Hoi An night market is a vibrant and bustling destination, offering a mix of colorful lanterns, street food, and local crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sample traditional dishes, and shop for handmade souvenirs, all under the enchanting glow of lanterns. In this article, we will show you along with the best things to do and some useful tips for these two vibrant night markets in Hoi An.
2 biggest night markets to visit in Hoi An
Hoi An has many night markets and it’s famous for its own features. However, the two markets are truly outstanding.
Nguyen Hoang night market for souvenirs and handicrafts
Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
Because this market is located along the Hoai River, you can see the beautiful scenery of the river when you come here. With its advantage location, Nguyen Hoang night market is the best place for anyone who loves souvenirs, clothes, lanterns,…
When the sun comes down, this market comes more crowded and vibrant than ever. You can take a slow stroll along the Hoai River and through the market’s colorful stalls.
Hoi An night market is a shopaholic’s paradise. The market has all things you can think of, such as local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Bargaining is encouraged, so hone your negotiation skills and take home some unique mementos of your Hoi An adventure. Additionally, you can even participate in class to create your own masterpiece.
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa food night market
Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
If you are a food lover, the Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa food night market is a must-visit destination. In this market, you can taste an array of traditional and street food Vietnamese cuisine with affordable prices. Indulge in mouthwatering specialties such as Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich), Cao Lau (noodles with pork and greens), and the famous Vietnamese spring rolls.
You can sit down at a cozy food stall, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, and observe the vibrant atmosphere of this market. That will be interesting on your trip.
Things to do in Hoi An night market
The Hoi An night market always has many interesting things for you to do. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a shopaholic, or a culture seeker, these markets will satisfy you right away. Here are four top things to do in the Hoi An night market:
Savor irresistible street food delights
One of the main highlights of the Hoi An night market is its incredible street food scene. If you are a food lover and want to try Vietnamese cuisine, this market is paradise for you. This market will offer an impressive variety of delectable delicacies. When you come here, you explore the stalls and food vendors scattered throughout the market.
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You can taste many featured dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, such as Banh Mi, Banh Xeo, Nem Lui,… Another must-try street food in Hoi An is Cao Lau, a specialty dish made with thick rice noodles, juicy slices of pork, and fresh herbs.
If you love seafood lovers, the Hoi An night market also offers multiple dishes such as grilled prawns and squid to steamed clams and grilled fish. So, you can find delectable dishes of seafood at affordable prices in this market. Tasting fresh seafood and beer will be the best choice for you.
Don’t forget to sample the famous Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as fresh or summer rolls. These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with a combination of shrimp, pork, and vegetables. All of this is creating a delectable flavor for this dish. So you can discover the rich cuisine of Vietnam when you come to this market.
Shop at traditional stores
Exploring the traditional stores or stalls in the Hoi An night market is a must-do activity for shopping enthusiasts. The night market will have a variety of products for you to choose from, such as handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and silk. These products also show the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An.
You can stroll through the vibrant shops in the night market. Then, you can observe an array of items such as silk garments, intricate embroidery, bamboo products, leather goods, or handcrafted souvenirs here. Furthermore, Hoi An is renowned for its silk production and tailoring. So, you can buy high-quality silk products like scarves, dresses, or tailored suits at affordable prices.
Additionally, you will also find an abundance of colorful lanterns. The lantern is always a symbol of Hoi An Old Town. You can see these lanterns have many kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors displayed in shops. With the colorful light of the lantern, Hoi An is outstanding in the evening. So, you can purchase a lantern as a unique souvenir to take back to your home.
During this time, let’s immerse ourselves in the vibrant shopping atmosphere at a night market. When you buy some traditional products, you can talk with friendly artists. Then, you will learn more about the history or how to make those products from theirs. You can buy a traditional souvenir as a gift for your friends or family.
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Take a boat trip on the Hoai River and release paper lanterns
The thing you can’t miss when coming to Hoi An night market is the experience of taking a serene boat trip along the enchanting Hoai River. With the calm waters and beautifully preserved ancient architecture along the river, this is a gorgeous landscape you should admire.
When the sun goes down and darkness descends, the Hoai River becomes gorgeous and secret among the light of Hoi An lanterns. So, let’s take on a traditional wooden boat and admire the scenery along the river. This option will allow you to take in the romantic ambiance and the old architecture of Hoi An.
Furthermore, you should experience the tradition of releasing paper lanterns into the Hoai River. All of the lanterns are made of colorful paper and lit with a small candle inside. When you release your lantern into the Hoai River, you should make a wish or say a prayer. Because local people believed this tradition would bring luck and happiness to you.
The lantern along the river is an emblem of this old town in the evening. With many lanterns along the streets and river, Hoi An is more gorgeous when the dark comes.
Play Bai Choi
Engage in a cultural experience by participating in a game of Bai Choi, a traditional Vietnamese card game.This traditional game combines many elements, such as music, singing, acting, and chance.
At the Hoi An night market, you’ll find areas dedicated to Bai Choi where locals and tourists gather to play. The traditional game involves a deck of cards with different symbols representing characters from folktales. You will be captivated by the melodies of traditional Vietnamese music while selecting cards and engaging in competition. Join the locals at the Hoi An night market and embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Useful tips when visiting Hoi An night market
Make the most of your visit to the Hoi An night market with these useful tips:
- You can engage in haggling for a better price.
- You should bring cash because some shops only accept cash.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you can walk for a long time.
- If you don’t know what to eat or buy in Hoi An, you can ask the driver or local people for help.
- You must protect your money or personal adornments.
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How to get to Hoi An night market
Private car: If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, private car services are readily available in Hoi An. Additionally, if you are in Da Nang City and want to discover Hoi An night market, you can take Da Nang to Hoi An by car or Da Nang car rental with driver immediately. Inform the driver that you want to go to the Hoi An night market, and they will drop you off at a convenient location.
Bicycle Rental: Another popular and enjoyable way to reach the Hoi An night market is by renting a bicycle. Many hotels and rental shops in Hoi An offer bicycles for daily or hourly rental. You can ride through the streets of Hoi An to see the rustic landscapes and daily activities of local people. With this option, you can explore Hoi An old town at your own pace.
You can book a bike at VM Car or the following recommended locations:
Hoi An Cycling:
- Website: hoiancyclingtour.com
- Address: 86/7 Nguyen Truong To street, Hoi An.
Motorbike Rental: If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, renting one is a convenient option. Hoi An has numerous motorbike rental shops where you can easily rent a scooter for a day or even a few hours.
Remember, you should have the necessary driving license and adhere to traffic regulations in Vietnam. Parking spaces are available in the night market. But you should come early because it can get crowded during peak hours.
You can book a bike at VM Car or the following recommended locations:
Hoi An Bike Rental:
- Website: hoianbikerental.com.
- Address: 14 Cua Dai street, Hoi An.
Motorbike Rental Hoi An:
- Website: motorbikerentalhoian.com.
- Address: 62B Dao Duy Tu street, Hoi An.
Walking: If you stay in a hotel near Hoi An town, you can walk to the night market. Almost all hotels or guesthouses in Hoi An are a short distance from the night market.
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Conclusion
Hoi An night market is a must-visit place in the evening for tourists. These night markets will offer you an interesting experience the first time. You can stroll along the streets to taste many kinds of foods or take a boat trip on the Hoai River and release a paper lantern. Therefore, when you come to Hoi An, you should experience these vibrant night markets.
