Hoi An Market – The Shopping Paradise

1. Hoi An Central Market Introduction

Hoi An Ancient Town appeals to visitors not only because of its unique classical beauty but also because of the food “paradise” in Hoi An Market. In includes most of the yummy specialties from Quang Nam as well as other cities in Central Vietnam.

Hoi An market sits on the bank of Thu Bon river, and at the intersection of Tran Phu Street, Bach Dang Street, and Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. It also stands in the heart of the Hoi An Ancient Town, so it doesn’t take visitors so long to get it. Unlike the tranquility and serenity of Hoi An, the market stands out from the crowd as it’s busy all the time, from dawn till dusk.

2. What to do at the Market

2.1. Hoi An Market Food Court

The food court is such an ideal spot to grab a bite at breakfast time. You can’t find out any banana pancakes or fried eggs here, but you’ll have chance to enjoy some of the most delicious traditional specialties here, namely Cao Lau (Hoi An style noodles with pork and greens), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), and White Rose Hoi An. They’re worth from VND 20,000 to VND 50,000. Then, don’t forget to enjoy a cup of coffee here, ranging from VND 10,000 to VND 20,000.

2.2. Hoi An Fish Market

It would be great to get down to the river as early as possible to see the fish deliveries. A large variety of fish on sale, ranging from tuna to small sharks, are super fresh. In fact, the bargaining over fish frequently begins at around 7 a.m. It is when fishermen drop their catch off and almost every marketplace vendor and local buyers come here to get the freshest ones. Although it is quite cluttered, it is well worth a visit.

2.3. Hoi An Meat Market

When you drop in the meat section, you may catch an unpleasant smell. You’ll see varied kinds of meat here, including beef, pork, chickens, and even body parts of animals. There are also loads of live ducks and cows that are tied together besides cooking ingredient stalls.

2.4. Produce

Keep stepping around, you’ll reach Bach Dang Street, where you’ll find full of fruit and vegetables on display in wooden baskets. Actually, they are available for the whole day.

2.5. Hoi An Fabric Market

You’ll approach the cloth marker right in the corner of Tran Phu and Hoang Dieu street. The market offers a large number of fabrics, and tailor-made clothes at low prices (if you make a good bargain). Actually, fine silk tailoring is far cheaper than anywhere else in Hoi An. It takes only one day to have garment makers to make a dress, a shirt, a coat, or even a full suit.

2.6. Souvenirs, Handicraft, And Many More

Hoi An Central Market is also an ideal place to get some souvenirs, and decorations to bring home, from painted coconut bowls to hand-carved chopsticks. There are also high-quality handicrafts on the streets nearby the major building. 

3. Hoi An Central Market opening hours and Tips

When you make up your mind to buy something, remember that the first price would be inflated. So, you should offer half of it and work up to a price that both you and vendors are happy with. Talking about opening time, the market is open from 6.30 a.m., but it would be awesome if you visit early with a walk alongside the docks to enjoy fish arrival.

More importantly, remember to wear closed shoes mainly because the floor will get damp, especially if you drop in the fish section. To have unforgettable memories around Hoi An Central Market, you can book the Hoi An Street Food Tour or Hoi An Walking Tour via Culture Pham Travel Agency.