Duong Dong Market

Welcome to the Duong Dong Market, the largest and most significant trading hub on Phu Quoc Island. While the island is increasingly known for its polished resorts and Mediterranean-inspired developments, Duong Dong Market remains…

Our journey begins in the produce section, where the fertility of the Vietnamese soil is on full display. Here, you will see mounds of fruits that may seem exotic to the Western eye. …

As we move closer to the river, the temperature drops slightly and the smell of the ocean becomes dominant. Welcome to the wet market, the true heart of Duong Dong. …

No exploration of Duong Dong Market is complete without focusing on the island's most famous export: 'Nuoc Mam' or fish sauce. While you may not see the massive wooden vats here (those are in the factories nearby), this section…

Adjacent to the fish sauce vendors, we find the dry goods and spice lane. This area is a sensory delight of a different kind, dominated by the sharp, sneeze-inducing scent of 'Phu Quoc Pepper.' This pepper is considered superior…

Moving into the interior of the market complex, we find the sections dedicated to the practical needs of the islanders. Here you will find everything from colorful plastic kitchenware and handmade bamboo baskets to a wide variety…

Our final stop within the market is the cluster of small food stalls that serve the 'legit authentic' breakfast dishes to the vendors and early shoppers. Here, you can find steaming bowls of 'Pho'—the iconic Vietnamese noodle…

As we depart the Duong Dong Market, we leave behind a space that is the true antithesis of the 'man-made illusion' found in some of the island's newer developments. We have walked through the 'real life' of Phu Quoc, from the…