7 Must-Visit Night Markets In Vietnam

Throughout Vietnam, night markets have become a distinct cultural symbol, attracting both foreign visitors and local residents. These night markets are not only places to shop for goods, but also interesting destinations to experience the culture, cuisine, and nightlife of the local people. If you have a chance to visit Vietnam, don’t miss out on these top night markets.

1. Hanoi’s Old Quarter Night Market

Starting our night market journey in the capital city, Hanoi’s Old Quarter Night Market is a bustling extravaganza of colors, sounds, and flavors. The market’s charm is amplified by its location, just a stone’s throw away from the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach this bustling market, take a leisurely 3 km stroll starting from Hang Dao Street, where you’ll be greeted by a colorful array of stalls extending all the way to the edge of Dong Xuan Market. During its opening hours, the area is blissfully free of automobiles, allowing pedestrians to explore hassle-free. Every weekend, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake transform into a pedestrian-only zone, filled with stalls selling everything from street food to traditional clothing and souvenirs.

As you wander through the maze of stalls, be sure to sample some local favorites like “bun cha” (grilled pork with noodles), “banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich), and, of course, the famous “pho”.

Location: Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6 PM – 11 PM on weekend (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

2. Ben Thanh Market

Located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is not just a shopping destination but also a cultural hub. The vibrant colors, the shouts of vendors, and the irresistible aroma of street food create an immersive experience for all who visit. Exploring the market, you’ll find a wide array of products, from traditional Vietnamese clothing and handicrafts to modern electronics.

The night market is also an interesting place to bargain and haggle with the vendors, who are always ready to give you a good deal if you are persistent and friendly. As the sun sets, the market transforms into the Ben Thanh Night Market, offering a lively atmosphere that’s a must-see for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife.

Location: Intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues, and Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: 6 PM – 10 PM daily

3. Hoi An Night Market

Known for beautiful paper lanterns, Hoi An night market will truly become shimmering and fanciful next to the romantic Hoai River. Lanterns are a must-have item in every stall at the Hoi An night market with various types, colors, shapes, and sizes, and are incredibly eye-catching and affordable. What’s better than buying a lantern for yourself or as a gift for your loved ones as a souvenir when coming to Hoi An.

Don’t forget to participate in the Lantern Festival. If you want to experience the serene atmosphere of the festival, consider the timing. This meaningful activity occurs only on the full moon day of every month on the Hoai River.

Going to Hoi An night market without trying Cao Lau and Quang noodles is considered a wasted trip.

Location: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province
Opening hours: 5 PM – 12 PM daily

4. Han Market

Conveniently located at the intersection of Tran Phu and Bach Dang streets, Han Market is easily accessible and is a must-visit when coming to Danang city. The market is a lively hive of activity from early morning until late at night. While it operates throughout the day, it truly comes alive in the evening when the temperatures are cooler and the lights illuminate the market’s exterior.

Han Market is a one-stop-shop for just about anything you might need. From clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs, the market offers a wide variety of goods which are traded all day long. The extensive selection of Vietnamese silk clothing, traditional Ao Dai dresses, and tailor-made garments make it a popular destination for those seeking fashionable attire at affordable prices.

For food lovers, at the Han Market in Da Nang, there are many stalls selling specialty foods of Da Nang, such as: banh beo, banh xeo, nem lui,…

Location: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5. Ky Lua Night Market

Ky Lua Night Market is one of Vietnam’s oldest night markets that still exist today. Located in Lang Son province, a northern border province where many ethnic minorities reside, this market has been around for over a hundred years. It used to be more than just a monthly market where locals exchanged goods; it was also known as a “love market” where young people from ethnic minorities came to find love.

Nowadays, the night market has transformed into a bustling trade center for Lang Son province, attracting not only Vietnamese but also Chinese traders

Visiting the market, you will be immersed in the vibrant cultural spaces of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, including Lung, Tay, Dao, and more, as well as the breathtaking natural scenery of the mountains. Here, you can discover a wide range of colorful handmade products created by ethnic women, such as brocade fabric, goat skin drums, panpipes, flutes, and intricately crafted silver and copper items.

Location: Hoang Van Thu Street, Lang Son City, Lang Son Province, Vietnam
Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

6. Dalat Night Market

The mountainous town of Dalat, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” offers a night market experience that’s different from the coastal cities. Dalat Night Market exudes a cooler, more refreshing vibe, and it’s a great place to explore after a day of exploring the town’s beautiful gardens and lakes.

Here, you can find local produce such as fresh strawberries, artichokes, and flowers, as well as a wide range of unique souvenirs. Dalat’s night market also offers various street food options, including grilled corn, sweet potato cakes, and hot soy milk. Take a stroll through this market, and you’ll likely be charmed by its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.

Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Dalat
Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

7. Sapa Night Market

Sapa is renowned for its vast and beautiful mountains, natural landscapes, and chilly weather. It also draws many travelers who want to explore the vibrant lives of the local people, which can be easily witnessed at the night market. There are various handmade products available for sale, such as brocade fabric made by H’Mong and Red Dao people – two of the many ethnic groups in Sapa.

Sa Pa Night Market is not the only place for shopping, but also for food lovers. In the cold weather of Sapa, what was more amazing was to try some regional specialties like thang co, a Hmong-style hotpot, or corn roasted over an open flame.

Location: N1 Street, near Sapa cultural market, easily reached from Sapa Stone Church
Opening hours: 4 PM – 10 PM on weekend (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

Vietnam tourism not only impresses visitors with beautiful landscapes and historical tourist areas, but also with unique cultural aspects that are closely associated with the local people’s lives throughout different regions of Vietnam, typical of which are the night markets. If you are a travel enthusiast who enjoys the bustling and vibrant atmosphere at night, you should visit these 7 famous night markets.

I hope that you will have an interesting experience, mixed emotions, and many unforgettable memories from my list.