1. General Introduction to Cam Pha Market
1.1. What is Cam Pha Market? Why is it called the "cheapest seafood market in the North"
Located in Cam Thuy ward, Cam Pha Market is officially named Ben Do fish market, known as the largest traditional seafood trading hub in Quang Ninh. The market has existed for a long time, and no one knows exactly when it was formed, but it has become a bustling trading point. Every evening, the market receives hundreds of boats bringing abundant seafood from Bai Tu Long Bay.
Ben Do fish market stands out due to the diverse variety of fresh seafood sourced directly from fishermen, attracting not only traders but also many tourists and local residents. Prices at the market are always more reasonable than at other traditional markets, making many people choose to wake up early to find delicious seafood at affordable prices.
The Ben Do Fish Market stands out for its diverse fresh seafood sourced directly from fishermen. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Geographical location and relocation process
Currently, Cam Pha Market is located at the end of Dat Do street, in Cam Pha ward, with a wide view overlooking the poetic Bai Tu Long Bay. This beautiful coastal scenery creates a special highlight for the seafood trading space at the market.
1.3. The role of Cam Pha Market in the local tourism economy
In the seafood supply chain in the North, Cam Pha Market plays a central role, serving as a major hub where boats frequently dock. The fresh seafood from here not only serves the local people and fishermen but is also transported to many neighboring provinces.
The bustling trading atmosphere at Ben Do Fish Market has contributed to enriching the cultural life and developing Quang Ninh's marine tourism. Upon arrival, visitors can experience the unique lifestyle of the fishermen along Bai Tu Long Bay, and have the opportunity to experience and choose fresh, delicious seafood. Every early morning, the sight of boats docking and vendors busily unloading seafood has become a vibrant daily scene of this coastal area.
2. How to get to Cam Pha Market
2.1. Getting there from the center of Ha Long City, Hanoi to Cam Pha Market
If departing from the center of Ha Long City, visitors can choose to travel by private car or bus via National Highway 18 towards Cam Pha. The distance is about 30-40 km, with an estimated travel time of 45 minutes to 1 hour, then turn onto Dat Do street in Cam Thuy to reach Cam Pha Market . The route is convenient thanks to the modern highway system.
When departing from Hanoi, you will have to travel a distance of about 150-170 km. You can choose a bus or private car following the Hanoi – Ha Long – Mong Cai expressway, stop in Cam Pha, then take a taxi to the end of Dat Do street. Both taxi and Grab services operate conveniently, facilitating direct travel for visitors from Hanoi. Notably, prioritizing the expressway in 2025 will significantly shorten travel time.
If departing from the center of Ha Long city, tourists can choose to travel by private car or bus. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Internal transportation within the city to Ben Do Market
Locals often choose motorbikes or personal vehicles to get to Ben Do fish market via Dat Do street in Cam Thuy. This is the most convenient option, especially in the early morning when the market is bustling.
Regarding parking, tourists can utilize the area arranged by the investor right at Ben Do market. However, attention should also be paid to the number of boats docking and the busy buying and selling activities in the early morning, so traffic may be more crowded than usual. For convenience, it is advisable to start early to find a suitable parking spot and avoid affecting your movement.
3. Experience Cam Pha Market A bustling seafood market in Quang Ninh
3.1. Ideal times to visit Cam Pha Market
To fully experience the bustle of Cam Pha Market, tourists should visit between 3-4 AM and 6:30 AM. This is when boats flock to the dock, bringing back fresh catches after a night of fishing on Bai Tu Long Bay.
Visiting the market in the early morning not only allows you to buy seafood just brought ashore but also offers a chance to observe the hurried working rhythm of fishermen at the fish wharf. Boats lined up side-by-side, calls of vendors echoing, create a characteristic atmosphere of a traditional fish market.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can visit the market after 7 AM, when activities have spread out and the atmosphere is more relaxed. However, to fully enjoy the experience, waking up early and immersing yourself in the life of the fishing community will leave a deep impression.
3.2. Seafood types "must-try"
Upon entering Cam Pha Market, tourists will be amazed by the abundance of seafood characteristic of the Bai Tu Long Bay region. From sea fish like mackerel, tuna, red snapper, barramundi, all are products caught by fishermen during the night, ensuring superior freshness. Squid and octopus at the market are always shiny and still moving when touched, proving their freshness.
Shrimp from small to large, he shrimp to tiger prawns, crabs and swimming crabs are still crawling in baskets, are very popular seafood. Scallops, oysters, and many types of sea snails at Ben Do fish market are also highly regarded thanks to the clean waters of the Bai Tu Long Bay region.
Cam Pha Market continues to maintain its competitive advantage by sourcing directly from fishermen. Buyers should pay attention to prioritizing live seafood, such as live shrimp and crabs, shiny squid, and choosing from baskets of fish and shrimp that have just been unloaded by fishermen at the dock to ensure the best quality.
When entering Cam Pha market, visitors will be overwhelmed by the abundance of characteristic seafood. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Discover the trading atmosphere at Cam Pha market
Coming to Cam Pha market, you will encounter a vivid picture of fishermen's lives through bustling trading activities. Merchants and fishermen skillfully transport seafood from boats to stalls, every movement is agile and professional due to many years of dedication to the fishing profession. The calls of vendors and the sounds of buying and selling resound continuously, creating the characteristic rhythm of life in the coastal area.
When having the opportunity to chat with merchants at Ben Do fish market, visitors will feel reassured doing business in the new location after the relocation. They express pride in their profession of selling marine products and feel satisfied because they have the opportunity to reach more local customers thanks to the better new facilities. Their sharing about their livelihoods, their challenging fishing trips but also full of hope, leaves a deep impression on the listeners.
4. Experience buying seafood at Cam Pha market
To choose fresh and delicious seafood at Cam Pha market, it is important to be observant and have some experience. Shrimp and crabs that are still lively, and fish with bright scales and clear eyes are signs of fresh seafood. It is advisable to prioritize buying from seafood containers that have just been brought ashore, and avoid buying products that have been left for a long time.
When asking and bargaining, maintain a polite attitude and communicate clearly based on the actual weight. Merchants at Ben Do fish market are usually very straightforward, but visitors should still refer to market prices to be more confident when shopping.
After purchasing, you can take the seafood to nearby eateries for direct processing or bring it back to your accommodation. Fresh seafood at Cam Pha market only needs simple preparation like steaming, boiling, or grilling to bring out its natural sweet flavor. If you need to travel a long distance, preserve the seafood in ice to ensure its quality is maintained.
5. Suggested itinerary for experiencing Cam Pha market
An ideal itinerary at Cam Pha market should start early in the morning, between 3:00 AM and 6:30 AM, to buy fresh seafood and capture the lively moments of fishermen's lives as boats dock. The bustling atmosphere by Bai Tu Long Bay in the early morning will surely bring an unforgettable experience.
As it turns to noon and afternoon, you can enjoy the freshly bought seafood at eateries around Ben Do fish market or organize an outdoor picnic by Ben Do beach amidst the picturesque seascape.
The exploration journey can also combine visits to nearby attractions such as Ben Do beach, Bai Tu Long Bay. If you have more time, you can continue to Sun World Ha Long, about 30 km away via National Highway 18, for entertainment. The combination of experiencing the local seafood market culture and modern entertainment activities offers a complete trip in Quang Ninh.
If you have more time, you can continue to Sun World Ha Long, about 30 km away along National Highway 18, for entertainment.
Cam Pha Market is not only a bustling place for buying and selling but also clearly reflects the local life, culture, and rhythm of the local people. With its convenient location, abundant goods ranging from fresh seafood to agricultural products and specialties of Quang Ninh, Cam Pha Market is always a familiar destination for both locals and tourists. If you have the chance to visit Cam Pha city, don't forget to spend time exploring Cam Pha Market to fully experience the everyday atmosphere and the most authentic shopping experience.
