1. Overview of Do Market Hai Phong
1.1. History and Origin of Do Market Hai Phong
Do Market is located at Lot H13.3-CCQ3 in Hong Bang ward. Along the Tam Bac River bank from the early 20th century, the image of one of Hai Phong's busiest markets gradually emerged. Do Market, officially named Tam Bac Market, was established in Phan Boi Chau ward, Hong Bang district, situated right next to the river, serving as an important trading point for the Northern Delta region. Its convenient location helped this market become a hub for collecting and distributing agricultural products, fruits, and many essential goods for the port city.
The name "Do Market" is associated with an emotionally charged historical event. In 1972, during an air raid by the US Air Force, the market suffered significant damage and severe destruction. Since then, the people of Hai Phong have called Tam Bac Market Do Market to remember a time when the market collapsed after wartime bombings, an historical imprint that remains deeply etched in the minds of the local community.
The atmosphere of Do Market Hai Phong is bustling at the beginning of the day. (Collected)
1.2. Official Name and Role in the Community
Although on the map, the market still bears the name Tam Bạc Market, for local people, the name Do Market Hai Phong has become an indispensable part of daily life. This familiarity stems not only from its long history but also from the deep affection of countless generations of Hai Phong people.
For the people of the Port City, Do Market is more than just a place for trade and commerce. It is also a space that preserves time, where mothers used to take their children to the market from a young age, where the sounds of vendors and the scents of the old town are always present. The area around the market features Ba Temple, a memorial stele, and ancient moss-covered houses, contributing to a tranquil cultural picture amidst the ever-developing urban landscape.
2. Discover the Characteristics of Do Market Hai Phong
2.1. Featured Goods
Upon entering Do Market Hai Phong, you will be impressed by the space with hundreds of stalls and countless diverse goods. From fresh agricultural products and fruits brought from neighboring areas, to fresh food, vegetables, dried goods, medicinal herbs, and many traditional herbal medicines, all are available here.
Rows of stalls selling clothes, fabrics, shoes, and daily necessities create a rich shopping space serving both local residents and visitors. The lively scene of buying and selling every morning, the colorful stalls, and the bustling sounds of vendors and conversations have created the unique character of Do Market. Surrounding the market are rows of old townhouses bearing the marks of time, forming a precious spiritual heritage of Hai Phong.
2.2. Historical Role of Do Market Hai Phong
For over a hundred years, Do Market Hai Phong has always held its position as a major center for the collection and distribution of agricultural products from the Northern Delta. It is not only a gathering point for fresh fruits and agricultural products from many provinces but also a transit hub for goods serving the people throughout the city.
Do Market is a major agricultural product distribution center for the Northern Delta region. (Collected)
In the early mornings, Do Market becomes bustling and full of life. The calls of vendors blend with the busy atmosphere, creating the unique character of the Port City. Tourists often come here not only to shop but also to experience the daily rhythm of life, explore the local culture, and enjoy Hai Phong's specialty dishes right in the heart of the market.
3. Experiencing Do Market Hai Phong combined with visiting nearby attractions
3.1. Street food around Do Market
Hai Phong's cuisine is famous for its many attractive dishes, and the area around Do Market is an ideal place for you to enjoy the characteristic flavors of the Port City. Spicy fish noodle soup of Hai Phong with its aromatic broth, distinctive spicy taste mixed with the scent of shrimp and crab leaves an unforgettable aftertaste. Crab noodle soup is a signature dish when mentioning Hai Phong, with crispy rice paper, sweet and sour dipping sauce, and fresh crab meat.
Spicy baguette, steamed rice cakes (bánh bèo), or Hai Phong spring rolls are also must-try options, each dish carrying its own unique flavor only found in the Port land. Especially, red jellyfish is a unique snack of Hai Phong that will bring you a new experience. Small stalls near the market gate or along the Tam Bac river are places where you can easily enjoy these dishes at reasonable prices and authentic local flavors.
Enjoying red jellyfish specialty at Do Market. (Source: Collected)
4. Tips for visiting Do Market Hai Phong
4.1. Directions to Do Market
Getting to Do Market Hai Phong is very convenient thanks to many means of transport suitable for each need. City bus routes have stops near Phan Boi Chau and Hong Bang areas, helping you travel economically and easily. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and Go-Viet operate continuously, convenient for traveling from central districts, Hai Phong station, or Cat Bi airport. If you choose to travel by motorbike or private car, there are many public and private parking lots around Do Market with reasonable prices.
The road to the market is spacious and convenient to travel. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Notes when exploring Do Hai Phong Market
The ideal time to fully experience the bustling atmosphere and unique characteristics of Do Hai Phong Market is in the early morning. From 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the market is usually the liveliest with all kinds of fresh goods and reasonable prices. This is a good opportunity for you to fully feel the atmosphere of a traditional market in the Port City.
Fresh food at the start of the day. (Source: Collected)
When visiting and shopping at Do Market, you should ask for prices before choosing to buy to avoid any unwanted misunderstandings. Hai Phong people are inherently friendly and proud of the tradition of Do Market, so please maintain a polite attitude, respecting the space and history of the market and its vendors. Don't forget to bring a camera or phone to capture everyday moments such as images of ancient houses, colorful stalls, or bustling trading scenes. Chatting and interacting with sellers and local people will help you understand more deeply about the culture and memories associated with this ancient market.
After exploring Do Hai Phong Market, an ancient market famous for its unique architecture and bustling atmosphere, you can continue your journey to visit other attractive destinations such as Hai Phong Opera House, Tam Bac walking street, or Do Son tourist area. If you want to leave the city to return to nature, don't miss Cat Ba Island, the "green pearl" of Lan Ha Bay. From the center of Hai Phong, tourists can travel to the island by Sun World Cat Ba cable car, which is both convenient and offers a spectacular panoramic view from above.
View from the cable car, overlooking Cat Ba.
Cho Do Hai Phong is not only a long-standing shopping area but also a cultural symbol associated with the local people, preserving historical imprints along with the daily life of the Port City. Take time to visit, feel the simple, warm charm of this centuries-old market. Don't forget to capture memories at Do Market and share your experience with us!
