Dam Market Nha Trang stands as a cultural symbol and shopping haven in the heart of the coastal city. This is not only a place to indulge in shopping but also an ideal destination to explore the charm of local culture. With its unique architecture and significant role in the lives of locals, Dam Market Nha Trang promises an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Dam Market Nha Trang
Location of Dam Market Nha Trang
- Address: Phan Boi Chau Street, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa 650000
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM, daily
Dam Market is a famous, bustling market known for its lively shopping activities. Located in Ben Cho, Van Thanh Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, it serves as a central shopping hub and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
History of Dam Market
The name “Dam Market” originated from a small marketplace that served residents in this area. It was initially located at the edge of a lagoon covering approximately 7 hectares, where daily trade and shopping activities took place. In 1908, the market was established as a central marketplace with a larger, more developed area, built directly over the old lagoon, which led locals to call it “Dam Market.”
To better serve the needs of local residents, in 1961, the Khanh Hoa Department of Public Works initiated a project to reorganize this market area and construct a new market to replace the old one. Two designs, proposed by architects Le Anh Kim and Le Quy Phong, were considered the most feasible and became the foundation for the future construction of Dam Market.
Unique Architecture of Dam Market
The architecture of Dam Market is uniquely designed in the shape of a lotus flower, with a diameter of up to 66.5 meters, featuring an off-center circular mezzanine level. The total area of the ground floor and mezzanine reaches 5,270 square meters, accommodating over 3,000 visitors daily for shopping and sightseeing.
Today, Dam Market is Nha Trang’s most famous market. Located in a prime spot in the city center, it hosts bustling, lively commercial activities, attracting both locals and tourists who visit whenever they are in town.
How to Get to Dam Market
If you are visiting Nha Trang, especially near the city center, you can easily reach Dam Market by walking, taking a taxi, or renting a motorcycle or private car. Additionally, you can use public transportation, such as the bus. If you choose to travel by bus, take bus number 3. This bus route covers 15 km through the main streets of Nha Trang and will take you directly to Dam Market.
Visiting Guide to Dam Market
Dam Market offers a wide range of essential goods for the daily lives of local residents, from everyday household items to souvenirs and various Nha Trang specialties. When you visit the market, you will encounter a large number of tourists, especially international visitors.
Like other famous markets, Dam Market is divided into three main areas: the central area, the right wing, and the left wing. Each type of product is displayed in designated sections, making it easy for tourists to explore and shop.
The seafood and food stalls are the most popular areas of the market. These stalls attract many shoppers because the seafood is sourced directly from local fish markets, ensuring freshness and quality. During the peak tourist season, the market welcomes over 1,000 visitors each day. In addition to shopping and sightseeing, most visitors enjoy the experience of exploring a traditional market, learning about, and experiencing the lives of local residents.
The Central Area of Dam Market
The central area features essential items for daily life, such as clothing and various toys, primarily catering to the needs of local residents.
In addition to everyday essentials, the central area also offers souvenirs and charming handcrafted items that depict the images of the coastal city of Nha Trang, skillfully crafted by talented local artisans. Tourists can explore the central area of Dam Market to find their favorite items for home decoration or as gifts for family and friends.
The Right Wing of Dam Market
If you’re looking for Nha Trang specialties or want to savor dishes rich in coastal flavors, head to the right wing of the market. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of local products, from rice paper and green chili salt to fish cakes and different types of fermented fish sauce. You can choose to buy some goodies as gifts for your family.
Additionally, the right wing offers many dishes that showcase the flavors of Nha Trang’s coastal region. From grilled pork rolls to fish noodle soup, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Inspired by the Vietnamese countryside, the atmosphere here is impressively designed with thatched roofs, allowing visitors to feel a sense of warmth and intimacy.
You can order a hot bowl of fish noodle soup and enjoy it right at the market, experiencing the essence of a seaside rural market. The dishes here are simple and rustic, and once you try them, you’ll remember them forever. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these delicious flavors!
The Left Wing of Dam Market
This area features a diverse and abundant selection of seafood. You’ll find a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crabs, blue crabs, squids, stingrays, and barramundi readily available in the market. Dried seafood products like dried shrimp, dried squid, and golden threadfin fish, prepared with local recipes, are particularly enticing to visitors and are among the best-selling items, often chosen as gifts.
Opposite the dried seafood section is where you can find a variety of dried fruits. You won’t need to go far to search; at Dam Market, visitors can confidently explore and choose their preferred products.
What to Eat at Dam Market Nha Trang
Enjoying Cuisine at the Food Court
If you want to savor Nha Trang’s culinary delights, Dam Market is undoubtedly the perfect choice. It can be called the food paradise of this coastal city. While you’re here, you must try the famous bun ca (fish noodle soup) or bun sua (jellyfish noodle soup).
A bowl of noodle soup contains all the flavors of the sea. The hot bun sua is served with broth made from cowfish and mackerel, which is light and not overly greasy. Topping the white noodles are pieces of cha ca (fish cake), either fried or steamed to perfection, along with crispy jellyfish that make you want to eat more.
In addition, you can also enjoy grilled seafood, banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper), and banh can (small rice pancakes), all prepared with a distinct coastal touch.
Grilled Pork Rolls at Dang Van Quyen
Grilled pork rolls (nem nuong) have become a signature dish of Nha Trang. Visitors who have tasted this dish can hardly forget its unique flavor. There are many places serving nem nuong here, but the oldest and most renowned is Dang Van Quyen.
Dang Van Quyen is a family-run establishment that is beloved by tourists. The dish may sound simple, but behind it lies the story of a man who spent 26 years turning Ninh Hoa grilled pork rolls into a famous specialty.
The main ingredients for making this dish are pork mixed with just the right amount of seasoning according to traditional recipes. The pork is shaped into long pieces and then skewered on sticks to be grilled over charcoal. The aroma wafting from the grilled pork rolls is irresistible to visitors.
To enjoy nem nuong properly, you must wrap them in banh trang (rice paper) along with cha ram (fried spring rolls) and various herbs, including green bananas and mango, and dip them in a bowl of sauce. Taking a bite of the nem nuong, you’ll be impressed by its sweetness and the crunchiness of the accompanying vegetables, making it a dish you can eat endlessly without getting bored.
Address:
- 16A Lan Ong, Nha Trang
- 2 – 4 Phan Boi Chau, Nha Trang
Sanh Ky Noodles
The Sanh Ky noodle brand has been established for a long time in Nha Trang. With its unique preparation of ingredients and broth based on a traditional family recipe, the dish has remained a favorite among many generations of diners.
As a result, Sanh Ky has become a familiar destination for both locals and tourists. At the restaurant, you can enjoy popular Chinese noodle dishes such as hu tieu mi (noodle soup), hu tieu kho (dry noodle), hu tieu Nam Vang (Nam Vang noodle), mi hoanh thanh (wonton noodles), mi hai san (seafood noodles), mi thap cam (mixed noodles), mi vit tiem (braised duck noodles), pho bo (beef pho), pho ga (chicken pho), banh bao (steamed buns), xiu mai (siu mai), sui cao (dumplings), sui cao mi (dumpling noodles), and com ga Hai Nam (Hainanese chicken rice). The chewy wonton noodles served with xiu mai and flavorful pork, slurped alongside a bowl of light broth, will win over even the most discerning guests.
Address: The restaurant currently has two main locations: 91 Huynh Thuc Khang and 39 Thong Nhat, Nha Trang.
Tips for Visiting Dam Market Nha Trang
Maintain Cleanliness
While visiting and shopping at Dam Market, please help keep the area clean by not littering. Use the public trash bins and encourage those with you to do the same to protect the environment and preserve the market’s charm.
Be Cautious with Personal Belongings
Dam Market can get very crowded, so always be mindful of your belongings to avoid pickpocketing. Keep your bag in front of you and watch over valuable items. Keep your phone and wallet in a secure place and avoid leaving them exposed.
Bring Cash
Most stalls at Dam Market do not accept card payments, so it’s best to carry enough cash for convenience. Exchange currency before visiting the market and bring only the amount you need to minimize risks.
Conclusion
With all the cultural values and unique experiences Dam Market Nha Trang has to offer, VnCarRentals.com warmly encourages visitors to take the time to explore this vibrant market. Not only is it a shopping paradise, but it’s also a chance to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, savor diverse cuisine, and find meaningful gifts for loved ones. Dam Market will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and become an essential part of your Nha Trang journey. Don’t forget to choose VnCarRentals.com’s private car rental with a driver in Nha Trang. Let us be your companion on every adventure, making each trip a meaningful and memorable experience!
[…] is one of the busiest dining and shopping spots in Nha Trang. At Dam Market, you can freely enjoy authentic Nha Trang specialties and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. In the […]