Hoi An Night Market Guide: Food, Fun, And Evening Vibes

Hoi An Night Market is an exciting place with pretty lanterns, delicious street food, and unique local craft works. Hoi An Night Market is located in the heart of Ancient Town, Hoi An. It is a great location for experiencing the local culture, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Introduction To Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An has four night markets, each with its own distinct vibe and experiences. The biggest is Nguyen Hoang Night Market, which has colorful lanterns lining the riverside. You can also check out the Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market, the Bach Dang Night Market, and the Tran Quy Cap Night Market. All of which have a strong local culture and specialties.

The night markets are not only places to shop; they are another representation of the culture in Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy street foods, look for handmade items, and watch traditional performances. Each of the night markets has its own unique feel, allowing visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the nightlife in Hoi An.

History Of Hoi An Night Market

While the precise date of establishment is unclear, Hoi An Night Market has been integral to the cultural and economic fabric of Ancient Town for many years. Established in a trading town known for its international trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An Night Market highlights the town’s rich history and has now developed into a vibrant evening destination, offering visitors a unique mix of local foods, handicrafts, and cultural engagement in a celebration of Hoi An’s heritage.

Top 3 Iconic Night Markets In Hoi An

The night markets in Hoi An are incredibly lively, where people can shop, eat, and experience the local culture! Each night market has its own character, from lit-up displays of colorful lanterns and stalls filled with authentic street food, to unique local souvenirs. These are the top iconic night markets in Hoi An that you can’t miss.

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

• Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Opening hours: 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Average price: From 40,000 VND to 100,000 VND/item

Nguyen Hoang Night Market is the most famous and busiest night market in Hoi An. It is directly in front of the Japanese Covered Bridge, making it easy to find and a photo opportunity. With around 50 stalls extending over 300 meters, it is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike! Nguyen Hoang Night Market has products from colorful lanterns to handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs for you!

What makes this market distinctive is not merely the shopping, but the environment it establishes. The warm, glowing lights from the lanterns make it a perfect spot to get amazing images, and the vendors are friendly and often allow guests to stand near their stalls and pose anywhere. Besides shopping, guests can enjoy little snacks and street food, all while absorbing the bustling, yet charming energy of Hoi An at night. Nguyen Hoang Night Market is truly the center of nightlife.

Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market

• Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Opening hours: 04:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Average price: 20,000 VND to 100,000 VND/item

If you’re a food aficionado, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market is a culinary heaven waiting to be discovered. Located on Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, the market is filled with stalls providing authentic Hoi An and Quang Nam dishes, like Mi Quang, cao lau, clam dishes, and grilled corn. The scent of street food is incredible and will entice you to stop by and sample something. Prices won’t break the bank, so it will allow you to try many of the items in one night.

In addition to food, this market has an engaging atmosphere that is very inviting and allows visitors to experience in a small way the day-to-day life of local people. This market is not as ‘touristy’ as Nguyen Hoang market, which allows you to stop and take in your surroundings at a much slower pace. Seated at a small stall with a bowl of Mi Quang or a hot snack, you can sincerely embrace the street food scene of Hoi An.

Night Markets – Bach Dang Street, Tran Quy Cap, And Surrounding Streets

• Address: Along Bach Dang, Hoang Van Thu, Tieu La, and Tran Quy Cap Streets
• Opening hours: 06:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The night markets on Bach Dang, Tran Quy Cap, Hoang Van Thu, and Tieu La streets aren’t very old, but they have quickly become popular with visitors. These newer night markets aim to offer more space to shop, be entertained, and enjoy cultural experiences, making them very lively commercial sites for visitors and locals. The stalls offer an interesting blend of souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and delicious snacks. With loads of lanterns strung across the street and a few old houses still present, it provides a traditional yet vibrant atmosphere.

The beauty of these markets is that whether you are looking for a tourist-friendly or a local feel, they provide a balance. These markets were much more spacious than the crowded Nguyen Hoang Market, so you were able to move about more easily. These markets we handled were ideal for travelers who wanted an authentic experience while being in a place that was not as chaotic.

5 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

The Hoi An Night Market experience is not simply shopping or local food tasting; it is a cultural experience that can provide you with a connection to the spirit of this ancient town. Below are some authentic experiences you should definitely consider partaking in while experiencing the lively markets come night.

Savor Hoi An’s Traditional Dishes

Hoi An Night Market is a food lover’s delight, serving up not just amazing tastes, but also a little slice of Central Vietnam’s culinary history. There are smells of grilled food wafting in the air as you meander past sizzling pans and steaming pots, luring you in with every step you take. You will find the chewy Cao Lau noodles found only in Hoi An, refreshing “nuoc mot” herbal drinks to refresh your body after a walk, or simply wandering to see and taste the flavors of the city’s heritage.

While exploring these flavors, you may also be introduced to Mi Quang topped with shrimp and pork, crispy golden Banh Xeo served with a selection of fresh greens, or the famous Hoi An chicken rice that has made many travelers swoon.

Enjoy The Folk Songs Of Bai Choi

If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience while at Hoi An Night Market, look no further than Bai Choi. Bai Choi is a folk culture performance that combines folk songs, poems, and storytelling using limited musical instruments. As you wander through the crowded market streets, you will notice groups watching, clapping, and singing along.

Bai Choi was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Bai Choi is much more than just a performance; it is a glimpse into the essence of the culture of Central Vietnam. By attending a performance here, you not only add depth to your trip but also gain a better appreciation of how music continues to connect people through generations in Hoi An.

Take A Boat Ride On The Hoai River

Gliding across the dark waters of the Hoai River one evening is one of the most wonderful things you can do in Hoi An. The water dances with the lights of hundreds of lanterns, turning the river into a glistening floor of colors. The small shops and street vendors that line the river can be seen glowing from both sides. The whole essence of the scene is romantic and almost magical.

Many boat rides also include the opportunity to release small paper lanterns into the river, which is a local tradition that is believed to bring you peace and prosperity. The moment you hold the lantern in your hands, cross your fingers and make your quiet wish, and let it drift slowly downstream, is a straightforward moment that is going to be unforgettable.

Join Traditional Folk Games

If you’re looking for a fun diversion from shopping or sightseeing, seek out the area devoted to folk games at the night market, where you can try your hand at pot breaking blindfolded, the board game O An Quan (Mandarin square capturing), or even simple childhood games like rope jumping. These games are aimed at all ages, and it’s hoped that participants will share jest and merriment too.

For many of the locals, these games will evoke fond memories of carefree childhood days, and for international visitors, they offer an exceptional opportunity to experience traditional ways of life in Vietnam. Involvement in the games is just as much about meeting others and feeling friendly community interaction as it is about having fun.

Admire The Lantern-Lit Streets

Hoi An is commonly referred to as the “city of lanterns”, and this is particularly true at the night market. When the sun goes down, hundreds of brightly colored lanterns are lit up, and the streets become an enchanting place to walk. The assortment of red, yellow, blue, and green lights all reflect off the ancient houses and the river, creating a picture-perfect patchwork that, in its composition, is both festive and romantic.

Walking through bright-lanterned streets seems dreamlike. Many travelers stop to take photos, and it seems like every corner has a picturesque backdrop to make the perfect photo. Even without the pictures, just standing still, taking in the warm and soft shimmering lights feels fantastic. Therefore, it is one of the most special sights to see and experience in Hoi An.

Best Time To Visit Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Night Market is open every day from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The best time to visit the market is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. During these hours, the market is the busiest with glowing lanterns, bustling food stalls, and a lot of cultural activities. At this time, you can fully take in the festive vibe with local food and capture some of the best pictures of the streets during a lantern festival.

How to Get to Hoi An Night Market

Most travelers fly into Da Nang International Airport and then travel to Hoi An, which is roughly 30 km away. You will have the choice of getting to the Hoi An Night Market from Da Nang by taxi, private car, bus, or motorbike, depending on your personal comfort and budget.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Hoi An Night Market

Before you head to Hoi An Night Market, it’s worthwhile to remember a few useful tips to make your trip more straightforward. These few notes will help you enjoy the fun of this vibrant, bustling night market without a hitch.

• Bargain wisely when buying souvenirs, as some sellers may not budge on their prices.
• Keep your belongings secure, as the market can be very busy and pickpocketing is sometimes common.
• Use waste bins to throw rubbish into and keep this ancient town clean, beautiful, and sustainable.
• Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the Old Town first, before enjoying the night market when the lanterns light up.

Final Thoughts: Is Hoi An Night Market Worth Visiting?

Hoi An Night Market is a must-see location, where food, culture, and tradition all come together in an exquisite blend. What you can enjoy during the market is everything from local cuisine to folk performances and streets that seem to glow from the lanterns. It is a perfect way to experience the essence of Hoi An after the sun goes down. Let Seni World help you with an unforgettable experience.