📍 Hoi An Market - Guideline
• Address: 19 Tran Phu Street, Old Town
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Night Market: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Must-try Food: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, White Rose Dumplings, Banh Xeo, baby clams with rice crackers
What to buy: Hoi An chili sauce, grilled mung bean cakes, handmade crafts
💡 User Tips
✔ Bring cash (VND) because many vendors don’t accept cards
✔ Prices are not always clearly displayed, so always ask for the exact price beforehand to avoid being quoted an inflated amount.
✔ One tip for bargaining is to start by offering around half the asking price and then negotiate upward to reach a fair deal.
✔ You can sit at one stall and order food from nearby vendors
✔ Keep your belongings secure during busy hours
✔ Vendors can be quite persistent, so keep walking if you don’t plan to buy
Situated at the crossroads of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, Hoi An Central Market is the largest and most famous market in Hoi An Ancient Town. Located near iconic attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and the Cantonese Assembly Hall, it has long been a vibrant trading hub reflecting the town’s history as a major Southeast Asian port from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Featuring mustard-yellow walls and French colonial architectural details, the market stands out as one of the historical landmarks that still preserves the old town’s character. Unlike the quieter streets nearby, the market is lively and bustling throughout the day, serving as a daily gathering place for locals buying fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and household goods.
Organized into clearly divided sections, the market is easy to explore and offers everything from fresh produce to handicrafts and souvenirs. Today, it is also known as a culinary paradise, where visitors can enjoy authentic local dishes such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hoi An chicken rice, and other regional specialties - making it one of the best places to visit in Hoi An.
Hoi An Market offers a lively contrast to the calm and serene streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Strolling through the market, you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant hustle and bustle of local life - vendors calling out, fresh produce and seafood on display, and the rhythmic flow of daily trade. It’s an immersive experience that truly captures the energy and spirit of Hoi An, and one that every visitor should experience.
Stir-fried baby clams with sesame rice crackers is a must-try specialty from Central Vietnam, perfectly paired with a cold beer. The dish shines with the delicate texture of the clams and the satisfying crunch of Vietnamese sesame rice crackers. Each bite is infused with aromatic flavors from sautéed onions, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, chili, and fresh Vietnamese coriander, creating a truly authentic taste of Hoi An.
Hoi An dumplings, affectionately known as 'white rose dumplings,' are famous for their delicate, rose-like appearance. Each dumpling is carefully handmade, with a soft rice wrapper encasing a flavorful filling of shrimp, pork, and wood ear mushrooms, offering a true taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Cao Lau is Hoi An’s signature dish, featuring golden noodles, thinly sliced roasted pork (char siu), shrimp, fresh greens, bean sprouts, crunchy croutons, and a fragrant broth. The noodles are carefully crafted from local sticky rice and cooked three times over firewood for perfect texture, while the pork is marinated with star anise and cassia bark before being stir-fried. Served with an abundance of herbs and vegetables, Cao Lau offers a truly authentic taste of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Quang noodles are a beloved Vietnamese specialty, featuring flat yellow noodles served in a savory beef broth and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables like banana blossoms, lettuce, scallions, cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander. The dish is topped with a variety of delights, including pork belly, chicken, shrimp, fish, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, and crispy fish crackers, offering a flavorful and satisfying taste of Central Vietnam.
Vietnamese pancake, or Banh Xeo, is a beloved stuffed rice pancake from Central Vietnam. Its golden, crispy shell is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, while the filling features pork, shrimp, mung beans, onions, and bean sprouts. For the full experience, wrap the pancake in fresh vegetables and dip it into a flavorful sauce for a true taste of Hoi An’s cuisine.
Steamed rice rolls with grilled pork, or Banh Cuon, are a popular breakfast dish in Central Vietnam. Made from high-quality rice, the rolls are filled with lightly seasoned grilled pork and served with fresh herbs like lettuce, mint, and bean sprouts, along with a side of flavorful fish sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious way to start the day in Hoi An.
Banh dap is one of Hoi An’s simplest yet most beloved dishes. It consists of two pieces of rice paper folded like a sandwich, and is best enjoyed by dipping it into a flavorful sauce made from fish sauce, dried onions, and chili.
Besides the dishes mentioned above, Hoi An market offers many other delicious and famous foods, including the best banh mi in Hoi An, bun thit nuong, che, nem lui, and more.
With its idyllic architecture, Hoi An Market captivates visitors through moss-covered tiled roofs and time-worn yellow walls. Every corner of the market offers a picture-perfect backdrop, so be sure to bring your camera and capture countless memorable shots.
Beyond its reputation as a food lover’s paradise filled with vibrant stalls, Hoi An Market is also an excellent place to shop for gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can browse a wide selection of handcrafted items, local delicacies, and authentic specialties—perfect for bringing a piece of Hoi An home.
Hoi An chili sauce: Known for its gentle heat, fragrant garlic notes, and subtle roasted peanut flavor, this chili sauce complements local favorites such as cao lầu, chicken rice, and Quang noodles.
Green bean cakes: Unlike the steamed versions found elsewhere, Hoi An’s green bean cakes are baked, resulting in a fragrant, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with tea.
“Mắm thính”: A traditional paste made from fermented fish blended with roasted rice powder, prized for its deep aroma and often enjoyed with pork belly, fried rice, or fresh cucumber dishes.
Handcrafted souvenirs: Colorful handmade bags, clothing, and seashell crafts highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans.
Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An
Opening hours: 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM
As the most popular night market in Hoi An, Nguyen Hoang Night Market draws large crowds of visitors every evening. It is an ideal place to shop for high-quality ceramics from Thanh Ha Pottery Village, along with colorful traditional lanterns, silk products, clothing, and a wide range of local specialties.
Address: Tran Cao Van Street, Tan An Ward, Hoi An
Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tan An Market, locally known as Tiger Market, is a lively neighborhood market offering a glimpse into everyday life in Hoi An. Visitors can find a wide range of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and ready-to-eat local dishes at reasonable prices. Early morning is the best time to experience the market’s authentic atmosphere and watch locals go about their daily shopping routines.
Address: Duy Tan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An
Opening hours: 3:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thanh Ha Fish Market is one of the best places in Hoi An to buy freshly caught seafood, including fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid. For the most authentic experience, visit between 4:00 and 6:00 AM, when vendors have just finished arranging their catch and the market is at its liveliest.
Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An
Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cam Chau Market, also known as Ba Le Market, is a well-known local market in Hoi An, especially popular among residents and expats. The market is famous for its fresh produce, herbs, meat, seafood, and affordable local food stalls. Visiting in the early morning allows you to experience the busiest atmosphere and find the freshest ingredients used in everyday Vietnamese cooking.
Address: Phan Boi Chau Street & Hoang Dieu Street, Hoi An
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hoi An Fabric Market is a popular shopping area for fabrics, ready-made clothing, and tailor supplies. Visitors can find a wide variety of materials, including silk, cotton, linen, and embroidered fabrics, often at reasonable prices. This market is especially favored by travelers looking to have custom-made clothes or purchase textiles as souvenirs, making it a practical stop during a visit to Hoi An.
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A visit to Hoi An Market can be truly memorable if you keep a few practical tips in mind:
Visit early for the freshest finds: Although the market operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, early mornings are the best time to visit Hoi An Market to feel the lively local atmosphere and purchase seafood freshly delivered from the coast.
Plan your must-try dishes: With countless tempting food stalls, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Making a short list of dishes ensures you won’t miss the local favorites.
Chat with local vendors: Many vendors are friendly longtime locals who enjoy chatting with visitors, adding a warm and authentic touch to your shopping experience.
Enjoy budget-friendly food: Prices are generally affordable and clearly displayed, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes without worrying about overpaying.
Mix and match your meals: Feel free to sit at one stall while ordering food or drinks from nearby vendors—enjoying Quang noodles with a fresh smoothie is perfectly normal here.
Ask for local recommendations: Vendors often know the area well and are happy to suggest nearby attractions or hidden gems around Hoi An.
Pick travel-friendly souvenirs: Choose gifts that are easy to pack and ask vendors about proper storage, especially for baked goods and seafood items.
Bring cash and check nearby money exchange Hoi An: Most vendors prefer Vietnamese đồng (VND), so having small bills and knowing local exchange spots makes shopping easier.
Hoi An Market is one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Hoi An Ancient Town, drawing visitors with its rich local flavors, lively atmosphere, and a wide selection of traditional products. Whether you are a food lover eager to taste regional specialties or a traveler looking for authentic souvenirs, this market is a must-stop destination to include in your Hoi An itinerary.
After exploring the bustling market streets and wandering through the historic Old Town, taking time to relax and recharge is just as important. Herbal Spa Hoi An is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a moment of tranquility amid their journey. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese herbal therapies, the spa offers a range of treatments designed to soothe tired muscles, relieve stress, and restore balance to both body and mind.
What sets Herbal Spa Hoi An apart is its focus on authentic herbal remedies, experienced local therapists, and personalized treatment programs tailored to each guest’s needs. Visitors can enjoy signature herbal massages, natural body therapies, and calming spaces that blend modern comfort with traditional wellness values. The luxury spa is also known for its convenient location near the Old Town, making it easy to include a relaxing session between sightseeing activities.
Combining cultural discovery at Hoi An Market with a rejuvenating spa experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the charm of Hoi An—from its lively local life to its peaceful, wellness-focused side. This thoughtful balance of exploration and relaxation is what makes a trip to Hoi An truly memorable.
Sources:
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: whc.unesco.org/en/list/948/
- Ngo Thi Huong (University of Da Nang): https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/450880-hoi-an-market-in-century-xvi-xix-5342871f.pdf
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