Tourism sector plays a vital role as a driver of economic growth and development in Da Nang as it helps to create employment, increase income as well as generate demand and growth in many other sectors. Tourism product development means bringing new and innovative products, experiences, and services to the market for tourists to buy. Therefore, tradditional markets are not only a place for businesses to trade their daily necessities but they serve as attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

The Han Market is one of must- see places to visit in Da Nang. Photo: KHANH HOA

Advantages of traditional markets

Da Nang has focussed on developing a number of traditional markets into tourist attractions. However, the major challenges facing the city are limited investment capital, no particular products attractive to tourists, and a shortage of skilled trades involved in selling products for tourists.

Con is one of the tradditional historic markets in Da Nang. It has a fairly large area and is home to over 2,000 stallholders who sell a variety of consumer goods, like clothing, shoes, household appliances, and seafood products. Especially, the market is known for its delicious food, including snacks like snail dishes, mixed jackfruit, and pancakes.

After trying local delicacies in the Con Market, visitors can visit a drinking area where ready-to-use tropical fruit, cakes or soft drinks are offering at reasonable prices. Price per serving of food offered by outdoor food courts at the market ranges between VND 15,000 and VND 50,000 VND.

Besides, there are many traditional markets across Da Nang, including Han, Bac My An, An Hai Dong, An Hai Bac and Ha Than markets. Markets are not only a place for businesses but they serve as a community’s centre where locals and tourists are able to socialise. In addition to being able to sell or buy goods, both traders and customers also has a chance to meet up and exchange or gather news about their neighbours and communities. Markets are wonderful places for tourists to explore local food and cuisines, immerse themselves in local culture, and buy local or regional specialities and handicraft items at reasonable prices.

Meanwhile, Tuy Loan is a traditional market located at the heart of Hoa Vang Rural District. From this market, visitors can easily reach tourist attractions along the Tuy Loan River, Tuy Loan Rice Paper Craft Village, Tuy Loan Communal House and more.

The Hoa Vang District authorties are planning to develop Huong Phuoc Market located in Hoa Lien Commune into a tourist attraction as this market is situated on the extended Nguyen Tat Thanh route which is convenient for visitors to get to the Ba Na - Suoi Mo tourist site and Hoa Bac mountainous commune that is becoming increasingly popular with locals and tourists, especially those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy memorable moments with family members and friends.

Picture is taken at the Moi Market in Hai Chau District. Photo: QUYNH TRANG

Buiding model of traditional market as tourism destination

In fact, the traditional market is not only a place of trade but has long been an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.

The Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade is developing a research project for formulating model of traditional markets as cultural product outlet and tourism destination in an attempt to encourage more travellers arriving into Da Nang.

Mr Dam Van Tau, the Director of Da Nang Markets Development and Management Company said that the focus will be on upgradding Han Market in a bid to turn it into one of the best places in Da Nang where tourists can enjoy nightlife. The intention is to improve visitor experience in this downtown market, as well as help visitors to buy souvenirs and discover local food and cuisine here.

Authorities of traditional markets at district and communal levels highlighted the need for each market to ensure the quality of its goods or services by involving everyone in the business in the effort to satisfy customers and make an impression on visitors. Special attention should be paid to helping visitors enjoy a great shopping experience in addition to promoting it as an attractive destination for domestic and international travellers through different types of media, such as television, radio, print, and online platforms.

The management boards of night markets will work with traders operating there to build a Code of Conduct in efforts to promote civility in these venues. The heed will be paid to building a strong brand for each market in order to make it as a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

Mrs Le Thi Kim Phuong, the Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade said that there is a mutually supportive relationship between tourism and trade. Hence, the industry and trade sector will work with the tourism industry to develop some traditional markets into tourism destinations, create specific tourism products at these markets where typical local commercial products will be promoted and sold to tourists.

Reporting by QUYNH TRANG – Translating by H.L