1. Introduction to Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc)
1.1. Where is Duong Dong Market?
Located right by the poetic Duong Dong river, Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc) is considered the largest and most famous seafood market on the island. It is also the busiest trading center of the Phu Quoc special administrative region, where the island's life is vividly reflected through the calls of vendors, laughter, and the scent of fresh seafood spreading throughout the space.
The market is built in a spacious, modern building, divided into many separate areas for convenient display and sale of goods. Stepping into the market, visitors will find all kinds of typical Phu Quoc products such as fresh seafood, dried goods, pepper, fish sauce, or exquisite handmade souvenirs. The space is both simple and familiar, evoking the unique characteristics of the southern sea region.
Duong Dong Market offers a wide variety of goods, meeting all shoppers' needs. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Operating hours of Duong Dong Market
Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc) is open from 5 AM to 7 PM, serving the shopping and trading needs of both locals and tourists. The morning is the ideal time to buy fresh seafood just brought back by fishermen, while the afternoon is bustling with stalls selling specialties and souvenirs. No matter when you visit, tourists will feel the vibrant, friendly, and authentic daily atmosphere of the people on the Pearl Island.
2. Reasons why tourists must visit Duong Dong Market when coming to Phu Quoc?
Coming to Phu Quoc without visiting Duong Dong Market means you haven't truly experienced the island's rhythm of life. Here, tourists can easily find all sorts of seafood fresh from the sea, famous specialties like dried squid, pepper, and fish sauce, as well as exquisite souvenirs or jewelry made from shells. All carry the salty breath of the sea and the rustic charm of island life. Not only rich in goods, Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc) also impresses with its affordable prices, and the friendly and hospitable vendors, giving tourists a feeling of visiting a local market, both familiar and heartwarming.
Prices of goods at Duong Dong market are extremely affordable. (Source: Collected)
More than just a shopping destination, Duong Dong market (Phu Quoc) is also a place for tourists to experience the daily life of the islanders. The echoing calls of vendors, the intimate conversations between buyers and sellers, combined with the aroma of fresh seafood, all create a vibrant scene, full of the sea's essence. Strolling around the market, tourists can not only feel Phu Quoc through the colorful stalls but also clearly see the friendliness and hospitality in every smile and greeting from the islanders.
3. Shopping Guide at Duong Dong Market
3.1. Buy Fresh Seafood of All Kinds
Duong Dong market (Phu Quoc) is an ideal stop for those who want to buy fresh and delicious seafood on the Pearl Island. From early morning, the market is bustling with stalls selling shrimp, crab, squid, mackerel, grouper, etc., all brought in by fishermen right after their night fishing trips. The busy atmosphere, the cheerful calls of vendors, and the salty scent of the sea make tourists clearly feel the working rhythm of the islanders.
The seafood at Duong Dong market (Phu Quoc) is not only abundant but also famous for its unparalleled freshness. Baskets of bright red shrimp, firm crabs, or mackerel and grouper still shimmering in the early sun make everyone passing by want to stop and buy. The vendors here are extremely friendly, ready to clean, pack neatly, and carefully preserve the seafood for tourists to take home as gifts. The experience of buying seafood at the market is not just a simple transaction, but also an opportunity for tourists to feel the breath of the island, the simplicity, and the hospitality of the Phu Quoc people.
Fresh seafood, diverse types, plenty for tourists to choose from. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Buy dried seafood and specialty products as gifts
Besides fresh seafood, Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc) is also known as a “dried specialty paradise” with countless attractive options for tourists to buy as gifts. Along the aisles, visitors will easily encounter stalls full of sun-dried squid, dried fish, dried shrimp, dried yellow-fin tuna, dried mackerel, or dried snapper. All are naturally sun-dried, retaining their natural sweetness and characteristic aroma of the sea.
Additionally, famous specialties such as Phu Quoc fish sauce, black pepper, wild sim wine, or pure honey are also popular gifts among many tourists. Each gift carries a unique essence of the "Jade Island", simple yet containing the sincere affection of the islanders.
3.3. Enjoy local cuisine right at the market
Visiting Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc), tourists not only immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of buying and selling but also have the opportunity to explore a local culinary paradise. This is where the essence of Phu Quoc cuisine converges, with simple yet uniquely flavored dishes rarely found elsewhere.
From early morning, the stalls are steaming with various delicious dishes like mildly spicy "bun quay" (whipped noodle soup), fragrant and creamy "bun ken" (fish noodle soup with coconut milk), chewy tapioca noodle soup "banh canh bot loc", or nutritious sea urchin porridge. By noon and afternoon, the seafood section of the market becomes even more lively and crowded. The seafood here is displayed fresh, with all kinds of shrimp, squid, crab, fish... Tourists can buy them on the spot and have them prepared in various ways such as grilled with chili salt, steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with tamarind, or braised in sweet and savory sauce. Additionally, the market offers many attractive snacks like "banh khot" (mini savory pancakes), "banh hoi long heo" (rice vermicelli with pork offal), and refreshing sugarcane juice… Reasonable prices, a friendly atmosphere, and the delicious flavors of the dishes have made Duong Dong Market an indispensable culinary stop on the journey to explore Phu Quoc.
Enjoy delicious seafood right at the market. (Source: Collected)
4. Directions to Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc)
As Duong Dong Market is located right in the center of the old Duong Dong town (now Phu Quoc special administrative region), visitors can easily get here by car or motorbike. From the central area, visitors can travel along Cach Mang Thang 8 street towards the west for about 1.3 km to reach the intersection with Tran Phu street. Here, turn left and continue straight for about 1 km to reach the market area.
Regarding transportation, if traveling by car, visitors can park at the foot of Nguyen Trung Truc bridge and walk to the market. If traveling by motorbike, visitors should turn back at the beginning of the bridge and park at the parking lot right at the foot of the bridge (fee around 3,000 VND/vehicle). Visitors should not drive directly into the market as the path is quite narrow and crowded, which can easily cause congestion.
5. Some tips for shopping at Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc)
5.1. Smart shopping tips at Duong Dong Market
If this is your first time visiting Duong Dong Market, take some time to wander around to feel the characteristic bustling atmosphere of the Pearl Island's center. The goods here are very diverse, from fresh seafood, dried specialties to small souvenirs, so preparing a few small tips will help visitors shop more easily and comfortably.
How to bargain and choose products:
If you want to choose the freshest seafood, you should go to the market early in the morning. Before buying, you should ask for the price first and compare between stalls to choose quality goods at a reasonable price. For dried goods or souvenirs, if you buy in large quantities, you can negotiate with the seller to get a better price.
Preserving dried specialties:
For specialties such as sun-dried squid, yellow-fin scad, dried shrimp, or pepper, you should ask the seller to vacuum seal them for easier transport and longer preservation. Avoid placing them near damp areas or in direct sunlight. If traveling by plane, you should keep dried goods in your checked baggage to avoid odors.
Notes on dining in the market:
The food court at Duong Dong Market is always crowded, especially during lunch and evening hours. Before ordering, you should ask for prices clearly, especially for seafood dishes prepared on the spot. In addition, you should prioritize choosing clean stalls with many local customers, as these stalls will ensure better quality and hygiene.
5.2. Combine with visiting famous tourist attractions in Phu Quoc
After strolling through Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc), visitors can combine visits to other famous tourist destinations on the Pearl Island. Not far from the market is the Phu Quoc Bee Farm, where visitors can learn about beekeeping, enjoy pure honey, and buy it as a gift. From here, visitors can continue to Truong Beach – Phu Quoc's longest beach, to walk along the shore, swim, and immerse themselves in the brilliant sunset scenery over the sea.
Nature lovers can choose Phu Quoc National Park for trekking and breathing in the fresh air amidst the primeval forest. And finally, don't miss Sun World Hon Thom amusement park, which features the world's longest sea-crossing cable car, the vibrant Aquatopia water park, and the Exotica village with many thrilling games and beautiful check-in spots. Combining visits to famous tourist spots around Duong Dong Market will make your Phu Quoc trip more complete, allowing you to explore local culture while enjoying the unique beauty of the Pearl Island.
Enjoy unlimited fun at Sun World Hon Thom. (Source: Sun World)
The journey to explore Duong Dong Market (Phu Quoc) is not just about shopping or enjoying cuisine, but also an opportunity for tourists to feel the daily life of the people on Ngoc Island. From fresh stalls in the early morning, the familiar calls of traders to the salty taste of the sea, all create a space that is both familiar and distinctive. If you have the chance to visit Phu Quoc, don't forget to take some time to visit Duong Dong Market , take a stroll, taste some delicious dishes, and choose some gifts that carry the flavor of the island nhé.
