Planning to explore Hoi An at night? Hoi An night market is the perfect stop where you can experience traditional cultural beauty, enjoy unique cuisine, and shop for exquisite handmade gifts. Check out the article below by Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas, which will guide you through every corner of the night market with detailed information, a suggested itinerary, and helpful tips for first-time visitors.
Discovering Hoi An night market
When the sun sets, Hoi An ancient town puts on a new coat, glowing with the radiance of lantern lights. Amid this enchanting backdrop, the Hoi An night market comes alive with its vibrant atmosphere, glowing lanterns, and the sounds of traditional folk music, which truly reflect the local culture.
Here, visitors can find exquisite handmade items such as traditional lanterns, Thanh Ha pottery, or enjoy flavorful specialty dishes of the Quang region. Every stall and every product tells a cultural story, turning the market into a lively space that authentically mirrors the daily life of Hoi An residents.
The small tree-lined streets become magical, creating the romantic scenery unique to the ancient town. Folk music echoing around bustling stalls adds to further enhances the market’s charm. Visitors can stroll while sightseeing, chat with friendly vendors, enjoy delicious food, and immerse themselves in the vibrant crowd.
Location and opening hours
Hoi An night market is located right in the center of the ancient town, along Nguyen Hoang street – a bustling street opposite Japanese Covered Bridge, near the Museum of Folk Culture and a variety of cafés and souvenir shops filled with Hoi An’s essence.
The market starts getting lively from 17:00 and remains vibrant until 23:00 every day, with the peak time between 19:00 and 21:00 when the scene is most vibrant and colorful. On weekend evenings or during festivals, it gets even more dynamic with artistic performances, folk music, and hundreds of food and handicraft stalls.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the night market on foot to fully experience the ancient town’s atmosphere, weave through each stall, and enjoy unique cultural activities along both sides of the street.
Popular areas attracting many visitors at Hoi An night market
The night market in Hoi An is not only a shopping paradise but also a cultural convergence point where you can fully experience the traditional beauty of Hoi An through each item, dish, and person. As one of the highlights of Hoi An nightlife, the market offers a vibrant yet charming atmosphere that captures the spirit of the ancient town after dark.
Nguyen Hoang Night Market – Lantern Street in the Heart of Hoi An
Located opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge, Nguyen Hoang Night Market is the busiest area and the most iconic part of Hoi An night market. With over 50 stalls stretching across 300–500 meters, it is a “treasure trove” of handcrafted souvenirs such as:
- Traditional lanterns in various colors and sizes – an essential symbol of Hoi An
- Thanh Ha pottery – handmade ceramic products from the famous pottery village near the ancient town
- Traditional clothing, brocade bags, hand-embroidered paintings, and unique handmade accessories
The dazzling glow of hundreds of lanterns, paired with ancient architecture, creates a picturesque backdrop for photos, especially between 18:30 and 20:30.
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa night market – riverside food paradise
If you’re a food lover, don’t miss the Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa night market area – located near the Hoai River, right next to Nguyen Hoang. This is the place where dozens of stalls sell local specialties at reasonable prices, freshly prepared on the spot, hot, and full of Hoi An flavor.
Some must-try dishes include:
- Cao lau – signature noodles with chewy strands, rich broth, char siu pork, and fresh herbs
- Quang-style noodles – yellow noodles with thick broth, topped with shrimp, pork, and crispy rice crackers
- Banh bao – Banh vac – also known as “White Rose Dumplings,” a dish refined in both appearance and taste
- Mussels with rice paper, grilled corn with scallion oil, corn sweet soup, herbal water – light but full of the old town flavor
Many stalls here offer small seating areas with plastic tables and chairs, perfect for friends or families wanting to enjoy delicious food while soaking in the peaceful riverside atmosphere. You can also get takeaway to enjoy while strolling and savoring the flavors of Hoi An at night.
Exciting activities at the night market
When visiting Hoi An night market, you can also take part in fun and unique activities such as:
- Enjoying local cuisine: The night market is where you can try specialty dishes at affordable prices. Mi Quang, cao lau, or banh bao – banh vac will leave a lasting impression.
- Shopping for handicrafts: At Hoi An night market, you can find unique items like brocade fabric bags, handmade bracelets, tò he (toy figurines), Hoi An lanterns, and Thanh Ha pottery.
- Joining traditional folk games: You can enjoy traditional games like duck catching, clay pot breaking, and other fun activities in the outdoor areas.
- Listening to bai choi singing: This is a traditional folk art of Central Vietnam. You’ll often encounter engaging bai choi performances on the streets.
- Cruising on the Hoai River: Take a boat ride on the Hoai River, release flower lanterns to make wishes, and admire the sparkling beauty of the ancient town at night.
Tips for visiting Hoi An night market
To make the most of your visit to Hoi An night market, don’t forget these simple yet very useful tips:
- Bring cash: While some stalls accept QR payments, cash is still more commonly accepted. It’s a good idea to carry small bills for convenience.
- Avoid peak hours: The market is most crowded from 19:30 to 21:30, especially on weekends. For a more comfortable experience and better photos, visit early around 17:30 or after 22:00. Use a Hoi An attraction map and mark your favorite areas in Google Maps in advance for easier navigation.
- Choose practical souvenirs: Opt for compact, easy-to-pack items like foldable lanterns, mini pottery, brocade bags, and handmade bracelets. Avoid bulky items if you don’t have transport arrangements.
- Wear comfortable, light clothes: Use soft shoes or sandals for easy movement. A small backpack is better than a large handbag to avoid crowding and keep belongings safe.
Suggested itinerary and nearby accommodation at Hoi An night market
If you only have one evening in Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to fully experience the shimmering beauty, rich culture, and delicious food of the night market. Below is an ideal itinerary for your evening:
| Time | Suggested activity |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Stroll along the Hoai River, watch the sunset, check in at Chua Cau and lantern-lit streets |
| 18:00 – 19:30 | Enjoy dinner at local restaurants with dishes like cao lau, chicken rice, banh bao, and banh vac at the Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa night market food zone |
| 19:30 – 21:00 | Walk through Nguyen Hoang night market: shop for crafts, watch bai choi, play folk games, and enjoy the lively night atmosphere |
| 21:00 – 22:00 | Experience a boat ride on the Hoai River, release lanterns to make wishes – a romantic and unforgettable moment |
After your adventure, unwind at Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas, just a 10-minute drive from the ancient town, nestled next to the tranquil An Bang Beach. Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas offers full amenities and services for a perfect evening in Hoi An:
- 69 villas with private pools, offering luxurious and comfortable accommodation
- Lush green space and cozy living areas for complete relaxation
- Large outdoor pool and infinity pool with sea view; clean private beach within the resort
- Royal Café & Restaurant and The Royal Shore Restaurant serving a diverse menu in an elegant setting
- Professional spa services and experiential classes such as cooking, coffee making, and tai chi
- Indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, modern gym, and kids’ club
- Outdoor cinema, live music, and 3 bars: Chill Sky Bar and 2 Pool Bars (Beach Pool Bar, Ruou Poolside Bar)
- The largest conference center in Hoi An with a capacity of up to 400 guests
- Daily shuttle service to the ancient town, airport pickup, and free bicycles to explore the resort grounds
- Garden view
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- 50m2
Set amidst lush gardens with a private pool view, the One-Bedroom Garden View Villa is a spacious 55m² sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation. Experience the charm of a villa VIP garden and pool Hoi An, where you can unwind in the elegant marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and refreshing rain shower. Plush twin beds invite restful slumber, while the tranquil setting sets the stage for a rejuvenating escape. Wake up refreshed, embrace the serenity, and make every moment of your stay truly unforgettable.
With its convenient location and attentive service, Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas is the perfect place to combine your exploration of the ancient town with a relaxing stay.
Hoi An night market offers a unique experience of culture, cuisine, and art. The moments spent strolling through the stalls, enjoying delicious food, and immersing in the glow of vibrant lanterns will make your trip even more meaningful. Take time to explore Hoi An night market and stay at Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas to fully appreciate the charm of Central Vietnam.
