What is Hoi An Night Market like?
Hoi An Night Market is lively, colorful, and completely geared toward tourists—but still fun to explore. It’s often packed, especially after 7 PM, with bright lanterns lighting the streets, music playing from nearby bars, and the scent of grilled snacks in the air. The atmosphere is festive, chaotic at times, but part of what makes Hoi An evenings so memorable.
While it’s often called one market, the full Hoi An Night Market experience actually spreads across a few connected streets and riverside areas. Together, they create the lively atmosphere people come to see in the evenings:
- Main Night Market – Nguyen Hoang Street: This is the heart of the night market, located on An Hoi Island, just across the main bridge from Ancient Town. It’s the most structured section, with rows of lanterns, souvenirs, clothing stalls, and snacks.
- Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street: On the Old Town side of the river, this street runs along the waterfront starting near the Central Market. It’s known for its clothing stalls and night views across to the lantern-lit An Hoi Island.
- Bach Dang Area: Also along the river but between the Japanese Bridge and the main bridge, this section has casual street food carts and low plastic chairs. It’s not a formal market, but part of the night atmosphere.
- Inside Ancient Town: Many regular shops keep their doors open late and spill their goods onto the sidewalks, especially on busy nights. It often feels like a market, even though these are permanent stores.
All of this blends together into one big, walkable night market experience—great for browsing, people-watching, and soaking up the energy of Hoi An after dark.
Location & opening times
Opening times
Hoi An Night Market usually runs from around 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, though some stalls may stay open a bit later depending on the crowd and day of the week.
For the best experience, aim to visit between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, when the lanterns are glowing, the river is lit up, and the atmosphere is at its peak.
Where is Hoi An Night Market?
The main night market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, on An Hoi Island, directly across the bridge from the Ancient Town. You’ll see the stalls as soon as you cross over—just follow the flow of people and lights.
How to get there
The whole area is closed to vehicles in the evening, so your best option is to arrive on foot or get as close as possible by bike or car before walking in.
- Walk: If your hotel is near the Ancient Town, walking is the easiest way in. Just head toward the river and cross the bridge to An Hoi Island.
- Bike: If you’re staying in the countryside or at the beach, biking is a great option—but make sure your lights work and park on the edge of town. There’s bike parking near the Central Market. It’s too crowded to bike through Ancient Town itself in the evening.
- Taxi or Grab: For short rides into town, expect to pay around 50,000–80,000 VND. Ask to be dropped near the edge of the walking zone—then just follow the crowds through Ancient Town and across the bridge to the market.
Crowds build up quickly after sunset, especially at the bridge crossing, so be ready for a bit of weaving through people.
What to see and buy at Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An Night Market is more about the experience than serious shopping—but there’s still plenty to browse. You’ll find typical tourist souvenirs, snacks sizzling on every corner, glowing lanterns overhead, and the occasional surprise item worth taking home. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Lantern stalls
The lantern stalls are the most iconic part of the market. Whether you’re buying one or just taking photos, the glowing silk lanterns in every color and shape light up the street and make for beautiful pictures.
Many stalls allow photos for free, but some may ask for a small tip if you’re not buying. If you do want to bring one home, they’re often collapsible and easy to pack—just check that the frame is sturdy and the stitching is clean.
2. Souvenirs & handicrafts
You’ll find all the usual souvenirs here: chopsticks, bamboo straws, fridge magnets, embroidered bags, lacquerware, and small decorative items. Some are handmade, others mass-produced—it’s hard to tell, so don’t assume everything is local craft.
If you’re looking for something more special, take your time browsing the quieter stalls or check shops inside the Ancient Town instead. Prices here are usually negotiable, so feel free to bargain politely.
3. Street food
The food stalls stretch along Nguyen Hoang Street and spill into the riverside areas. Expect local snacks like grilled pork skewers, Vietnamese pizza (banh trang nuong), banana pancakes, spring rolls, and sometimes more adventurous items like frog legs or barbecued seafood.
Go for stalls that are busy or look clean and organized. Most dishes cost 20,000–50,000 VND, and many offer small plastic chairs where you can sit and eat while watching the crowds go by.
4. Clothes & accessories
Several stalls sell simple T-shirts, flowy dresses, hats, and handmade sandals. Most items are designed for tourists—light, casual, and often with “Hoi An” printed on them.
Sizing can be inconsistent, and quality varies from stall to stall. Bargaining is expected, especially if you’re buying more than one item. Don’t expect tailor-quality pieces here—if you’re after something custom-made, head to the fabric market or a proper tailor.
5. Art, calligraphy & decor
Among the more touristy goods, you might spot a few stalls selling hand-painted art, postcards, or calligraphy where your name is written in Vietnamese characters or brush script. These are small, personal souvenirs and easy to pack.
They’re not everywhere, but worth a look if you’re after something a bit different. As always, take a walk through the entire market before deciding what’s worth your money.
Hoi An at night – What to expect
The atmosphere in Hoi An at night is what really makes the night market come to life. Lanterns light up the streets, bridges, and riverbanks in soft, glowing colors. Reflections dance across the water, and the streets fill with people walking, eating, and taking photos. The Japanese Bridge and surrounding Old Town look especially beautiful after dark, and the entire area feels like an open-air festival.
Near the market, you’ll find lantern-lit boat rides, riverside bars, and often live music drifting through the air. On some evenings—especially weekends—you might catch a Bai Choi folk performance near the bridge, with music and traditional games. Even if you’re not into shopping, a walk through the Old Town and along the river in the evening is one of the best ways to experience Hoi An’s charm.
For more ideas, see our guide on Things to do in Hoi An at night.
Tips for shopping, bargaining & visiting
Hoi An Night Market is fun to explore, but it’s definitely geared toward tourists—so a bit of strategy helps. Use these tips to avoid common frustrations and make the most of your evening.
Bargain politely
Haggling is expected for most items like clothing, souvenirs, and accessories. Start with a friendly attitude, offer about half the asking price, and meet somewhere in the middle. A smile and a bit of patience go a long way.
Don’t buy at the first stall
Many vendors sell the exact same products. Take a full walk through the market first, compare prices and quality, then decide where to buy. You’ll usually find better deals further away from the main entrance.
Expect tourist prices
Prices at the night market are generally higher than at local day markets or shops outside the Old Town. That’s part of the experience here—don’t expect wholesale deals. Bargaining helps, but it’s best to approach it with realistic expectations.
Bring cash (Small bills)
Vendors rarely accept cards, and large bills can be difficult to break. Bring plenty of 10,000 – 50,000 VND notes to make food and small purchases easier.
Visit early or late to avoid crowds
It gets very busy after 7:00 PM, especially on weekends and full moon nights. Arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM gives you some breathing room and better photos.
Bonus tip: in Vietnamese culture, vendors often believe their first customer brings luck, so you may get better deals if you’re one of the early ones.
Choose food wisely
Street food is a big part of the fun, but not all stalls are equal. Stick to vendors with clean setups, hot grills, and a steady flow of customers. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid anything that’s been sitting out too long.
Watch from a rooftop bar
Want to enjoy the lights without the crowd? Grab a seat at a second-floor café, a bar or nearby spots along the river. It’s a great way to watch the market glow while relaxing with a drink.
Is Hoi An Night Market worth a visit?
Yes — even if you’re not planning to shop, Hoi An Night Market is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. The lanterns, the riverside views, and the buzz of people make it a fun and photogenic part of a night out in the Ancient Town.
That said, it’s very touristy. The stalls can feel repetitive, and it gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends. Prices are higher than in local markets, and most items are made for tourists. But if you go in with the right expectations, it’s easy to enjoy as part of an evening stroll—grab a snack, take some photos, and soak up the lights.
