Hoi An Night Market – A Must-See Destination When Traveling To The Ancient Town
1. Overview
Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient town but also impresses with its bustling night markets, brilliant with lanterns, where visitors can stroll from 5pm to 11pm to enjoy the cool air and vibrant life. The space here is filled with the sounds of vendors, laughter, and shimmering colors, creating a bustling yet poetic scene. Visitors can shop for handmade souvenirs, enjoy specialty dishes, and feel the unique cultural exchange, making the Hoi An night market an unforgettable experience.
2. Outstanding night markets in Hoi An
2.1. Nguyen Hoang Night Market
Nguyen Hoang Night Market, also known as Hoi An Night Market, is a prominent destination that attracts many tourists with stalls selling unique items and a close, rustic atmosphere. Located on Nguyen Hoang Street opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge, the market stretches about 300 m along the Hoai River, featuring more than 50 stalls with colorful lanterns.
Although the area is not large, the market sells a variety of souvenirs, fabrics, and lanterns, as well as famous dishes such as Cao Lau, Nem Lui, Hen with rice paper, and Nuoc Mot. This richness makes the market likened to a miniature Hoi An, where you can fully experience the culture, cuisine, and life of the ancient town in just one evening.
- Highlights: Many handicrafts, souvenirs, and specialties such as Cao Lau, Banh Mi, and Hoi An sweet soup.
- Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:00
- Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An ward, Da Nang city.
A corner of the bustling Nguyen Hoang Night Market in Hoi An. (Source: internet).
2.2. Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market
If you are wondering what to eat at Hoi An night market, visit the market on Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street – a place known as a culinary paradise with countless rustic, delicious dishes and affordable prices. Here, the long street vendors bring a bustling atmosphere and the flavors of the ancient town’s specialties.
Visitors can enjoy many famous delicacies such as Quang noodles, Cao Lau, mussels with rice paper, and grilled corn right on simple tables and chairs on the street. In the rustic and peaceful space, eating and watching the streets will bring a relaxing, intimate, and interesting experience.
- Highlights: Snack paradise, close to many ancient attractions.
- Opening hours: 17:00–23:00
- Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Hoi An City, Hoi An ward, Da Nang city.
3. Experiences not to be missed at Hoi An night market
3.1. Visit the lantern stalls
Hoi An night market is famous for its colorful lantern stalls, creating an unforgettable sparkling space. You can admire their beauty or choose to buy a small one as a souvenir.
The lanterns are not only exquisite handicrafts but also bear the cultural imprint of the ancient town. When night falls, the whole market lights up with lights, making you fully feel the magic of Hoi An at night.
The sophisticated, sparkling beauty of traditional lanterns at Hoi An Night Market stalls. (Source: internet)
3.2. Participate in folk games
Hoi An night market is where visitors can immerse themselves in folk games such as ring tossing, tug of war, or pot smashing. This is an interesting activity, recalling childhood memories and bringing lots of refreshing laughter.
These games not only entertain you but also give you the opportunity to interact and connect with the locals. This experience will make your journey to explore the night market warmer and more memorable.
3.3. Floating lanterns
A special experience at Hoi An night market is floating lanterns on the poetic Hoai River. Each lantern released carries a wish for peace and luck for you and your family.
The moment the lanterns sparkle on the water creates a rare, shimmering, romantic scene. This is definitely an experience you cannot miss when visiting Hoi An at night.
3.4. Listening to Bai Choi singing
At the night market, you will encounter artists performing Bai Choi singing – a unique folk art form of the Central region. Visitors can join in singing and feel the simplicity and joy of traditional melodies.
Singing Bai Choi not only brings entertainment but also an opportunity to better understand the local culture. This is a unique beauty that makes Hoi An night market so attractive.
Hoi An’s Bai Choi – A cultural beauty not to be missed when visiting the ancient town. (Source: internet)
3.5. Experience making your own souvenirs
Nguyen Hoang night market stands out with many handmade products such as clay figurines, pottery, and gifts with the ancient town’s characteristics. Some stalls also allow you to make your own unique souvenirs.
This activity is both fun and helps you preserve your personal mark on the trip. Making a small item yourself will make your memories of Hoi An more meaningful than ever.
4. What to eat at Hoi An night market?
4.1 Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a specialty dish that anyone wondering what to eat at Hoi An night market cannot miss. This dish stands out with its delicate combination of chewy noodles, rich char siu meat, and fresh vegetables.
What makes Cao Lau different is its very unique flavor, which cannot be found anywhere else but Hoi An. A hot bowl of Cao Lau with a light broth will make diners want to enjoy it forever.
Cao Lau Hoi An – The culinary culture quintessence of the Old Town (Source: internet)
4.2 Tofu pudding
In the list of Hoi An night market cuisine, tofu pudding is a familiar dish but has been transformed in an extremely attractive way. The dish is smooth and sweet and is often served with ice to cool down in the bustling atmosphere of the market.
Interestingly, Hoi An tofu pudding is often combined with rich toppings such as cao quy linh, pearls, or jelly, creating a new taste. This is a great choice for those who want to change the taste after enjoying many salty specialties.
4.3 Hoi An Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is a famous dish in Hoi An night market cuisine that visitors should not miss. The rice is cooked with turmeric and pandan leaves to create a beautiful golden color and served with soft, sweet boiled chicken.
Diners can enjoy chicken rice with sweet and sour fish sauce, chicken and egg soup, and Tra Que vegetable salad to balance the flavor. The aroma mixed with the light fatty taste of rice and chicken will make you unforgettable.
Hoi An chicken rice is a delicious dish that brings an unforgettable taste to many diners. (Source: internet)
4.4. Quang Noodles
When it comes to what to eat at Hoi An night market, Quang noodles are definitely a favorite choice for many people. The golden noodles blend with the rich broth, creating a dish with a strong Central Vietnamese flavor.
You can choose many different toppings, such as chicken, shrimp, squid, eel, or fish, to enhance the flavor. Just a hot bowl of Quang noodles is enough to make your culinary exploration complete.
4.5. Hoi An Sweet Soup
One of the popular desserts in Hoi An is Hoi An sweet soup. This sweet soup has a harmonious combination of beans, tapioca pearls, grated coconut, and cool ice cubes.
The sweet, refreshing taste of the soup will help diners balance after enjoying many savory dishes. This is the ideal choice to end the colorful culinary journey in Hoi An.
5. Tips for having fun & visiting Hoi An night market
5.1. Dress and prepare before going
Choose classic-style clothes to blend into the old town space, and wear comfortable shoes for easy movement. Don’t forget to bring cash because many stalls in Hoi An night market do not support electronic payments.
5.2. Stay safe when moving
The area near the water’s edge can be slippery, especially on rainy days, so pay attention to your steps. This will help you avoid unwanted incidents while having fun and taking photos.
5.3. Respect the cultural space
When entering temples or spiritual areas such as the Japanese bridge, keep quiet and behave politely. This not only shows respect but also helps you feel more clearly the unique culture here.
5.4. Smart shopping tips
You can bargain about 70-75% of the original price, but always keep a polite attitude. Also, check prices in advance to avoid overpaying, have clothes tailored in the morning if necessary, and carefully wrap fragile or scratchable souvenirs.
5.5. Protect your personal belongings
The Hoi An night market is very crowded, especially on weekends, so always be careful with your wallet and phone. Use a crossbody bag or backpack with a zipper to keep your personal belongings safe.
6. Conclusion
The Hoi An night market is not only a place for shopping but also offers cultural experiences, cuisine, and sparkling night beauty. This is definitely an activity not to be missed when you visit the ancient town of Hoi An. Let Asia Luxury Travel accompany you on your journey to explore Hoi An’s ancient town and night market, bringing you the most complete and memorable experience!
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