Inside Hoi An Night Market: Food, Crafts & Lanterns Guide
Executive Summary
Night Market Essentials: The Nguyen Hoang Night Market runs daily 5 PM–11 PM on An Hoi Island. Featuring 50+ stalls of handmade crafts, colorful silk lanterns, and signature street foods like cao lầu and bánh xèo, it offers a distinctly Hoi An shopping and dining experience. Cash-only, family-friendly, and pedestrian-accessible via An Hoi Bridge, the market combines commercial energy with cultural authenticity.
1. Market Overview
Location & Access
- Address: Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, An Hoi Island
- Access: Pedestrian An Hoi Bridge from Bach Dang Street
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; peak 7:00 – 9:00 PM
[Link to: Hoi An Old Town Walking Routes for walking directions]
2. What to Buy
Crafts & Souvenirs
- Silk Lanterns: Cylindrical, animal, flower shapes (30,000–150,000 VND)
- Textiles: Embroidered scarves, table runners (50,000–300,000 VND)
- Wooden Carvings: Statues, lacquerware (100,000–600,000 VND)
- Paintings & Jewelry: Local artwork and silver accessories (150,000–800,000 VND)
textKEY POINT: Bulk purchases (3+ items) often yield 20–30% discounts—bargain politely for best deals.
Street Food
| Dish | Description | Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Cao lầu | Hoi An’s signature noodles with pork & herbs | 30,000–50,000 |
| White Rose Dumplings | Shrimp dumplings topped with shallots | 25,000–40,000 |
| Grilled Skewers (nem lụi) | Lemongrass pork/beef skewers | 10,000–20,000 |
| Vietnamese Pancakes (bánh xèo) | Crispy crepes with pork, shrimp & sprouts | 30,000–50,000 |
| Sweet Soups (chè) | Bean & coconut milk desserts | 20,000–35,000 |
3. Bargaining & Payment
- Cash Only: Bring small denominations (10k, 20k, 50k VND)
- Bargaining: Start at 50–60% of initial quote; walk away if needed
- Food Prices: Generally fixed—avoid haggling for meals
[Link to: First-Time Visitor Essentials for currency advice]
4. Atmosphere & Entertainment
- Lantern Displays: Overhead silk lanterns create ambient glow
- Music & Performance: Occasionally live folk music and henna tattoos
- Family-Friendly: Pedestrian-only zone ensures safety for all ages
5. Practical Tips
- Visit Twice: Early (5–6 PM) for relaxed browsing; late (9:30–11 PM) for deals
- Security: Low pickpocket risk but keep valuables secure
- Restrooms: Available at northern end near boat docks
- Weather: Market operates rain or shine; carry a small umbrella in wet season
Conclusion
The Hoi An Night Market offers an authentic blend of local commerce and cultural ambiance—ideal for evening exploration after heritage site visits. From bargaining for handcrafted lanterns to savoring street food classics, the market completes your Pillar 2 UNESCO heritage itinerary with after-dark vitality.
[Link to: Hoi An Lantern Festival Guide for festival-enhanced market visits]
[Link to: Floating Lanterns Experience for riverside lantern releases]
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