Dam Market

If the beach is Nha Trang’s living room, the Dam Market is its pantry. The large, round main building sits a short walk from the river, its stalls packed tightly in concentric rings. Around it, the streets fill each morning with sellers of vegetables, fruit, flowers and fresh fish.

Inside the ring

The inner halls are organised loosely by trade. One section sells fabric and clothing, another kitchenware, another shoes and bags. The part most visitors remember is the dried food section, where stalls display piles of dried squid, salted fish, shrimp, seaweed and fish sauce. Sellers are used to tourists and will often let you taste.

The outside market

Step outside and the market changes character. Around the building, especially early in the day, residents buy their daily groceries: herbs, greens, tropical fruit, rice and fish still glistening from the morning’s catch. This is where Nha Trang shops, and it is lively, noisy and colourful.

Eat while you browse

Around the edges of the market you will find simple food stalls with low stools, serving noodle soups, rice dishes and sweets. It is a good place to try local specialities like bun cha ca and fresh sugarcane juice. Point, smile and sit down.

What to buy

Good souvenirs include dried seafood and local snacks, conical hats, simple ceramics and fabric. For anything of value, compare prices at a few stalls first. Bargaining is expected on many items, but keep it friendly. A few thousand dong matters more to the seller than it does to you.