Hoi An Night Market – Sparkling lantern street by the Hoai River

Hoi An Night Market – a night market on Nguyen Hoang Street, situated along the banks of the Hoai River, opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge area. Rows of vibrant lanterns and souvenir stalls make this a favorite evening stroll destination in Hoi An.

Quick Summary

Address: Nguyen Hoang Street (An Hoi Islet), Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City
Opening hours: Around 17:00 – 23:00 daily
Admission: Free
Highlights: Lanterns, souvenirs, street food, and floating flower lanterns

History and Features

The market stretches about 300 meters along Nguyen Hoang Street, with around 50 stalls.
The market is located on An Hoi Islet, across the Hoai River facing the ancient town.
Colorful lanterns hanging throughout the stalls create a signature scene.
In the evening, nearby areas often feature Bai Choi folk games and floating flower lantern activities on the river.

What to Buy at Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An lanterns in various sizes, including foldable designs that are easy to pack.
Ceramics, toy figurines (to he), woodwork, and handmade handicrafts.
Handbags, fabrics, and clothing.
Local specialties such as boxed mung bean cakes.

What to Eat at Hoi An Night Market

Cao lau and iconic Quang Nam specialties at stalls around the market.
Grilled rice paper (Vietnamese pizza), grilled corn, and grilled skewers.
Tofu pudding, sweet dessert soups (che), and herbal refreshments.

How to Get There

From the ancient town, simply walk across An Hoi Bridge to reach the market.
From Da Nang, it is about 30 km by taxi, ride-hailing app, or bus.
The area becomes a pedestrian-only zone in the evening, so park your vehicle at parking lots outside the ancient town.

Tips for Visitors

Always ask for prices and bargain when purchasing lanterns and souvenirs.
The market becomes very crowded from 19:00 onwards, so keep a close eye on your belongings.
Lanterns and pottery are fragile; request vendors to wrap them carefully.
Combine your visit with viewing the Japanese Covered Bridge at night, taking a boat tour, and releasing flower lanterns onto the Hoai River.

Reference Prices

Street snacks (grilled rice paper, shaken mango, drinks): around 10,000–35,000 VND per item.
Small lanterns and souvenirs: around 20,000–100,000 VND each.
Floating flower lanterns: around 5,000–10,000 VND each.
Boat ride on the Hoai River: around 150,000–200,000 VND per boat for 15–20 minutes.

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

Best Time to Visit

The market operates from about 17:00 to 23:00, with stalls fully lit up once night falls.
Between 19:00 and 22:00 is the busiest and most vibrant period; arrive early at dusk if you want to take lantern photos without heavy crowds.
On the 14th and 15th nights of the lunar calendar, the old town releases floating lanterns, creating an enchanting glow though it is also the peak crowded time of the month.
The dry season (roughly March to September) is ideal for exploring the market and taking boat trips; the rainy and flooding season toward the end of the year may bring high water levels.

Useful Information for Visitors

Payment: It is recommended to bring cash in small denominations; many stalls accept QR bank transfers.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available in the Ancient Town area, which may charge a small fee; alternatively, you can use the restrooms at nearby cafes and restaurants.
Language: The market caters to many international visitors, so many vendors speak basic English for pricing and bargaining.
Shopping: You should compare prices across 2–3 stalls and negotiate gently for a 10–30% discount on handicrafts and lanterns.