Sunday, November 24, 2024

Son Tra Night Market @ Da Nang [Vietnam]

There are a number of night markets in Da Nang but the one said to be most popular had to be Son Tra Night Market, which was just a stone's throw from the most iconic bridge in the city; Dragon Bridge

I visited twice and the pictures you are going to see below would comprise both days; however, I shall not be putting them out in a chronological manner, preferring to consolidate them for ease of reference.

Operating from 5pm till midnight, I would suggest dropping by only after 6pm instead as most stalls were still in the midst of setting up their gazebos or tidying up their wares when I was there at about 5 plus in my second visit.

Despite being the most popular night market, I would say it wasn't as crowded as expected although people who know me well would know I don't have the tendency to stay out too late. Hence, there might actually be more people after like 9pm. 

Durians piqued my interest. Seeing how large the fruits were, I gathered they were the Thai-type of durians that generally wouldn't appeal to Singaporeans / Malaysians who prefer riper durians that have mushier, more pungent smelling meat.

Just a few photographs on the street scene.

Cosmetic jewelry that didn't appeal to me at all, except when I was a kid and associated such items to riches. After living for a few decades now, my understanding is that we can never earn enough money.

Mix and match of wearable accessories. I was actually quite a cap / hat person when I was younger since I don't like to style my hair; stopped doing so as I sweat a lot and I am too lazy to keep washing my caps / hats.

Hand-painted non-la; I have no idea how tourists bring it back home on a plane! It's hard to keep in the suitcase and wearing it on the plane would literally be screaming to everyone; look at me! 

Comic figurines. 
To me, these kind of things attract too much dust.
 
Same goes for the above; which I believe to be GAWS and Bearbricks. 
p.s. the original ones can go for thousands of dollars post pandemic.

The Lego-type figurines would be have a better appeal as you would have to "build it yourself". Of course, maybe more for kids as I doubt I have much patience to do that. Plus. it would still collect dust after I complete the work. 

In the 1980s, when mass tourism started booming around the world, it's common for people to buy such religious items back home. In the contemporary world, I wonder if it is still as popular. p.s. the little monk series had a adorable appeal but why a buddha head?! 

Leather products, sunglasses and fake branded goods. 

Ornamental lighters! Some were really nice; pity I quit smoking quite a while back. I remember scrolling a few videos on refurbished vintage lighters and boy was the flame mesmerizing! 

Same kind of unique coasters and trays that I previously found at Nguyen Hoang Night Market / Hội An Night Market. Trust me, I was so tempted to buy them with their mosaic / kaleidoscope designs! 

Neck pillows; I have never used one before.

Plastic sandals / slippers popularized by Crocs; greater variety at much cheaper pricing! Do note that cheap means compromising on quality and when you come to my age; it's something that you wouldn't want to compromise on.

Souvenirs for your family and friends back home; nowadays, I just buy more snacks rather than keychains / fridge magnets. And given how often I travel, it's just weird to buy like 5-6 fridge magnets / keychains a year to the same person! That doesn't stop me from buying a fridge magnet for myself though. 

I am just more averse to buying larger items that collect dust, especially creepy ones like the owls with their huge, hypnotic eyes and the dark, eerie silhouettes wearing non-la and ao-dai with mother of pearls.

These handmade, 3D wooden souvenirs were so pretty! 

Prepacked snacks, nuts, candies and a variety of Vietnamese coffee products for you to purchase. For coffee, I would suggest Trung Nguyen Legend brand but you may want to check if there are official stores (usually their cafes) where you can be assured of their authenticity and retail pricing.

The kind of 'souvenirs' my mom would be more interested in.

Handphone covers; frankly, while I love having different designs for my mobile phone depending on my mood, my clumsiness means I can only use those hardy (boring) ones that can withstand the frequent knocks and drops.  

Quite a number of stalls concentrated on shirts, tops, dresses, kidswear etc. I saw an under armour branded tee selling for just 75,000 dong (about $4)! Sadly, I am into comfy wear and prefer to try first. 
Furthermore, I have too many tops at home.

Vietnamese agarwood ; used in incense and perfume, this is likely more popular with the much older population. Younger population would prefer scents that are not as traditional, and maybe cool sounding the midsummer's night from yankee candle. 

Old notes dealer, who also doubled up as a currency exchanger. I actually didn't have to change any money when I was in Da Nang as I have the tendency to use credit cards whenever I could. 

More photographs for your viewing pleasure. Running out of words honestly. As you can see, some of the products were just mixed together, and you need a keen to spot what you want / need. 

Not uncommon to have pet dogs running around. 

Sometimes, discarded carton boxes might block the way, especially if you come too early, when many stall owners were just setting up. 

This reminded me of the photo backdrops at Nguyen Hoang Night Market / Hội An Night Market, even though it sure wasn't as bright, as stunning. However, I think this particular shop do offer the lanterns for sale. 

Setup for Son Tra Night Market was actually on the road and from the map, it's a crossroad and this area with the fake tree blossoming with golden flowers was right in the middle of the intersection.

Surrounding the tree would be makeshift stalls offering services like temporary tattoos, wood engraving using fire pens. Unlike the sale of products, services would take a longer time and you would see people crowding around the stalls.

The ones attracting the most people would be portrait drawing, and the general pricing was 180,000 dong (about S$10.00). Pity I didn't like to wait, and I prefer out of proportion caricature drawings instead.

Too much walking? Have a foot massage! Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the price list but knowing Alex, who is price sensitive, this wouldn't cost too much. 

You can also have a go at the balloon popping games! I stopped playing such funfair games after Alex won a big, soft toy at Genting Highlands over ten years ago and I had to haul it back for him! 

Trust me; it was hard work! 

For the kids in your family, there would be simple funfair rides, similar to what you can find in Singapore night markets some time. Nothing fanciful but the kids wouldn't know the difference. 

Now, the food section of Son Tra Night Market. 
It's one place you should never, ever miss! 

Lobster lovers would have their heart pumping for the insane display of lobsters! It was so mind blowing that my eyes were dazzled by them! But, I am mindful of being "chopped" (Singapore lingo for being scammed) and absolutely couldn't believe the price tags! 

Imagine this entire set that would only set us back by 600,000 dong, which was just about S$32.00. With two lobsters, clams, prawns, octopus, squids and oysters?! How is that even possible?! Again, being cheap might have their risks so you do have to assess on your end. 

Just be mindful that there were numerous reviews on food poisoning. 
And trust me, food poisoning is super disruptive when you travelling.

Where did we order our lobster meal eventually? 
Check out my posting here!

Aside from seafood, you do have other options as above. I did try some of the meat skewers but they didn't impress. Being a deep fried food fan, I would have tried them but only if they were freshly fried. And weirdly, no crabs.

Some price lists for your reference. 
Not super expensive in my opinion. 

Lastly, would you dare to try some snails? 

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In comparison to Nguyen Hoang Night Market / Hội An Night Market, I do feel that there is better variety at Son Tra Night Market, and without a doubt, it has more street food options. For the latter, however, Hội An Night Market is blessed with many nearby restaurants though. 

Address
Mai Hắc Đế, An Hải Trung, 
Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Map
As above.

Operating Hours
5pm till Midnight

Additional Information
For reference. 


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