Dong Ba market is the biggest market which situated on the bank of Perfume river, in Tran Hung Dao str, Hue city. Before having the appearance as nowadays this was once a small open air market named “Qui Gia Thi” at the Chanh Dong gate (Dong Ba gate). The name came from the event of Phu Xuan revival under Nguyen dynasty, because of war many people left their houses till King Quang Toan ascended the throne they came back and built the market named “Qui gia thi”. In summer 1885, the capital was fallen, Qui Gia Thi market was burned out by the French. In 1887 King Dong Khanh ordered to rebuild it and renamed to Dong Ba.
This market was the main supplier of food to the Imperial city, hospital, police station, dormitory of National university, Dong Khanh, Binh Linh, Thien Huu universities. In 1899, due to the city planning, Dong Ba market was moved to current position, the old market became to French – Vietnam Dong Ba school. Dong Ba market under Thanh Thai reign included 4 rows of house: before, behind, right and left. The front row had 8 compartments, the behind row had 12, the right row had 13… all roofs tiled by brick. There was a stone well which supplied clean water for the market with the system of drawing.
In early 20th century, Dong Ba market was repaired many times but still keeps its style. In 1967, Sai Gon government demolished Dong Ba market and built the new one. The progressing of construction was destroyed by America’s bombardment. After that the government had to repair temporarily for trading. In 1987 Dong Ba market was restored and had 9 row of house, 4 new departments with total area total of 15597 square meters.
With the quintessence of Hue from many years, you could find in Dong Ba market many original products : Phu Cam conical hat, Hien Luong knife, scissor, Ke Mon silver and gold jewellery, Song Hy sesame candy, Lai Bang green tea fruit, Tinh Tam lotus seeds, Sinh paper flower…and many traditional specialties such as: mussel rice, beef rice noodle soup, Khoai crepe… Dong Ba market is not only a place to supply products but also an interesting site for those who want to explore the daily activities of locals.