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Hoi An Market is an unmissable destination for those who love culinary culture and want to discover the unique characteristics of Central Vietnam. Voted by the prestigious Lonely Planet magazine as the world’s most attractive food paradise, Hoi An Market captivates food lovers with flavorful dishes rich in local identity and enchants visitors with its rustic charm, ancient ambiance, and the warm friendliness of the local people. If you’re wondering about things to do in Hoi An, explore the culture, history, and renowned local dishes at Hoi An Market.

Overview of Hoi An Market

• Address of Hoi An Market: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

With a convenient location right in the heart of the Ancient Town, Hoi An Market is the ideal place to explore local culture, savor regional specialties, and experience the authentic rhythm of daily life in Central Vietnam.

The History of Hoi An Market

The history of Hoi An Market is closely tied to the development of the Hoi An trading port – once a bustling international commerce hub of Vietnam in past centuries.

According to historical records, Hoi An Market first appeared in 1841, originally located in the area of Dinh Ong Voi. By 1848, it was relocated to its current riverside position along the Bach Dang River and began expanding, gradually forming a lively, densely packed market that played a key role in the commercial life of the ancient town.

In its early days, Hoi An Market was a gathering place for various imported goods, supporting trade between domestic and international merchants. Hoi An at the time was a popular stop for merchant ships from Japan, China, India, and Europe.

To this day, Hoi An Market continues to serve as the main trading center and preserves the historical imprint of a golden era of global commerce in the region.

Impressive Architecture of the Market

Hoi An Market impresses visitors with its traditional-style architecture, primarily constructed using wood, tiled roofs, and large framed windows. The stalls are arranged in straight, organized rows, clearly divided into sections for easy browsing and shopping. The dominant color tone of the market is an aged earthy yellow, harmonizing perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the surrounding Ancient Town.

From a distance, visitors can already recognize the entrance gate of Hoi An Market with its large signboard in a nostalgic yellow shade, evoking memories of the bustling riverside trading days of the past. This entrance is a familiar photo spot for tourists and frequently appears in widely shared images of Hoi An Market on social media.

Highlights of What to Buy at Hoi An Market

If you’re wondering what makes Hoi An Market special or what is sold there, the answer is: a wide array of unique items that captivate anyone who visits. The market hosts hundreds of large and small stalls, offering a diverse selection of goods ranging from food specialties to traditional handicrafts.

As you stroll through the market, you’ll easily come across local delicacies like spicy ancient-town chili sauce, fragrant mung bean cakes, rustic fermented fish paste (mắm thính), and various types of dried candied fruits. The souvenir section is also extremely popular, featuring items such as paper lanterns, hand-embroidered fabric bags, ceramics, wooden paintings, and more.

Many travelers choose to explore the market during the most beautiful time of the year. If you’re wondering when is the best season to visit Hoi An, the ideal period is from February to April. During this time, the weather is dry and pleasant, perfect for wandering through the market, shopping, and capturing vibrant moments of Hoi An in full bloom.

What to Eat at Hoi An Market?

Cuisine at Hoi An Market is part of the soul of the Ancient Town, attracting visitors with its traditional flavors and refined cooking methods. If you’re looking for an answer to “what to eat at Hoi An Market,” or simply wondering what’s worth trying while you’re there, the list of local specialties below will not disappoint.

After enjoying delicious dishes at the market, you can find a quiet corner at one of the best cafes Hoi An to sip on a cup of coffee, watch the lantern-lit streets, and relax in the gentle rhythm of life here.

Cao Lau

Reference price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND (approx.  $1.15 – $1.53 USD)

Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An. The chewy, golden noodles are made using water from the ancient Ba Le well, served with slices of char siu pork, fresh herbs, and a special broth. This dish is unlike pho or mi Quang – its rich, distinctive flavor is unmistakable. Cao Lau is sold throughout the day in the market and is a top choice when exploring what to eat at Hoi An Market.

Hoi An Chicken Rice

Reference price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND (approx.  $1.35 – $1.92 USD)

Hoi An chicken rice features fragrant, tender rice grains and shredded native chicken mixed with onions and Vietnamese coriander, topped with flavorful chili-garlic fish sauce. Each plate is a harmonious balance of richness, sweetness, and saltiness. This dish is available at nearly every eatery inside the market and consistently ranks among the “must-try” dishes.

Hoi An Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Reference price: 20,000 -  35,000 VND (approx. $0.77–$1.35 USD)

The banh mi here is famous for its crispy crust and generous toppings such as meat spread, grilled meats, pickled vegetables, combined with a signature sauce. Each banh mi stall in the market offers its own unique flavor, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Mi Quang (Quang-Style Noodles)

Reference price: 30,000 - 40,000 VND (approx.  $1.15–$1.53 USD)

Hoi An’s Mi Quang features chewy noodles in a rich broth with fresh shrimp and meat, crisp rice crackers, and roasted peanuts. The broth is not overly soupy but delivers strong, lingering flavors. You’ll often find bowls of Mi Quang at stalls in the back of the market, especially at lunch time.

Banh Beo, Banh Nam, and Banh Loc (Traditional Rice Cakes)

Reference price: 10,000 -  25,000 VND per portion (approx.  $0.38–$0.96 USD)

Traditional rice cakes – banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, are available at many market stalls. These feature savory shrimp and meat fillings, silky-soft rice batter, and a mild sweet fish sauce drizzle. They make for a light and satisfying afternoon snack.

Hoi An Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)

Reference price: 10,000 -  20,000 VND (approx.  $0.38–$0.77 USD)

After savoring savory dishes, you can end your food journey with a cool serving of Hoi An Che. Varieties like mung bean, corn, and mixed ingredient che are skillfully prepared—lightly sweetened, refreshing, and a favorite among tourists.

Dining at Restaurants in Hoi An

If you’re looking for a quieter and more elegant dining atmosphere, the restaurants in the Ancient Town are always ready to serve familiar local specialties with guaranteed quality. Some well-loved options among the best restaurants in Hoi An include:

• Morning Glory Original: Famous for its menu of traditional Vietnamese dishes and a space filled with the charm of Hoi An.
• Miss Ly Cafeteria: Known for serving authentic versions of cao lau, chicken rice, and white rose dumplings.
• Mango Mango: Offers a creative menu and a romantic riverside view overlooking the Hoai River, ideal for a relaxed dinner.
• Bale Well: A favorite among tourists for its grilled skewers, crispy pancakes, and fresh herbs served on the side.

Other Famous Markets in Hoi An

In addition to the traditional Hoi An Market, the Ancient Town also features several other exciting markets for you to continue exploring the culture, cuisine, and daily rhythm of life in Hoi An.

Hoi An Night Market

Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Hoi An Night Market is one of the most popular destinations once the lanterns light up the town. The space glows with colorful lanterns and hosts hundreds of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and especially mouthwatering street food.

If you’re wondering what to eat at Hoi An Night Market, the answer includes grilled rice paper, pork skewers, mixed sweet soup, grilled skewers, sugarcane juice, tofu pudding, and more. All are flavorful, easy to enjoy, and reasonably priced—perfect for strolling and snacking as you discover Hoi An by night.

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

Address: La Hoi Street, An Hoi, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Located beside the Hoai River, the Nguyen Hoang Night Market features over 50 stalls selling handmade crafts, paper lanterns, fabric handbags, paintings, and delicate souvenirs. This is a favorite spot for international visitors thanks to its diversity and affordable prices.

Thanh Ha Fish Market

Address: Duy Tan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: From 5:00 AM

Thanh Ha Fish Market is where freshly caught seafood arrives right after the fishing boats dock. From shrimp, fish, crab, and squid to seasonal seafood, everything is sold directly along the shore at very reasonable prices. This is a familiar place for local traders, chefs, and residents. The bustling early-morning atmosphere, lively bargaining, and salty sea breeze create a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cam Nam Bridge Market – A Local Market for Women

Address: Near Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Nam Ward
Opening hours: Early mornings daily

Cam Nam Bridge Market is a small market that mainly serves local residents, especially homemakers. It offers familiar daily essentials such as fresh vegetables, freshwater fish, pork, spices, and prepared foods. The space is friendly and simple, not too crowded – ideal for those wanting to discover the daily lifestyle of Hoi An locals.

Relax at Premier Village Da Nang Resort, a 5-Star Retreat Managed by Accor

Before immersing yourself in the ancient charm and vibrant energy of Hoi An Market or wandering through lantern-lit streets, begin your journey with a peaceful stay at Premier Village Da Nang Resort, a world-class 5-star beachfront property managed by the Accor Group. Located right on the stunning My Khe Beach and just about 30 minutes from Hoi An, Premier Village offers a luxurious, quiet, and fully equipped space for you and your family to enjoy a perfect vacation.

From here, you can easily plan your visit to Hoi An or combine other key attractions following a Da Nang 3 days 2 nights itinerary. With its convenient location and ideal resort setting, Premier Village is the perfect starting point for a journey that balances relaxation with rich cultural experiences in Central Vietnam.