Hoi An Market - A Glimpse Into Local Life

Overview Of Hoi An Market

• Address: 19 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. 
• Opening hours: daily from 06:00 to 22:00.
• Price tickets: Free

Hoi An Market has been voted by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the most attractive foodie havens for both locals and international tourists.

From street food stalls to local eateries, this place offers a culinary adventure. Visitors can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes and regional specialties prepared by skilled local chefs.

Hoi An Market

This market was a place for trade and exchange of goods between countries from the 17th - 18th centuries. Now, you can still immerse yourself in the market's shopping atmosphere. There are several sections inside the market such as fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, souvenirs, and snacks so you can easily find the items you need to buy.

The market's architecture is a testament to Hoi An's well-preserved heritage. Traditional yellow-painted buildings with wooden elements create a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the market.

 

Things To Do At Hoi An Market

Explore The Rich Cuisine Of Hoi An

Hoi An Market is a famous "small but mighty"  delicacy hub with countless delicious dishes inviting you to enjoy. Below are specialties not to be missed at Hoi An Market:

Cao Lau

A special feature of Cao Lau dish is that the noodles have a bright yellow color, due to being mixed with Melaleuca wood ash, taken from the land of Cham Island.

You can experience the aromatic essence of the noodles, harmonizing with the flavors of fish sauce, the richness of pork fat and char siu meat.

Price: around US $0.8 to $1.4.

Enjoy The Best Cao Lau Taste

Mi Quang 

Quang noodles are sophisticated from the noodles to the broth and side dishes. All are carefully prepared by talented chefs to produce a delicious bowl of Quang noodles.

It has fragrant, yellow noodles combined with a perfectly balanced broth, giving visitors a wonderful culinary experience. When eaten, it feels richer and more fragrant than other types of noodles.

Price: around US $1 to $1.8.

Mi Quang - One Of The Most Famous Noodle Dishes

Hoi An Bread

Hoi An Bread is known as "the best bread in the world" and this is a street food that tourists must definitely enjoy when coming to Hoi An ancient town.

Hoi An Bread is famous for its warm, crispy bread and rich, soft interior. Packed with fresh veggies, meats, pate, and a tasty sauce, it's a must-try treat for all travelers.

Price: around US $0.6 to $1.4.

Try The Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi

 

Get Some Souvenirs

Hoi An is a place that captivates people's hearts with its timeless ancient beauty and simple, rustic lifestyle. Coming here, everyone can save beautiful moments and buy some typical items as souvenirs in Hoi An Market. 

Below are some suggested souvenirs for visitors to choose from.

Colorful Lantern

Hoi An Lanterns are exquisite pieces of art, intricately handcrafted with colorful silk or paper. Their uniqueness lies in the traditional patterns, each representing a cultural story.

The glow emitted by these lanterns during the Lantern Festival is a magical experience, making them not just a decoration but a symbol of Hoi An's enchantment.

Price: around US $0.8 to $2.5.

Admire The Stunning Colorful Lantern

Pottery

Hoi An Pottery is renowned for the uniqueness lies in the meticulous craftsmanship, where artisans skillfully mold and paint each piece.

Souvenir pottery products are mainly everyday items such as cups, bowls, vases, plant pots, etc. Surely these handmade items will make visitors excited.

Price: around US $1.6 to $8.2.

Shop For Lovely Pottery

Embossed Card Paintings

This type of card is skillfully created by the hands of artisans. With just paper and scissors, the artisans can make cards with unique and eye-catching shapes.

Each card has a theme, describing famous places in Hoi An such as the Covered Bridge, ancient houses, boats, and lotus in many different colors. When opened, the paper model will display a beautiful image.

Price: around US $0.8 to $2.5.

Take Home Some Unique Embossed Card Paintings

How To Get There

Motorbike Rental

• Price: From US $4 to $10 per day. 

Riding a motorbike can take 60-80 minutes to run from Da Nang to Hoi An Market. Numerous motorbike rental shops are available around the city but you should consider choosing a reputable store. Before renting, inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and document it with the rental provider to prevent disputes later on.

Renting a motorbike in Hoi An offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore nearby areas beyond the market. However, traffic conditions and safety concerns should be considered.

By Taxi

• Price: From US $0.3 to $7 per kilometer.

Taxis offer a quick and convenient option. Hoi An taxis are available on every street so you can easily catch a taxi or you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM for convenience.

Taxis have a kilometer counter at the front of the taxi to ensure transparent monitoring of trip costs. However, this means of transportation might be a bit more expensive compared to other options.

By Bus

• Price: From US $0.3 to $1.2.

A bus from Da Nang to Hoi An Market might take 70-80 minutes. You can take bus number 01 or 14 from Da Nang, with buses departing every half-hour between 05:30 and 17:00. Hoi An bus’s stops are located on all main roads in the inner city, so catching the bus is extremely convenient and easy.

You can get closer to the locals and their daily lives during the trip. Eco-friendly, cost-effective, and allows you to enjoy the scenery. However, it might not be suitable for those with limited time or physical constraints.

 

Visit Nearby Interesting Attractions

After visiting the market, you can discover more of Hoi An's charm by exploring the nearby attractions below:

Japanese Covered Bridge

• Address: At the beginning of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward.
• Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 11:00 and from 15:00 to 22:00.
• Ticket price: Around US $5. (This ticket price is the cost of visiting 21 places in the old town, including the Japanese Covered Bridge).

Japanese Covered Bridge with a total length of 18 meters, covered. This project spans a small branch of the Thu Bon River with a quiet image.

The pagoda is designed of wood with the upper part being a house, the lower part being a bridge, and the foundation made of stone pillars. This beautifully crafted bridge is not only an architectural gem but also holds historical significance. 

Explore The Unique Japanese Covered Bridge

 

Sa Huynh Culture Museum

• Address: 149 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward.
• Opening hours: Daily from 07:00 to 21:00.
• Ticket price: Around US $5. (This ticket price is the cost of visiting 21 places in the old town, including Sa Huynh Culture Museum).

This museum provides visitors with a fascinating window into the past. When visiting each exhibition area, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the social life, customs, and aesthetic awareness of ancient residents living in Hoi An in each period of development. Thereby, we can clearly see the relationship and cultural exchange between countries.

Deep In The History Of Vietnam In Sa Huynh Culture Museum

 

Cantonese Assembly Hall 

• Address: 176 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward.
• Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 to 16:00.
• Ticket price: Around US $5. (This ticket price is the cost of visiting 21 places in the old town, including Cantonese Assembly Hall).

The architecture of Cantonese Assembly Hall is a harmonious combination of wood and stone. The decorative details of the clubhouse are delicately and elaborately carved, giving it an unmistakable character.

Currently, the Hall still retains highly valuable ancient relics such as four large horizontal panels, a pair of Chinese celadon porcelain pedestals, and a bronze incense burner up to 1.6 meters high.

Admire The Majestic Cantonese Assembly Hall 

 

Local Tips When Exploring Hoi An Market

• Arrive Early

Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal times to visit Hoi An Market. The weather is cooler, and the market is less crowded. Avoid visiting during the peak hours around midday, as it can get quite crowded with tourists.

• Bargaining

Bargaining is a common practice in Hoi An Market. You can negotiate with a smile and a polite attitude. Don't be shy to walk away if the price isn't right. Often, vendors are open to further negotiation.

• Online Banking Transfer

For added convenience, consider using online payment methods when shopping at Hoi An Market to save time. Using online banking transfers for larger purchases to avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Ensure security by using secure networks and regularly monitoring your bank statements.

• Be Careful Of Scams

You may encounter individuals trying to sell you overpriced or fake items. If in doubt, ask a local or your guide for advice on reputable shops. Double-check your change and bills when making purchases to avoid any misunderstandings.

Also, be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited guidance. Stick to official information centers or your own research.

• Watch Your Belongings

Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Consider using a money belt or a secure bag to deter pickpockets. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or electronics that might attract negative thoughts and actions.