Son Tra Night Market is one of the best places to experience Da Nang’s evening charm. Located near the famous Dragon Bridge, it brings together local street food, souvenirs, live music, and riverfront scenery in one walkable space. Whether you’re looking to taste your first bánh xèo, buy a handmade conical hat, or simply enjoy the lantern-lit atmosphere, this market is a must-visit.
It’s not just a tourist spot. Locals come here to eat, meet friends, and unwind after work. That mix of visitors creates a friendly and energetic vibe that feels both welcoming and real. If you’re planning an evening in Da Nang and wondering whether Son Tra Night Market is worth visiting — the answer is yes.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your night. From how to get there and what to eat, to local souvenirs and nearby attractions, here’s how to make the most of one evening around Son Tra Night Market.
How to get to Son Tra night market
Son Tra Night Market is located at 1 Lê Văn Duyệt Street, in An Hải Tây Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang. The market sits right at the foot of Dragon Bridge, on the eastern side of the Han River. This central Son Tra night market location makes it easy to combine with other riverside attractions, like Love Bridge and the Carp Dragon Statue.
If you’re wondering how to get to Son Tra Night Market, here are the easiest ways:
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From Dragon Bridge (city center side): Walk or drive east across the bridge. Once across, turn right onto Mai Hắc Đế Street. The market entrance is only a few minutes away on foot.
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From My Khe Beach: The market is about 2.5 km away. A Grab or taxi ride takes about 5 to 7 minutes and costs around 25,000 to 40,000 VND ($1 to $1.60 USD). Walking along the riverside takes 25–30 minutes.
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From Da Nang International Airport: The market is about 5 km away. A ride via taxi or Grab takes around 15 minutes and costs between 80,000 to 100,000 VND ($3.20 to $4 USD).
Motorbike and bicycle parking is available near the entrance for a small fee. After 6:00 PM, the street turns into a pedestrian zone, so you can safely explore on foot. If you’re staying near the Han River or in the city center, walking is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to get there.
For best navigation, type “Son Tra Night Market” or “Chợ đêm Sơn Trà Đà Nẵng” into Google Maps. The market’s entrance and nearby highlights are all marked on the Da Nang night market map.
Son Tra night market opening hours and best time to go
Son Tra night market opening hours are from 5:00 PM to around 10:30 PM every day. Most vendors begin setting up by 5:00, but the market truly comes alive after 6:30 PM, when the lanterns glow, the grills start sizzling, and the crowd begins to gather.
The best time to visit Son Tra Night Market is between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This is when you’ll find the full experience: warm food cooked fresh, music echoing through the street, and colorful lights overhead. If you’re hoping for a calmer walk with fewer people, arriving before 6:30 PM on a weekday is ideal.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the area becomes even more festive. Many travelers time their visit around the Son Tra night market fire show, a special event where the nearby Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water at 9:00 PM. If you plan to catch it, arrive at the market by 6:30 so you can enjoy your meal and shopping before walking to the bridge just a few minutes away.
While Son Tra night market stays open during the rainy season (September to December), it’s best enjoyed during dry months (February to August). If visiting during the rainy months, a light umbrella or rain jacket is recommended, as some seating is outdoors.
Want to plan your trip around good weather? Read our full guide on the best time to visit Vietnam to make the most of every city you explore.
What to eat at Son Tra Night Market
If you’re exploring a Da Nang street food market for the first time, Son Tra Night Market is the perfect place to start. Dishes are cooked fresh in front of you, and most are affordable, easy to try, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hungry for grilled seafood or just want a quick snack, this is where you’ll find some of the best Vietnamese food in Da Nang night market culture.
Top must-try dishes for first-timers
Here are some of the most popular options, often ranked among the best Vietnamese food in Da Nang night markets:
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake)
A crispy rice crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s served with lettuce and herbs, which you wrap around the pancake and dip into sweet fish sauce. Many visitors enjoy watching it sizzle on the hot pan before being served. Price: 5,000–7,000 VND per piece (about $0.30 USD) - Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese spring rolls)
Light, healthy, and easy to eat. These rolls are made with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and herbs, wrapped in soft rice paper. They’re usually served cold with peanut sauce or light fish sauce. Price: 10,000–15,000 VND per roll (around $0.50 USD) - Grilled seafood
This is one of the most popular parts of the market. You can choose from trays of fresh shrimp, squid, clams, and scallops, then watch them grilled on the spot with garlic butter or spicy chili. Price: 60,000–100,000 VND per plate (about $2.50–$4 USD) - Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza)
A sheet of rice paper grilled over charcoal, topped with egg, sausage, dried shrimp, and spring onions. Locals call it “Vietnamese pizza” because it’s crispy, round, and full of toppings. Price: 15,000–25,000 VND (around $1 USD) - Nem lụi (grilled pork skewers)
Ground pork is wrapped around stalks of lemongrass and grilled over charcoal. Served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, these skewers are smoky, juicy, and flavorful. Price: 7,000–10,000 VND per stick (around $0.30 USD) - Bò lá lốt (beef wrapped in betel leaf)
Minced beef is rolled in fragrant betel leaves and grilled until lightly charred. The flavor is herbal, rich, and very local. Price: 7,000–10,000 VND per skewer (around $0.30 USD)
Curious about more local flavors beyond Son Tra Night Market? Check out our Vietnamese street food guide for what to try across Vietnam.
Unique local dishes worth trying
Beyond the familiar favorites, Son Tra Night Market is also a great place to try authentic Vietnamese dishes that locals love. These options might not be on every tourist’s list, but they’re full of flavor and give you a deeper taste of Central Vietnam.
- Mì Quảng (Quang-style noodles)
A central Vietnamese noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, a small amount of broth, shrimp, pork, herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. It’s hearty but not heavy, and the mix of textures makes it especially memorable. Price: 30,000–50,000 VND per bowl (around $1.20–$2 USD) - Bánh căn (mini rice cakes)
These small, round cakes are cooked in clay pans with toppings like quail egg, shrimp, or pork. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, they’re usually served with fish sauce and pickled vegetables. Price: 20,000–30,000 VND per plate (around $0.80–$1.20 USD) - Ốc hút (spicy stir-fried snails)
A local street favorite. Small snails are stir-fried with lemongrass, garlic, and chili. Locals suck them directly from the shell. It’s spicy, flavorful, and a fun experience for adventurous eaters. Price: 20,000–40,000 VND per portion (around $0.80–$1.60 USD) - Mít trộn (young jackfruit salad)
This spicy and tangy salad is made with shredded jackfruit, herbs, roasted peanuts, and strips of pork skin. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and different from anything you’d expect a jackfruit dish to be. Price: 15,000–25,000 VND per plate (around $0.60–$1 USD) - Bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes)
Soft, steamed rice cakes served in small dishes, topped with ground shrimp, crispy shallots, and a light savory sauce. You eat them with a spoon, often in sets of five or ten. Price: 20,000–30,000 VND per set (around $0.80–$1.20 USD)
These dishes offer a closer look at local food in Son Tra Night Market, and many visitors find themselves coming back just to try them again.
Eating tips for a better experience
1. Timing and seating
To enjoy Son Tra night market at its best, plan to arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. After 7:30 PM, the crowds grow, especially on weekends. Most food stalls use small plastic tables and stools placed on the sidewalk. If you come later, you might have to wait or share a table with strangers, which is a normal part of the local experience.
2. Money and how to order
Vendors at Son Tra Night Market only accept cash. It’s best to carry small bills such as 20,000 or 50,000 VND to make paying easier. If you don’t see a menu or price, simply smile and point at the dish you want. Most vendors are familiar with tourists and will be happy to help.
3. Choosing and eating food
Eat your food fresh and hot when possible. Grilled seafood, fried spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes taste much better right off the stove. For first-time visitors, it’s smart to start with something simple like spring rolls or skewers. If you try dipping sauces like mắm nêm, sample a little first as it can have a strong fermented flavor.
4. Hygiene and comfort
Carry your own tissues or wet wipes since not all stalls offer napkins. Trash bins are available throughout Son Tra night market but may not be next to your table. If you’re vegetarian, look for signs with the word “chay” (vegetarian) or ask the vendor politely. Drinks like coconut water, sugarcane juice, and bottled water are safe and refreshing options.
With these Son Tra night market tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy street food in Da Nang like a local
What to buy at Son Tra night market
Son Tra Night Market is not just for food lovers. It’s also a great place to pick up affordable gifts, local snacks, and travel-friendly souvenirs. Everything is compact, easy to pack, and ideal for visitors flying home soon after.
Easy-to-pack souvenirs
Wondering what to buy at Son Tra Night Market that fits in your suitcase? Many stalls sell small, lightweight items that make thoughtful gifts or personal keepsakes. Here are some popular Vietnam souvenirs that are easy to carry and great for travelers:
- Mini conical hats (nón lá)
Small versions of Vietnam’s traditional palm-leaf hat are sold as decorative items. Some are hand-painted with scenes from Da Nang or Hoi An. Lightweight and great for photos or gifts. Price: 30,000 to 70,000 VND (around $1.20 to $2.80 USD) - Hand-painted fans and postcards
These are flat and easy to pack. Fans often feature traditional art or landscapes, and postcards show local life, bridges, or lanterns. Some stalls sell bookmarks or paintings with Vietnamese calligraphy. Price: 20,000 to 50,000 VND (around $0.80 to $2 USD) - Vietnam-themed cotton shirts and pants
Loose-fitting clothing with dragon prints or “I love Da Nang” logos is easy to find. These are not fashion pieces but make fun gifts or comfy outfits for beach days and flights. Price: 70,000 to 150,000 VND (around $2.80 to $6 USD) - Vietnamese drip coffee sets
Small metal filters known as phin can be bought together with ground robusta or arabica beans. It’s a great way to recreate the taste of Vietnamese coffee at home. Price: 50,000 to 100,000 VND per set (around $2 to $4 USD) - Dried tropical fruits
Jackfruit chips, banana chips, and dried mango are sealed in snack-size packs. They’re crunchy, slightly sweet, and ideal for carry-on luggage. Look for expiry dates on the label. Price: 30,000 to 80,000 VND per pack (around $1.20 to $3.20 USD)
Da Nang local specialties and snacks
If you want to bring a taste of Da Nang home, Son Tra Night Market offers plenty of Vietnamese food souvenirs that are easy to pack, full of local flavor, and popular with both tourists and locals.
- Sesame dry cakes (bánh khô mè)
A crunchy, mildly sweet treat made from sesame, rice flour, and malt syrup. This is a well-known Da Nang specialty often wrapped in bright paper boxes. Price: 30,000 to 50,000 VND per box (around $1.20 to $2 USD) - Fermented pork rolls (tré)
Tré is a Central Vietnam specialty made from shredded pork skin and galangal, wrapped in banana leaves. It has a strong, sour-savory flavor. You’ll see it sold near the food stalls. Price: 40,000 to 60,000 VND per roll (around $1.60 to $2.50 USD) - Fish sauce and chili salt
Some vendors sell small bottles of local fish sauce or jars of spicy chili salt used for dipping fruits and vegetables. For more on how these are used in everyday dishes, check out this guide to Vietnamese dipping sauces. Price: 25,000 to 70,000 VND depending on size (around $1 to $3 USD) - Lotus tea and herbal blends
You may find bags of dried lotus flowers or local herbs like ginger, lemongrass, and pandan. These are used to brew tea at home and are often sold in vacuum packs. Price: 30,000 to 60,000 VND per pack (around $1.20 to $2.50 USD) - Chewy sesame candy (mè xửng)
Made from malt syrup, roasted peanuts, and sesame, this sticky, chewy snack is originally from Hue but sold widely in Da Nang. It’s sweet, nutty, and good for gifting. Price: 20,000 to 40,000 VND per pack (around $0.80 to $1.60 USD)
Tips for shopping smart at the market
1. Ask politely and bargain fairly
Bargaining is expected at Son Tra Night Market, but it works best with a friendly tone. If you’re buying more than one item, vendors are usually happy to lower the price slightly. A smile and a simple question like “Can you do a better price?” often goes a long way.
2. Choose quality over the cheapest price
Some souvenirs may look handmade but are mass-produced. Check the item’s materials, stitching, or paint before buying. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. For more authentic gifts, look for vendors who display how their items are made or explain their origin.
3. Buy food and drinks that are sealed and labeled
When buying Vietnamese snacks, dried fruit, chili salt, or coffee, always check that the product is sealed, labeled with an expiry date, and clearly packaged. This helps ensure freshness and airport approval.
4. Plan ahead for liquids and large items
Items like fish sauce, herbal oils, or sauces must go in checked luggage due to airline rules. Ask vendors if an item is travel-ready. Foldable lanterns, flat fans, and dry foods are best for carry-on.
5. Shop earlier in the evening
Most stalls open around 5:30 PM and are busiest from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. By 9:30, some vendors may start packing up. If you want the full selection of souvenirs and more time to browse, aim to shop before the rush.
These simple Da Nang night market shopping tips will help you buy safely, pack smart, and bring home meaningful souvenirs from your visit to Son Tra Night Market.
If you’re heading to Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Tay Market offers a more local shopping scene with everyday goods and traditional flavors.
Things to do beyond shopping and eating
Son Tra Night Market offers more than just food and souvenirs. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or solo, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the atmosphere and explore local culture once your hands are free from snacks.
- Get a relaxing foot massage
After exploring the stalls and walking through the market, a quick foot massage is one of the most relaxing ways to end your visit. At the far end of Son Tra Night Market, you’ll find several open-air stalls offering massage chairs and recliners along the sidewalk. These casual, street-side services are a light and easy introduction to Vietnam massage, especially for travelers who want something simple and low-pressure.
Prices typically range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per session, which is around 4 to 6 USD. Massages are done over clothing and without oils, making them perfect for travelers who want something quick and low-commitment. Most massage attendants are experienced, and even though English may be limited, they understand basic instructions like “foot” or “shoulder.”
This is especially popular with tourists who have spent the day walking around Da Nang or visiting nearby attractions like My Khe Beach. It’s also a smart choice for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind before heading back to the hotel.
- Watch live performances or sit and people-watch
On weekend nights, Son Tra Night Market becomes a small stage for Da Nang’s young performers. You might come across students playing guitar, singing Vietnamese pop songs, or dancing in groups along the main walkway. Some use traditional instruments, others play upbeat hits. These performances are casual and spontaneous, and visitors often stop to watch for a few minutes. There’s no ticket or pressure, but it’s kind to leave a small tip if you enjoy the show.
If you prefer a quieter moment, find a drink stall, grab a sugarcane juice or coconut water, and take a seat on a plastic stool. The market is a great place to simply watch life go by. Locals chat with friends, tourists sample street food, and vendors call out to passersby. It’s a relaxed, authentic atmosphere that gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Da Nang.
- Let kids explore and enjoy the market
Son Tra Night Market is family-friendly and full of small joys for children. Toy stalls sell glowing balloons, bubble wands, and spinning lights that always catch a child’s attention. On weekends, you’ll also find mini game booths offering dart throwing, ring toss, or toy fishing.
The prizes are simple and fun. The atmosphere is relaxed and safe, which makes it easy for families to walk around, enjoy snacks, and let their kids explore. Whether it’s picking out a light-up toy or winning a small prize at a game stall, these little moments often become the most memorable part of the visit.
- Try-before-you-buy food tasting
Many food and snack stalls offer free samples, especially those selling dried fruits, candy, or grilled skewers. You can taste a piece of mango chip or spicy squid before deciding to buy. Vendors are used to tourists and welcome people to try, even if you don’t end up purchasing. It’s a friendly way to discover new flavors.
Nearby attractions you can visit before or after Son Tra night market
Son Tra Night Market sits right by the Han River, in one of the most walkable and scenic areas of Da Nang. This makes it perfect to combine with other activities, whether you have a full afternoon or just an extra hour before or after dinner.
Famous landmarks within walking distance
- Dragon Bridge
Da Nang Dragon Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Da Nang. Shaped like a golden dragon stretching across the Han River, the bridge lights up with thousands of LED bulbs every night. On Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9:00 PM, it becomes the city’s main attraction with a fire and water show that lasts about five minutes. The best part is how close it is to Son Tra Night Market. You can enjoy dinner, then walk just a few minutes to the bridge in time for the show. If you want a clear view, try to arrive before 8:30 PM since it can get crowded quickly.
- Love Bridge and Dragon Carp Statue
Next to Son Tra Night Market, the Love Bridge is a small pedestrian walkway decorated with red heart-shaped lanterns. Couples often leave padlocks on the railings as a symbol of lasting love. Beside the bridge is the Dragon Carp Statue, a white marble sculpture with the head of a dragon and the body of a fish. At night, the statue lights up and sprays water into the river, making it one of the most photographed spots in Da Nang. It’s free to visit, always open, and perfect for a short walk before or after your visit to the night market.
Places to visit earlier in the day
- My Khe Beach
If you have time in the afternoon before heading to the night market, My Khe Beach is a perfect place to start. Just a 10-minute drive from Son Tra Night Market, this beach is known for its long stretch of soft white sand and calm, clear water. Many visitors come here to swim, walk along the shore, or relax with a coconut drink under the shade. It’s also one of the best places in Da Nang to catch the sunset. For the best experience, visit between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, then freshen up and head into the city for dinner and the market.
- Champa Sculpture Museum
For those interested in local culture and history, the Champa Sculpture Museum offers a peaceful and meaningful stop. It holds the largest collection of Champa artifacts in the world, with sandstone statues and carvings dating back more than a thousand years. The museum is located on the west bank of the Han River, just across from Dragon Bridge. It closes at 5:00 PM, so it’s best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon. The space is small and quiet, which makes it ideal for travelers who want a break from the heat and noise of the city.
- Da Nang Cathedral (Pink Church)
Da Nang Cathedral, often called the Pink Church, is a standout landmark in the city center thanks to its soft pink facade and French Gothic design. Locals also refer to it as the Rooster Church because of the weathercock on its bell tower. Though smaller than Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City, it shares the same charming color and has become a favorite photo spot for visitors. The church is open during the day, and tourists are welcome to enter if dressed modestly. With its peaceful courtyard and stained glass windows, it’s a calm stop worth visiting before heading to Son Tra Night Market in the evening.
Nighttime attractions after the market
- Sun Wheel and Asia Park
If you’re not ready to end the night after Son Tra Night Market, Asia Park offers a fun option just a short drive away. The park comes alive after dark with colorful lights, lively music, and an open space for walking or relaxing. One of its biggest attractions is the Sun Wheel, a massive Ferris wheel that gives you a panoramic view of the city skyline. It’s one of the tallest in Asia and runs until late evening. You can enter the park grounds for free, and buy tickets separately if you’d like to ride the wheel or try other games. It’s a popular spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to wind down with a view.
- Nguyen Van Troi Walking Bridge
For a quieter option, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is a peaceful spot that locals often visit in the evening. Once a busy road bridge, it has now been turned into a pedestrian walkway where people come to jog, chat, or enjoy the breeze over the Han River. The bridge offers one of the best open views of the city lights, especially Dragon Bridge and the surrounding skyline. It’s a great place to walk off your dinner and experience a slower, more local side of Da Nang nightlife.
- Cafés and rooftops along the river
After exploring Son Tra night market, many visitors enjoy ending the night with a drink. Bach Dang Street, located on the western side of the river, has plenty of riverside cafés and a few rooftop bars where you can sit back and watch the city sparkle. Some rooftop spots in nearby hotels offer stunning views without being too noisy. Whether you prefer a fruit smoothie, a Vietnamese iced coffee, or a cocktail, this is a calm and comfortable way to finish your night.
Final travel tips for visiting Son Tra night market
If you’re planning to visit Son Tra Night Market for the first time, these tips will help you enjoy your evening smoothly and avoid common mistakes.
- Go early for food, stay later for photos
Arrive around 6:00–6:30 PM to beat the dinner crowds. Food stalls get busy by 7:00 PM. If you like night photography, the market becomes more beautiful after sunset with lanterns and LED lights. - Choose the right day
Weekends (Friday to Sunday) are busier and more festive. You’ll find street performers, bigger crowds, and the 9:00 PM Da Nang Dragon Bridge fire show nearby. Weekdays are calmer if you prefer fewer people. - Bring cash, not cards
Most stalls don’t accept credit cards. Bring small bills (20,000–50,000 VND) for easier payment. Around 300,000 VND (about $12 USD) is enough for food, drinks, and a few souvenirs. - Wear light clothes and comfy shoes
The market is outdoors and can be hot or humid, especially between May and August. Light clothing and walking shoes will help you stay comfortable while exploring. - Keep your belongings secure
It’s a safe area, but the market can get crowded. Use a zippered bag or small backpack, and keep your phone or wallet in front of you, especially during performances or photo stops. - Stay hydrated
You can find drinks like coconut water, sugarcane juice, and smoothies at stalls around the market. Bring a reusable water bottle if you plan to walk longer. - Plan your evening around the area
Combine your visit with nearby spots like Love Bridge, the Dragon Carp statue, or the Dragon Bridge show. This helps you make the most of your time around the Han River. - Don’t leave shopping too late
Some stalls start closing after 9:30 PM. If you want more choices or time to browse, finish eating by 8:00 PM and shop afterward.
So, is Son Tra Night Market worth visiting? Absolutely. Especially if you’re looking for a night that blends great food, street culture, and local color in one easy walk. Whether you stay for 30 minutes or 3 hours, the market leaves most visitors full, smiling, and wanting to come back.
If you’re heading south, take the slow road in Ho Chi Minh City
There are many night markets in Da Nang. Helio Night Market is known for its colorful food court and live music. Smaller markets like Hoa Khanh or An Thuong serve mostly locals and university students. But Son Tra Night Market still stands out. It is not the biggest or most modern, but it feels more connected to the city. With its location near the Han River and Dragon Bridge, it’s surrounded by real neighborhoods and everyday life. It’s where both tourists and locals gather, not just for food, but for the feeling of walking slowly, stopping often, and enjoying the moment.
This kind of experience still exists in other cities too. Even in Ho Chi Minh City, which moves much faster, there are ways to explore with ease and curiosity. One of them is Jackfruit’s cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a slow and meaningful way to discover the city. You ride through quiet alleys, visit old landmarks, watch daily routines unfold, and stop for street snacks or morning coffee. The pace lets you notice things that fast travel often misses.
If you enjoyed the atmosphere of Son Tra Night Market, you might appreciate this kind of local experience too. Whether it’s a walk under lanterns or a bike ride through Saigon’s backstreets, slowing down often leads to the most lasting memories.
