What is Son Tra Night Market like?
Son Tra Night Market is one of the busiest and most accessible night markets in Da Nang, especially popular with tourists. It’s set up near the Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge, so it naturally draws a crowd before and after the fire show on weekend nights.
You’ll find a mix of grilled street food, souvenirs, clothing, and snacks—most stalls are set up for casual browsing rather than serious shopping. It’s colorful, lively, and fun for a stroll, but it’s not the most authentic market in town. The atmosphere feels more designed for visitors than locals, but that also makes it easy and approachable.
Highlights of Son Tra Night Market
Son Tra Night Market isn’t the most authentic place in Da Nang—but it’s definitely lively. It’s designed for tourists, but still fun if you know what to expect. From street food and souvenirs to evening entertainment, here’s what stands out:
1. Street food section
This is the heart of the market. You’ll find grilled seafood, skewers, Vietnamese pancakes, smoothies, and snacks everywhere. It’s easy to grab something quick and eat on a stool or while walking.
- Food is reasonably priced, usually 20,000–50,000 VND per dish.
- That said, quality can vary. Some stalls are great, others just average.
- Vendors here can be quite aggressive, stepping in front of you or calling out loudly to draw attention. If that bothers you, it’s best to ignore or politely say no.
- Some travelers recommend confirming prices before ordering to avoid surprises.
2. Souvenir & shopping stalls
Souvenir stands line the walkways, selling:
- Lanterns, magnets, T-shirts, tote bags, conical hats
- Fake branded items (Crocs, watches, bags)
- Some small crafts and decor, but mostly mass-produced and repetitive
Prices are low, especially if you bargain a bit. Some stalls are fixed-price, but at others you can start at around 60–70% of the first offer. Just don’t expect high-quality artisan goods—this is more casual shopping for fun or small gifts.
3. Location advantage
What really makes this market stand out is where it is.
- It’s right next to Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge, and the Han River promenade
- Perfect to visit before or after the Dragon Bridge fire show (weekends at 9 PM)
- Easy to combine with a river walk, a cafe stop, or even a night river cruise
- Foot massages are also common here—quick and cheap, often around 100,000–120,000 VND for 30 minutes
Even if you’re not into the shopping or street food, it’s still a good place to soak up the evening energy of the city. Just don’t expect a hidden gem—it’s well-known and gets very busy, especially on weekends.
What to eat at Son Tra Night Market
The food is one of the main draws here, but it’s a mixed bag—some stalls serve tasty snacks, others feel overpriced or tourist-focused. Still, if you choose carefully, you can enjoy a decent meal or snack while soaking in the evening vibe.
Popular food to try:
- Grilled squid, lobster, and prawns – Freshly cooked on open grills; prices vary depending on weight and stall. Expect to pay 150,000–300,000 VND+ for seafood.
- Pork or beef skewers – Flavorful, quick bites that go for around 15,000–30,000 VND each.
- Vietnamese sausages (nem nướng) – Tasty and easy to eat while walking.
- Bánh mì – Available at some stalls; around 20,000–30,000 VND depending on the fillings.
- Sugar cane juice and other sweet drinks – Refreshing and cheap at around 10,000–15,000 VND.
- Avocado or coconut ice cream – Found at a few stands, usually 15,000–25,000 VND.
Tips:
- Look for busy stalls with locals—a good sign of freshness and flavor.
- Always ask for the price before ordering, especially at seafood stalls where portions and pricing aren’t always clear.
- If vendors feel too pushy, just move on—there are plenty of others.
- Don’t expect everything to be amazing, but there are definitely a few gems hidden among the stalls.
If you’re mainly after great food, other night markets like Helio or Bac My An Market may be better. But for a casual mix of snacks and street food while exploring the riverside area, this market does the job.
Is Son Tra Night Market worth visiting?
It’s worth visiting if you’re looking for a lively, easy night out with street food, lights, and crowds—especially if you’re already near the Dragon Bridge or planning to watch the fire show.
This market is best for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting a quick, convenient way to experience a Vietnamese night market.
If you’re more into authentic local food, quieter spots, or real market culture, this isn’t the place. It’s clearly built for tourists, and while it’s fun, it’s not where locals really eat or shop.
Honest take: The food and shopping are average, but the location makes it a fun and practical stop if you’re nearby in the evening. Don’t go out of your way, but it’s a good add-on to a night along the river.
Tips for visiting Son Tra Night Market
Go early or after the fire show
The market gets packed around 8:30–9:30 PM, especially on weekends. Arriving a bit earlier or later makes the experience more relaxed.
Bring small cash
Most stalls only take cash, and large bills can be hard to break. Bring small denominations (10k–50k VND) for smoother transactions.
Confirm prices before ordering
Especially for seafood and drinks, prices aren’t always marked. Always ask clearly before ordering to avoid being overcharged.
Don’t be afraid to walk away
Some vendors can be pushy—especially in the food section. Just keep walking if it gets uncomfortable or if you’re not interested.
Combine with the Dragon Bridge show
The fire and water show happens at 9 PM every Saturday and Sunday. This makes the market a perfect pre- or post-show stop.
Explore the riverside nearby
The market is right next to the Han River promenade. It’s great for an evening stroll or quick detour after shopping.
Bonus: More things to do at night
Want more evening ideas? Check out our full guide to things to do at night in Da Nang for bars, river cruises, and local nightlife.
