Joanna James
As one of Vietnam's busiest beach holiday hubs, Mui Ne is home to a plethora of attractions and activity hubs. Here are five local street markets every visitor should experience during a getaway.
As a recent addition to the local market scene, the Ham Tien Market was first declared open in 2012. Occupying pride of place in a blue hued building on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the venue is hard to miss as throngs of locals are crowding the locale during all hours of the day. Regarded as the best market to pick up fresh produce ranging from dry food, fruits, vegetables and seafood, local spices as well as other everyday groceries are available here. The Ham Tien Market is also best known for the culinary treats that have become its specialties. These include coconut cakes, sesame /banana candy as well as peanut brittle. Shoppers will also find accessories, clothing and handicrafts in this bustling marketplace where one can haggle down the price to 50% less than the quoted amount. The market is open from 5am to 7.30pm daily.
Travellers based at Anantara Mui Ne Resort and other similar accommodation hubs will find that shopping at the Phan Thiet Central Market is one of the best things to do in Mui Ne. The market is not only renowned for the wide variety of spices and household goods that are sold at the venue but also the bargain price clothing and accessories available at the venue. Seafood fans will also find a host of fresh and cheaply priced seafood items for sale at the market which is best explored during the morning hours. This is when famed Vietnamese breakfast dishes such as turmeric noodles and crispy pancakes are sold at the Phan Thiet Central Market. The fresh spring rolls at the locale are equally well regarded as are the many other delicacies up for grabs before noon. Open from 5am to 6pm, the market is located between Nguyen Hue Streets and Ly Thuong Kiet.
As one of the smaller markets in Mui Ne, the namesake market of the city is ideally located next to the beach. Cheap clothing and affordable tropical fruits are the main draws for visitors who head to this market while the wee hours of the morning is the best time to buy the catch of the day and other seafood fresh off the fisherman's boats. Shutterbugs will appreciate the colour compositions and the exotic display of veggies, fish and other items for sale on either side of the street makes the venue a setting for captivating photographs. Located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, this market is open from 5am to 6pm.
Tourists in search of tasteful souvenirs will find no finer alternative to the Mui Ne Handicraft Market down Huynh Thuc Khang. A short walk away from Ham Tien Market, travellers can find jewellery, clothing, bags, blankets and other textiles made by hearing impaired children in the area.
Retailing one of the country's foremost jewellery brands, Long Beach Peal is the idea shopper's hub for all that glitters. From rings, pendants, necklaces and earrings made using authentic pearls, the jewellery on sale are both affordable and beautifully made.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
