Duong Dong Market Phu Quoc – Explore the Bustling Seafood and Culinary Market of Pearl Island

Seeking a haven to savor and purchase fresh seafood in Phu Quoc?

Look no further than Duong Dong Market! This renowned “seafood paradise” is teeming with stalls showcasing an abundance of fresh, day-caught seafood.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Duong Dong Market – an unmissable destination on your Phu Quoc adventure!

Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc

1. Where is Duong Dong Market located?

Duong Dong Market is situated on Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, nestled right beside the Duong Dong River. It’s considered the island’s largest seafood market due to its central location. The market bustles with activity every morning and afternoon, serving as a primary hub for locals and tourists seeking fresh seafood to bring home as souvenirs.

• Operating hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily)

Please note that the address on Google Maps is currently incorrect. The accurate address is Tran Phu Street, near Nguyen Trung Truc Street, not Ngo Quyen Street.

Duong Dong Market is located right next to the river where boats come and go

2. Navigating to Duong Dong Market

Conveniently situated in the heart of Duong Dong Town, Duong Dong Market is easily accessible to visitors via tours, cars, or motorbikes.

The market is just 2.4 km away from the town center. Follow Cách Mạng Tháng 8 Street westward for about 1.3 km until you intersect with Tran Phu Street. Turn left and continue straight for another 1 km to reach the market.

For those arriving by car, you can park at the foot of Nguyen Trung Truc Bridge and walk to the market. For motorbike riders, it’s advisable to turn around at the bridgehead and park your vehicle at the bridge’s base (3,000 VND/bike). Direct motorbike access to the market is discouraged due to narrow and congested roads.

How to get from Duong Dong center to Duong Dong market

3. Treasures to Uncover at Duong Dong Market

3.1 Fresh Seafood – A Bounty from the Sea

Duong Dong Market in Phu Quoc unveils a mesmerizing array of fresh seafood, offering the essence of the sea at your fingertips. The market boasts the freshest seafood at reasonable prices, 1-2 times lower than mainland prices, as it is directly sourced from the sea by local fishermen.

Hundreds of stalls line the market, brimming with an abundance of fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, scallops, squid, snails, and more.

Abundant seafood in Duong Dong market

A remarkable feature of Duong Dong Market is the service provided by many stalls to pack and ship seafood directly to the airport. This convenience is especially appreciated by travelers who wish to carry seafood home as souvenirs or enjoy it at home.

Fresh seafood in the market

3.2 Dried Seafood – Perfect for Souvenirs

Duong Dong Market in Phu Quoc welcomes you with a vast array of dried seafood products, such as sun-dried squid, dried fish, shrimp, salted fish, and tuna. These delicacies are perfect for enjoying at home or gifting to loved ones. The stalls stretching across the market will entice you with their diverse and rich selection of seafood specialties.

In addition, you can also find products that embody the unique flavors of Phu Quoc. Particularly, Phu Quoc fish sauce is a renowned souvenir that you can purchase at Duong Dong Market to share with your family and friends.

Dried seafood at Duong Dong market

3.3 Culinary Delights Await

A visit to Duong Dong Market is incomplete without immersing yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of Phu Quoc. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the signature “banh tet mat cat” (sweet sticky rice cake with pork and mung beans), a culinary gem of Phu Quoc. This delectable treat is made with fragrant sticky rice, aromatic betel leaves, savory mung beans, and rich pork belly, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate any palate.

Banh tet mat cat – one of the specialties of the Jade Island

Duong Dong Market is also a haven for discovering other equally enticing delicacies. Indulge in a bowl of aromatic fish porridge or immerse yourself in the rich flavors of grilled sea urchin. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to try egg yolk clams, banh canh bot loc (tapioca dumpling noodle soup), grilled oysters, seafood banh canh, banh trang nướng (grilled rice paper), bun nham (seafood noodle salad), and more.

Many kinds of grilled food are sold in Duong Dong market

A must-try at Duong Dong Market is the fried mackerel, which will leave you in awe of its unforgettable taste. The fish is fried to a golden crisp, with tender meat on the inside, complemented by crispy bread and flavorful chili sauce, creating an irresistible blend of flavors.

Delicious fried mackerel dish at Duong Dong market (Photo: cookpad)

Stepping into Duong Dong Market, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, embodied by the friendly and enthusiastic vendors. Their genuine smiles and welcoming demeanor set the tone for a delightful shopping experience.

The vendors are always friendly and helpful, ready to serve customers wholeheartedly

4. Shopping Tips at Duong Dong Market in Phu Quoc

4.1 Delectable Breakfast and Lunch Options at Duong Dong Market

Breakfast Treats:

• Banh tet cat mat: This Phu Quoc specialty features sticky rice, savory pork belly, and a sweet molasses filling, providing a delightful start to your day.
• Chao cha ca: This hearty fish porridge is infused with the flavors of fresh fish, glutinous rice, and a touch of chili, offering a light yet satisfying breakfast option.
• Banh canh bot loc: These delicate tapioca dumplings are served in a savory broth with shrimp and pork filling, ensuring a nutritious and flavorful breakfast experience.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Fried mackerel or tuna: Savor the freshness of the sea with these crispy-fried fish dishes, accompanied by steamed rice, fresh greens, and a tangy fish sauce.
• Cha ca: Indulge in the delectable flavors of grilled or fried fish cakes, served with vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and a sweet and sour fish sauce dip.
• Grilled oysters and sea urchin: Experience the bounty of the ocean with these grilled seafood delicacies, complemented by a simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, and lime juice.

4.2 Unveiling the “Golden Hours” for a Tranquil Market Experience

Duong Dong Market in Phu Quoc is a bustling hub of activity, open from dawn to dusk. To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more leisurely shopping experience, consider visiting early in the morning between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Freshest Produce. Stalls are typically restocked with the day’s freshest seafood and produce during this time, allowing you to select the highest quality items.

Reduced Crowds. The market is less crowded in the early hours, enabling you to navigate the aisles with ease and avoid the hustle and bustle.

Pleasant Weather. Phu Quoc’s tropical climate offers cooler temperatures in the early morning, making for a more comfortable shopping experience.

4.3 What locals usually buy at Duong Dong Market

Duong Dong Market is a shopping hub for locals, where they can find a wide variety of products, including food and household items.

For Food. The market is renowned for its fresh seafood, delicious fruits and vegetables, which cater to the daily cooking needs of families. In addition, dried food is also purchased by locals for stockpiling or as gifts.

A diverse range of bowls, chopsticks, spoons, clothes, and more are sold at affordable prices. Souvenirs are also a popular choice, as locals often buy them as gifts for friends and relatives who visit Phu Quoc.

4.4 Tips for shopping at Duong Dong Market

To make your trip more enjoyable, here are some tips for shopping at Duong Dong Market:

• To get the best prices on seafood, walk around the market to compare prices and observe how locals shop.
• Avoid buying from street vendors as they may not pack items properly for tourists.
• Stalls in the middle of the market tend to have lower prices.
• Ask for careful packaging if you are buying seafood in styrofoam boxes, especially if you are flying.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sandals for easy movement around the market.
• Be careful with your belongings, especially on weekends when the market is crowded.

5. Some tourist attractions near Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc

5.1 Dinh Cau Temple

Dinh Cau Temple is not only a spiritual and cultural site but also a perfect choice for watching the sunset. Located on a rocky outcrop facing the sea, the ancient Dinh Cau Temple boasts a picturesque natural setting with stunning cliffs.

• Address: Ward 2, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
• Opening hours: All day.
• Entrance fee: Free.

Dinh Cau Temple – a prominent spiritual tourist destination in Phu Quoc

5.2 Phu Quoc Night Market

Phu Quoc Night Market is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore local culture and indulge in shopping. This is the place where you can visit and buy a variety of goods such as: fashion clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, fresh seafood, dried seafood, etc.

• Address: 54 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 1, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
• Opening hours: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm.
• Entrance fee: Free.

Phu Quoc Night Market

Duong Dong Market is a famous market with its unique cuisine, fresh and delicious seafood, friendly people, and interesting coastal life. If you come to Phu Quoc, don’t forget to visit Duong Dong Market to explore and shop! If you need further advice on typical destinations in Phu Quoc, you can contact Rooty Trip.