7 Colorful Night Markets in Vietnam [Worth a Visit]

One of the “must-go” in South East Asia is definitely the night markets, and Vietnam is not an exception. You can expect to visit exotic, vibrant, historic, and modern places when you plan to join our Vietnam holidays.

Vietnam opens a new world of unimaginable beauty offering the perfect setting for any adventure. However, until today, just a few places boast a good range of nightlife. If you are looking for a fancy night out but not at a bar or cafe, there are night markets bringing out urban culture, with colorful stalls and great food livening up the city's scene. At night, these roadside markets really come to life and create an exciting atmosphere that is loved by both locals and travelers. 

Let’s look through the most well-known markets from North to South to know more about lively and unique night market culture in Vietnam. Happy shopping!

1. Night market in Hanoi Old Quarter

People looking for their favourite items at some stalls

Hanoi night market which can be found a few minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake and is a part of the weekend Walking Street, opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to around 11 p.m. The market stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, creating a long walking road of nearly 3 km. For the night market, these streets are blocked off by motor traffic.

The market is mainly made up of vendors selling under a line of tents pitched in the centre of the street. On both sides, there are vendors and stores selling their stuff, making for a very interesting scene. The range of items on sale is varied and seems to go on and on; you’ll find everything from souvenirs to clothes and bags and food. The night market in Old Quarter is not only a place for shopping but also for tourists to immerse into the exciting atmosphere and feel the featured culture of Hanoi.

Read more Hanoi Useful Local Tips

2. Ha Long Night Market

A corner of Ha Long Night Market

Ha Long is famous for the bay with magical scenery. Everybody has dreamed of a cruise trip through thousands of limestone islands and overnight on a junk boat. However, Ha Long city is also worth exploring. Ha Long Night Market, located near Bai Chay Beach, is a nice place to find wooden products, bags and purses, accessories, souvenirs, and locally made clothes. The night market includes more than a hundred stalls, some offering crafts along with more typical souvenirs. There are also a number of vendors selling food, offering opportunities to sample the local cuisine. It’s open seven days a week from 6 p.m. until midnight.

3. Hoi An Night Market

The night market of Hoi An set beautifully by the riverside

Evenings are a special time in Hoi An when lanterns are all lit up. If you are up for nighttime shopping, you can cross the bridge over to An Hoi island where a night market is set up selling everything from silk lanterns to beaded necklaces. Hoi An Night Market really seems to appeal to people from anywhere, it is indeed one of the most beautiful night markets. Just always keep in mind to bargain whenever you shop here.

4. Nha Trang Night Market

Night Market on Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang

When people talk about Nha Trang Night Market, generally it is usually the one on the walking street next to the cultural center at 46 Tran Phu as this is the largest night market in Nha Trang. From 7 p.m., the street is full of locals. Marketspace is relatively large and quite clean. From gorgeous fabrics and hand-crafted jewelry to Khanh Hoa’s specialties like salangane nests, aloe wood, dried seafood, there are lots of choices on offer. There is also a really nice beach-front walk with plenty of bars and cafes for grabbing a drink and watching activities outside.

5. Am Phu Night Market in Da Lat

Am Phu Night Market is a great place for food

Those who have a chance to visit Da Lat should not miss a popular attraction in the city downtown with a special name Cho Am Phu (Hades) Market. The market’s name was born in the days when there was no lighting system in the area. In spite of its horror name, the night market brings an extremely bustling atmosphere. The market with diverse products is open from 5 p.m. onwards. There are not many things to buy at this night market, the most common products found here are clothes, souvenirs, dried and candied fruits... However, this place is a food paradise. From a distance, tourists still can recognize the market with delicious flavor from food spreading in the air. A popular treat for young people is Banh Trang Nuong (grilled rice paper cake) which is also called “Vietnamese pizza”. Other highlights are warm fresh soymilk and artichoke tea. The perfect combination with these drinks is delicious homemade cakes.

6. Ben Thanh Night Market

Pop-up restaurants at Ben Thanh night market

The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh has a vibrant and lively nightlife and party scene. In the evening, from 6 p.m. till midnight, along the roads just outside Ben Thanh Market, they close down the traffic and open them as a night market with a few restaurants and souvenir shops. This is one of the main night markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The market operated well into the evening and also features stalls selling clothing, jewelry, and other items. Basically, the night market is a scaled-down version of the day market with more seafood meal options. All restaurants and stores are opened, canopies and sign go up, stoves, barbeques, tables, and chairs come out, and carts filled with all kinds of food appears. Just after dusk, there are groups of people rolling all these things to the market.

7. Dinh Cau Night Market in Phu Quoc

Very obvious entrance to the night market

Dinh Cau Night Market in Duong Dong Town is a downtown hub. Locals and visitors gather here for great shopping, food, and drinks. The market is just down the street from Dinh Cau (Cau Temple). The night stalls are opened at about 5 p.m. and wind down around midnight. There are hundreds of stalls, each has an eye-catching display of jewelry, crafts, or souvenirs. The most unique goods at Dinh Cau Night Market are the jewelry made from local pearls, shells, and natural stones. All the pearl products sold here are locally sourced and they will be great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. This is also one of the most affordable places to sample seafood. Stalls are overflowing on the road with fresh seafood. So, just take your pick from the selection of fish, sea snails, crabs, and scallops. Prices are set and clearly displayed, so there's no need to bargain.

Stalls are overflowing with an abundance of freshly caught seafood

The night market is definitely Vietnam’s cultural beauty. They offer a window to see the lifestyle of local people and sample the authentic street food. A great night market is loud, noisy, packed with people, and filled with exciting things to see, buy, and, most importantly, taste. It is something everyone should experience. Therefore, when you plan to visit Vietnam, make sure you will have one or two free nights in the schedule for a visit to the night markets!

Read more: 5 Useful information for first-time visitors when traveling to Vietnam

Xuyen

Image Sources: Internet