The Best Places to Shopping in Hue
Hue’s shopping scene consists mostly of local markets, art galleries, tailor shops, and boutiques. One of the best cities in Vietnam to purchase authentic handicrafts, a must-buy item here is the Vietnamese nón lá or conical-shaped hat made by woven palm leaves. The hat has been around almost as long as the country and is worn by men and women everywhere. In Hue especially, the hat makers insert poems into the weaves and the poem can only be seen when the hat is held up to the sunlight, making it even more special.
The city’s local markets are great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling Hue dishes. There are also several non-profit organisations and fair-trade outlets where visitors can learn how to made simple handicrafts in workshops as mementos of their holiday in Hue. If you’re unsure about what to buy for loved ones back home, this guide includes some of our favourite places to shop in Hue.
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is the oldest of its kind in Hue, with hundreds of stalls selling household items, handicrafts, clothing and fresh produce at affordable prices. Located on Tran Hung Dao Street, it occupies a large grey building along the northern bank of Perfume River. Look out for the large red signage that says ‘Cho Dong Ba’ (which means Dong Ba Market in Vietnamese). The market opens as early as 03:00 to cater to local marketgoers looking to purchase fresh seafood, fruit, and vegetables.
Dong Ba Market spans almost 16,000 square metres, with several sections dedicated to fruits, seafood, clothing, meat, and handicrafts. However, many stalls aren’t arranged in an orderly fashion so you’re likely to see kitchenware being sold next to fresh vegetables during your visit.
The food court is located on the ground floor. There are plenty of food stalls surrounding the dining section, which comprises plastic tables and chairs that can accommodate about 200 people. The best time to visit is between 08:00 and 11:00 as you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh khoai (stuffed omelette), and fresh spring rolls for breakfast.
Dong Ba Market is one of the few shopping venues in Hue, attracting tourists looking to experience the local lifestyle and shop for souvenirs and street food. There’s a bus station in Dong Ba Market, but you can also make your way here via cyclo or motorcycle.
- Opening Hours: Daily 03:00 - 20:00
- Location: Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue
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Gia Huy Silk Hue
Gia Huy Silk Hue is a tailor shop on Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s renowned for its efficient tailoring services and extensive collection of textiles. The staff are very patient and takes their craft seriously, making sure that you get exactly what you want in terms of style, size and material.
You’ll find a variety of local silk, cotton, cashmere and wool that aren’t available in most tailor shops in Hue. Price may vary according to length and design, but still reasonable as you get to enjoy personalised service and free alterations until you’re happy with the end results.
After taking your measurements, its experienced staff can easily recreate your favourite designer suits, dresses, and jackets within 24 hours. For added assurance however, we highly recommend bringing pictures for their reference.
You can either collect the finished product from the store or have them delivered to your hotel for free. The tailor shop also offers international shipping via Vietnam Post airmail, which costs between US$15 and US$30. If your orders are above US$300, Gia Huy Silk Hue waives the shipping fees.
Gia Huy Silk Hue opens daily between 10:00 and 22:00. It also keeps your size details so that you can easily order another outfit online well after your holiday in Hue has ended.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
- Address: 48 - 50 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hue
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New Space Art Foundation Hue
New Space Art Foundation Hue is an independent art gallery by brothers Le Duc Hai and Le Ngoc Thanh, exhibiting their collection of unique folk paintings. Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, the gallery occupies a two-story venue that’s fitted with a garden courtyard, lacquer and photography studios. In efforts of expanding the local art scene, New Space Art Foundation Hue also frequently hosts dinner events, communal cooking, and art exhibitions for upcoming artists. One of their previous installations, Bowls and Chopsticks, features 1,945 gilded bowls crossed with red chopsticks in lines on the ground to commemorate two million Vietnamese who have perished from famine between 1944 and 1945.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
- Address: 28 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hue
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Tay Loc Market
Tay Loc Market caters mostly to locals in Hue, but travellers can find plenty of shopping and snacking opportunities during their visit here. A five-minute drive from Hue Imperial City, expect the usual goods sold at any market as fresh produce, household items, and clothing. There are also several stalls selling quality souvenirs such as conical hats and wooden carvings, but be sure to bargain hard to get the best price. Tay Loc Market is best visited in the morning (and an empty stomach) as you can savour cheap local delicacies such as banh beo (steamed rice cakes), fresh spring rolls, and Hue beef noodle soup.
- Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 22:00
- Address: 209 Nguyen Trai Street, Hue