Night markets have long been a unique and vibrant cultural feature of Vietnam. More than just shopping destinations, night markets are places where tourists and locals alike immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere, enjoy enticing street food, and discover beautiful traditional cultural aspects. Let’s explore 10 of Vietnam’s most famous night markets with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World), each offering a distinct beauty and experience that will surely captivate you from your first visit.
1. Ky Lua Night Market – Lang Son: Unique Border Culture
Ky Lua Night Market deeply embodies the cultural identity of the Lang Son highlands and is a must-visit when you set foot in this border city. Ky Lua Market fair is not held daily but only 6 times a month on the 2nd and 7th days of the lunar month.
On market fair days, Ky Lua becomes extremely bustling. More than just a place for exchanging goods, the market is also a cultural space, a meeting place for the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups. Visitors come here not only to shop for rich local products but also to experience the unique cultural atmosphere, listen to sweet folk songs, and learn about the spiritual life of the highland people.
Ky Lua Night Market in Lang Son, a crossroads of highland culture
Must-try experiences at Ky Lua Night Market:
- Handicrafts: Brocade scarves and clothing, silver jewelry, souvenirs imbued with national cultural identity.
- Local specialties: Wild honey, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, banh khao (Vietnamese sweet rice cake), corn wine, seasonal specialty fruits.
- Street food: Enjoy Lang Son’s signature dishes such as pho chua (sour pho), hot banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), grilled spring rolls, roasted pork, and xoi tram (Canarium album sticky rice).
Tips for visiting Ky Lua Night Market:
- The market fair is usually very crowded, so keep your personal belongings safe.
- Bargain when buying goods to get the best price.
- Try chatting and interacting with locals to learn more about the local culture.
2. Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market: Bustling City Soul in the Heart of the Capital
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is a distinctive cultural symbol of the Capital, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. The market convenes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings weekly, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, stretching along Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong streets and extending to Hang Khoai, Hang Giay streets.
Visiting the Old Quarter Night Market, you will immerse yourself in the bustling, bustling atmosphere of shoppers, sightseers, and food enthusiasts. Not only is it a place to shop for a variety of items from clothes, shoes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs to rich street food, but the night market is also a place for you to feel the vibrant pace of life and the unique culture of Hanoians.
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market, a vibrant cultural space in the heart of the Capital
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market, a place to experience diverse street food
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market:
- Shopping: Clothes, fashion accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, lacquer paintings, silk.
- Street food: Pho, bun cha (vermicelli with grilled pork), nem lui (lemongrass skewers), banh goi (pillow dumplings), lemon tea, Trang Tien ice cream, and other attractive snacks.
- Cultural activities: Listen to traditional music, watch street art performances, participate in folk games.
Notes when visiting the Old Quarter Night Market:
- The market is very crowded, especially on weekends, so pay attention to protecting your personal belongings.
- Prices may be higher than on weekdays, so bargain before buying.
- Park your vehicle in parking lots around the market area to avoid traffic jams.
3. Quang Ba Flower Market – Hanoi: A Colorful Floral Interlude in the Hanoi Night
Quang Ba Flower Market is unlike other typical night markets, it brings a gentle, delicate beauty of floral colors in the silent night. Quang Ba Flower Market convenes from 2:00 AM every day, but the bustling atmosphere already begins from 11:00 PM the night before, when flower trucks from all neighboring regions flock in.
Visiting Quang Ba Flower Market at night or dawn, you will be overwhelmed by myriads of fresh flowers, from roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, orchids to unique imported flowers. Not only is it a supplier of fresh flowers for Hanoi, Quang Ba Flower Market is also a favorite destination for flower lovers, photographers, and those who want to find a romantic, different space in the heart of the city.
Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi, a dawn moment amidst flowers
Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi, a unique cultural beauty of Hanoi
Unique experiences at Quang Ba Flower Market:
- Admire flowers and take photos: Immerse yourself in the space filled with flowers, capturing beautiful moments in the night flower market.
- Buy fresh flowers: Choose to buy fresh bouquets at affordable prices, directly from the gardens.
- Feel the night market atmosphere: Experience the bustling, bustling working atmosphere of buyers and sellers in the middle of the night.
Notes when visiting Quang Ba Flower Market:
- The market convenes at night and dawn, so prepare warm clothes if visiting in winter.
- It is best to come to the market around 3-4 AM to see the most beautiful flowers and avoid crowds.
- Pay attention to traffic when moving in the market area during rush hours.
4. Hoi An Night Market – Quang Nam: Sparkling Colors of the Ancient Town at Night
Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient, tranquil beauty during the day but also captivates visitors with the vibrant, sparkling Hoi An night market when night falls. Hoi An Night Market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, an indispensable part of the “nightlife” experience in this heritage city.
Hoi An Night Market gathers nearly 50 stalls selling a variety of items, from sophisticated handicrafts, soft silk, unique leather goods to lovely souvenirs. The special attraction for tourists to Hoi An Night Market is the shimmering, magical space created by thousands of colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Besides, the night market food area is also a street food paradise with countless attractive specialties of Hoi An and Quang Nam.
Hoi An Night Market, a shimmering and magical space under lantern light
Hoi An Night Market, a street food paradise
Must-do activities at Hoi An Night Market:
- Buy lanterns: Choose to buy Hoi An lanterns in all colors and shapes as souvenirs or home decorations.
- Explore handicrafts: Admire and shop for sophisticated handicrafts such as ceramics, wooden items, paintings, leather goods, and silk.
- Enjoy local specialties: Cao lau (Hoi An noodles), Mi Quang (Quang noodles), com ga (chicken rice), banh xeo (crispy pancake), nem lui (lemongrass skewers), various sweet soups, and drinks.
- Stroll and sightsee: Stroll along the night market, admire the sparkling ancient town at night, and feel the peaceful, poetic atmosphere by the Hoai River.
Tips for visiting Hoi An Night Market:
- The night market is quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season, so keep your personal belongings safe.
- Bargain when buying goods to get the best price.
- Combine visiting the night market with other activities in Hoi An at night such as releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River, watching traditional art performances.
5. Nha Trang Night Market: Miniature Vietnamese Village in the Coastal City
Nha Trang Night Market offers a unique space, different from other night markets. Located in the pedestrian street next to the cultural center at 46 Tran Phu, Nha Trang Night Market is designed like a miniature Vietnamese village, only 137m long but recreating the rustic, simple scenery of a Vietnamese village.
Stepping into Nha Trang Night Market, you will feel like you are lost in a peaceful village with horse-drawn carriages, bamboo bridges spanning canals, banana bushes, and thatched roofs… The market sells a variety of items from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, accessories to rich street food. In particular, the Nha Trang night market food area is always bustling and attracts visitors with fresh seafood and local specialties.
Nha Trang Night Market, a miniature Vietnamese village space
Nha Trang Night Market, a place to enjoy street food and fresh seafood
Nha Trang Night Market, an attractive destination for tourists when visiting Nha Trang
Interesting experiences at Nha Trang Night Market:
- Explore the market space: Stroll in the market space designed like a Vietnamese village, take souvenir photos with unique miniatures.
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts: Choose to buy souvenirs imbued with Nha Trang’s imprint, sophisticated handicraft products.
- Enjoy seafood and street food: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, processed in diverse ways, and typical Nha Trang snacks.
Notes when visiting Nha Trang Night Market:
- The night market is located right in the city center, easy to get to.
- Prices of goods at Nha Trang Night Market are quite reasonable.
- Try grilled seafood and seafood hotpot in the night market food area.
6. Da Lat Night Market (Cho Am Phu) – Lam Dong: Night Food Paradise in the Mist
Da Lat Night Market, also known as “Cho Am Phu” (Ghost Market), has a somewhat spooky name, but in reality, it is one of the most famous and bustling night markets in Da Lat. The market convenes from 7:00 PM to 3-4:00 AM, an ideal destination for those who want to explore Da Lat at night and enjoy street food in the characteristic chilly atmosphere of the city of flowers.
Despite its name “Ghost Market”, Da Lat Night Market is extremely bustling and warm. Visitors come here not only to shop for warm clothes, woolen scarves, and knitwear at affordable prices but also to enjoy the night food paradise with countless delicious, hot grilled dishes. Da Lat Night Market is where you can fully feel the atmosphere of Da Lat at night, both chilly and warm, and full of unique culinary experiences.
Da Lat Night Market (Cho Am Phu), a night food paradise in the mist
Da Lat Night Market (Cho Am Phu), a place to buy warm wool items and enjoy grilled dishes
Must-try dishes at Da Lat Night Market (Cho Am Phu):
- Grilled dishes: Grilled corn, grilled sweet potatoes, grilled eggs, grilled meat, grilled seafood, grilled skewers…
- Hot soy milk: A warm, familiar drink of Da Lat.
- Banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper): A crispy, delicious snack.
- Wool items: Wool sweaters, woolen scarves, woolen hats, woolen gloves with diverse designs and colors.
Tips for exploring Da Lat Night Market (Cho Am Phu):
- The market is very crowded in the evening and late at night, so keep your personal belongings safe.
- Dress warmly when coming to Da Lat night market because the weather is quite cold at night.
- Try grilled dishes and hot soy milk to feel the characteristic flavor of Da Lat night market.
7. Ben Thanh Night Market – Saigon: Saigon Colors at Night
Ben Thanh Night Market is an inseparable part of Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Saigon. Ben Thanh Night Market convenes daily on both sides of the market, on Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Luu Van Lang, and Nguyen An Ninh streets, opposite the East and West gates of Ben Thanh Market.
Ben Thanh Night Market is an ideal place for tourists and locals to stroll, admire the goods on display, feel the fresh night air, and shop for souvenirs. The market sells a variety of items from clothes, souvenirs, jewelry, fashion accessories to delicious dishes from all three regions of Vietnam. Ben Thanh Night Market not only attracts international tourists but is also a favorite destination for Saigon youths to hunt for unique and unusual items.
Ben Thanh Night Market, a familiar destination for tourists and Saigon youth
Ben Thanh Night Market, a place to shop for diverse items and enjoy cuisine from three regions
Ben Thanh Night Market, a vibrant and bustling space of Saigon at night
Explore Ben Thanh Night Market:
- Shopping: Clothes, shoes, bags, fashion accessories, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, typical Vietnamese products.
- Cuisine: Specialties from three regions of Vietnam, goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh xeo (crispy pancake), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), hu tieu (pork and shrimp noodle soup), various sweet soups, and drinks.
- Sightseeing and strolling: Stroll around the night market, admire Ben Thanh Market sparkling at night, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon.
Notes when visiting Ben Thanh Night Market:
- Ben Thanh Night Market is located in the city center, easily accessible by many means of transport.
- Prices at Ben Thanh Night Market may be higher than at other markets, so bargain when buying goods.
- Pay attention to protecting personal belongings because the market is quite crowded, especially on weekends and evenings.
8. Tay Do Night Market – Can Tho: Soul of a Floating Market on Land
Tay Do Night Market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in the Mekong Delta. The market is located in the premises of the Western Culture Park, Binh Thuy district, Can Tho. The market starts operating from 4:00 PM and lasts until late at night, offering a unique shopping, entertainment, and culinary space of the river region.
Tay Do Night Market is designed in harmony with the surrounding landscape, imbued with Western architectural style. The market is divided into neat, airy, and spacious stall areas, creating a comfortable feeling for visitors when visiting and shopping. Visiting Tay Do Night Market, you will feel the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of the river region and discover the unique cultural features of the Tay Do land.
Tay Do Night Market, a miniature Mekong Delta market space
Tay Do Night Market, a place to experience Mekong Delta culture and cuisine
Unmissable experiences at Tay Do Night Market:
- Shop for Mekong Delta specialties: Orchard fruits, specialty cakes and candies, handicrafts, souvenirs imbued with Mekong Delta imprints.
- Enjoy Mekong Delta cuisine: Banh xeo mien Tay (Mekong Delta pancake), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), lau mam (fermented fish hotpot), Nem Nuong Cai Rang (Cai Rang grilled sausage), rustic snacks.
- Entertainment: Participate in folk games, watch art performances, outdoor music.
- Take a boat trip on the Hau River: Admire the night market from the Hau River, feeling the sparkling beauty of the night market at night.
Notes when visiting Tay Do Night Market:
- Tay Do Night Market is quite large, so prepare your health to explore all market areas.
- Wear comfortable, cool clothes because the Southern weather is quite hot and humid.
- Try Mekong Delta specialties and orchard fruits at the night market.
9. Ha Tien Night Market – Kien Giang: Interesting Rendezvous by the Sea
Ha Tien Night Market is located in front of Dong Ho An Nguyet Park, Dong Ho ward, Ha Tien town, Kien Giang. The market is an attractive tourist, shopping, and culinary destination when visiting Ha Tien. Ha Tien Night Market is famous for its diversity of goods, reasonable prices, and bustling, crowded atmosphere.
Visiting Ha Tien Night Market, you can indulge in shopping for all kinds of goods from clothes, shoes, accessories, souvenirs to fresh seafood and local specialties. The night market food area is also a highlight with dozens of stalls selling attractive savory and sweet dishes such as bun ken (fish noodle soup), bun nham (mixed vermicelli), xoi xoai (mango sticky rice), xoi xiem (siamese sticky rice), grilled seafood dishes, hotpot… Ha Tien Night Market offers interesting and unforgettable experiences in your journey to explore Ha Tien.
Ha Tien Night Market, an attractive destination by the sea
Ha Tien Night Market, a place to enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties
Ha Tien Night Market, a bustling and diverse shopping space
Must-do activities at Ha Tien Night Market:
- Buy fresh seafood: Choose to buy fresh, cheap seafood directly from fishermen.
- Enjoy street food: Bun ken Ha Tien (Ha Tien fish noodle soup), bun nham (mixed vermicelli), goi ca trich (herring salad), hu tieu hap (steamed rice noodle soup), grilled seafood dishes, hotpot.
- Buy Ha Tien specialties: Nuoc mam (fish sauce), banh thot not (palmyra palm cake), kẹo chỉ (cotton candy), dried seafood.
- Sightseeing at Dong Ho An Nguyet Park: Stroll around the park and admire the lake at night.
Tips for visiting Ha Tien Night Market:
- Ha Tien Night Market is located right in the town center, easy to get to.
- You should enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties at the market.
- Combine visiting the night market with other tourist attractions in Ha Tien such as Thach Dong (Stone Cave), Mui Nai beach (Nai Cape beach), Chua Hang (Cave Pagoda).
10. Dinh Cau Night Market – Phu Quoc: Seafood and Food Paradise of the Pearl Island
Dinh Cau Night Market is the largest and most famous night market in Phu Quoc, stretching along Vo Thi Sau street with more than 100 stalls. Dinh Cau Night Market is a must-visit destination when you come to Phu Quoc in the evening, a place where street food, fresh seafood, and typical products of the Pearl Island converge.
Visiting Dinh Cau Night Market, you can indulge in shopping for unique items, souvenirs, and enjoy the fresh, delicious seafood food paradise of Phu Quoc. Dinh Cau Night Market is not only a place for shopping and eating but also a place for you to feel the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of Phu Quoc at night and discover the unique cultural features of the island region.
Dinh Cau Night Market, a fresh seafood paradise of Phu Quoc
Dinh Cau Night Market, a vibrant and attractive destination for tourists in Phu Quoc
Must-do activities at Dinh Cau Night Market:
- Enjoy fresh seafood: Ham Ninh crab, lobster, grilled squid, grilled fish, goi ca trich (herring salad), grilled snails…
- Buy Phu Quoc specialties: Phu Quoc fish sauce, pepper, sim wine (rose myrtle wine), pearls, dried seafood.
- Enjoy street food: Bun quay (vermicelli noodle soup), banh canh cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), coconut ice cream, sugarcane juice…
- Sightseeing Dinh Cau at night: Walk to Dinh Cau to admire the sea and see the sparkling night market from afar.
Tips for visiting Dinh Cau Night Market:
- Dinh Cau Night Market is a very crowded destination, especially during the peak tourist season, so keep your personal belongings safe.
- Bargain when buying goods to get the best price, especially when buying seafood.
- Try grilled seafood and seafood hotpot to feel the characteristic fresh flavor of Phu Quoc.
Conclusion
The most famous night markets in Vietnam are not only places to shop and enjoy cuisine but also places for you to discover and experience the unique cultural beauties of each region. Each night market has its own beauty, its own atmosphere, and its own specialties. Take the time to visit these night markets during your journey to explore Vietnam, you will surely have memorable experiences and unforgettable memories.