When night falls, Hoi An ancient town takes on a completely different look, sparkling, magical, and lively under the bright lanterns. The small streets are bustling with laughter, the aroma of food spreads in the air, and somewhere, folk music echoes along the Hoai River. Hoi An night markets are not just a place to shop or enjoy cuisine, but a journey to discover the culture, people, and soul of the heritage land. If you are looking for an authentic, emotional, and unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else, the night market is the place to start. Keep reading this blog for an in-depth look at exploring the Hoi An night market.
Overview of Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An night markets are an unmissable destination for international tourists visiting Vietnam. The night market is located along the Hoai River, directly in the centre of Hoi An’s ancient town. Every night, there are thousands of colourful lanterns, vibrant street art performances, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can stroll in beautiful stalls, taste charming street food, and buy traditional handicrafts or souvenirs with a Vietnamese cultural imprint.
Hoi An night markets are not merely a trading place but also reflect the local life and customs. Specialities of the Central Region, such as cao lau, Hoi An bread, coconut candy, and fresh fruits, always attract tourists with their unique flavours and affordable prices. In addition, the night scene and the light reflected by lanterns on the water create a poetic scene, which is very suitable for taking commemorative photos. Hoi An night market brings visitors a traditional and vivid experience, which embodies the unique cultural beauty and hospitality of the Vietnamese.
Hoi An at night
Must-visit night markets in Hoi An
Nguyen Hoang night market: Paradise of Handicrafts and Souvenirs
- Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Opening hours: 5 pm – 11 pm
With more than 50 stalls stretching about 300 meters, the Nguyen Hoang night market is a place to sell many handicrafts, such as traditional lanterns, Thanh Ha pottery, basket bags, and paintings. The bright space of the lantern light creates a poetic atmosphere, suitable for taking souvenir photos. Visitors should visit the lantern stalls to observe artisans making handicrafts and choose gifts with the identity of Hoi An. Spending time chatting with the sellers will help you understand more about traditional handicrafts and feel the sincerity and friendliness of the locals.
Nguyen Hoang night market
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa night market: The bustling street food hub
- Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Minh An Ward, right in the center of Hoi An ancient town.
- Opening hours: 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm
This is the most bustling food markets in Hoi An, famous for its central specialties, such as cao lau, quang noodles, Banh Vac, Hen with rice paper, hot tofu, three-color sweet soup… The stalls are close together, creating a lively space with rich local flavors. When visiting the night market, you should walk around and enjoy local dishes right on the sidewalk. This will bring an authentic and intimate culinary experience. You should try stopping at a traditional sweet soup stall, listening to simple stories from the seller. This is a great way to experience local culture through cuisine.
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa night market
Hoi An night market
- Address: Near An Hoi Bridge, just a few minutes walk from Hoi An ancient town.
- Opening hours: 5 pm – 10 pm
Not only a shopping place, Hoi An night market is also a cultural space with folk activities such as bai choi dancing, traditional musical instruments, and folk games. Besides, there are small stalls selling lanterns, souvenirs and snacks. You should spend time participating in folk games such as Ô ăn quan (a Vietnamese mancala-style game where players strategically move stones around a board to capture the most “soldiers” and “mandarins”) or try playing Bài chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game combining card-playing, singing, and poetry, often performed during festivals) with the locals. The cheerful atmosphere, the bustling drum sounds, and the excitement of tourists will make the evening here unforgettable. This is also an ideal place to end a day of exploring the ancient town in the festive atmosphere of Hoi An.
Hoi An Night Market
>>> Embark on 1 Day Cycling Tour in Hoi An to explore ancient alleys, moss-covered tiled roofs and admire the slow pace of life in Hoi An.
Things to do in Hoi An night markets
Savor Hoi An street food
Street food is an indispensable highlight at the Hoi An night market. Visitors can easily find traditional dishes such as Cao Lau, Quang noodle, Banh Vac, Hen with rice paper, or sweet dishes such as corn sweet soup, palm-leaf cake. According to local chefs, fresh ingredients and traditional recipes are the factors that create special flavors.
Many visitors who had come here recommended exploring the cuisine at the night market is worth it because it provides insight into the culture of central Vietnam. Even when they came back to their country, they still want to try this food one more time! Having dinner in the bustling atmosphere, under the shimmering lanterns, will bring an experience that is not only delicious but also memorable. Spend at least one evening to “take a walk” around the cuisine, that is the most authentic way to feel the spirit of Hoi An.
Hoi An street food
Buy lanterns and handicrafts
One of the special souvenirs of Hoi An is the paper lantern, the cultural symbol of the ancient street. In Nguyen Huang Night Market, you will find dozens of shops selling handmade lanterns of various colors and textures. According to the artist, each lantern is completely handmade and takes 2-4 hours to complete. This is not only a unique ornament but also a symbol of luck and peace in Vietnamese culture. In addition, you can also find local brocade bags, wood carvings, Thanh Ha pottery, and other products that are products of traditional handicraft villages. Buying gifts here is not only buying things, but also supporting local artists and protecting local cultural values.
You can also visit speciality shops around the Old Town area for higher-end or custom lanterns, including the Lifestart Foundation Workshop, The Lantern Lady, and Reaching Our Arts & Crafts.
Hoi An lanterns
>>> Going on a trip to Vietnam and wondering what to bring home? Read our Best Vietnam Souvenirs to Bring Home for more inspiration.
Take photos with lanterns and scenery along the Hoai River
Hoi An night market is a paradise for those who are passionate about photography and social networking. Under the sparkling light from hundreds of colorful lanterns, the scenery along the Hoai River becomes more mystical and poetic than ever.
Many international travel bloggers have introduced this place as “the most beautiful photography spot in Vietnam at night”. They said that the ideal time to take a picture is between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm, when the light is just enough and the market is not too crowded. Visitors can make the same shape as the lantern, the An Hoi bridge, or rent a small boat to be carried out in the middle of the river for a beautiful picture complete with reflective lights. This is the ideal activity to save memorable moments in Hoi An.
Take photos with lanterns
Join in folk games: Bài chòi and Ô ăn quan
Folk games are a unique part of Hoi An’s cultural life. At An Hoi night market, visitors can join in Bài chòi – a traditional game that combines music, singing, and playing cards, usually held on weekend evenings. Players will sit in small huts and listen to the leader sing and announce the songs to the folk tune. The game is not only fun but also an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO.
In addition, you can try Ô ăn quan – a simple but attractive strategy game of Vietnamese children. Local guides are always ready to help you understand the rules of the game. Participating in these games will help visitors entertain and connect more deeply with the culture and local people. I played this game so long ago when I was a kid, and whenever I have a chance to go to Hoi An Night Market, see people play this game, my beautiful childhood suddenly comes back!
Join in folk games in Hoi An
Float lanterns on the Hoai River
One of the romantic and spiritual experiences at Hoi An Night Market is to drop lanterns on the Hoi River. In the evening, you can buy small paper lamps with candles inside (only from 10,000 VND) and gently drop them into the water, sending them a wish of peace and good luck. Locals hold the belief that the lanterns’ light not only attracts bad luck but also instills hope for the future.
This experience is often combined with a small boat ride along the river, a way to see the old street from a different angle. According to reviews on TripAdvisor, this is the top activity for foreign tourists when visiting Hoi An. Dropping flowers is a great way to find a moment of peace amidst the bustle.
Floating lantern flowers on Hoai River
>>> If you visit Hoi An during Tet and Mid-autumn, you might have the chance to participate Hoi An Lantern Festival. Visit this blog for detailed information about this magical festival.
Some helpful tips for tourists when visiting Hoi An night markets
To have a perfect trip, don’t forget to note down some tips below:
- Visit early to avoid crowds and take photos: It is recommended to visit Hoi An night markets around 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm to enjoy the quiet atmosphere, sparkling lantern light, and easily take pictures before the streets become packed.
- Bring cash, particularly small denominations: Most stalls at the night market do not accept payment by credit card or e-wallet. Therefore, You should prepare cash, particularly in small denominations like 10,000 to 50,000 VND, to make shopping and eating more convenient..
- Wear comfortable clothes: Because you might walk a lot in crowds, choose comfortable clothes and shoes. If you want to take pictures with lanterns, you can rent áo dài – Vietnamese traditional dress – to have a unique “Hoi An” vibe.
- Be aware of your personal belongings: Although Hoi An is a safe tourist destination, tourists still pay attention to personal items such as wallets, smartphones, and other valuable things when visiting crowds.
- Bargain politely when buying items: Visitors can bargain for a reasonable price, especially with handicrafts, souvenirs, or clothes. However, remember to do so with a polite attitude; a friendly smile will make you close the deal! Although not all seller can speak English well, you can use translation apps like Google Translate or use non-verbal language for more effective communication.
In conclusion, Hoi An night markets are not only a shopping place but also a cultural space where you can fully experience the local life. If you are planning to explore Hoi An, do not miss this colorful night experience. If you need further information or need to tailor your holiday to Hoi An, please contact us, our experts are willing to help at any time!
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Can I bargain at these vendors? Can you suggest some tips? Thank you
Dear Olivia,
Thank you for reaching us! In general, Hoi An night markets are open to bargaining. You can particularly bargain for items such as souvenirs, clothing, or accessories. Be polite and friendly when negotiating; it is recommended, and don’t hesitate to offer a low price with a smile. However, for food and fixed-price items, bargaining is less typical. Hope this helps!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team.