Hoi An’s markets are the soul of the city – a wonderful, chaotic, and colorful explosion of sights, sounds, and smells that offers a dynamic contrast to the tranquil, lantern-lit alleyways. This is where local life happens. It’s where fishermen sell their morning catch, where farmers from the countryside bring their fresh herbs, and where artisans display their beautiful crafts. For a traveler, it’s a treasure trove of culture, food, and shopping. Vietnamstory.in‘ll take you from the bustling daytime hub of the Central Market to the dazzling spectacle of the Night Market, and even to some authentic local gems. We will share our insider tips on what to eat, how to shop, and how to bargain with a smile, ensuring your market experience is authentic, fun, and hassle-free.
Hoi An Central Market: The daytime heart of commerce
This is the mother of all markets in Hoi An, a bustling, energetic hub that has been the center of trade for centuries.
Location, Architecture and Best time to visit
- Location: You’ll find it at 19 Tran Phu Street, perfectly situated right next to the beautiful Hoai River in the heart of the Ancient Town.
The main building has a charming, old-world feel with French – influenced architecture – you’ll notice its colourful yellow walls and arched windows. Inside, the atmosphere is pure, authentic Vietnam: busy, a bit chaotic, and absolutely buzzing with local energy.
The market is open from the very early morning until the evening. For the most authentic and exciting experience, Vietnamstory.in highly recommends you visit early in the morning, between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This is when the market is at its busiest, as local restaurant owners and families come to buy the freshest goods for the day.
READ MORE: Places to visit in Hoi An
Commerce and Core offerings
The market is divided into different sections, each a world of its own.
- Fresh Produce and Seafood (The Wet Market): This is the most vibrant section. You’ll see local fishermen proudly displaying their morning catch – shimmering fish, live crabs, and fresh prawns. Next to them, you’ll find mountains of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, many of which come directly from the famous organic Tra Que Village. The air is thick with the smell of Vietnamese spices, a true feast for the senses.
- Fabric and Tailor shops: Hoi An is famous for its tailors, and the Central Market is a great place to start. You’ll find a huge variety of beautiful textiles and silks. You can buy fabric here and take it to one of the many tailor shops in and around the market to have a custom-made ao dai, suit, or dress created just for you.
- Dry goods: This section is perfect for finding souvenirs, including beautiful handicrafts, lacquerware, and packaged local products like coffee, tea, and delicious dried fruit snacks.
Must-try traditional dishes in Hoi An Markets
The food court inside the Central Market is a paradise for food lovers. This is where you can try all of Hoi An’s famous dishes in their most authentic form, for very affordable prices.
Signature Hoi An specialties
- Cao Lau: This is the most famous dish of Hoi An, and you must try it here. It consists of thick, chewy, yellow noodles, slices of savory char-siu pork, fresh greens, and crispy croutons. What makes it unique is the legend that the noodles must be made with water from the ancient Ba Le Well right here in Hoi An, giving them their special texture.
- Mi Quang: Another regional specialty, this dish features wide, turmeric-infused noodles in a small amount of rich, flavourful broth, topped with a delicious combination of shrimp, pork, a quail egg, and peanuts.
- White rose dumplings (Banh Bao, Banh Vac): These are delicate, translucent, steamed dumplings filled with minced shrimp, shaped to look like beautiful white roses. They are a true local delicacy and are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Market street food culture
Beyond the signature dishes, be sure to try:
- Banh Mi: Hoi An is said to have some of the best Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) in all of Vietnam. The stalls here serve them fresh, warm, and packed with delicious fillings.
- Banh Xeo: A crispy, savory pancake filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork. You wrap it in rice paper with fresh herbs and dip it in a special sauce.
- Banh Dap: A fun and textural snack, this “smashing rice paper” is a combination of a crispy grilled rice paper and a soft steamed one, served with a special fermented shrimp dipping sauce.
Hoi An Night Market: Lights, Lanterns and Souvenirs
As the sun sets, the market scene shifts across the river to a dazzling spectacle of light and color.
Main night market locations and hours
- Nguyen Hoang Night Market: This is the main and largest night market, located on Nguyen Hoang Street on An Hoi Islet, just across the bridge from the Ancient Town. You can’t miss it!
- Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market: This is another lovely, family-friendly market that runs along the riverbank.
- Operating hours: The night markets typically come to life around 5:00 PM and stay bustling until 11:00 PM or even later on weekends.
Shopping and Cultural spectacle
The number one reason people flock here is for the colorful silk lanterns. They are everywhere, glowing in the night and creating a magical atmosphere. This is the perfect place to buy a beautiful, collapsible lantern to take home as a memory of Hoi An. You will also find a huge variety of silk scarves, artisanal ceramics from Thanh Ha village, and countless other handicrafts and souvenirs.
The atmosphere at the night market is pure magic. It’s a wonderful place for an evening stroll and for taking stunning photographs. You might even be lucky enough to see a traditional Bài Chòi singing performance or have the opportunity to buy a paper lantern and release it on the Hoai River for good luck.
READ MORE: Vietnam Night Markets: A Vibrant Guide to Culture, Food & Shopping
Beyond the central hub: Authentic local and Specialty markets
For those of you who love to get off the beaten path and see how the locals really live, Vietnamstory.in recommends exploring these smaller, more authentic markets.
Tan An Market (Tiger Market)
This is a true local market. It’s less touristy and is where the residents of Hoi An go for their daily shopping. Here, you’ll find a fantastic selection of everyday groceries, fresh vegetables, and meat at prices that are generally more affordable than in the Central Market. It’s a great place to observe daily life.
Specialty and early morning markets
- Ba Le Market: Located on the way to the beach, this small market is known for its high-quality fresh produce.
- Thanh Ha Fish Market: For the truly adventurous, a visit to this market requires a very early start (around 4-5 AM!). This is where the fishing boats bring in their catch, and it’s the freshest seafood you will ever see.
Practical tips for a seamless market experience
Accessibility and General information
- Entry fee: All the markets in Hoi An are free to enter.
- Complementary activities: A visit to the Central Market is the perfect starting point for a Hoi An cooking class or a food tour. Many tours begin here with the guide helping you to select fresh ingredients.
Shopping etiquette and Bargaining culture
- Bargaining tips: This is important! In the tourist-focused markets (Central Market for souvenirs and the Night Market), bargaining is common and expected. Here’s how to do it politely:
- Always smile and be friendly.
- As a general rule, you can start by offering about 50% of the initial asking price.
- The vendor will give you a counter-offer, and you can negotiate from there.
- If you can’t agree on a price, it’s perfectly fine to politely say “thank you” and walk away. Sometimes, they will call you back with a better offer!
- Food safety/Hygiene: The best rule of thumb for street food is to choose stalls that are busy with local customers. This means the food is fresh and popular. Also, opt for dishes that are cooked hot right in front of you.
Conclusion
Hoi An’s markets are so much more than just places to shop. They are the living, breathing essence of our culture, where history, food, and community come together in a perfect blend of beautiful chaos and charm.
Are you ready to dive into the tastes, textiles, and treasures of Vietnam? Vietnamstory.in specializes in crafting authentic Group or Family Tour Packages from India that seamlessly integrate these incredible local cultural and culinary experiences into your itinerary. Let us help you create a journey that is not just a holiday, but a truly enriching and delicious story.