The charming land of Hue captivates many hearts with its ancient beauty, warm-hearted people, and architecture that carries historical imprints. Not only that, but Hue is also renowned for its rich culinary heritage, preserving traditional flavors passed down through generations. Among its many attractions, there is a famous market known for its delicious local dishes, a must-visit spot for every traveler—Cho Dong Ba. So, what makes Cho Dong Ba so irresistible to visitors? Let’s explore it with Vietjet in the article below!

Cho Dong Ba is located in the city center, next to the Perfume River, making it convenient for tourists to visit.

1. Where is Cho Dong Ba? Introduction to Cho Dong Ba

Cho Dong Ba is a traditional market in Hue with a history spanning hundreds of years, originally established during the Nguyen Dynasty. The market is located outside the Hue Imperial City. During the reign of Gia Long (1802), it was known as Quy Gia Thi, symbolizing the return of Nguyen Dynasty soldiers to Phu Xuan. Over time, the market experienced many ups and downs, including being burned down, but was officially rebuilt and renamed Cho Dong Ba in 1887, under the reign of King Dong Khanh.

Despite multiple renovations after the devastation of war, Cho Dong Ba has retained its historical charm. The market underwent a major restoration in 1987. Today, it spans a total area of 47,614m² and features a three-story building. Each floor is dedicated to different product categories, making it easy for visitors to browse and shop.

Address of Cho Dong Ba, Hue City: No. 2 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Hoa, Hue City, located between Gia Hoi Bridge and Truong Tien Bridge.

From 3:00 AM, vendors at Cho Dong Ba begin setting up, and the market remains open until 8:00 PM daily. Visitors can freely explore, shop, and experience the bustling atmosphere of this historic marketplace.

See more: Top 5 must-visit cafés in Hue that you shouldn't miss!

2. How to Get to Cho Dong Ba in Hue City

2.1 Traveling to Hue City

• By Plane: Hue City is home to Phu Bai International Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers coming from distant locations who prefer a quick and time-saving journey. At Vietjet, flight ticket information to Hue is regularly updated with special discounts.

• By Train: If you want to enjoy the scenic views along the way to Hue, taking the train is an ideal choice. From Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or other provinces, you can go directly to railway stations to buy tickets to Hue. The ticket price from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue ranges from 550,000 - 1,100,000 VND, depending on seat type or sleeper cabin.

• By Bus: Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly option, but it may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness due to the long travel time. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can catch a bus at Mien Dong Bus Station, or from Hanoi, head to Nuoc Ngam Bus Station. Ticket prices range from 300,000 - 700,000 VND.

2.2Getting to Cho Dong Ba in Hue City

Cho Dong Ba is located next to the Perfume River, near Truong Tien Bridge, making it easily accessible from the city center. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose from various transportation methods:

• Motorbike Taxi & Ride-Hailing Services: Hue now offers ride-hailing services, allowing you to book a ride conveniently via mobile apps. This option helps you estimate the fare in advance and manage your travel budget. If you opt for a traditional motorbike taxi, make sure to negotiate the price beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Motorbike Rental: Renting a motorbike to visit Cho Dong Ba is a great choice, as it allows you to explore other nearby attractions without additional transportation costs. Many hotels offer motorbike rental services, or you can request delivery directly to your accommodation. Rental prices range from 100,000 - 150,000 VND per day, depending on whether you choose an automatic or manual bike.

3. What to Eat at Cho Dong Ba?

Cho Dong Ba has three floors, each selling different types of goods, organized into specific sections. The first floor and surrounding areas are where you’ll find Hue’s famous local delicacies, specialty snacks, and street food favorites.

3.1 Hue Beef Noodle Soup

No list of must-try dishes at Cho Dong Ba would be complete without Bún Bò Hue. This dish is a signature specialty of Hue, known for its bold and traditional flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers. Unlike beef noodle soups from other regions, Bun Bo Hue has a richer, spicier broth, featuring thick rice noodles, the strong aroma of fermented shrimp paste, and a deep sweetness from the slow-simmered beef bone broth. It is typically served with crab cakes, pork blood pudding, and large slices of beef. At Cho Dong Ba, a bowl of Bun Bo Hue costs around 30,000 VND.

Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful dish with an aromatic blend of spices, featuring an eye-catching orange-red broth

3.2 (Hue Pressed Pancake)

Banh Ep Hue is a traditional street snack loved by locals. As you explore the streets of Hue, you’ll find vendors selling Banh Ep Hue at almost every corner. The pancake is made from tapioca flour, pork, shrimp, scallions, and eggs, all pressed on a hot cast-iron mold. It is typically served with fresh herbs, cucumber, green mango, and a sweet-sour fish sauce dip, adding a refreshing contrast to the crispy pancake. Today, Banh Ep Hue has been adapted into various fillings, such as minced pork or pickled shrimp, and comes in a crispy, sealed package version that can be stored longer—making it a perfect souvenir to bring home. The price is around 3,000 VND per fresh pancake and 60,000 VND per bag of dried Banh Ep.

3.3 Che Hue (Hue Sweet Desserts)

In Hue, sweet desserts (Chè Hue) are a famous specialty, capturing the hearts of food lovers from near and far. At Cho Dong Ba, dessert stalls are a must-visit spot for those with a sweet tooth. From corn pudding (Chè Bắp), royal mung bean dessert (Chè Đậu Ngự), taro dessert (Chè Khoai), cassia flower dessert (Chè Hoa Cau), to lotus seed and longan dessert (Chè Hạt Sen Long Nhãn)—each offers a unique and delightful taste. One of the most unusual yet fascinating desserts in Hue is Chè Bột Lọc Heo Quay (Pork Belly Tapioca Dessert). This iconic Cho Dong Ba treat features crispy roasted pork belly encased in chewy tapioca pearls, served in a sweet syrup. The combination of sweet, rich, and slightly salty flavors creates a surprisingly harmonious and addictive taste. A serving of Chè Hue costs around 15,000 - 20,000 VND.

3.4 Com Hen & Bun Hen (Clam Rice & Clam Noodles)

Hue is also famous for dishes made with baby clams, with Com Hen (clam rice) being a signature dish deeply rooted in the everyday life of locals. Com Hen is a simple yet flavorful dish made with cold rice, fresh baby clams, roasted peanuts, garlic, chili, crispy pork skin, and fermented shrimp paste, served with a bowl of clam broth to enhance the flavors. In addition to Com Hen, locals have also created Bun Hen (clam noodle soup), which features vermicelli noodles served with a naturally sweet and umami-rich broth infused with shrimp paste. To enjoy these traditional Hue dishes, head to the first floor or the surrounding food stalls at Cho Dong Ba. As a humble and affordable dish, Com Hen and Bun Hen are available at an incredibly budget-friendly price of just 10,000 - 20,000 VND per serving.

Banh Beo Chen (Steamed Rice Cakes in Small Bowls) is another must-try dish when visiting Cho Dong Ba in Hue City.

Aside from the specialties mentioned above, there are many other local delicacies you can enjoy at this traditional market. Some highlights include Banh Nam (Flat Rice Dumplings), Banh Bot Loc (Tapioca Dumplings), Bun Tom Chua (Sour Shrimp Vermicelli), Nem Lui Hue (Grilled Pork Skewers), Me Xung (Sesame Candy), and Banh Khoai (Crispy Pancakes).

See more: What to eat in Hue? Famous Hue dishes you must try!    

4. Entertainment Spots Near Cho Dong Ba, Hue

After exploring the culinary delights of Cho Dong Ba Market, visitors can also take the opportunity to visit famous sightseeing and check-in locations near the market. Here are some recommended attractions:

• Quoc Hoc Hue High School – The first high school in Hue, built in 1896 during the reign of King Thanh Thai, has preserved its classical and traditional beauty for over a century. The spacious campus with striking red-painted buildings creates a picturesque and romantic setting. During the flower blooming season, visitors can experience a dreamy atmosphere with delicate pink petals gently falling, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Location: 12 Le Loi Street, Vinh Ninh, Hue | 📏 Distance from Cho Dong Ba: ~2km

• Truong Tien Bridge – A symbolic landmark of Hue City, elegantly stretching across the romantic Perfume River. Designed and completed by the French in 1889, the bridge holds a rich historical charm. From the pedestrian walkway, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the riverbanks, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the sky transforms into a breathtaking palette of colors, creating an unforgettable scene.  Distance from Cho Dong Ba: Only 600m, just a short walk to reach Truong Tien Bridge.

Dai Noi Hue (Hue Imperial City) – Part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, Dai Noi Hue preserves the cultural, historical, and architectural imprints of the Nguyen Dynasty.

• Dai Noi Hue – A timeless architectural masterpiece in Hue, featuring over 100 iconic structures such as Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Residence, Truong Sanh Palace, Hung Mieu, and The Mieu; once serving as the royal residence and administrative center for the Nguyen emperors, marking the final feudal dynasty of Vietnam—due to its vast area and rich history, visitors should allow ample time to explore its centuries-old architecture. Entrance fee: 200,000 VND per person |  Location: 23/8 Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City | Distance from Cho Dong Ba: ~1.8km

5. Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Cho Dong Ba in Hue

Cho Dong Ba is not just a traditional market but also a popular tourist destination, welcoming numerous visitors for shopping and dining. To have a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Ask for prices and bargain before making a purchase to avoid overpricing.

• If buying local specialties as gifts, request proper packaging to ensure suitability for transport or check-in luggage.

• Beyond the first-floor food court, visit the second floor for handicrafts, jewelry, bamboo and ceramic products, and the famous conical "poem hats", or head to the third floor for Ao Dai fabric, clothing, and textiles.

• For the freshest seafood and meat, visit early in the morning when fishing boats return with the day's catch—perfect for BBQ or hotpot meals.

As one of Hue’s must-visit attractions, Cho Dong Ba is a foodie's paradise, offering delicious dishes that embody the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. If you're visiting Hue, don't miss out on experiencing this vibrant culinary and shopping hub!

Plan your trip to Hue now! Take advantage of Vietjet's 0 VND flight deals from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily—BOOK HERE!

• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam 

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/VietjetOfficial 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vietjetvietnam 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vietjet

• Zalo: https://oa.zalo.me/vietjet