Ultimate Guide to Hoi An Night Market: Top Things to See & Do

Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations, is well-known for its beautiful ancient town, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food scene. But as the sun sets, the town transforms into a wonderland of lights and colors. Hoi An Night Market is a must-visit attraction that offers a captivating blend of local traditions, delicious street food, handmade goods, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, want to immerse yourself in local culture, or just soak up the lively vibe, Hoi An Night Market offers something for everyone.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Hoi An Night Market, from the best time to visit to the top activities you can't miss.

1. Hoi An Night Market: What to Expect

Hoi An Night Market is a unique and vibrant place, offering a glimpse into the town's lively evening culture. Located along Nguyen Hoang Street, the market spans several blocks, lined with colorful lanterns, food stalls, clothing vendors, and artisans showcasing their handmade creations. As night falls, the entire area lights up, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for exploring on foot.

The market starts buzzing around 5 PM, and by nightfall, it’s packed with locals and tourists alike. It's a wonderful place to enjoy the charming atmosphere of Hoi An after a busy day of sightseeing. While the market is open every day, it’s particularly lively on weekends, attracting more visitors.

2. Things to Do at Hoi An Night Market

2.1. Wander Through the Lantern-Lit Streets

One of the most iconic features of the Hoi An Night Market is the colorful lanterns that light up the streets. The sight of these vibrant paper lanterns, with their warm glow reflecting off the river, creates a magical and romantic atmosphere. You can buy your own lantern to take home, or even participate in a lantern-making workshop to create a personalized souvenir.

Price: Free to wander and can be free or around $1 for taking photos (depending on each shop)
Best Time: Around 7:00 PM when the lanterns are fully lit

2.2. Enjoy Street Food Delights

No visit to Hoi An would be complete without indulging in its famous street food, and the Night Market offers some of the best local dishes you’ll find in town. From savory snacks to sweet treats, here are some must-try foods:

• Cao Lau: This iconic Hoi An dish consists of rice noodles, crispy pork, herbs, and a rich broth. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
• Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc: Also known as "white rose dumplings," these delicate steamed dumplings are filled with shrimp and topped with crispy onions.
• Grilled Corn: Often served with a sweet and spicy sauce, grilled corn is a favorite snack among locals.
• Fried Spring Rolls: Crunchy and savory, these golden fried rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables, meat, or seafood.
• Sweet Desserts: You’ll find a variety of local desserts such as coconut-based treats, chè (Vietnamese sweet soup), and candied fruits.

Make sure to sample as many as possible - most of the food stalls offer reasonably priced portions, making it easy to taste everything!

2.3. Shop for Local Souvenirs

The Night Market is a shopper's paradise, offering a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from traditional lanterns, handwoven bags, and wooden carvings to custom-made clothing and shoes. The market is also home to many tailors who offer quick clothing alterations or custom designs, especially for suits and dresses. Don’t forget to haggle a little to get the best price!

Some items worth checking out:

• Silk products: Hoi An is famous for its silk, and you’ll find beautiful silk scarves, dresses, and other accessories.
• Handmade Jewelry: Local artisans create stunning pieces using shells, silver, and gemstones.
• Wooden Crafts: From intricate carvings to small figurines, these items make great souvenirs.
• Baskets and Bags: Locally crafted woven baskets and bags are popular and make for practical yet beautiful gifts.

Tip: Bargaining is common, so feel free to negotiate prices and try to get a good deal on your souvenirs!

2.4. Experience Traditional Vietnamese Craftsmanship

As you walk through the market, you’ll encounter stalls offering traditional Vietnamese handicrafts. You can even watch artisans at work, creating stunning lanterns and weaving delicate textiles. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture and take home unique, handmade souvenirs.

What to Look For:

• Handmade Lanterns: Hoi An is famous for its lanterns, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Silk and Embroidery: You’ll find beautiful silk scarves, clothing, and embroidered items.

2.5. Take a Boat Ride on Hoai River

For a truly enchanting experience, consider taking a boat ride along the Hoai River, which runs alongside the market. The river is beautifully illuminated by lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere. You can hire a small boat to paddle down the river, where you’ll see the market’s colorful lights reflected in the water, making it a peaceful and picturesque way to end your evening.

Price: $4–$6 for a 20-minute ride

3. Best Time to Visit the Hoi An Night Market

The Hoi An Night Market is open every evening, but the best time to visit is after the sun sets, around 6 PM to 10 PM, when the market is fully alive with lanterns, music, and the energy of both locals and tourists. It’s particularly beautiful on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the market celebrates the Full Moon Festival. During this time, the town lights up with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that shouldn’t be missed.

If you prefer fewer crowds, try visiting during the weekdays. Weekends tend to be busier with tourists, especially during peak seasons (from November to March).

4. How to Get to the Hoi An Night Market

The Night Market is located in the heart of Hoi An, just a short walk from the Ancient Town, making it easy to explore after a day of sightseeing.

• From Hoi An Ancient Town: You can simply walk to the market, as it’s only about a 5-minute walk away. If you prefer a quicker option, you can rent a bicycle or take a short taxi ride.
• From Da Nang (30 km): The easiest way to get to the market from Da Nang is by taxi, motorbike, or a rented car. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and taxi fares range from $15 to $20.

(Hoi An Night Market location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WS1EmSSqLr56gDF77).

5. Tips for Visiting the Hoi An Night Market

• Bring cash: While some vendors may accept cards, cash is the preferred method of payment. ATMs are available, but it’s best to bring small notes for convenience.
• Haggle with vendors: Bargaining is common in the market, but always be polite and friendly. It’s part of the fun!
• Dress comfortably: The market involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially in the warmer months.
• Bring a camera: The lanterns and street scenes are incredibly photogenic, so be sure to capture some of the beautiful moments.
• Be cautious with your belongings: Like any busy market, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.
• All you should know about Vietnam Travel Visa (2025 updated): https://venusvietnamtravel.com/visa-free-travel-vietnam-2025/

6. Nearby Attractions to Combine with the Night Market

If you're planning to explore Hoi An more extensively, consider visiting these nearby attractions:

• Hoi An Ancient Town: Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with historical buildings, charming streets, and lively markets.
• An Bang Beach: Enjoy a relaxing day at this beautiful beach, located just 5 km from the town center.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: A symbol of Hoi An, this historic bridge is a great spot for photos.
• Hoi An Food Tours: If you’re a food lover, join a food tour to discover even more of Hoi An's delicious cuisine.

7. Explore Hoi An Night Market with Local Experts

If you're looking to make the most of your visit to the Hoi An Night Market, we highly recommend booking a guided tour with local experts who can offer insider knowledge, help you avoid the crowds, and ensure you get the best experience possible.

Our team at Venus Travel offers customized night tours of Hoi An, where you can explore the market and other nearby attractions with a professional guide who will make sure you get the most out of your visit. With over 5,000 five-star reviews, We guarantee a well-organized, insightful, and enjoyable journey, led by professional guides who will make sure you experience the true essence of this stunning destination.

For authentic travel advice and tour planning by Vietnam local experts, feel free to contact us 24/7! Don’t forget to follow us for the latest updates on Vietnam travel news and local tips!

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