Shopping in Hue

Hue is a small city in central Vietnam, famous for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. But it is also a great place to shop for some unique and local products that reflect the charm and diversity of this former imperial capital. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, snacks, or everyday items, you will find plenty of options in Hue's main shopping areas: Dong Ba Market, Hue GO Supermarket. Here is what you need to know about shopping in Hue.

What to buy

1. Cashew nuts

Vietnam is the second-largest producer of cashew nuts in the world, and the quality is excellent. The most famous variety is the snake-skin cashew, which has a distinctive pattern on the shell. Cashew nuts are a healthy and delicious snack, and they also make a great gift for your friends and family back home. You can find them in different flavors, such as salted, roasted, honey, or chocolate.

2. Coffee

Vietnam is also one of the world's top coffee exporters, and Hue has its own share of coffee brands that are well-known and loved by locals and tourists alike. G7 and Moossy are two of the most popular ones, and you can buy them in instant, ground, or bean form. Vietnamese coffee is strong, aromatic, and often mixed with condensed milk or coconut milk for a creamy and sweet taste. You can also find some specialty coffee shops in Hue that offer different brewing methods and blends.

3. Conical hat

The conical hat, or nón lá, is a symbol of Vietnam, and especially of Hue. The Hue conical hat is renowned for its craftsmanship and variety. Even the ordinary ones have beautiful patterns on the top, such as images of Vietnamese girls in traditional dresses, or landmarks of Hue. The more exquisite ones are the hidden-poem hats, which reveal verses or pictures when held against the sunlight. There are also miniature hats that are made into ornaments or keychains, which are perfect for decorating your home or car.

4. Seafood products

Hue is located near the coast, and most of its people rely on fishing for their livelihood. The seafood here is abundant and fresh, and the natural environment is relatively unpolluted, so the quality is high. If you want to bring some of the sea flavor home, you can buy some dried seafood, such as fish, squid, shrimp, or seaweed. The market has both loose and packaged dried seafood, but we recommend buying the packaged ones, as they are easier to carry and store.

Where to buy

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, and it supplies almost everything that the city needs. Here you can find a wide range of products, from fresh local fruits, to handmade specialties, such as the Hue conical hat. You can also buy spices, coffee, souvenirs, household items, clothing, and more. At night, the street outside the market is filled with food stalls that offer various local delicacies. You can also find some famous Hue products here, such as rice paper and silk paintings. Bargaining is expected and accepted here, so don't be shy to ask for a lower price. It is a great place to experience the local culture and practice your bargaining skills.

Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
How to get there: You can take a boat to the market, or walk along the road by the river, passing the Imperial City and then walking another 0.5 km.

GO Hue Supermarket

GO! Hue is a modern and convenient shopping center that is about 2km from the Dong Ba Market. It is a good place to buy some groceries, electronics, cosmetics, and other items that you may need during your trip. You can also find some cashew nuts, coffee, and seafood products at the supermarket, as well as some fast food and coffee shops at the food court. The Hue GO Supermarket is a good option if you are looking for a comfortable and air-conditioned shopping environment.

Address: 1 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
How to get there: You can take a taxi, a bus, or a motorbike to the supermarket, or walk for about 30 minutes from the Dong Ba Market.