For Indian travelers exploring Da Nang‘s dynamic nightlife, the Helio Night Market is an unmissable destination. Far more than a traditional market, Helio is a modern, bustling leisure complex that combines the best of Vietnamese and international street food, lively entertainment, and unique shopping in a vibrant, clean, and organized setting. This Vietnam Story guide covers everything you need to know to experience the market’s electric atmosphere, offering a safe and exciting evening for families and groups.
Quick facts about Helio Night Market
Helio is consistently rated as one of the most professional and enjoyable night markets in all of Central Vietnam, standing out for its modern atmosphere, cleanliness, and easy accessibility. Before we dive into the fun, here are the essential details you need to plan your visit.
| Location | 2/9 Street, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang. |
| Accessibility | The market is very centrally located, right next to the famous Asia Park (with the giant Sun Wheel) and near the beautiful Tran Thi Ly Bridge. It is very easy to reach by a short taxi or Grab ride from most hotels, especially those in the popular An Thuong tourist area. |
| Opening hours | Helio Night Market is open every day from 17:00 (5:00 PM) to 22:30 (10:30 PM). On the weekends, some vendors might stay open a little later. |
| Admission | It is completely FREE TO ENTER. You only pay for the delicious food you eat or the wonderful souvenirs you buy. |
| Vibe | This is what makes Helio so special. The atmosphere is modern, spacious, incredibly family-friendly, and very professionally managed. This sets it apart from some of the smaller, older, and more crowded local markets, making it a very comfortable and safe experience for international visitors. |
The Helio Night Market food experience
Helio Night Market is famously known as Da Nang’s “biggest food paradise,” and it truly lives up to its name with over 150 different food stalls dedicated to satisfying every possible craving. What makes it so easy to navigate is that the market is meticulously organized into specialized food zones, so you can easily find exactly what you are in the mood for.
The food experience here is a journey in itself, with a huge variety of local delicacies and international favorites to explore. Let’s walk through the delicious zones.
The specialized food zones
- Seafood street: This is a massive and exciting section that is a must-visit for any seafood lover. Here, you can personally choose your fresh, live seafood—from giant prawns and succulent squid to a variety of local fish—directly from the water tanks. You then tell the vendor how you would like it cooked, and they will prepare it for you on the spot, often grilled over hot charcoal with salt and chili. It doesn’t get any fresher than this!
- Beer & BBQ Zone: This is a very lively and social section of the market, perfect for groups of friends. It is dedicated to all kinds of delicious grilled meat skewers, from chicken and pork to beef, alongside a great selection of local and imported beers and other bar snacks. There are many communal seating areas here, making it a great place to sit, eat, and soak in the energetic atmosphere.
- Asian & International stalls: Beyond the seafood and BBQ, you will find an extensive offering of famous Vietnamese specialties like Mì Quảng and Bánh Xèo, alongside a huge variety of Korean, Japanese, and even Western dishes. Whether you are craving spicy Korean tteokbokki or a simple pizza, you will find it here.
- Seating comfort: One of the best things about Helio, which sets it apart from many other street markets, is the availability of multiple designated food courts and clean seating areas. This means you can comfortably sit down at a proper table to enjoy your meal, which is especially great for families.
Desserts and beverages
After your savory feast, it’s time for something sweet! You must try some of our popular local desserts. Look for stalls selling Chè (a delicious and refreshing sweet soup with various ingredients like beans, jellies, and coconut milk), creamy coconut pudding, or fresh fruit jellies.
You will be spoiled for choice with drinks. Everything from fresh fruit juices and healthy smoothies to the ever-popular milk tea and a wide variety of local beers are readily available at very affordable prices, usually between 10,000 to 30,000 VND.
Entertainment, shopping and atmosphere at Helio Night Market
Helio is designed to be a full evening of entertainment, with something to appeal to every age group. The atmosphere here is always vibrant and filled with energy. The market is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to have fun, enjoy live music, and capture beautiful memories with its festive and photogenic setting.
Live music and dynamic events
A major highlight of the Helio Night Market is its dedicated outdoor stage. Every single night, there are high-quality live music performances, featuring a variety of genres from soothing acoustic sets to energetic rock bands and even EDM DJs on the weekends. The music creates a wonderfully festive and lively backdrop for your evening.
What makes Helio so exciting is that it often hosts seasonal events and themed nights. Around Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. During other holidays, you might find special cultural themes, adding a wonderful variety to the experience throughout the year.
Shopping and souvenirs
In addition to the food, there are over 100 shopping stalls offering a great range of affordable products. This is a great place to find trendy and affordable accessories, clothing, and shoes. You can also find a good selection of small handmade souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect our beautiful Vietnamese culture.
Shopping tip: While food prices are usually fixed, haggling is common and expected at the shopping stalls. Don’t be shy! You can politely negotiate the price, especially if you are buying multiple items. It’s all part of the fun market experience.
Fantastic photo opportunities
Helio is famous for its vibrant and beautiful lighting and decorations, making it a paradise for photographers and Instagram lovers.
- Be sure to wander through the festive, lantern-strewn lanes located behind the main food stalls.
- Look out for the seasonal displays, beautiful floral arches, and themed light tunnels that are perfect “check-in” spots for capturing a memorable photo of your night out.
READ MORE: Da Nang Shopping Malls: An expert guide to retail, dining, and entertainment
Practical tips for Indian travelers
Here is our best advice to ensure your visit to Helio Night Market is a perfect one.
- Best time to visit: For the most comfortable experience, Vietnamstory.in recommends visiting during the early evening hours, from about 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This allows you to enjoy the cooler temperatures and explore the market before the peak crowds arrive later in the evening. The weekends are always the liveliest and most energetic.
- Payment: The vast majority of vendors at the market will only accept cash (VND). It is a very good idea to have smaller denomination bills (like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 VND notes) ready for quick and easy purchases.
- Hygiene: We know food safety is very important for international travelers. You can feel very comfortable at Helio. It is well-known for its clean and organized environment, and the stalls are professionally managed, providing a safe and hygienic street food experience.
- Footwear: Wear your most comfortable shoes! The market is very large, and you will be doing a fair amount of walking as you explore all the different zones, so comfort is key.
Conclusion
The story of your Da Nang adventure continues long after the sun goes down, and the Helio Night Market is where that story comes alive with a dazzling explosion of light, sound, and flavor. It is a place where every sense is engaged, from the sizzling sound of fresh seafood on the grill and the energetic rhythm of the live band, to the magical glow of the decorative lanterns and the incredible taste of both local and international cuisine. This is not just a market, it is a vibrant, living celebration of food, music, and community.
Your travel story should be filled with these kinds of exciting and memorable experiences. Allow Vietnam Story to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India that go beyond the sights to connect you with the true, dynamic energy of our country. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your exciting Vietnam story together.
