1. List of must-visit Vung Tau markets
1.1. Ben Dinh Market
- Location: 257 Le Loi Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Thang Nhi Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 5 AM - 6 PM
Ben Dinh Market is less known to tourists compared to other busy markets in Vung Tau. It is divided into three main sections. The entrance area sells vegetables, clothes, and household goods. The first hall focuses on prepared food, meat, and dried seafood. The second hall serves as the market’s center, with fishermen bringing in live seafood directly from their boats. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon allows you to watch the boats unload and pick the freshest catch at fair prices.
1.2. Xom Luoi Seafood Market
- Location: 14 Truong Cong Dinh Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 6 AM - 9 PM
Seafood lovers will find Xom Luoi Seafood Market to be one of the liveliest Vung Tau markets. Originally a small fishing marketplace, it has grown into a bustling hub where stalls overflow with crabs, squid, mantis shrimp, groupers, and clams. The market comes alive in the late afternoon, around 4-5 PM, when boats return and vendors bring in the day’s freshest seafood. One highlight is the on-site cooking service. You can buy seafood, have it steamed, grilled, or stir-fried, and enjoy it fresh.
1.3. Vung Tau Seafood Market
- Location: 94 Tran Hung Dao Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
Vung Tau Seafood Market covers 32 stalls, including 22 for dried products and 10 for fresh seafood. About 15 boat owners supply the catch directly each day, so you can trace its origin and enjoy fair prices without middlemen. The market offers local favorites like squid, crabs, clams, and fish, along with premium imports such as lobsters, abalone, and king crabs. Visitors can also buy dried squid, shrimp, or fish as gifts. For convenience, Vung Tau Seafood Market provides foam-box packing.
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Da Market
- Location: 526 Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ward 5, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
Ben Da Market stands out among Vung Tau markets for its strong connection to the local fishing culture. Located by the harbor, it comes alive in the early morning as fishing boats unload their fresh catch. Shrimp, squid, crabs, and an array of fish are sold at fair prices, often lower than what you’d find in the city center. Many vendors provide on-site cooking for a small fee, so you can enjoy seafood right after purchase. The market also attracts visitors for its photogenic scenery of boats and fishing nets.
1.5. Co Giang Seafood Market
- Location: 1 Co Giang Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ward 4, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 5 AM - 6 PM
Among the newer Vung Tau markets, Co Giang Seafood Market stands out for its modern layout. Opened in September 2023, this market has 14 stalls arranged inside a spacious building. Here, you will find fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish, squid, octopus, and crabs displayed on clean raised counters. Here, visitors can taste sweet, meaty crabs and purchase more to bring home as gifts. The market also has clear signboards, tidy stalls, and a parking area, making it a convenient stop when you explore Vung Tau.
1.6. Thang Nhat Market
- Location: 30 Thang 4 Street, Rach Dua Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Thang Nhat Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 6 PM
Daily life in Vung Tau markets is reflected clearly at Thang Nhat Market. This long-standing spot may be modest in size, but it provides everything the locals need, from seafood and vegetables to meat and household goods. The food section is a highlight here, with breakfast stalls and quick snacks available throughout the day. The market’s convenient location on 30 Thang 4 Street also makes it easy for you to stop by for quick shopping, giving you an authentic view of daily life in Vung Tau.
1.7. Rach Dua Market
- Location: Binh Gia Street, Rach Dua Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Rach Dua Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province)
- Opening hours: 5 AM - 7 PM
Rach Dua Market is a popular spot for locals, especially workers living near Dong Xuyen Industrial Zone. It sells fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, and affordable daily goods such as clothes and shoes. Like many Vung Tau markets, the food section is a highlight here. You can enjoy fish noodle soup and grilled pork rolls at low prices. The market’s variety of stalls create a lively atmosphere. Although traffic can get crowded during peak hours, Rach Dua Market still offers a convenient Vung Tau market experience.
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2. Tips for visiting markets in Vung Tau
When shopping in Vung Tau markets, these tips will help you enjoy the best experience:
- Go early in the morning: Most markets start around 5 AM. Between 5 AM and 7 AM is the best time to find seafood just brought ashore. You will have more choices and better prices compared to later in the day.
- Negotiate gently: Vendors are usually friendly, but you should always ask the price first and bargain politely. Suggest a reasonable counteroffer and avoid bargaining too aggressively. A smile often makes bargaining easier.
- Check the freshness carefully: Fresh seafood should still be alive or look glossy and firm without strange smells. For example, shrimp should have hard shells, squid should have clear eyes, and crabs should move their claws. Dried products should be new, dry, and free from discoloration.
- Ask locals for advice: If you feel unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the locals. They can point you to trusted stalls and share useful tips.
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FAQs about Vung Tau markets
What time do Vung Tau markets usually open and close?
The markets usually open around 5 AM. Most of them stay open until late afternoon, between 5 PM and 7 PM. Some markets remain open until 9 PM or even 10 PM.
Which market in Vung Tau is best for fresh seafood?
The best markets in Vung Tau for fresh seafood are Xom Luoi Seafood Market, Vung Tau Seafood Market, and Co Giang Seafood Market. You will find live seafood brought directly from fishing boats, with competitive prices and plenty of options.
Do Vung Tau markets accept credit cards or should I bring cash?
Most Vung Tau markets do not accept credit cards. It is best to bring cash, especially small bills in Vietnamese dong, for easy transactions with local vendors.
How do I bargain at Vung Tau markets?
Bargaining is common in Vietnam, especially for souvenirs and clothes. A good tip is to start at 70-80% of the asking price and negotiate politely from there.
Can I buy ready-to-eat food at Vung Tau markets?
Yes, you can easily find ready-to-eat food at Vung Tau markets. Many food stalls inside these markets sell local specialties such as bánh khọt, grilled seafood, and sugarcane juice.
Visiting Vung Tau markets is about more than seafood. It is about feeling the city’s pace, hearing the mix of voices, and tasting dishes made with the freshest catch. From morning until night, these markets connect you with the sea and the people who live by it.
If you are planning Vietnam travel, consider adding other destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc to your itinerary. For a complete experience, you can relax at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. They offer comfortable stays, convenient services, and stunning views designed for indulgence. To add more excitement, don’t miss VinWonders - a series of world-class entertainment complexes filled with roller coasters, water slides, and captivating shows.
