What if your evening walk led you through glowing lantern-lit streets, the air filled with the scent of sizzling street food, and soft traditional music playing in the background? That’s exactly what awaits you at the Hoi An Night Market, one of the most magical spots included in your Vietnam tour package in 2025.
Just across the iconic An Hoi Bridge, this lively market transforms the ancient town into a colourful, culture-rich wonderland. From handmade souvenirs and glowing lanterns to local snacks and sweet treats, there’s something here for everyone.
Whether you're a food lover, a night photographer, or someone chasing authentic travel moments, this market is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. In this WanderOn’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: timings, what to eat, what to buy, hidden gems, and tips for the best experience.
All About Hoi An Night Market at a Glance
What is Hoi An Night Market?
What are Hoi An Night Market Timings?
The Hoi An night market timings starts around 5:00 PM and stays open till 10:00 or 11:00 PM. Most shops and stalls get active by 6:00 PM. Arriving early helps you avoid large crowds and enjoy the soft golden hour light before the lanterns are fully lit up.
Hoi An Night Market Entrance Fee
You don’t need to pay any entrance fee to explore Night Market Hoi An 2025. You can walk freely, roam around, enjoy the atmosphere, take photos, and browse stalls without spending a single penny unless they decide to shop or try the food.
What is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An Night Market?
The best time to visit is between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. That’s when the lanterns light up, the crowd is lively but not too crowded, and the air cools down. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the vibe, take pictures, and experience the market at its peak.
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Things to Do at Hoi An Night Market
One of the best things to do in Vietnam is to explore the night market Hoi An 2025. Let’s look into the list of what you can do while you are on Hoi An night market tour:
1. Soak in the Magical Lanterns
One of the most beautiful things about the market is the glowing lanterns in every colour and shape. As soon as the sun sets, the streets turn into a glowing fairytale. You can take photos, buy lanterns as souvenirs, or simply walk around and enjoy the peaceful glow.
2. Shop for Unique Souvenirs
Hoi An Night Market is a shopper’s dream. From colourful silk lanterns and handmade bags to leather wallets and local artwork, there’s something for everyone. Most items are locally made, and bargaining is expected. Take your time, compare prices, and enjoy the treasure hunt as you explore.
At times, local artists perform traditional Vietnamese music or folk dances near the riverside or at market corners. These performances bring the market alive and give visitors a real taste of Vietnamese culture. They’re free to enjoy and make the evening even more memorable.
4. Try the Lantern Hoi An Night Market Boat Ride
The lantern Hoi An night market boat ride on the Thu Bon River is undoubtedly one of the adventure activities in Vietnam. You board a small wooden boat, light a paper lantern, make a wish, and release it into the water. The gentle ride, soft music, and flickering lanterns create a romantic and spiritual experience you won’t forget.
Best Food at Hoi An Night Market: A Culinary Journey
If you want to experience the nightlife of Vietnam in its true form, you can't avoid the food of the Hoi An night market. Let’s look into the list of the best food at Hoi An night market, you must try while you are here:
- Cao Lau: A local favourite and unique to Hoi An, Cao Lau is a noodle dish made with pork, greens, and thick rice noodles. It’s slightly chewy, smoky, and packed with flavour, perfect for anyone wanting to try Vietnamese street food at its best.
- Banh Mi: Hoi An’s Banh Mi is world-famous. The crispy baguette is filled with pork, pate, pickled veggies, and herbs. You’ll find many stalls selling it, but if you want to try the best then you can visit Morning Glory Restaurant which is just one minute away from the Hoi An Night Market.
- White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac): These soft, steamed dumplings are filled with shrimp or pork and topped with crispy garlic. Their delicate appearance and taste make them one of the most loved snacks in the market.
- Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice): Simple yet tasty, Com Ga is made of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and topped with shredded chicken and herbs. It’s light, flavorful, and great for a quick dinner.
- Sugarcane Juice & Fresh Fruit Juices: Stay refreshed with a glass of freshly pressed sugarcane juice or tropical fruit juice. Vendors serve everything from watermelon to passionfruit at very pocket-friendly prices.
Getting There: How to Reach Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An Night Market is right across the An Hoi Bridge from the famous Hoi An Ancient Town. It's easy to reach and well-connected, no matter how you're travelling. Here are some of the ways you can reach here:
- On Foot: The Hoi An Night Market is just 300-400 meters away from the Hoi An Ancient Town. You can easily cover this distance within 5-10 minutes on foot. All you need to do is cross the An Hoi Bridge, and you’ll enter the colourful night market directly. It’s the most convenient option if you're staying nearby.
- By Bicycle: Many hotels in Vietnam offer free or paid bicycle rentals. You can park your bike near the bridge or along Nguyen Hoang Street. It takes you around a minute to cover a 300-400 meter distance from the city centre.
- By Taxi or Grab (from Da Nang): The distance from Da Nang to Hoi An Night Market is around 30 km, which takes around 45–60 minutes by car. You can use taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Set your drop-off to “Nguyen Hoang Street” or “An Hoi Bridge.” It will cost you approximately 300,000–400,000 VND one-way from Da Nang.
- By Bus (from Da Nang): The nearest bus stop is Hoi An Bus Station which is around 2 km away from the night market. It will cost you around 25,000 VND per person.
- Always bargain, start by offering half the asking price and go from there.
- Compare prices between stalls before buying anything.
- Bring cash, especially small VND notes.
- Double-check the quality of handmade items and clothing.
- Carry a reusable shopping bag for your purchases.
- Take your time and enjoy the experience—shopping in Vietnam is all about the journey, not just the deals.
