Top 5 Best Markets in Mui Ne - Phan Thiet for Shopping & Seafood Buying

When travelling to Phan Thiet, it is well worth venturing beyond the sun-drenched beaches or immense sand dunes. What makes your travel more rewarding is to visit the best markets in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet to chow down on local specialties as well as absorbing the coastal culture.

Meeting the criteria of Tasty – Tionic – Cheap products, these seafood markets in Mui Ne will be trustworthy destinations for your upcoming trip to Phan Thiet.

1. Phan Thiet Central Market

Phan Thiet Central Market (also known as Chợ Lớn Phan Thiết in Vietnamese) is the biggest market in Binh Thuan Province, also one of the most renowned local dining places. Built in 1697, this market is conveniently located on Muong Man River (Ca Ty River today). By the 19th century, it has become a prosperous market with flourishing trading activities. The name of “Cho Lon” is also adopted by Chinese merchants who used to do their trade there.
Highlights: Inside the market, there is a zone specialized in seafood items. Here you can easily find a variety of products on offer, from shrimps, crabs, snails to sentinel crabs, blood cockles, clams,... All of them are sold at reasonable prices. You can buy fresh seafood home for later cooking or ask for available processing if you want to enjoy seafood on the spot.
Going further into the dining area, you will be overwhelmed by a paradise of Phan Thiet delicacies displayed in large quantities. Some of the must-try dishes are Banh Canh Cha Ca (Fish Patty Udon Soup), Banh Quai Vac (Vietnamese Crispy Dumpling), Bun Rieu (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup) and Cha Ca Chien (Grilled Fish). Especially, nighttime eaters can treat themselves with light meals of Quang noodles, sweet soup or bread Shumai.
Editor’s note: You are highly recommended to buy seafood in the early morning or late afternoon because this is the time when seafood shops import a massive amount of products. As a result, it is easier for you to purchase extremely cheap items.

Location: 115 Ly Thuong Kiet, Duc Nghia, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan
Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 18:00 PM every day

Show map

2. Ham Tien Market

Ham Tien Market is the next location that you should add to your itinerary when visiting Mui Ne - Phan Thiet. This is a typical rustic market which can evoke nostalgic feelings and cozy ambiance. It operates more actively in the morning, so when the night falls, only eateries or beverage shops can be found.
Highlights: Ham Tien Market offers a wide range of goods, from fresh and dried seafood to vegetables, fruits, clothes, souvenirs and food-stuffs. You can find almost whatever you want in this bustling market.
However, the most appealing activity when coming here would be sampling traditional dishes and specialties of Phan Thiet, Binh Dinh region, including yummy kinds of fish salad namely deep herring salad, smelt-whiting fish salad,... Besides, it is wonderful to taste famous local cakes such as Banh Can (a type of pancake made from quail eggs, put in small clay pans), Banh Xeo, Banh Hoi Long Heo (soft thin vermicelli with pork tripe).
Editor’s note:
- Unlike other Mui Ne markets which are situated by the sea or in the fishing villages, shopping at Ham Tien Market sometimes requires you to pay a bit higher prices (over 100,000 VND/kg for fish and 600,000 - 700,000 VND/kg for dried squid).
- If you find that the costs are not reasonable, don’t forget to strike a bargain with the sellers.

Location: Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 19:30 PM every day

Show map

3. Mui Ne Fishing Village Market

Located near Ham Tien Beach, Mui Ne Fishing Village Market is an attractive place not only for shopping but for an opportunity to learn about daily lives of South Central Coast’s residents as well. All the seafood are caught by local fishermen; therefore, their prices are surprisingly cheap.
Highlights: The first impression when you visit this village market is the image of female sellers welcoming tourists by a friendly smile while sorting and grading fish. If you come here in the early morning for sunrise gazing, you can also admire the scene of ship docking, with tons of fresh fish waiting to be sold at market. If you have more time, it is fun to go further into the village to broaden your horizon on the profession of making fish sauce and dried seafood.
The most amazing feature of this market is that seafood products are easy on the pocketbook. A whole basket of fresh fish can be sold at no more than 100,000 VND. Buying 7 - 9 lobsters just costs you around 300,000 - 500,000 VND, much cheaper than in the city. Scallops are only about 100,000 VND/3-4 kg while squids are likewise cheap (100,000 - 130,000 VND/kg).
Editor’s note: If you are going to buy Mui Ne seafood as gifts for relatives and friends, one of the best options is purchasing dried squid. Almost all the stalls here sell half dried cuttle-fish or marinated and canned squid. It has an enticing chewy taste that will definitely whet your appetite. Also, you can buy grilled fish in kg to make super-delicious fish cake noodle soup at home.

Location: 321 Huynh Thuc Khang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 21:00 PM every day

Show map

4. Rang Beach Market

If you are craving for fresh seafood which are caught within the day, Rang Beach Market would be one of the top priorities. Located about 15 km from the center of Phan Thiet City, this coastal market is quite peaceful with an extensive range of seafood products. More interestingly, it is also a famous night market where you can enjoy a good time with your travelling companions.
Highlights: There is no doubt at all that visiting a seafood market always involves savoring fresh seafood dishes. Rang Beach Market offers many food stalls serving Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisines. Dried fish, dried squid or marinated sentinel crabs are available to satisfy your drunk cravings as well.
Besides, the price of fresh seafood here is rather cheap, just ranging from 80,000 to 200,000 VND/kg. Therefore, you can enjoy a lavish seafood meal without worrying much about the budget.
How to get to Rang Beach Market?
Departing from the city center, you can travel on Highway 706 to reach Rang Beach Market. As soon as you grasp the view of sandy hills and beautiful palm trees, you will find this market without challenge. To save money, you are advised to rent a motorbike and then organize a backpacking trip to this destination.

Location: Huynh Thuc Khang, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan
Opening hours: Updating

Show map

With these famous markets, comfortable dining places and low-cost meals, the journey of discovering Mui Ne has never been so inspiring. Hope you have a blissful and meaningful trip with our guides.