Hoi An Night Market: A Shimmering Cultural and Culinary Experience
The Hoi An Night Market stands as the centerpiece of the ancient town’s vibrant nightlife. Located primarily along Nguyen Hoang Street on An Hoi Islet, directly across the Hoai River from the UNESCO World Heritage site, the market transforms a regular street into a magical pedestrian area every evening. Hundreds of colorful silk lanterns illuminate the entire stretch, creating the quintessential, romantic atmosphere that Hoi An is famous for. This is a must-visit destination that offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural immersion.
I. Historical Connection and Cultural Highlight
Although the night market is a relatively modern phenomenon compared to the ancient town itself, it immediately adopted the cultural essence of Hoi An. The market showcases the town’s iconic silk lanterns—a tradition dating back to the 16th century when Hoi An was a major trading port. Consequently, the lanterns symbolize good fortune and peace, and they provide the most spectacular photo opportunities for visitors. The market often features traditional folk games and performances, allowing travelers to engage directly with local culture.
II. Shopping and Must-Try Foods
The market divides its numerous temporary stalls into two main categories: souvenirs and food. Visitors can easily find the items they seek by focusing on each section.
Shopping: Lanterns and Crafts: The stalls sell a wide variety of handicrafts, most notably the signature silk lanterns. Visitors can purchase these colorful, collapsible lanterns in various sizes and patterns. Vendors also offer tailored clothing, beautiful silk scarves, handmade leather goods, and small souvenirs. Remember to bargain politely, since vendors often set initial prices higher for tourists.
Food: Culinary Delights: The food stalls provide an excellent opportunity to sample local Hoi An and Central Vietnamese cuisine. You can find regional specialties such as Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich), Cao Lầu (Hoi An’s unique noodle dish), Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza), and various grilled meat skewers. Moreover, sweet desserts like Chè (sweet soup) and rolled ice cream satisfy any sweet tooth.
A highlight activity involves purchasing small paper floating lanterns and releasing them onto the Hoai River from the nearby waterfront, creating a mesmerizing scene of light on the water.
III. Essential Visitor Information and Access
Prepare for your evening visit efficiently by noting the following details.
Location/Address (Main Area): Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi Islet, Hoi An. It sits directly opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu).
Operating Hours: The market typically opens daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (some stalls remain open later). The busiest and most visually stunning time is between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, when all the lanterns are fully illuminated.
Entrance Fee: Entry to the night market is free; however, the Old Town requires a separate ticket for entry to heritage sites, although this does not restrict access to the night market street.
Accessibility: You must cross the An Hoi Bridge from the Ancient Town to reach the main market street. Because the area transforms into a pedestrian zone at night, we recommend walking or using a bicycle taxi (Xích Lô) to fully appreciate the ambiance. Bring cash for easy and quick transactions at the food and souvenir stalls.
