Hoi An Market Guide 2025: From Local Day Trading to Magical Night Lantern Streets

The Hoi An market experience captures everything that makes this ancient town unforgettable – vibrant culture, exceptional cuisine, and centuries of trading heritage condensed into bustling lanes filled with color, aroma, and energy. Markets have served as the lifeblood of Hoi An since its golden era as Southeast Asia’s most important trading port, where merchants from China, Japan, and Europe exchanged goods along the Thu Bon River. Whether you’re seeking rare handicrafts, legendary street food, or simply the magic of wandering lantern-lit lanes at dusk, Hoi An markets deliver experiences that transform ordinary sightseeing into a genuine cultural connection.

Essential Information About Hoi An Market

Location & Getting There

Hoi An market vietnam encompasses several distinct market areas, each offering unique experiences:

• Hoi An Central Day Market sits in the heart of the Ancient Town near the Thu Bon River, easily accessible on foot from any central accommodation. This covered market serves as the town’s primary fresh food source where locals have shopped for generations.
• Nguyen Hoang Night Market stretches along Nguyen Hoang Street directly across from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, running perpendicular to the Hoai River. Approximately 50 stalls line this 300-500 meter stretch, creating the perfect evening destination for souvenirs and sightseeing.
• Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market operates on the same side as the Japanese Bridge, matching its neighbor in length but specializing in food rather than merchandise. This street transforms into a culinary paradise after sunset.

To reach these markets, you can use motorbikes, cars, or electric shuttles to the town center’s edge, but the Ancient Town prohibits motorized vehicles during evening hours. Inside, only bicycles, cyclos, and walking are permitted, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes nighttime exploration so magical.

Opening Hours

Entrance & Practical Tips

Visiting Hoi An markets requires purchasing an Ancient Town entrance ticket (approximately 80,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors, 120,000 VND for international travelers). This ticket grants access to the entire Ancient Town area including all market zones.

While markets themselves charge no additional entrance fees, certain activities carry separate costs:

• Lantern boat rides: 50,000-100,000 VND per person
• Paper lantern releases: 10,000-20,000 VND each
• Craft workshops: Prices vary by activity

During peak periods like the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival and Tet holidays, expect larger crowds and consider arriving earlier to secure the best experience.

>> Discover more: Hoi An Places to Visit: Top Attractions, Sightseeing & Hidden Gems

The Enchanting Hoi An Night Market Experience

When darkness falls, the Hoi An night market transforms the Ancient Town into a glowing wonderland that represents the city’s most iconic experience. Hundreds of silk lanterns illuminate in warm hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple, casting magical reflections on the river below.

Two Markets, Two Distinct Experiences

Nguyen Hoang Night Market specializes in shopping and atmosphere. Stalls display colorful lanterns in every size and shape, handcrafted jewelry, tailored clothing, leather goods, and unique souvenirs. The riverside location provides stunning views of the illuminated Ancient Town reflected in the water. This market attracts visitors seeking:

• Handmade silk lanterns (Hoi An’s signature souvenir)
• Custom jewelry and accessories
• Tailored clothing and leather goods
• Traditional handicrafts and artwork
• Photography opportunities along the glowing riverfront

Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market focuses entirely on food, creating a sensory feast for culinary adventurers. Steam rises from countless stalls preparing Central Vietnamese specialties, while vendors call out offerings and the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs fills the air.

Unmissable Night Market Activities

The Hoi An night market offers experiences beyond shopping and eating that create lasting memories:

• Lantern Boat Rides: Small wooden boats decorated with lanterns carry passengers along the Hoai River as the town glitters around you. Guides share stories about local history while you drift beneath ancient bridges and past illuminated buildings.
• Paper Lantern Floating: Purchase small paper lanterns, light the candles inside, make a wish, and release them onto the river’s surface. Watching hundreds of flickering lights float downstream creates an unforgettable moment, especially during the Full Moon Festival when the entire town participates.
• Local Performances: Traditional music and dance performances occur throughout the market area, offering glimpses into Vietnamese cultural arts. Musicians playing traditional instruments and performers in elaborate costumes add authentic atmosphere to evening wanderings.
• Photography Paradise: The combination of colorful lanterns, historic architecture, river reflections, and evening light creates extraordinary photographic opportunities. The Japanese Covered Bridge framed by lanterns and the rows of glowing silk spheres reflecting on water have become among Vietnam’s most photographed scenes.

>> Explore more: Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Must-Try Foods at Hoi An Markets

Cao Lau

This signature Hoi An noodle dish features thick, chewy noodles (traditionally made only with water from the ancient Ba Le well) topped with sliced pork, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs in a small amount of rich broth. The unique texture and complex flavors make cao lau the essential Hoi An food experience.

Banh Mi Hoi An

While banh mi exists throughout Vietnam, Hoi An’s version achieves legendary status with its perfectly crispy baguette, silky pâté, and balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Market stalls offer fresh-made sandwiches at a fraction of famous shop prices.

Mi Quang

These vibrant yellow turmeric noodles represent Central Vietnamese comfort food, served with minimal broth, fresh herbs, peanuts, rice crackers, and various proteins. The interplay of textures and bold flavors makes every bowl satisfying.

Com Ga (Chicken Rice)

Hoi An’s take on this Vietnamese classic features tender poached chicken over fragrant turmeric rice, accompanied by fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and savory broth. Simple yet perfectly executed.

Sweet Treats

Don’t miss dessert stalls offering local specialties:

• Banh dap (crispy rice crackers with soft rice paper)
• Che (sweet soup desserts with beans, jellies, and coconut)
• Fresh tropical fruits
• Tau pho (silken tofu in ginger syrup)

Photogenic Spots Around Hoi An Market

The areas surrounding Hoi An market vietnam offer exceptional photography opportunities that capture the town’s unique character:

Japanese Covered Bridge

The 400-year-old symbol of Hoi An appears most magical at dusk when lanterns illuminate its graceful architecture and reflections shimmer on the water below

Riverside Boat Station

Traditional wooden boats lined up at sunset, with the Ancient Town glowing golden behind them, offer postcard-perfect compositions

Yellow Wall Alleys

The characteristic mustard-yellow buildings of Hoi An’s smaller lanes provide stunning backdrops, especially when contrasted with colorful lanterns and potted plants.

>> Explore more: Hoi An Autumn: Embracing the Rainy Charm and Mid-Autumn Magic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hoi An Night Market safe for solo travelers? 

Absolutely. Hoi An maintains an excellent safety reputation, and the night markets remain well-lit, crowded with fellow visitors, and patrolled regularly. Solo travelers of all genders explore comfortably, though standard precautions like securing valuables remain wise.

Can I pay by card at Hoi An markets? 

Most market vendors accept only cash (Vietnamese Dong). ATMs are available nearby, but bringing sufficient cash before exploring markets ensures smooth transactions. Some larger shops may accept cards, but small stalls and food vendors rarely do.

What is the most famous food in Hoi An Night Market? 

Cao lau holds the distinction as Hoi An’s signature dish – the thick noodles, pork, and crackers exist authentically only here. However, banh mi, mi quang, and white rose dumplings also rank among must-try specialties.

Are Hoi An markets open during public holidays? 

Yes, markets operate during public holidays and often feature extended hours and special activities. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th day of each lunar month) brings particularly festive atmosphere with additional performances and lantern ceremonies.

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Conclusion

The Hoi An market experience encapsulates everything magical about this ancient town. From the authentic morning bustle of the day market where fishermen deliver their catches and farmers spread fresh produce to the enchanting evening glow of the Hoi An night market where silk lanterns transform ordinary streets into dreamlike wonderlands, these markets reveal Hoi An’s true character in ways that monuments and museums cannot.

Let SJourney guide you through the authentic market experiences that most travelers miss, from secret food stalls to artisan workshops where you can learn traditional crafts. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Hoi An adventure.

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Travel Story Team

The Travel Story Team is the editorial group behind Vietnam Luxury Express — passionate storytellers and travel enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the art of luxury train journeys across Vietnam.