Phu Quoc night market bustling with international visitors ahead of closure

International tourists are flocking to the approximately 500-meter-long market in old Duong Dong center for sightseeing, shopping, and culinary experiences.

Restaurant owners in the market display prices in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian, reflecting the primary tourist demographics in Phu Quoc.

Bach Dang night market, also known as Phu Quoc night market or Duong Dong night market, is in its final days after 10 years of operation. On weekend evenings, the market is always packed with visitors, predominantly international tourists, who come to dine and shop.

A representative of the Phu Quoc special economic zone People's Committee stated that by regulation, the night market must cease operations after 31/12/2025. However, local authorities have allowed traders to continue operating through the Lunar New Year. This decision marks the end of a contract that began in 2015 between Ngoc Sao Bien Tourism Joint Stock Company, which manages the market, and the Phu Quoc District Economic Department (now the Department of Economy, Infrastructure, and Urban Planning of the Phu Quoc special economic zone). A representative of Ngoc Sao Bien Tourism Joint Stock Company confirmed their agreement with the local authorities' policy.

In its final days, the night market remains vibrant, drawing large crowds. Visitors typically arrive after 18h30. Many international tourists prefer to explore the island's northern and southern parts during the day, returning to old Duong Dong center in the evening to enjoy seafood and explore the night market.

Chouchou has become a popular local specialty purchased by many as gifts. Stores selling this snack are prevalent both within the night market and outside the central area.

"At the night market, knowing a little Vietnamese makes you feel 'fancy' because everyone speaks English," local photographer Truong Phu Quoc joked as he joined the crowds on the evening of 11/1.

The market spans approximately 500 meters, featuring five entrances and about 100 kiosks. Fresh, self-serve seafood stalls with clearly listed prices are particularly popular among tourists. Upon entering, the densely packed kiosks can overwhelm first-time visitors choosing items. Further inside, the stalls offer more variety, ranging from pearls and clothing to various affordable accessories.

Phu Quoc currently has five night markets: Duong Dong night market, Grand World, Vui Fest, Bai Truong, and one located near the airport. Among these, Grand World and Vui Fest are considered well-organized and professional, offering diverse art and entertainment programs, including fireworks displays.

However, the cessation of operations at Duong Dong night market is also welcomed by many locals. Numerous residents have previously reported that stalls in the night market discharged waste directly into the Duong Dong river behind the market, contributing to increasing river pollution, alongside other discharge sources from residents and some businesses, including fish sauce production facilities.

Kim, a Korean tourist (wearing a striped shirt), shared that Duong Dong night market offers a "very Vietnamese" feel with its stalls selling many local specialties. She was invited to sample chouchou, a peanut-like snack, and purchased nearly 10 boxes as gifts. "This area feels more local than the island's northern and southern parts, which are known for modern entertainment venues," she said, adding that she would regret it if the night market ceased to exist.

This is the first store to sell chouchou in Phu Quoc. Additionally, another establishment offering this product is located inside the market.

Beach shirts are also a popular item at this night market.

Duong Dong night market is regarded as a rare evening cultural tourism experience in the central area of the Phu Quoc special economic zone. Most entertainment services in this area revolve around cafes, bars, and karaoke, offering more affordable prices compared to the island's northern and southern regions.

According to Quoc, the night market functions as a tourist attraction rather than a local market frequented by residents. Previously, Duong Dong had a night market on Vo Thi Sau street, but that area has since been redeveloped into a resort. He mentioned that the former market was popular with locals but operated informally, similar to a "cho coc" (pop-up market), where vendors offered a wide variety of goods to customers.

The impending closure of Duong Dong night market elicits mixed reactions. "Duong Dong night market has become an integral part of Phu Quoc's tourism identity; it will be a great loss if this area ceases operation," a small trader said.