Hoi An Night Market: Address, Opening Hours, and A-Z Guide to Food & Fun

As the Ancient Town lights up, An Hoi Island-situated along the Hoai River-comes alive with stalls glowing under the light of lanterns. This area hosts the majority of the Hoi An night market activities; located right next to the Ancient Town, it is easily accessible on foot. Nguyen Hoang Night Market is situated on Nguyen Hoang Street in Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, directly opposite the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and along the picturesque Hoai River. Stretching approximately 300 meters and featuring over 50 stalls, the market offers a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The main market area is concentrated along two prominent streets:

• Nguyen Hoang Night Market: About 300-500 meters long, opposite the famous Covered Bridge. This is a shopping paradise for souvenirs and handicrafts.

• Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market: Near the Hoai River, focusing mainly on street food.

In addition, neighboring streets such as Bach Dang, Tran Quy Cap, Tieu La, and Hoang Van Thu also host vibrant night market activities. This location is extremely convenient for combining a stroll through the ancient town, admiring the Covered Bridge, and releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River.

How to get there: About 30-40 minutes from central Da Nang by motorbike/taxi. Within the ancient town, it is best to walk or rent a bicycle to enjoy the atmosphere.

As the Ancient Town lights up, the Hoi An Night Market takes on a unique, bustling, and shimmering atmosphere. The market typically operates daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. Depending on visitor numbers, some stalls may open as early as 4:30 PM or stay open until around midnight.

• The best time to explore is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM; this is when the lanterns are illuminated, the stalls are bustling, and the town’s atmosphere is at its liveliest.

  Flexible timing: The market may start as early as 4:30 PM or extend until midnight during peak visitor periods.

Notably, admission to the Hoi An Night Market is completely free, allowing visitors to freely browse, shop, and enjoy the local cuisine. In contrast, visiting the Ancient Town during the day requires an entrance ticket (approximately 80,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors and 120,000 VND for international visitors); however, tickets are not required for entry in the evening.

As the ancient town lights up, the Hoi An Night Market creates an atmosphere that is at once bustling and uniquely serene. It is not merely a shopping destination but also a gathering spot where visitors can savor local cuisine, explore the culture, and enjoy the town's vibrant nightlife.

• Strolling lantern streets & checking in: Streets bathed in the glow of lanterns, the Hoai River, and ancient rooftops create the signature scenery of Hoi An. The time just after sunset is when the streets light up, looking their most beautiful and poetic.

• Taking a Hoai River boat ride to release flower lanterns: Boat rental is around 50,000 – 100,000 VNĐ/person, flower lanterns cost 10,000 – 20,000 VNĐ each. 

• Trying traditional folk games: Games such as blindfolded pot-smashing, ring toss, and ô ăn quan (mandarin square capturing) offer entertaining moments for the whole family and groups of friends.

• Participating in Bai Choi singing: A unique folk art form of Central Vietnam, usually taking place from around 19:00. Visitors can buy game cards for about 20,000 VNĐ to experience the joyful and engaging atmosphere.

• Enjoying street arts: Lion dances, folk music performances, and traditional arts contribute to the signature festive vibe of the ancient town.

• Exploring the ancient town at night: Strolling through the market, visitors can pause to enjoy various rustic dishes and treats that embody the distinctive flavors of Hoi An.

Despite the constant bustle of visitors, the night market remains orderly and pleasant, making it an ideal spot to unwind and fully enjoy the beauty of Hoi An after a long day of exploration.

The night market is a great place to find rustic dishes rich in Hoi An flavor at affordable prices, typically ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 VND per dish. The Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa area, in particular, is packed with stalls—perfect for strolling while enjoying delicious treats cooked fresh on the spot.

• Cao Lau: A dish that has become a signature taste of Hoi An, featuring chewy yellow noodles, char siu (barbecued pork), fresh herbs, crispy pork skin, and a uniquely rich broth.

• Mi Quang: Soft noodles and a broth rich with shrimp and pork flavors, served with fresh herbs, peanuts, and rice crackers-a combination that is both rustic and captivating.

• Banh Dap with Stir-fried Baby Clams: Fragrant stir-fried baby clams paired with crispy rice crackers, offering a harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and spicy notes.

• Hoi An Chicken Rice: Shredded chicken, turmeric-infused yellow rice, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.

• Hoi An Banh Mi, Banh Xeo (sizzling pancakes), Nem Lui (lemongrass pork skewers), and Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes in small bowls): Delicious snacks starting at just 10,000 VND.

After dinner, you can round off your culinary tour with something sweet and refreshing, such as che (sweet soup), tao pho (silken tofu pudding), Mot herbal tea, grilled corn with scallion oil, or tube ice cream.

A quick tip: ask for prices before ordering, prioritize stalls popular with locals, and carry small-denomination cash. If you have any food allergies, be sure to inform the vendor before eating.

While strolling through Hoi An, visitors are captivated not only by its ancient charm but also by the diverse array of shops offering handcrafted souvenirs. It is considered an ideal destination for selecting high-quality, culturally significant gifts that are reasonably priced and convenient to carry.

Popular items include:

• Hoi An lanterns: Compact, foldable design with various colors, serving as the signature symbol of the ancient town, priced from 50,000 – 300.000 VNĐ.

• Thanh Ha ceramics: Exquisite bowls, plates, and decorative figurines from Thanh Ha Pottery Village, deeply imbued with traditional craft heritage.

• Handicraft products: Clay figurines (to he), brocade cloth bags, and conical hats featuring simple yet affordable designs.

• Accessories and decorations: Handmade jewelry, mini ao dai, bamboo/rattan products, and hand fans – offering high aesthetic value and distinct charm.

For an efficient shopping experience, visitors should check prices across multiple stalls before making a purchase and may politely negotiate prices (around 20–30%). Additionally, fragile items like lanterns should be bought near the end of your trip to prevent damage during transport. Prioritizing stalls affiliated with craft villages also ensures better quality compared to mass-produced goods.

For your first visit to the Hoi An Night Market, simply choosing the right time and making a few small preparations will ensure a more fulfilling evening amidst the lantern-lit charm of the Ancient Town.Hoi An Night Market tips for first-timers

• Choose the right time: The ideal time to start is between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The streetlights are just coming on and the crowds aren't too heavy yet, making it convenient to take photos and stroll leisurely. The market becomes much livelier after 7:00 PM. Visiting on the night of the full moon makes the atmosphere in Hoi An even more special, featuring lanterns, floating flower lights, and unique cultural activities.

• Prioritize walking: The night market is located near the Ancient Town, so walking is the best way to fully soak up the local atmosphere. The streets are paved with stone, so wear comfortable footwear. Even in the evening-especially during summer-the weather remains quite warm, so light, breathable clothing is recommended.

• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds: Peak hours can get very crowded, so be sure to keep your handbag and phone secure. If you are traveling with young children or the elderly, plan a moderate itinerary and avoid staying out too late.

• Combine multiple experiences in one evening: After exploring the market, you can continue wandering through the Ancient Town, enjoy a coffee, sit by the Hoai River, or try releasing a floating flower lantern. If visiting during the rainy season, bring a lightweight raincoat and check the weather forecast before your trip.

Estimated cost: around 200,000 – 500,000 VNĐ/person for an evening of food, shopping, and experiences.

With these small preparations in place, Hoi An Night Market will no longer feel overwhelming, but rather an enjoyable, pleasant, and memorable highlight on your journey to explore the ancient town.

Hoi An Night Market is not just a place to eat or shop, but also a space reflecting the town's unique nightlife—vibrant without feeling rushed, bustling yet warm and friendly. Amidst glowing lanterns, street food aromas, and cheerful chatter, travelers easily experience the authentic spirit of Hoi An. With detailed info on address, opening hours, and A-Z tips, hopefully you now have everything you need to confidently explore the market, savor local specialties, and select memorable gifts from Hoi An.