Hoi An Night Market: A Vibrant Evening of Lights and Local Charm
Hoai Trinh
Explore the Hoi An Night Market, a lively hub of lanterns, street food, and crafts in Vietnam’s Ancient Town. Discover top tips and must-try experiences for an unforgettable night.
Hoi An, Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed gem, is magical by day, but it truly comes alive at night with the Hoi An Night Market. Nestled along Nguyen Hoang Street in the heart of the Ancient Town, this bustling market is a kaleidoscope of glowing lanterns, savory street food, and handmade treasures. As the sun sets, the Thu Bon River reflects thousands of colorful lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that draws both locals and travelers. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs, savoring Hoi An’s iconic dishes, or simply soaking in the vibrant energy, the Hoi An Night Market is a must-visit.
The Charm of Hoi An Night Market
The Charm of Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market stretches across An Hoi Islet, connected to the Ancient Town by a footbridge, and runs nightly from 5 PM to around 10 PM. Unlike typical tourist markets, this one feels deeply rooted in Hoi An’s culture, with over 150 stalls showcasing the town’s signature silk lanterns, local crafts, and street food. The market’s glow comes from thousands of handmade lanterns, red, yellow, and purple, hung from stalls and trees, casting a warm light over the cobblestone streets. This tradition, tied to Hoi An’s history as a trading port, makes the market a visual feast, especially during the Full Moon Festival when the town dims electric lights for an even dreamier vibe.
Stalls offer everything from embroidered textiles to bamboo jewelry, with prices starting at 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD) for small souvenirs. Food is a major draw, with vendors serving Hoi An specialties like cao lau (50,000 VND, $2 USD), a noodle dish with pork and crispy noodles, or banh mi (20,000 VND, $0.80 USD) from carts inspired by Madam Khanh’s famous stall. The market’s energy is infectious, with street performers playing folk music and locals playing bai choi, a traditional bingo-style game. With an estimated 10,000 visitors on peak nights, according to local tourism data, the Hoi An Night Market blends authenticity with a festive buzz, making it a perfect evening outing.
Must-Try Experiences at the Night Market
Must-Try Experiences at the Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market is more than a shopping spot—it’s a cultural experience packed with activities. Start with a lantern purchase (10,000–50,000 VND, $0.40–2 USD) from stalls near the An Hoi Bridge. Choose a silk lantern to light up or a paper one to float on the Thu Bon River, a tradition said to bring good luck. For a closer view, book a riverboat ride (100,000 VND, $4 USD) from Bach Dang Pier, where you can release a candlelit lantern and watch it drift among hundreds of others.
Foodies will love the street food scene. Try grilled squid (30,000 VND, $1.20 USD) or coconut cakes (10,000 VND, $0.40 USD) from vendors near the market’s center. For a sit-down meal, head to Riverside Restaurant (Nguyen Hoang Street), where com ga (Hoi An chicken rice) costs about 60,000 VND ($2.40 USD) with a view of the glowing river. If you’re into crafts, join a lantern-making workshop at nearby shops like Ha Linh Lantern (72 Tran Nhan Tong Street) for 200,000 VND ($8 USD), where you’ll create your own silk lantern to keep.
Don’t miss the cultural performances, like folk singers or bai choi games near the footbridge, which are free to watch and add to the festive vibe. Bargaining is expected, so haggle politely, aim for 10–20% off quoted prices for souvenirs. These experiences make the Hoi An Night Market a sensory delight, blending food, crafts, and local traditions.
Planning Your Night Market Visit
Planning Your Night Market Visit
To make the most of the Hoi An Night Market, a little planning ensures a smooth and memorable evening. Here are some practical tips:
Time Your Visit: Arrive around 6 PM to catch the sunset and avoid peak crowds (8–9 PM). The market is liveliest during the Full Moon Festival (14th lunar day each month, e.g., August 19 or September 17, 2025), but book accommodations begin early as hotels like An Hoi Hotel fill up fast.
Dress Comfortably: Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for walking the cobblestone streets. Bring a hat or umbrella for evening humidity (25–30°C) and a small bag for souvenirs.
Carry Cash: Most stalls don’t accept cards. Bring small denominations (10,000–50,000 NACIONAL) for food, lanterns, and trinkets.
Combine with Daytime Plans: Pair your evening at the market with daytime visits to the Japanese Covered Bridge (150,000 VND, $6 USD for an Old Town ticket) or An Bang Beach (5 km away, bike rental: 30,000 VND, $1.20 USD/day).
Navigate Smart: The Ancient Town is pedestrianized, making the market easy to reach on foot. For farther stays, use a Grab taxi (80,000 VND, $3 USD) or cycle from Cam Thanh or Tra Que.
For insider tips and hidden stalls, book a Local Buddy through Tubudd to guide you through the Hoi An Night Market with local expertise.
Final Thoughts on Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market is a celebration of Hoi An’s soul, where glowing lanterns, sizzling street food, and local crafts create an unforgettable evening. From floating a lantern on the Thu Bon River to tasting banh mi under a canopy of lights, the market captures the town’s warmth and charm. Affordable, vibrant, and steeped in tradition, it’s a perfect way to experience Hoi An’s nightlife, whether you’re a solo traveler or with family. As you wander through the glowing stalls, you’ll feel the pulse of this ancient town, leaving with memories and maybe a handmade lantern to light your way home.
Ready to explore the Hoi An Night Market like a local? Book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to uncover hidden stalls and savor the best of Hoi An’s vibrant evening scene.
