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FTV MKT • April 9, 2025

Bac My An Market Travel & Food Guide: A Hidden Gem in Da Nang

1. Introduction: What Makes Bac My An Market Special

Bac My An Market is not your average tourist stop. Tucked away in the Ngu Hanh Son District of Da Nang, this local wet market is famous for something more than just groceries — incredible street food at unbeatable prices.

Popular among university students and in-the-know locals, Bac My An offers a true taste of Vietnamese everyday life. From sizzling bánh xèo to creamy avocado ice cream, it’s a food lover’s paradise.

Unlike more commercialized markets like Han or Con, this one feels authentic, raw, and deliciously chaotic — exactly what you want when diving into real Vietnamese street food culture.

Planning a street food itinerary? Don’t skip our Top 10 Street Foods in Da Nang.

2. History and Local Significance of Bac My An Market

Bac My An Market has been serving locals for over 30 years. Originally developed as a wet market for seafood, meat, and produce, it gradually evolved into a street food hotspot due to its proximity to the University of Economics (DUE) in Da Nang.

What makes this market so unique isn’t just the food — it’s the atmosphere:

  • Crowded, friendly, fast-paced
  • Vendors shouting orders and chatting with regulars
  • Students grabbing a 15,000 VND lunch before class
  • A community space where generations gather, eat, and shop

It’s a slice of real Da Nang life, not polished for tourists — which is exactly why travelers love it once they find it.

3. Where It’s Located and How to Get There

📍 Address: 25 Nguyen Ba Lan Street, Bac My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Located just 10 minutes from My Khe Beach, it’s easy to access by motorbike, Grab, or even a short walk if you're staying in the An Thuong area (the main tourist hub for beachgoers).

🚗 How to get there:

  • By Grab or Be App: Type “Bac My An Market” – cost ~30,000–50,000 VND from city center
  • By motorbike: Parking available right at the entrance (~3,000 VND fee)
  • By bicycle: Safe ride from beachside or city center hotels

Here’s the Google Maps link to Bac My An Market to help you navigate easily.

4. What Time to Visit: Opening Hours and Best Hours

The market operates almost all day, but food stalls run on their own schedules — and that’s what you’re here for.

🕒 Opening hours:

  • Wet market (produce, seafood): 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Street food stalls: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Some vendors (especially avocado ice cream) stay open until 8:00 PM

⏰ Best time to visit:

  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Food stalls are open and fresh
  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening crowd, more local vibe, great for snacks
  • Avoid visiting during lunchtime rush (12:00–1:00 PM) if you don’t like waiting in line

Pro tip: Weekdays are calmer than weekends. If you want fewer crowds and better seating, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

5. Must-Try Foods at Bac My An Market

The main reason people visit Bac My An Market? Food — lots of it. Cheap, fast, and flavorful. Most dishes here cost under 30,000 VND (~$1.25), and the variety is impressive for such a small space.

🍜 Top dishes you can’t miss:

  • Bánh tráng trộn (Vietnamese rice paper salad): Spicy, chewy, full of textures
  • Bánh xèo & nem lụi: Crispy rice pancakes with grilled pork skewers
  • Bún thịt nướng: Grilled pork over rice noodles with fish sauce
  • Ốc hút: Stir-fried snails with lemongrass and chili — messy, but worth it
  • Bánh mì chả cá: Fish cake banh mi — hot, crispy, full of flavor
  • Kem bơ (Avocado ice cream): The most famous item in the entire market

📌 Tip: Go with an empty stomach and sample 3–4 dishes. Portions are small, prices are low — it’s the perfect place to build your own food tour.

6. Famous Local Vendors and What to Order

Several stalls inside Bac My An Market have reached cult status among both locals and food bloggers.

🌟 Standout vendors:

  • Kem Bơ Cô Vân (Ms. Van’s Avocado Ice Cream)
  • Famous on TikTok and YouTube
  • Price: 10,000–15,000 VND
  • What to try: Kem bơ thập cẩm (avocado with coconut and jelly)
  • Quán Cô Mười – Bún thịt nướng & bánh xèo
  • Long lines = good sign
  • Friendly auntie serves up fresh, hot portions
  • Price: ~25,000–30,000 VND
  • Ốc Hút Chợ Bắc Mỹ An
  • Huge portions of spicy snails with quẩy (fried dough)
  • What to try: Ốc hút xả ớt, trứng cút lộn xào me
  • Price: 20,000–30,000 VND

Want to explore more? Save our Best Street Food Stalls in Da Nang for your trip.

7. Street Food vs. Sit-Down Stalls: What’s the Difference?

Inside Bac My An Market, you'll find a mix of walk-up counters, stall seating, and traditional sit-down spots.

🚶‍♀️ Street-style counters:

  • Usually serve 1–2 signature dishes
  • Eat standing up or on a small plastic stool
  • Service is fast (2–5 mins per dish)

🍽️ Sit-down stalls:

  • Offer full meals: noodles, rice, or hotpots
  • Basic tables and fans, sometimes shared seating
  • You may need to clear your own tray

📌 Don’t expect menus in English. Most stalls use photos or handwritten boards. Pointing works fine — and most vendors are happy to help.

8. How to Order Like a Local (Tips & Phrases)

Knowing a few Vietnamese phrases and local etiquette will improve your experience and make you more welcome at the market.

💬 Basic phrases:

  • "Cho em 1 phần này." → “I’ll take one of these.”
  • "Bao nhiêu tiền?" → “How much is it?”
  • "Không cay." → “No chili, please.”
  • "Cảm ơn!" → “Thank you!”

👌 Pro tips:

  • Bring small cash (10k–50k VND) — vendors rarely have change for big bills
  • Point, smile, and nod — body language works
  • Watch what the person in front of you orders, then copy
  • Say “ngon quá!” (so delicious!) — they’ll love you for it

Need more? Save our Vietnamese Food Ordering Cheat Sheet.

9. Prices and Payment (What You Can Expect to Spend)

One of the best things about Bac My An Market? It’s incredibly affordable, even by Vietnamese standards. This is where students eat daily, so prices are low, portions are generous, and tips aren’t expected.

💵 Price ranges:

  • Snacks & small dishes: 10,000–20,000 VND
  • Full noodle meals: 25,000–30,000 VND
  • Drinks or smoothies: 10,000–15,000 VND
  • Avocado ice cream: 10,000–15,000 VND

💡 With just 100,000 VND (~$4 USD), you can try 3–4 dishes and leave completely full.

💳 How to pay:

  • Cash only — no cards, no QR codes
  • Bring small bills (10k, 20k, 50k VND)
  • No need to tip, but rounding up 2–5k VND is appreciated

10. Is It Hygienic and Safe for Tourists?

Yes — but with the usual local market caveats.

✅ Why it’s safe:

  • High vendor turnover = food is always fresh
  • Dishes are cooked on the spot, piping hot
  • Popular with students and locals → trusted for decades

⚠️ What to be mindful of:

  • Avoid raw or cold dishes if you have a sensitive stomach
  • Bring hand sanitizer or wet tissues (no napkins provided)
  • Don’t drink tap water — order bottled or canned drinks instead

💡 Pro tip: If a stall has a long line of locals, it’s safe to eat.

For more on eating safely in Vietnam, read our Vietnam Street Food Safety Guide.

11. Other Things to Buy Besides Food (Clothes, Accessories)

While food is the main attraction, Bac My An Market also sells non-food items — great for budget travelers or quick souvenirs.

🛍️ What else you can find:

  • Clothes & accessories: Pajamas, T-shirts, sandals (~50,000–150,000 VND)
  • Household goods: Bowls, chopsticks, plastic items
  • Phone accessories: Cheap chargers, cases
  • Local snacks: Dried squid, chili garlic chips, and rice crackers

This isn’t the place for “Instagram-friendly” shopping, but if you want a fun local bargain, it’s worth walking through the non-food section.

Looking for more upscale shopping? Compare it to Con Market vs Han Market.

12. Nearby Attractions to Combine With Your Visit

Bac My An Market is perfectly located if you want to combine eating + exploring in a single morning or afternoon.

🗺️ Within walking distance (5–10 mins):

  • My Khe Beach: Great for a post-meal walk or coffee with sea view
  • An Thuong Night Market: Ideal if you’re visiting Bac My An in the late afternoon
  • Tam’s Pub and Surf Shop: Famous expat hangout, good for a cold drink

🛵 Short Grab ride away (10–15 mins):

  • Marble Mountains: Beautiful caves and panoramic views
  • Dragon Bridge: Iconic selfie spot — check fire show schedule on weekends
  • Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: Cultural stop near city center

📌 Want a full itinerary? Read our Half-Day Da Nang Itinerary Around Bac My An.

13. How Bac My An Compares to Han Market or Con Market

Da Nang has several local markets, but each offers a different experience. Here's how Bac My An Market compares to the city's two most popular options.

🥢 Bac My An Market:

  • Focus: Street food and daily life
  • Crowd: Mostly students and locals
  • Pricing: Super cheap (10k–30k VND/dish)
  • Atmosphere: Raw, local, authentic
  • Tourist level: Low – off the beaten path

🧵 Han Market:

  • Focus: Souvenirs, clothing, and dried food
  • Crowd: Tourists and locals
  • Pricing: Mid-range (some haggling needed)
  • Atmosphere: More organized and commercial
  • Tourist level: High – very popular on travel blogs

🛍️ Con Market:

  • Focus: Clothes, dry goods, and food court
  • Crowd: Mix of students, office workers, tourists
  • Pricing: Affordable
  • Atmosphere: Busier, more chaotic
  • Tourist level: Medium – local food court is a hidden gem

📌 Verdict:
Bac My An is the best for street food.
Han Market is best for souvenirs.
Con Market is a mix of both worlds.

Want a full breakdown? See our Da Nang Market Comparison Guide.

14. Tips for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time at a Vietnamese street market, these tips will make your Bac My An experience smoother and more enjoyable:

✅ What to do:

  • Bring cash, especially small bills
  • Go during mid-morning or late afternoon
  • Watch locals order before jumping in
  • Be polite and patient — it gets crowded fast
  • Try multiple stalls — don’t stop at just one

❌ What to avoid:

  • Don’t ask for “no chili” unless you mean it (everything has spice!)
  • Don’t expect English menus — be ready to point
  • Don’t bring large bags or backpacks — space is tight
  • Don’t over-order at the first stall — save room for dessert!

💡 Bonus: Wear something casual, and bring hand wipes or tissues — some stalls don’t have napkins.

15. FAQs About Bac My An Market

Is Bac My An Market tourist-friendly?

Yes — it’s safe, fun, and authentic. Just don’t expect polished service or English menus.

Can vegetarians eat at Bac My An?

Limited options. Bánh tráng trộn (without dried beef) and avocado ice cream are vegetarian-friendly. But many dishes have fish sauce or pork.

How long should I spend there?

1 to 1.5 hours is enough to try 3–4 dishes and look around.

Is it walkable from My Khe Beach?

Yes — 15–20 minutes on foot or 5–7 minutes by GrabBike.

Do I need to bargain?

No. Food prices are fixed and clearly displayed.

16. Summary: Why It’s a Must-Visit Spot in Da Nang

If you want to taste Da Nang like a local, skip the touristy restaurants and head straight to Bac My An Market.

Here’s why:

  • 🍜 You’ll find the best street food in the city — cheap, fast, and flavorful
  • 🛵 It’s where locals actually eat — especially students and workers
  • 📍 It’s close to the beach and easy to combine with other attractions
  • 🛍️ Beyond food, you’ll also get a feel for real market life in Vietnam

From "bún thịt nướng" to "kem bơ", this market packs more value into one visit than most full-day food tours.

Ready to build your own street food crawl? Start here.

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