After a night of fishing, catches of shrimp and fish are brought ashore, and women from the communities along Tam Giang Lagoon carry or transport the seafood to market to sell. Over the years, selling fish has become a means of livelihood and an integral part of daily life, giving the lagoon-side villages their distinctive character.

There are 40 stalls selling typical dishes located in front of the main gate of the market. The shops have signs, menus, pictures, and price listings in Vietnamese and English to help diners conveniently choose the dish.

Being a major commercial center of Hue City, Dong Ba market not only attracts customers for bustling trading exchanges during the day, but right in front of the market's lobby, there is also a food street at night, on the famous Tran Hung Dao Street.