Located in the heart of Nha Trang city, Dam Market is the largest shopping area here, serving the consumption needs of the locals and becoming a tourist place to explore the culture and commercial life.
This area was a swamp up to 7,000m2 with a small market built along the bank. That’s why it was called the Dam market because Dam in Vietnamese means Swamp. Later, the swampy ground was filled up and established the current market of the same name, and a part of the land was used by the locals, so the remaining market area is only about 3,000m2.
1. General information:
Dam Market in Nha Trang City was built in 1969 and finished in 1972 with the shape of a lotus.
You come to the corner of the streets of Hai Ba Trung and Ben Cho to find the parking in front of the market.
- Address: Ben Cho Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 5:00 am to 6:30 pm
- The busiest duration: 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Time to visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the shopping needs or a quick look.
The market on Google map:
The market consists of three main areas that can accommodate up to 3,000 people:
- The circular lotus-shaped building has two floors but more bustling activities on the ground floor. Both floors specialize in selling dry goods, consumer goods, industrial products, and souvenirs (on the ground floor).
- The areas on either side of the main building are also known as the outside areas. These sections sell food, vegetables, and fruits. You need to pay attention to the area selling shrimp – crab – fish, a bit wet, creating a not-being-clean feeling. Please be careful when visiting this area.
- The new Dam market is next to the old one, selling most of the products in the inside region of the old market. Most shops in the old part will move to the new section, but many people still sell at the same places, not moving much.
2. What to do in the Dam Market
Here are some outstanding activities to do when you visit this place.
2.1. Taking pictures of daily life at the market
Many images about people, food, and utensils will create attractive color gamuts for your lens.
I prefer the area outside the market to take pictures. The pace of local life is presented clearly here. Along the road on your left before entering the market, there are many things for your eyes to choose the photo backgrounds. Do not miss it!
2.2. Shopping for souvenirs and clothes
In addition to everyday items such as kitchen tools and household items, you can find plenty of local souvenirs, highlighting products made from shells and pearls. Please pay attention carefully to pearl products! You should learn how to distinguish real and fake, and their real value before deciding to buy them.
For clothes, almost all local markets in Vietnam have them, you also find them in the night market in Nha Trang. Therefore, choosing a shirt or t-shirt as a souvenir when visiting is not difficult in the Dam market. However, in most shops here, you should bargain for a good price.
2.3. Exploring the culture and the buying and selling habits of Nha Trang people
Most of the products in this market serve the needs of local people. Therefore, discovering the culture of displaying stores, observing how it is bought and sold, or participating in the sale – haggling over certain products will help you understand more about the trading habit here.
However, understanding the habits of locals is not just a glimpse. It requires a lot of observation and contemplation. Then, you will see the hidden beauty of the people of this market. Please explore it! You will find it different.
3. Useful experiences to note when visiting this market
Bargain for most souvenirs and clothes here. For souvenirs, you can bid up to 50% of the price. This advice is for reference only. If you find a product you like but is a little higher than elsewhere, it is still in your effort. Pay a little bit more, which can make the seller happy and bring a smile to the local people.
Some areas are still relatively wet and have a bad smell, such as the fresh seafood section. If you are easily allergic to smells or you are afraid of making dirt on your clothes, consider coming to this area. And please don’t expect the market to be as neat and clean as modern supermarkets.
During rainy days, the market becomes wetter. Please keep an umbrella with you is a good choice. Check out more about the weather in Nha Trang here!
Avoid entering the market too early if you intend to check a few products. It is because, if you are the first customer to bargain on the product without buying it, the seller will not be happy. That can affect your psychology and good perception of this place.
Plenty of food dishes are sold at Dam market, but Vietnamdrive does not recommend enjoying them here. Subjectively, we do not feel clean and confident enough to eat them. Spend your time enjoying Nha Trang local food at specific restaurants in the city.
