Dam Market in Nha Trang - The ideal shopping paradise for tourists

*** Note: Nha Trang was previously a city of Khanh Hoa Province before the administrative changes in July 2025

1. An overview of the Dam Market in Nha Trang

Dam Market - locally known as Chợ Đầm - stands as the cultural and commercial heart of Nha Trang. Much like Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Dam Market is not just a place to shop; it is a living symbol of the city's identity, where locals and travelers alike converge to experience authentic coastal Vietnamese life.

Spanning 5,270 m² and accommodating up to 3,000 visitors at a time, the market is organized across two floors, with more than 40 product categories - from ultra-fresh seafood sourced directly from fishing boats to handcrafted souvenirs, local spices, and ready-to-eat street food.

What makes Dam Market instantly recognizable, however, is its one-of-a-kind architecture. The round shape of Dam Market draws visitors' attention from afar. The roof of this market is said to resemble the undulating waves of the sea. Others say it resembles the pistil of a lotus blooming in the middle of the swamps, with the lotus petals pointing out as Nha Trang's various streets. Thanks to its unique architecture, Dam Market is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in this charming destination.

2. A brief history of Dam Market

The name “Dam” (meaning lagoon in Vietnamese) traces back to the market's original site - a 7-hectare swamp stretching to the estuary of the Cai River. Trading activities began here as early as 1908, when a temporary market was built along Phan Boi Chau Street to serve the growing local community.

The market's defining moment came in 1968, when a fire destroyed over 126 surrounding homes, prompting a full reconstruction. The new building was designed in a distinctive circular shape with a 66.5-meter diameter - its V-shaped red roof segments arranged to resemble a blooming lotus flower, Vietnam's national symbol.

Dam Market is regarded as the most famous market in Nha Trang because of its beautiful architecture and uniqueness. It sells diverse goods from various areas along the southern coast, such as fresh seafood, dried food, souvenirs, clothing, and footwear. Let's go to Cho Dam Market in Nha Trang right now if you want to buy any specialties from the South Coast area.

Location: Ben Cho Street,Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Opening hours: 5 am – 6.30 pm daily
Distance to the center of Nha Trang: 1.9 kilometers
Entrance fee: No charge

3. Where is Dam Market and how to get there?

Dam Market is located at Ben Cho Street, Nha Trang Ward, just around 2 km from the Nha Trang center, making it easily accessible by multiple means of transport:

By taxi or motorbike: To get to the market, take the following route: Hung Vuong Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, Pasteur Street, then turn left onto Han Thuyen Street, then follow the roundabout through Le Loi Street to reach Dam Market. Because the market is connected to many streets, you can customize your route.
On foot: From Tran Phu Street square, take Tran Phu Street north until it intersects with Le Loi Street. There, turn left and follow the road until you reach Ben Cho Street, which is where Dam Market is located.
By bus: City bus No. 3 runs a 15-km route through central streets and stops near the market.

4. Exploring the Sections of Dam Market

Dam Market is divided into 3 distinct sections, each specializing in a different category of goods, making it easy to navigate once you know what to look for. Whether you come for the freshest morning seafood, authentic Nha Trang specialties to bring home, or everyday local finds, here is what to expect in each part of the market.

4.1. Left wing - Seafood paradise

The left wing is where the ocean's bounty takes center stage, coming alive at its most vibrant between 5 - 7 AM when fresh catches arrive daily from local fishing boats. Here you'll find crustaceans (crabs, prawns, lobsters), whole fish (tuna, mackerel, snapper), shellfish, and an extensive dried seafood section offering vacuum-packed squid, shrimp, and fish.

Traders buy them directly from fishing boats that have just returned from the sea. As a result, you can buy seafood with confidence about its quality. If you want to buy gifts for your loved ones, dried seafood is a great option. Fish sauce, dried squid, dried fish, squid, crab, or lobster, etc., are some items that you should buy.

4.2. Right wing - Local specialties & street food

The right wing is a food lover's paradise. This is where you'll find all of Nha Trang's signature specialties: mango rice paper (banh trang xoai), fermented fish cakes, dried seafood snacks, green chili salt (muoi ot xanh), and premium fish sauce (nuoc mam nhi). Food stalls in this area serve authentic Nha Trang dishes throughout the day - all certified for food safety and hygiene.

4.3. Central area - Souvenirs, clothing & everyday goods

The central area blends everyday needs with tourist-friendly shopping. Locals pick up clothing, footwear, and household items here, while travelers find a wide selection of affordable souvenirs. There, you can buy handicraft products from traditional villages in Khanh Hoa, such as artificial pearls, postcards, pottery, and handmade items.

Clothes are available in a variety of colors and styles that are appropriate for people of all ages. To prepare for your trip to Nha Trang's beach, you can buy some T-shirts or hats. You can also buy fabric at this market and take it to a nearby tailor shop to have your costume made.

5. What to eat at Dam Market in Nha Trang?

Dam Market, known as Nha Trang's culinary paradise, is an excellent place to taste the coastal destination cuisine. After visiting and shopping around, you can eat Nha Trang's famous specialties right at the market. Based on consistently high ratings and reviews from travelers on Google Maps, the following dishes are the ones locals and tourists keep coming back for.

5.1. Jellyfish noodles (Bun ca sua)

Jellyfish noodle is a refreshing bowl with crunchy jellyfish and a sweet broth made from silver-colored fish. The right wing of Dam Market is especially popular for jellyfish noodle soup, with many well-reviewed stalls offering generous portions and broth that stays fresh and flavorful all day.

Within the market, Bun ca sua Nam Beo is among the most well-known and long-standing spots favored by both locals and visitors. If you prefer to explore beyond Dam Market, you can also try other reputable local eateries such as:

Bun ca sua Nguyen Loan: 123 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Bun ca sua Yersin: 87 Yersin Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Bun ca sua Nguyen Thai Hoc: 64 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province

5.2. Mango rice paper (Banh trang xoai)

Mango rice paper is a popular Nha Trang specialty made from thin sheets of dried rice paper coated with tangy-sweet mango paste, offering a unique combination of chewy and slightly crunchy textures that many travelers find irresistible. Visitors can easily find this local treat at dried food stalls throughout Dam Market, making it a convenient and affordable souvenir to bring home. Prices typically range from VND 70,000 to VND 130,000, depending on the quantity and quality.

If you’d like to explore beyond the market, some well-known places specializing in mango rice paper include:

Banh trang xoai 127 Yersin: 127 Yersin, Nha Trang, Khánh Hoà: 127 Yersin Street, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province
Banh trang xoai 11e Thai Nguyen: 11e Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province

5.3. Squid pancakes (Banh xeo muc)

Squid pancakes are a must-try Nha Trang specialty, made from small rice-flour pancakes topped with fresh squid and cooked in individual clay molds. The result is a delightful contrast of crispy edges and soft centers, best enjoyed with a rich, savory dipping sauce.

While you can easily find this dish at food stalls inside Dam Market, visitors can also explore other local eateries around the city such as:

Banh xeo Chao: 87 Hoang Van Thu Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Banh xeo co Tam: No. 66 Thap Ba Street, Khanh Hoa Province
Banh xeo chao co Tu: 55 Ton That Tung Street, Bac Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province

5.4. Grilled fermented pork rolls (Nem nuong)

Grilled fermented pork roll (nem nuong) has long been a Nha Trang specialty. The dish's principal ingredient is spiced pork cut into long pieces and skewered into chopsticks. Diners can enjoy this tasty dish with side dishes such as vegetables, unripe bananas, mango, and sauce after it has been grilled on a charcoal stove.

While you can find nem nuong Nha Trang at various food stalls on the right side of Dam Market, several long-established eateries in the city are highly rated by locals and visitors, such as:

Nem Nuong Dang Van Quyen:
- Address 1: 16A, Lan Ong Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
- Address 2: 2-4, Phan Boi Chau Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Nem Nuong Nha Trang Ba Sau: 02 To Vinh Dien Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Nem nung Co No: 26 Hai Ba Trung Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province

5.5. Savory mini pancakes (Banh can)

Nha Trang-style mini pancakes baked in small clay molds, topped with fresh squid, shrimp, or quail eggs. The secret lies in the dipping sauce - a mix of fish sauce, chives, and sometimes meatballs (xiu mai), creating a perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors.

You can easily enjoy banh can at local food stalls inside Dam Market, especially in the right wing, where many vendors specialize in this dish. For a more authentic experience, visitors can also explore several long-standing eateries in the city that are highly recommended by locals, such as:

Banh can Co Thuy: 151 Hoang Van Thu Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Banh can Ut: 64 Thap Ba Street, Bac Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Banh can Co Lan: 107 Hai Thang Tu Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province

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6. Things to remember when visiting Dam Market in Vietnam

To make the most of your visit, keep these practical tips in mind:

Bargaining is possible: Feel free to ask for the price first and politely bargain if needed. Local vendors are generally friendly and approachable.
Check product quality carefully: When buying dried seafood as gifts, take a moment to check the expiry date, packaging, and overall freshness, especially if you plan to keep them for a while before heading home.
Go early if you want to buy seafood: If you want to buy fresh seafood at its peak of freshness, early morning (from 5 AM to 7 AM) is the best time. Dam Market opens very early in the morning, and this is when seafood is at its best.
Stay alert in crowded areas: As one of the busiest markets in Nha Trang, occasional pickpocketing can occur. Keep an eye on all your belongings, particularly cell phones and wallets or purses, to avoid getting into trouble.

7. Where to stay near Dam Market Nha Trang?

For visitors who want to combine a Dam Market trip with the full Nha Trang experience, choosing centrally located accommodation makes all the difference. Vinpearl Beachfront Nha Trang, located in the heart of the city just minutes from Dam Market, offers 5-star rooms with panoramic sea views, an infinity pool, gym, spa, restaurant,... - all within walking distance of major attractions. Conveniently located in the center, the hotel offers easy access to travel, shopping, and vibrant modern life.

Besides, you can explore amazing activities at VinWonders Nha Trang and Vinpearl Harbour, where exciting entertainment, captivating shows, exquisite dining, and luxurious relaxation await.

Book rooms at Vinpearl Nha Trang

Dam Market is more than a shopping stop - it's one of Nha Trang's most authentic and rewarding experiences. From the iconic lotus-shaped dome to the morning seafood rush, the dried specialty stalls, and the street food court, an hour spent wandering Dam Market reveals more about everyday Nha Trang. Pair your market visit with a stay at Vinpearl Nha Trang for seamless access to the city's finest accommodation, dining, and entertainment.