Con Market is one of the best-known traditional markets in Da Nang, closely associated with the city’s commercial life and the everyday culture of Central Vietnam. Located at the intersection of Quang Trung and Ong Ich Khiem streets, the market is not only a place for trading goods but also a lively destination where visitors can experience local cuisine, shopping, and the rhythm of daily life in Da Nang.
A Market Named After a Sand Dune
The name Con Market is believed to have originated from the location where the market was established. The area was once a relatively high sandy mound, locally known as a “con,” and the name gradually became associated with the market itself.
Today, the market occupies a large complex consisting of a three-story building, two two-story buildings, and several single-story structures. With its wide variety of goods and large number of merchants, Con Market has long been regarded as one of the major traditional markets of Da Nang.
The market sells a broad range of products, including clothing, footwear, fabrics, bags, household goods, souvenirs, fresh produce, seafood, dried foods, sauces, and many other everyday items. However, for many visitors, the greatest attraction is its food scene.
A Culinary Destination in the Heart of Da Nang
Food is one of the defining features of Con Market. Inside the market is a dedicated Food Court, where visitors can find both sweet and savory dishes prepared in the style of Central Vietnam.
Outside the main building, the Street Food area creates an even more energetic atmosphere. Numerous small food stalls are arranged close together, offering familiar local specialties such as bánh canh, mì Quảng, chè chuối, bánh bột lọc, ram cuốn cải, grilled squid, and many other snacks and dishes.
The food stalls are generally simple, with dishes prepared and served directly in front of customers. This creates an atmosphere that is distinctly local and allows visitors to experience Da Nang cuisine in a setting closely connected with everyday life.
Con Market is also a place to shop for Central Vietnamese specialties. Dried squid, dried shrimp, dried fish, fish sauces, chili sauces, and other preserved foods are commonly found throughout the market. These products are popular with both local shoppers and visitors looking for gifts to take home.
From a Temporary Market to a Major Commercial Center
The history of Con Market dates back to around 1940, when a market began to take shape on a high sandy area with simple temporary stalls. During the period of the Republic of Vietnam, the market gradually developed and became increasingly important to the commercial life of Da Nang.
By the 1950s, the growth of the city placed increasing pressure on existing markets. In 1957, Han Market was already experiencing significant congestion, creating the need for another major trading center.
In 1958, Da Nang authorities constructed Con Market with two lightweight market halls, approximately one kilometer from Han Market, based on the existing temporary market. The market continued to expand during the following years.
Between 1962 and 1966, an expansion program added new facilities, drainage systems, electricity, water supply, and additional stalls. By 1966, Con Market had become larger than Han Market and had established itself as an important center for internal trade.
The market continued to play an important role during the early 1970s. In 1971, its recorded revenue reached approximately 12.864 million, while in 1972 it increased to about 14.58 million. During the same years, Han Market recorded lower figures.
In 1973, the market reportedly welcomed between 5,000 and 10,000 shoppers each day, serving not only Da Nang but also communities throughout Military Region I.
A Major Reconstruction in the 1970s and 1980s
As the market continued to grow, authorities developed plans for a larger and more modern complex.
In June 1972, Decision No. 104-HCTQ/I approved a reconstruction plan. A committee was established with representatives from the authorities, technical agencies, and labor organizations. A subsequent tender was held in October 1972.
The proposed design included 1,794 stalls, each measuring approximately 2 by 2 meters. The estimated construction cost was initially 325 million VND, with an expected construction period of eight months.
However, rising costs resulted in the estimated investment increasing substantially, eventually reaching approximately 763.75 million VND. The project encountered various difficulties and was not completed before 1975.
In December 1984, provincial and city authorities decided to rebuild Con Market as a major project marking the 10th anniversary of the liberation of Da Nang.
The new complex included a three-story building, two two-story buildings, and a single-story section, covering approximately 14,000 square meters. Construction was completed on 27 March 1985, and the complex was initially called the Da Nang Trade Center.
The new name, however, did not last. The traditional name Con Market was deeply rooted in the memory of residents, and the market was subsequently known again by the name that generations of Da Nang people had always used.
A Living Part of Da Nang’s Urban Culture
Over the decades, Con Market has changed considerably in terms of architecture, facilities, and commercial organization. Yet its most important characteristic remains remarkably consistent: it is a place where commerce and everyday life meet.
For local residents, the market is a familiar shopping destination. For visitors, it offers something beyond conventional sightseeing. Walking through the market means entering a lively environment filled with food stalls, local specialties, conversations between vendors and customers, and the distinctive atmosphere of a traditional Central Vietnamese market.
There have also been discussions about modernizing traditional markets in Da Nang. While improved infrastructure and management are important, many merchants and residents continue to value the character of the traditional market. The identity of Con Market is closely connected with its merchants, its food culture, and the memories accumulated over many decades.
For this reason, preserving the market does not simply mean maintaining its physical structures. It also means recognizing the people, commercial traditions, culinary practices, and community relationships that have made Con Market part of Da Nang’s urban heritage.
Visiting Con Market
Con Market is particularly suitable for visitors who want to explore local food, traditional shopping, and everyday life in Da Nang.
The best way to experience the market is to allow some time to walk through its different sections rather than focusing on a single attraction. Visitors can explore the food areas, sample local specialties, browse dried foods and sauces, and look through the many stalls selling clothing, household goods, souvenirs, and other products.
The market is especially lively during the daytime, when both shopping and food activities are at their busiest. Visitors should also keep in mind that Con Market is a working traditional market, so the environment can be crowded and bustling.
With its long history, diverse products, strong culinary identity, and close connection with generations of Da Nang residents, Con Market remains one of the city’s most characteristic places to experience the everyday culture of Central Vietnam.
