Con Dao Market: A Fascinating “Check-In” For Local Flavors

An Introduction to Con Dao Market

As one of Con Dao’s most popular attractions, Con Dao Market is the busiest traditional marketplace on the island. Visitors will find everything from fresh produce and seafood to local specialties and sea-inspired souvenirs. Beyond being a local trading center, the market draws countless travelers thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, diverse goods, and reasonable prices.

The market is divided into two adjoining areas: the old market and the new market. Most visitors prefer the new market for its more spacious, cleaner, and well-organized layout—ideal for a comfortable shopping experience.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Zone 7, Pham Van Dong Street, Con Dao Special Zone, Ho Chi Minh City

• From Con Dao Airport:
About 13 km away. A taxi or motorbike rental will get you there in 20–25 minutes.

• From Con Dao town center:
Located right in town—just a short walk or quick motorbike ride.

Opening Hours

• Morning Market: 5:00 – 10:00
(Mainly fresh seafood, vegetables, and breakfast dishes)

• Afternoon Market: 15:00 – 19:00
(Dried specialties and souvenirs)

What to Eat & Buy at Con Dao Market

Fresh Seafood

Seafood here is known for its exceptional freshness, caught daily from the pristine waters surrounding the islands. Popular highlights include:

• Con Dao red lobster – Naturally red-shelled, sweet, firm meat, and more affordable than mainland lobster.
• Moon crab – Recognizable by its orange shell dotted with white spots; fragrant and nutrient-rich.
• Oc vu nang – A rare local delicacy, often steamed with lemongrass, grilled with scallion oil, or prepared as a refreshing salad.

Dried Local Specialties

Perfect as gifts for friends and family:

• One-sun-dried squid – Soft, slightly chewy, naturally sweet.
• One-sun-dried mackerel – A signature Con Dao specialty, great for grilling or simmering.
• Con Dao dried shrimp – Naturally processed and intensely flavorful.
• Roasted tropical almond nuts – A local favorite with flavors such as salted, pineapple, or garlic butter.
• Con Dao oyster sauce – Rich, savory, and perfect for dipping boiled meats or vegetables.

Must-Try Dishes at Con Dao Market

• Com tam – Grilled pork, shredded pork skin, Vietnamese omelet, and flavorful fish sauce.
• Bun mam – Rich fermented fish broth served with seafood and fresh herbs.
• Bun rieu cua bien – A refreshing twist on traditional crab noodle soup, made with fresh sea crab.

You’ll also find cháo long, hu tieu, banh uot, sticky rice, savory pastries, and other beloved local breakfast dishes. The market is also home to beautiful souvenirs made from seagrass, seashells, and hand-carved wood.

Shopping Tips for Con Dao Market

1. Visit early for the freshest seafood

Arriving between 5:00 – 7:00 AM is ideal, as fishing boats have just returned and prices are more favorable. If you plan to bring seafood home, ask vendors about proper packing for longer travel.

2. Compare prices

While prices are generally stable, checking a few stalls helps you choose the best quality and value—especially for dried specialties like one-sun-dried squid or roasted tropical almonds.

3. Packing and transport

If you’re flying, consider Vietnam Airlines’ flexible baggage policies to easily bring local specialties home. Proper packing will ensure your gifts arrive fresh and intact.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Con Dao Market

Con Dao Market is more than just a shopping stop—it’s a feast of flavors, culture, and local encounters. Wandering through its lively alleys, savoring a bowl of bun rieu cua bien, selecting fresh seafood, or picking up unique gifts will enrich your journey with authenticity and warmth.

If you’re seeking a genuine, vibrant, and flavorful glimpse into island life, Con Dao Market is a must-visit on your Con Dao adventure.