Hoi An Market – Ancient market by the Hoai River, savoring cao lau and Mi Quang

Hoi An Market – the central market of Hoi An Ancient Town, located right along the banks of the Hoai River. The market features a famous food court serving Quang Nam specialties and offers an ideal spot to observe the vibrant trading life of the ancient town's locals.

History and Features

• Hoi An was a bustling trading port from the 17th to the 18th century, and the market has long been associated with the commerce of this ancient town.
• The market is located within Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage site.
• The tiled-roof market gate and yellow walls reflect the distinctive architectural charm of the ancient town.
• The market is divided into dedicated sections for seafood, fruits and vegetables, fabrics, food stalls, and souvenirs.

What to Buy at Hoi An Market

• Fresh seafood in the early morning, in the section near the riverbank.
• Silk, clothing fabrics, and tailoring services.
• Lanterns, souvenirs, spices, and dried goods.
• Fresh produce, including vegetables from Tra Que Vegetable Village.

What to Eat at Hoi An Market

• Cao lau – Hoi An's signature noodle dish.
• Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and stir-fried baby clams served with rice crackers.
• White rose dumplings (banh bao banh vac) and various sweet soups (che).
• Hoi An-style herbal refreshing drinks.

How to Get There

• The market is situated right in the ancient town, making walking or cycling the most convenient options.
• It is about 30 km from central Da Nang by taxi, ride-hailing service, or bus.
• Park motorbikes or cars at parking lots around the ancient town perimeter, then walk into the market.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early in the morning to experience the liveliest seafood and produce trading scene.
• Ask for prices beforehand when buying souvenirs or fabrics, and bargain politely.
• Certain pedestrianized streets in the ancient town restrict motorbikes during specific hours, so exploring on foot is best.
• Combine your trip with visits to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and a walk along the nearby Hoai River.

Reference Prices

• Cao lau: around 25,000–45,000 VND/bowl.
• Mi Quang: around 25,000–50,000 VND/bowl.
• Banh mi: around 20,000–35,000 VND/sandwich.
• Sweet soups, drinks: around 10,000–20,000 VND/glass.
• Tailoring a shirt in the fabric section: around 400,000–600,000 VND/piece.

Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.

Best Time to Visit

• Around 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM is ideal for watching fresh seafood and produce arrive by boats along the Hoai River wharf.
• At noon, the food hall inside the market gets busy with visitors enjoying cao lau and mi Quang.
• From around 5:00 PM onward, evening food stalls cater to visitors, and the ancient town takes on a charming lantern-lit ambiance.
• The dry season (around March to August) is ideal for exploring the market, whereas the rainy season toward the end of the year may bring occasional flooding.

Useful Information for Visitors

• Payment: Many stalls accept QR bank transfers, and some tailor shops accept cards, but it is recommended to carry small cash for dining.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available within the market and Ancient Town area; a small fee may be charged.
• Language: The market welcomes many international tourists, so many vendors—especially in the food and tailoring sections—can speak basic English.
• Shopping: Many food stalls display listed prices; for souvenirs and fabrics, it is best to check prices at a few stalls and bargain politely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Hoi An Market?

The market opens early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and runs until late afternoon. The morning is the liveliest time to visit.

Do you need an Ancient Town sightseeing ticket to enter Hoi An Market?

Entering the market is free; Ancient Town sightseeing tickets are required only when visiting designated heritage sights according to local regulations.

What should you eat at Hoi An Market?

You should try cao lau, Quang noodles (mi Quang), banh xeo (crispy savory pancakes), and sauteed baby clams with rice crackers at the market's food court.

See Also

• Helio Night Market
• Han Market
• Con Market
• Bac My An Market