese.
Meat & Seafood
What can I say? You will see meat handled in its most basic form. Lots of pork, chicken, duck and fish. Visitors should expect to see and smell all of the offal, guts, innards, which ever word you want to use. Feet, heads, tails, anything and everything that can be sold and consumed, is.
Be prepared for a visual onslaught, as well as a heavy thick air laden with earthy bowel smells.
Produce
There are so many fruits and vegetables that I have never seen before and have no idea what they are. Magical looking things of all shapes and sizes. This is a bustling part of the market for sure and is a delight for the eyes, with the vibrant colours surrounding you as you browse.
Goods
All sorts of other items are sold at this large two-story indoor market. Housewares, candy, cleaning supplies, toiletries, dried goods, toys, beauty supplies and food.
Upstairs, if you can find the stairwell, are multiple isles of vendors only selling fabric. As I was walking through this colourful section, I kept thinking of the vast amount of weight this floor must be supporting with all of these parcels of fabric up here.
The Best Part
The customs. When I was poked in the back the first few times, I didn’t know what was going on?? Then I realized it was the local’s way of getting my slow ass to move to the side so they could get by me. 🤣 On my third visit to the Con Market, I too employed this maneuver, a swift single finger poke to the kidney, and low and behold, it worked wonderfully!!!
I would absolutely recommend this market to anyone visiting Da Nang. You will have your eyes opened to so many different types of food, activities and customs that you had no idea existed. Don’t be alarmed when you get a jab in the kidney, someone just wants to pass by from behind.
