What to expect at Thanh Ha Fish Market
This is not a market designed for tourists — it’s raw, local, and busy. From around 3:30 to 6:00 AM, fishermen bring in their overnight catch and sell it directly to traders and vendors. You’ll see fresh piles of squid, crabs, snails, clams, mackerel, and other seafood being sorted, weighed, and hauled away on motorbikes.
The atmosphere is lively, loud, and sometimes chaotic, with fish being cleaned on-site and orders shouted over buckets of ice. It’s wet underfoot and smells strongly of the sea — but it’s an honest, unfiltered look at daily life and an essential part of Hoi An’s food supply chain.
Best time to visit
The Hoi An Fish Market (Thanh Ha) kicks off early — activity begins around 3:30 to 4:00 AM, with the busiest trading happening between 4:30 and 5:30 AM. By 6:30 AM, most of the seafood wholesalers have packed up, and the market transitions into a typical local market selling vegetables, fruit, meat, and some fish for daily shoppers.
For the full experience, arrive before 5:00 AM. This is when you’ll witness the unloading of fresh seafood from boats, rapid deals between traders, and a bustling local energy you won’t find in the more touristy areas.
The market is closed on the 15th day of the lunar month due to local spiritual traditions. If you’re planning a visit during August or September (7th–8th lunar months), you’ll catch it at its most active, as this is the peak of the fishing season.
While the market operates year-round, storms or poor sea conditions can lead to lighter activity — worth checking the weather if you’re going specifically for the early seafood trade.
Combining the market with a scenic morning trip
While Thanh Ha Fish Market is just a short distance from Hoi An, turning it into a more complete morning trip makes it even more worthwhile. The area around the market is full of local character and peaceful scenery — perfect for travelers who enjoy slow, immersive experiences.
Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:
Boat ride on the Thu Bon River
Start with a scenic river trip from Hoi An’s Old Town. Some local boats can drop you off near the market, giving you a unique arrival experience and early morning views of fishermen on the water.
Read everything you need to know about boat tours on the Thu Bon River.
Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Just a short walk from the fish market, this traditional village is known for its handmade ceramics. You can watch artisans at work, try pottery-making yourself, and browse local workshops. It opens around 8:00 AM — perfect timing after the market visit.
Read the Thanh Ha Pottery Village guide, to find out what to see and do here.
Tip: Optional cycling loop
If you’re up for a more active and rewarding morning, this cycling route gives you a taste of rural life:
Hoi An → Boat to Thanh Ha Fish Market → Thanh Ha Pottery Village → Cam Kim Island → Hoi An
- Start early by bike, take the bike with you on a small boat across the Thu Bon River to the fish market.
- After the market, cycle to the pottery village and explore briefly.
- Then continue by bike through quiet country roads and rice fields, crossing onto Cam Kim Island — one of the least touristy areas near Hoi An.
- End your loop back in the Old Town via the Cam Kim bridge.
This half-day loop combines culture, landscapes, and genuine local life — all without the crowds.
Read more about cycling in Hoi An (including tips and free biking routes)
Practical tips for visiting
Thanh Ha Fish Market (Hoi An Fish Market) is a raw, early-morning experience — and being prepared makes all the difference.
- Check if the market is active: On days with bad weather or strong wind, fishing boats often stay ashore, meaning no early-morning market. Ask your accommodation or a guide the night before.
- Wear proper shoes: The ground is wet, slippery, and sandy — closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended.
- Photography etiquette: Locals are generally busy and won’t mind photos, but it’s polite to ask before photographing people directly.
- No tourist facilities: Don’t expect toilets, cafes, or signs. This is a working market for locals.
- Consider going with a guide: Especially useful if you plan to combine the visit with a boat ride or pottery village. Guides can also explain what you’re seeing and help arrange logistics during the early hours.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes — if you’re a curious traveler, early riser, or into street photography, Thanh Ha Fish Market offers one of the most authentic local experiences in Hoi An.
It’s not a polished attraction — there’s no comfort or convenience — but it shows you the rhythm of local life in a way few places can.
Not recommended for families with small children, or those expecting a scenic or relaxing outing.
Best done as part of a broader morning itinerary — combine it with a boat ride, the pottery village, and a peaceful cycle back through the countryside to make it a complete trip.
