Hotels near Han Market and the Riverfront

Cho Han, the Han Market, has traded at the corner of Tran Phu and Hung Vuong since the 1940s and still works as the practical centre of Hai Chau district. The ground floor sells dried squid, coffee, Nam O fish sauce and fresh produce. Upstairs is fabric and tailoring, where a made-to-measure shirt takes about two days and starts near 400,000 VND (roughly 15 EUR). Doors open 06:00 and close around 19:00.

Prices are not fixed, and the opening quote to a foreign visitor usually sits two to three times above the local rate, so haggling is expected rather than rude. Step out onto the Bach Dang riverside promenade and the mood flips completely. A wide paved walkway follows the Han River for about 2 km, filling with joggers from 05:30 and with families after 18:00, when the bridges light up.

Pro Tip: Buy coffee beans at the northern ground-floor entrance where several sellers compete side by side, and ask for robusta from Buon Ma Thuot. Expect 150,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram (about 5.50 to 7.30 EUR) once you have bargained.