After dinner at Cơm Linh, I decided to take a slow walk through the streets of Hội An, and eventually found myself at the famous Hội An Night Market.
The vibe completely shifts at night — the ancient town lights up with all the colorful lanterns, and the streets get pretty lively. It’s hard not to get drawn into the atmosphere.
The night market, located just across the bridge from the ancient town (on Nguyễn Hoàng Street), is one of those places you end up wandering through even if you didn’t plan to.
Historically, this part of Hội An was once a bustling trading port in the 15th to 19th century, and the night market kind of keeps that spirit alive — just with more souvenirs and street food now.
You’ll find a long stretch of stalls selling handmade lanterns, woven bags, local snacks, street food, souvenirs, jewelry, and random little trinkets — some touristy, but some genuinely unique.
I noticed a few vendors selling grilled seafood skewers, Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo), and even rolled ice cream.
It’s a nice place to snack and pick up small gifts. Prices are generally reasonable, but feel free to bargain a little if you're buying more than one item.
As I strolled along, the glowing lights from the river caught my eye — I had actually booked a lantern boat ride through Klook earlier in the day, and the meetup point was near the An Hội Bridge, not far from the night market.
The experience itself was pretty special. You hop onto one of those small wooden boats, and the boatman gently paddles you along the Thu Bồn River under a sky of hanging lanterns.
As part of the ride, you get to release your own paper lantern into the river — a local tradition that’s said to bring peace, good luck, and happiness. It’s quite a serene moment despite the surrounding buzz.
But fair warning — this is a very popular activity, so the river can get a bit crowded with boats, especially after 7pm.
And because of that, taking good photos can be tricky — especially if you want a clear shot on the bridge or along the river. Still, the ambience and experience outweigh the photo struggle.
If you’re visiting Hội An, I’d recommend spending one evening just soaking up the night market and doing the lantern boat ride.
It’s touristy, yes — but also something uniquely charming that captures the...
Read moreHội An Night Market is a bustling and vibrant market located in the ancient town of Hội An, Vietnam. Here's a guide to enhance your experience at the night market:
Location: The Night Market is situated along Nguyen Hoang Street, starting from the intersection with Tran Hung Dao Street and running along the riverside. The market comes to life in the evening, creating a lively atmosphere with colorful lanterns and a variety of stalls.
Best Time to Visit: The market typically opens in the evening, around sunset, and continues until late at night. The best time to visit is during the early evening when the market is in full swing, offering a wide range of products and local delicacies.
What to Explore:
Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs: The market is known for its array of handicrafts, lanterns, textiles, and other souvenirs. It's an excellent place to pick up traditional Vietnamese gifts.
Street Food Delights: Indulge in the diverse street food offerings. Try local specialties like Cao Lau (noodle dish), White Rose dumplings, and various grilled seafood options.
Lanterns and Decor: Admire the beautiful lanterns that adorn the market. Many stalls sell these lanterns in different colors and sizes, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Tips for Visiting:
Bargaining: Bargaining is common at the night market. Politely negotiate prices, but keep in mind that the vendors are usually friendly, and the process is part of the experience.
Cash: Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards. Small denominations are useful for smoother transactions.
Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking through crowded streets with various surfaces.
Photography: Capture the enchanting atmosphere of the night market with its lantern-lit streets, vibrant stalls, and the hustle and bustle of both locals and tourists. The colorful displays make for great photo...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Enchanting Evenings at Hoi An Night Market – A Must-Visit Experience
Hoi An Night Market is truly the heart and soul of the ancient town by night. Located along the Thu Bồn River on Nguyen Hoang Street, this market transforms the town into a dreamlike spectacle as the sun sets and thousands of colorful lanterns light up the night. It's a magical blend of culture, food, shopping, and romance — a highlight of any Vietnam trip.
The market is filled with lively stalls selling everything from traditional Vietnamese lanterns, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs like bags, wooden art, and local snacks. If you're looking for beautiful keepsakes or gifts to take home, this is the perfect place — just remember to bargain politely, as you can often get a better deal with a little friendly negotiation.
The atmosphere is buzzing yet peaceful, with soft traditional music in the background, friendly locals, and streets glowing with the warm, multi-colored light of lanterns. You can spend hours simply walking around, taking photos, and soaking in the charm.
But the true highlight of the night is the magical lantern boat ride on the river. For a small fee, you can hop onto a small wooden boat, each decorated with lanterns, and float gently down the river. As part of the ride, you're given a candle-lit paper lantern to release into the water, making a wish as it floats away. Watching hundreds of these glowing lanterns drift across the water is truly a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience — romantic, spiritual, and deeply calming.
Food lovers will also find plenty to indulge in. From local delicacies like cao lầu noodles and grilled skewers to sweet treats like coconut pancakes and fresh sugarcane juice, the night market is a feast...
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