Hoi An market is where you can admire the beauty of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. These top 5 markets in Hoi An, together with the must-try local dishes will make your trip complete. Hoi An is especially famous for its rustic yet culturally rich markets. One cannot miss the opportunity to visit the markets in Hoi An. Let’s look at the top 5 must-visit markets along with their most recommended dishes suggested by Vietnam DMC in this article.
Hoi An Central Market
Hoi An Market stands adjacent to the Hoai River and is located right at the center of Hoi An ancient town – the town that was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The market has French-influenced design and architecture that help attract many visitors.
Hoi An Central Market has a variety of items, including fresh food, dried food, and local Vietnamese dishes like Cao lau, rice dumpling cake, sweet soup, and Hoi An bread with a price range of 10,000 – 40,000 VND. Beyond its culinary allure, the market is a haven for culture enthusiasts. Vibrant, handcrafted lanterns bedeck the market’s stalls, casting a warm glow that paints the surroundings with a dreamlike aura as the sun sets. These colorful lanterns, crafted with care by skilled locals, carry the essence of Hoi An’s artistic legacy, encapsulating the harmony of tradition and innovation that defines the town. The central market Hoi An also boasts an array of locally-made souvenirs, each telling a story of Hoi An’s identity. These treasures, ranging from intricately woven textiles to delicate ceramics, provide an opportunity for visitors to take a piece of Hoi An’s enchanting spirit home with them.
Thanh Ha Fish Market
Thanh Ha Fish Market is a great place in Hoi An to purchase fresh seafood, including fish, crab, shrimp, squid, etc. This fish market Hoi An becomes a busy spot from as early as 3 AM. For those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the rhythm of the market, the optimal window of time lies between 4 AM and 6 AM. During these hours, the sellers have just concluded the arduous task of unloading and organizing their treasures, presenting a pristine selection of seafood that seems to have just emerged from the depths of the ocean.
Nguyen Hoang Hoi An Night Market
Nguyen Hoang Hoi An Night Market is the most popular night market in Hoi An that attracts a large number of tourists. Here, vendors mainly sell items that have the local features of Quang Nam province. Wondering what to buy in Hoi An? The most frequently bought items are the famous Thanh Ha village ceramics and tò he (toy figurines). You can also find colorful traditional lanterns, silk, clothes, and drums. Yet the market’s offerings extend beyond crafts and souvenirs. The aroma of delectable food wafts through the air, leading visitors to a plethora of street food stalls. These stalls offer a gastronomic adventure through Hoi An’s culinary tapestry, featuring local specialties that cater to diverse palates.
Flea market in Tan Thanh Fishing Village
The flea market includes about 50 stands that mainly sell homemade, second-hand, and recycled items to promote a green and environmentally friendly life. A highlight of the market is that all sellers here use banana tree leaves and paper bags as replacements for plastic bags. It is a wonderful place to do some shopping in Hoi An. The charm of this market lies in its ability to bridge the gap between commerce and conscience, presenting a shopping experience that transcends transactional norms. It is a space where the act of purchasing carries with it a deeper sense of purpose and positive impact.
The market for women on the Southern side of Cam Nam Bridge
This market is given such an interesting name since most of those who participate in the trading activities here are women. You can find the local products of Hoi An old town including vegetables, corn, mussels, fish, and shrimp. This is a fascinating night market in Hoi An that you should visit at least once. Beyond its offerings, this night market Hoi An captures the essence of Hoi An’s intimate community dynamics. It is a space where the resilience of women takes center stage, a tribute to their role as both nurturers and economic contributors. The market serves as a living testament to the important place women hold within Hoi An’s social fabric and as the backbone of its bustling marketplace.
Besides wonderful scenery and architecture, Hoi An is also renowned for its rich cuisine, culture, and lifestyle. Above are the 5 highly recommended markets in Hoi An for you to visit, as well as the top 5 must-try foods that can easily be found in Hoi An ancient town. These cultural and culinary experiences will surely complete your trip to Hoi An and give you unforgettable memories.
