Guide to Best Markets in Hoi An to Buy Day & Night

Hoi An Old Town, a small charming beautiful city located in Quang Nam province, in Central Vietnam, is one of the most attractive destinations regarded by almost foreign tourists. In the past, Hoi An became one of the most crowded important harbors in Vietnam, where there were a lot of ships and vessels coming across per day, especially ships from China. It is the reason why at present, there still remain a lot of marks of the Chinese and Chinese culture there.

With the development of Hoi An in the past, many markets were opened to serve the needs of the people at that time. And some of the best markets in Hoi An still remain until now and become not-to-miss destinations for tourists on discovering the town.

1. Hoi An Central Market

Highlights: 

The largest market, the most famous one in Hoi An is Hoi An Central Market conveniently sited near the center of the old town. It is not simply a local market, but one of the few historical sites left in Hoi An old town representing a very-well-known bustling port in the previous centuries. It almost holds the ancient beauty of the old town since the past while the yellow main building is out-standing among any house around.

Different from the peace of other parts in Hoi An, regardless of the time of day, Hoi An Central Market is always a crowded and bustling area in the old town. Both in the past and the present, it is a gathering place for the locals to buy daily food such as meats, vegetables, fishes, and other necessary things. There will not be any place in Hoi An that is more suitable for one who wants to find the locals’ culture and lifestyle since the market reflects almost intact daily activities of people. 

Hoi An market is divided into separate areas full of small stalls specializing in specific items, which makes it convenient for both the customers. Tourists can walk around the market to find down all necessary things from food to souvenirs. 

Nowadays, it is also developed to become a “culinary paradise” for tourism purposes. Tourists are able to find any dishes bringing local features in the market from street food to countrywide-renowned dishes such as Cao Lau (Hoi An vermicelli), Mi Quang (Quang noodle), Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice), Bun Mam Nem (Vermicelli with Anchovy Sauce), and so on.

Although the acreage of the market is not too big; however, these stalls here are arranged neatly, especially, food stalls seem so clean and clear that tourists absolutely feel peace of mind when trying dishes served.

The advantageous location is one of the reasons making Hoi An Central Market become so popular with tourists who had a chance to come here. It is located on the bank of Thu Bon River, near Hoi An town center, so it is easy for tourists to explore further attractions in the old town.

Address: No. 73 Phan Boi Chau Street, Son Phong district, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province

Opening hours: from 05:00 am to 04:00 pm daily

2. Hoi An Night Market

Highlights: 

It is said that it is a pity if tourists pay a visit to Hoi An old town without visiting Hoi An Night Market, which is only 300 hundred kilometers long; however, similar to a miniature Hoi An city.

As its name, Hoi An Night Market is only opened at night on Nguyen Hoang street, which in the daytime is just a normal street near the Thu Bon river. Hoi An Night Market has just opened for tourism purposes but has attracted a lot of tourists who come there to find some souvenirs for families, try local foods, learn about local cultures, local traditional music which is called “Chòi”, or simply want to enjoy the bustling atmosphere at a crowded place. 

Hoi An Night Market contains only about 50 stalls standing side by side along Nguyen Hoang street. At the entrance are colorful lantern stalls with many types of lanterns of all shapes and colors. Going inside, tourists will come to souvenir stalls with a lot of specialties. Most local specialties from Quang Nam’s traditional craft villages concentrate in Hoi An Night Market for guests to choose. 

Besides, Hoi An Night Market is also a not-to-miss destination for one who would like to discover Hoi An cuisine. With more than 20 food stalls serving all traditional dishes of the locals, Hoi An Night Market will live up to every tourist’s expectation.

The last attractive point of the market is free “Chòi” performances performed by the local artists. “Chòi” is one of the Vietnamese traditional types like “Hò”, “Quan Họ”, “Ca Trù”, etc, which has its origin from Quang Nam province in the Central.   

Address: Nguyen Hoang street, Minh An ward, Hoi An old town, Quang Nam province

Opening hours: from 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily

3. Hoi An Tiger Market (Tan An Market)

Highlights:

Compared to Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Tiger Market is smaller and not as crowded as Hoi An Central Market; however, in this market, tourists, especially western tourists, are able to find western food including olive oil, vegan supplies. 

Tourists can reach Hoi An Tiger Market as a resting place after walking around Hoi An Old Town since the market is located in the north, at the end of the town. No matter how small the market is, it is still well-liked by tourists. The reason is how easy and available it is to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh rice noodles and so on at a cheaper price than any other markets in Hoi An.  

Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, Son Phong ward, Hoi An old town, Quang Nam province

Opening hours: from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm daily

4. Ba Le Market (Cho Ba Le)

Highlights: 

Ba Le Market lies in the residential area of Cam Chau, a street between Hoi An Ancient Town and the beach. A popular home for expats looking for a more local and authentic Vietnamese experience in Hoi An. If you’re coming from the Old Town, turn right at Le Thanh Tong road. You’ll see the market to your right just a few meters ahead.

Ba Le Market is much smaller than Hoi An Central Market but does provide full of necessary things from fruit, vegetables, fresh seafood, to traditional foods. In particular, tourists had better not miss Cao Lau – a very-famous specialty in Hoi An Old Town, which is served here with the most authentic taste.

Address: Le Thanh Tong street, Cam Chau ward, Hoi An old town, Quang Nam province

Opening hours: from 05:00 am to 07:00 pm daily

5. Other Markets in Hoi An

Besides four above recommended markets, there are some small markets in Hoi An for tourists to discover and each of them specializes in selling one or two types of goods.

5.1. Thanh Ha Market (Fish Market)

Lying on the bank of Thu Bon River, about 3 kilometers from the west of the Old Town, at Thanh Ha village, which is locally known as pottery village, Thanh Ha Market is famous for the biggest fish market in Hoi An, where you can buy the freshest fish and seafood. 

At early in the morning, about 5 o’clock, fishing convoys which are full of fish and seafood come back to Thanh Ha Market after a night of catching; therefore, the seafood sold at the market is always fresh and delicious.

• Address: Thanh Ha, Hoi An old town, Quang Nam province
• Opening hours: from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm daily

5.2. An Bang Market (Beach Market)

An Bang Market is widely known as Beach Market or Early Morning Local Market, the beach-nearest market in Hoi An, where everything you can imagine is sold from fruit, vegetable to seafood, local street food. Especially, you can find it possible to buy very-fresh fruit at An Bang Market at a cheap price. 

• Address: 6 Lang Ong street, Cam An ward, Hoi An old town, Quang Nam province 
• Opening hours: from 05:00 am to 09:00 pm daily