Hoi An Night Market is a free, pedestrian night market on Nguyen Hoang Street in An Hoi, just across the Hoai River from Hoi An Ancient Town. It is open every evening from about 5:00–6:00 PM to 10:00–11:00 PM, with stalls selling lanterns, street food, souvenirs and clothing, and it is the best place to buy lanterns and float a candle lantern on the river. Plan 2–3 hours, carry VND cash, and arrive around 6:00 PM for the best light and fewer crowds.
This guide to the Hoi An night market is written for Indian travellers. It covers location, timings, the lantern market and lantern prices, vegetarian food, souvenirs and tailoring, bargaining, getting there from Da Nang, the best months to visit and practical tips. Prices are in VND with ₹ in brackets (about 295 VND per ₹1).
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi, Hoi An (Da Nang City) |
| Hoi An night market timings | About 5:00–6:00 PM to 10:00–11:00 PM, every day |
| Entry | Free |
| Best for | Lanterns, street food, souvenirs, river lantern release |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Budget | From about 100,000–200,000 VND (₹340–680) per person |
Hoi An Night Market: Location and What to Expect
The best-known Hoi An market after dark, the night market is a lantern-lit pedestrian street of about 300 metres on An Hoi, a few minutes’ walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge.
An Hoi is a small islet separated from hoi an Ancient Town by the Hoai River. You reach it by walking across the An Hoi footbridge at the end of Nguyen Phuc Chu / Bach Dang Street, which takes only a couple of minutes.
In the evening the street is closed to motorbikes, so you can stroll freely between stalls hung with hundreds of colourful silk lanterns. It is one of the most photogenic vietnam night markets, and it sits right next to the river where boats and floating lanterns drift by.
How to find Hoi An Night Market
The market is on Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi, in Hoi An (now part of Da Nang City after the 2025 province merger). On Google Maps, search “Hoi An Night Market” or “Chợ Đêm Hội An”. From the Japanese Covered Bridge, walk along the river to the An Hoi footbridge and cross; the market starts on the other side.
Note: the night market itself is free, but foreign visitors walking through the Ancient Town’s heritage zone may be asked to show an Ancient Town ticket, which also gives entry to several old houses and assembly halls.
Layout of the market
Lantern and handicraft stalls dominate the market, food and drink stalls are mixed in along the street and riverbank, and clothing, fabric and tailor shops are found towards the ends of the street and in nearby lanes. The number of stalls varies by season, with more in the busy months.
Hoi An Night Market Timings
Hoi An night market timings are roughly 5:00–6:00 PM to 10:00–11:00 PM every night, including weekends and most holidays.
Stalls start setting up in the late afternoon and the market is in full swing once it gets dark. Weekends are busiest, when domestic tourists join international visitors; weekday evenings are calmer and better for bargaining.
Best time to arrive
Arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 PM. The light over the river is beautiful, the lanterns are just switching on and crowds are still manageable. After 8:00 PM the street gets very crowded. Families with young children can see the market and release a lantern by about 9:00–9:30 PM.
Hoi An Night Market on full moon nights
On the 14th day of each lunar month, Hoi An holds its monthly Lantern Festival night, when the Ancient Town dims its electric lights and relies on lanterns, with folk music and games in the streets. The night market stays open and is especially atmospheric, but also at its busiest, and lantern and boat prices often rise. Book hotels early if you want to be in Hoi An on a full-moon night.
Hoi An Lantern Market and Lantern Prices
The night market is Hoi An’s main lantern market: small silk lanterns cost about 30,000–100,000 VND (₹100–340), larger ones about 150,000–300,000 VND (₹510–1,015) or more, and floating candle lanterns for the river cost about 10,000–20,000 VND (₹35–70) each.
If you have searched for a “lantern market Vietnam”, this is it: dozens of stalls sell handmade silk lanterns in every colour and shape. Many lanterns fold flat, making them easy to pack. The Hoi An lantern price depends on size, fabric and frame, so compare a few stalls at the lantern market Hoi An is famous for before you buy.
Releasing a lantern on the Hoai River
Floating a small candle lantern on the river and making a wish is the most popular experience at the market. You can release one from the riverbank steps or from a small boat; boat rides on the Hoai River usually cost a fixed price per boat for a short trip. Choose paper lanterns with a real candle rather than plastic or battery-powered ones, which harm the river.
For Indian travellers, the custom feels familiar: like floating diyas on a river during Diwali or Ganga aarti, it is a simple ritual of light and good wishes. Yellow lanterns are said to bring prosperity and red lanterns good luck.
The best time to release a lantern is after dark, around 7:30–9:00 PM, when the lights reflect beautifully on the water. The area near the An Hoi bridge is the most photogenic but also the most crowded; walk a little further along the riverbank for more space.
Food at Hoi An Night Market
The night market has many food stalls serving Hoi An specialities, with several easy vegetarian options such as chè, vegetarian bánh xèo, fruit and grilled corn.
Three dishes define Hoi An’s food culture: cao lầu (thick noodles traditionally made with water from local wells), bánh vạc (white rose dumplings, usually filled with shrimp) and bánh mì Hội An. A meal for two at the market costs about 100,000–180,000 VND (₹340–610), usually less than at sit-down restaurants in the Ancient Town.
Vegetarian and Indian-friendly options
- Chè (sweet dessert soup): mung bean, taro, lotus seed or coconut versions, about 10,000–20,000 VND (₹35–70).
- Bánh xèo chay (vegetarian crispy pancake): filled with bean sprouts and mushrooms; say “không thịt, không hải sản” (no meat, no seafood).
- Fresh fruit and coconut: mango, dragon fruit and coconut water at fruit stalls.
- Grilled corn (bắp nướng): about 10,000–20,000 VND (₹35–70).
Cao lầu usually contains pork, and white rose dumplings contain shrimp, so strict vegetarians and Jain travellers should skip them unless a vegetarian version is confirmed. Hoi An also has several vegetarian and Indian restaurants a short walk away.
Food prices at Hoi An Night Market (2026)
| Dish | VND price | INR price |
|---|---|---|
| Bánh mì Hội An | 20,000–35,000 | ₹70–120 |
| White rose dumplings, per plate | 30,000–50,000 | ₹100–170 |
| Chè, per cup | 10,000–20,000 | ₹35–70 |
| Fresh coconut | 20,000–30,000 | ₹70–100 |
| Cao lầu, per bowl | 35,000–50,000 | ₹120–170 |
| Grilled corn | 10,000–20,000 | ₹35–70 |
Shopping at Hoi An Night Market
The best buys at the night market are silk lanterns, silk scarves, embroidered textiles, lacquerware and small handmade gifts; tailor shops nearby can make clothes within 24–48 hours.
Most stalls sell ready-made souvenirs, lanterns, scarves and small decorative items. For more ideas, see our guide to things to buy in hoi an, or our nationwide list of what to buy vietnam.
Best souvenirs for Indian travellers
- Silk scarves: about 100,000–300,000 VND (₹340–1,015), in rich colours that suit Indian tastes.
- Small foldable lanterns: about 30,000–150,000 VND (₹100–510), easy to pack.
- Embroidered tablecloths and cushion covers: about 100,000–400,000 VND (₹340–1,350).
- Lacquerware bowls, trays and boxes: about 60,000–200,000 VND (₹200–680).
- Carved name stamps: about 30,000–60,000 VND (₹100–200), made while you wait.
Handmade items often show small irregularities in stitching or paint; perfectly uniform items are usually mass-produced.
Tailor shops near the night market
Hoi An is famous for its tailors, and many shops can make a garment in 24–48 hours, so tailoring works if you stay at least two nights. Popular orders from Indian travellers include ao dai, linen shirts and silk kurtas. Bring a photo or, better, a well-fitting garment from home as a template. Shirts cost roughly 200,000–500,000 VND (₹680–1,700) and dresses 400,000–1,000,000 VND (₹1,350–3,400) or more, depending on fabric.
Bargaining at Hoi An Night Market
Bargaining is expected for souvenirs, lanterns and clothing: start at around 40–50% of the asking price and aim to pay about 55–65%.
Indian travellers will find this familiar, much like bargaining in a Rajasthan bazaar or Crawford Market.
- Walk the full market first to compare prices before you buy.
- Stay calm and friendly: showing too much excitement pushes the price up.
- Bundle items: buying 3 or more from one stall usually gets a better price.
- Use a phrase: “Rẻ hơn không?” (Can you make it cheaper?) is appreciated.
- Only bargain if you mean to buy: agreeing a price and then walking away is considered rude.
- Don’t bargain for food or for small items worth a few thousand dong; it is not worth the effort.
Getting to Hoi An Night Market from Da Nang
Hoi An is about 30 km from central Da Nang, around 45–60 minutes by Grab or taxi; many day tours also end at the night market.
By Grab or taxi
A Grab car from central Da Nang to Hoi An costs roughly 300,000–400,000 VND (₹1,000–1,350) one way, depending on car size and demand. Cars cannot enter the pedestrian streets, so you will be dropped at the edge of the Ancient Town and walk a few minutes to the market. Book your return a little before closing time, as prices rise when many people leave at once.
By day tour
Afternoon tours from Da Nang often combine the Marble Mountains, a guided walk in the Ancient Town, dinner and free time at the night market, with hotel pick-up and drop-off. They are convenient for families and groups, though you have less freedom to stay late. For other sights in town, see the best places to visit in hoi an, and for an evening out after the market, read our guide to hoi an nightlife.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An Night Market
February to July is the best time to visit, with dry evenings; October to December is the rainy season, when floods can occasionally affect An Hoi.
From February to July, evenings are dry and warm, perfect for walking and releasing lanterns. June to August is busy and hot. October to December brings heavy rain and the risk of floods along the river, which can briefly close parts of An Hoi. If you travel during Diwali (October–November), keep an eye on the weather forecast. For month-by-month details, read our guide to the best time to visit Hoi An.
6 Things Indian Tourists Should Know Before Visiting
Carry cash, dress comfortably, watch your bags in crowds and bring a tote bag.
- Cash only: most stalls accept VND cash only; UPI does not work in Vietnam. ATMs are available in the Ancient Town, and some larger shops accept cards.
- Dress comfortably: light clothing is fine at the market; cover shoulders and knees if you visit temples or assembly halls.
- Buy once you agree a price: it is polite to complete the purchase after bargaining.
- Watch your bags: keep bags in front of you in crowded spots, especially from 7:30 to 9:00 PM.
- Download offline maps: save the Hoi An area on Google Maps in case your mobile data is slow.
- Bring a tote bag: Hoi An is cutting down on plastic bags.
Plan Your Hoi An Trip
Vietnamtour.in itineraries include an evening at the night market with time for lantern shopping and a riverside lantern release.
Hoi An fits easily into most of our vietnam tour package options with Da Nang and Hue, and many travellers end their trip with a beach break on a phu quoc package.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and departure city in India. A Vietnamtour.in travel expert will plan your Hoi An evenings, arrange transfers from Da Nang, and book vegetarian, Jain or Indian meals throughout your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoi An Night Market
Is Hoi An Night Market free to enter?
Yes. There is no entry fee for the night market. A realistic minimum budget is about 100,000–200,000 VND (₹340–680) per person for a snack, a lantern release and a small souvenir.
What are the Hoi An night market timings?
The market opens every evening from about 5:00–6:00 PM until 10:00–11:00 PM. Arrive around 6:00 PM for the best experience.
Can I pay in Indian rupees?
No. Stalls accept Vietnamese dong, and a few larger shops take US dollars or cards. Exchange money at a bank or licensed exchange counter, or withdraw from an ATM.
How long should I spend at the night market?
Two to three hours is enough to walk the market, eat, shop and release a lantern. Add 30–45 minutes if you want to visit a tailor for measurements.
Is Hoi An Night Market safe for families and solo women?
Yes. It is a busy, well-lit, vehicle-free street close to the Ancient Town and generally very safe. Take normal care with bags and phones in crowded areas.
What is the difference between the Hoi An Night Market and the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The night market runs every evening, while the Lantern Festival takes place once a month on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the Ancient Town dims its electric lights and hosts traditional music and games. On festival nights you can enjoy both. Read our full guide to the Hoi An Lantern Festival, and see other markets in hoi an such as the central market for daytime shopping.
