1. The top busiest Hoi An – Vietnam night markets that attract millions of tourists
Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at night markets is one of the must-try things for any tourist coming to Hoi An. Below are some famous night markets that you should visit at least once on your trip:
1.1. Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market – The paradise for food lovers
Visit the night market on Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa street if you are interested in enjoying the delicacies of Hoi An. Thanks to its extensive menu, this location is referred to as Hoi An Ancient Town’s culinary paradise that attracts a large number of tourists each year.
All the Hoi An night market foods here are rustic and inexpensive, yet extremely mouthwatering. To savor numerous delectable delicacies, observe the streets and engage in conversations; you just simply congregate around the modest tables that the vendors set out and enjoy every moment.
1.2. Nguyen Hoang Night Market – The ideal place to buy souvenirs
Nguyen Hoang Night Market is in front of the Japanese Bridge and spans a length of 300 to 500 meters. Stretching 300 to 500 meters, the market features around 50 stalls offering lanterns, handicrafts, and signature Hoi An souvenirs like ao dai and specialties.
Particularly, there are many lovely ceramic things to be displayed and sold here. These goods come from Thanh Ha Pottery Village, one of Vietnam’s oldest pottery villages with a history dating back more than 500 years. Although the products are fragile, they are incredibly affordable and worth buying to give to your loved ones.
1.3. Some great Hoi An night markets on the famous streets
On your Hoi An – Vietnam shopping trip, you can also visit numerous well-known markets on bustling streets like Bach Dang Street, Tran Quy Cap Street, Tieu La Street, and Hoang Van Thu Street, in addition to the ones mentioned above. These markets are open every day from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., so you should plan your visit to take advantage of all the wonderful things you can explore there.
2. What interesting activities should you try once at Hoi An night markets?
Do not miss the following interesting activities while you are at any Hoi An night market:
2.1. Listen to Bai Choi folk songs
Listening to Bai Choi folk songs is an activity that visitors should not miss out on. It is recognized as a prominent feature of Hoi An culture and has existed for a long time. This activity is very suitable for families with elderly or young people who love the beauty of folk music and want to learn about the ancient culture.
This activity used to be held on the occasion of the full moon, which in ancient times was the beginning of the month. Today, in Hoi An, Bai Choi is performed every day at 7 p.m. at the communal house yard next to the well, offering tourists a great opportunity to experience this traditional art during their visit.
2.2. Take part in many unique folk games
Along with listening to Bai Choi, folk games held at Hoi An night markets are typical highlights of the old town. In the poetic space with shimmering lights at night, nothing is more wonderful than reliving beautiful childhood memories with unique folk games.
Some folk games that you should participate in are Mandarin square capturing, blindfolded pot, choi singing, etc. All of them are extremely interesting and will surely bring you lots of excitement. Therefore, it would be ideal to join in on these activities if you are traveling to Hoi An with a group of friends or with your family.
2.3. Enjoy plenty of mouthwatering dishes
Hoi An night markets are beloved by both domestic and international tourists largely due to their diverse and enticing culinary offerings. Visitors can indulge in bowls of Quang noodles filled with toppings like shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts, or savor vibrant and sweet cups of traditional tea.
The markets also boast a wide array of famous Hoi An street foods, including mussels with grilled rice paper, Banh Mi, Cao Lau, and noodle soup. These dishes capture the essence of Hoi An’s culinary heritage, making the night markets a must-visit destination for any food lover.
2.4. See the shimmering scenery of Hoi An at night
Hoi An night markets are often referred to as one of the greatest places for tourists to take countless nice photos with stunning backgrounds. The shimmering scene here is adorned by colorful lanterns, garlands with flickering candlelight, or even brilliant lights from stalls around. All of them blend together to create a poetic space that many visitors admire.
Therefore, tourists often tell each other that if you want to have beautiful and quality photos, take time to visit the night markets once during the trip. In just a small corner, you and your loved ones can get dozens of amazing photos to share on Facebook.
2.5. Take an exciting boat trip on Hoai River
After getting around, going shopping, as well as enjoying Hoi An night market street foods, you should take a boat trip to contemplate the wonderful scenery on Hoai River at night.
This way, you can immerse yourself in the shimmering space with lanterns and releasing garlands, which are considered to bring your wish to the river and make it come true. This will definitely be an unforgettable memory in your life.
3. Hoi An night markets’ opening hours and shopping experiences you should note
Hoi An night markets are extremely busy and bustling so visitors need to note a few things before coming:
- The Hoi An night market hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily; the best time to visit is between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. for vibrant activities, lively atmosphere, and illuminated lanterns.
- Verify the exact market address before starting your trip to avoid unnecessary searching.
- The market is usually crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings to prevent pickpocketing.
- Feel free to take photos with lanterns, but be careful not to disrupt the shop’s business.
- Wear comfortable sandals or sports shoes to walk around the market easily.
- While most vendors are friendly, some may overcharge. Don’t hesitate to haggle, especially when buying souvenirs.
- Dispose of your trash properly to help keep the ancient town clean.
- Carry cash, as many smaller stalls might not accept cards.
- Don’t miss out on Vietnamese street foods like Cao Lau, Quang Noodles, and other local specialties.
4. Must-see attractions near Hoi An Night Market
Near Hoi An Night Market, you will find a rich tapestry of attractions that reflect the city’s historical and cultural heritage. These sites offer a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s unique charm, from its architectural marvels to traditional craftsmanship.
- Fujian Assembly Hall: Built in 1967, this hall was constructed to pray for health, favorable weather, and children. Its majestic and expansive space, combined with distinctive Chinese architectural features, has earned it recognition as a cultural heritage site, making it ideal for striking photographs.
- Ancient Houses in Hoi An: The Ancient Houses in Hoi An provide a window into the city’s historical architecture. Notable examples include Phung Hung Old House, known for its traditional design, and Tan Ky Old House, which showcases Hoi An’s unique blend of cultures.
- Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): This historic bridge is a well-known symbol of Hoi An, featuring a unique blend of Japanese and Vietnamese architectural styles. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for visitors and a significant historical landmark.
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Renowned for its skilled woodworkers, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is where traditional Vietnamese woodworking thrives. Visitors can observe artisans crafting intricate wooden designs and gain insight into the village’s cultural heritage.
- VinWonders Nam Hoi An: This is a sprawling entertainment complex offering a diverse range of activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy captivating shows that blend traditional Vietnamese culture with modern elements, explore River Safari for a close-up look at wildlife, or have fun in the expansive water park. The park also features Adventure Land for thrill-seekers and Folklore Island, which immerses visitors in traditional craft village experiences. It is the perfect destination for a full day of fun and cultural exploration.
Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket online, skip the line
Hoi An night market is the convergence of all outstanding factors to attract tourists, such as rich cuisine, poetic scenery, diverse relaxing activities, etc. Therefore, if you are looking for a tourist destination for your upcoming trip to the ancient town, do not forget to put the night market on your bucket list!