Hoi An’s Ancient Town was once a bustling Vietnamese trading port from the 17th to the 18th century. Today, it has become a world-renowned tourist destination, characterized by its tranquil and ancient beauty. However, Hoi An Market stands out as a vibrant, bustling, and lively spot. Join DanangPrivateCar.com to visit Hoi An Market, witness the culinary paradise of Quang Nam, and discover the uniqueness in its architecture and culture.
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An Overview of Hoi An Market
If you want to learn about the way of life, cultural identity, and the unique cuisine of Hoi An in particular, and Quang Nam in general, the simplest and quickest way is to take a stroll around Hoi An Market. This market is a bustling culinary paradise and one of the most diverse shopping destinations in the world, serving the needs of tourists.
Hoi An’s ancient town is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site and was once the busiest trading port in Vietnam. It was a hub for trade and the exchange of goods between countries in the 17th and 18th centuries, attracting numerous international visitors.
Therefore, Hoi An Market, located in the heart of the ancient town, has become a hot spot, with a large number of tourists visiting every day when traveling to Hoi An.
Hoi An Market, while relatively modest in size, offers a wide range of goods with distinct areas to meet the shopping and exploration needs of tourists. The market includes areas for food, souvenirs, dry goods, fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
The market opens from early morning until late at night, approximately from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, on all days of the week to cater to the extensive shopping and exploration desires of visitors from near and far.
Hoi An Market – Location and Directions
Where is Hoi An Market?
Hoi An Market is located right in the heart of the ancient town, at a prime intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tran Phu Street, and Bach Dang Street. It’s incredibly easy to find and convenient for tourists visiting Hoi An’s ancient town for shopping.
This market has been voted by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the most attractive food paradises in the world, loved by both tourists and locals alike.
How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An Market.
- Motorbike: If you want to have the freedom to move around, you can rent a motorbike in Da Nang and travel to Hoi An. The distance is only about 20 km, and the route is beautiful and easy to navigate. The cost of renting a motorbike is approximately 120,000 – 150,000 VND per day. Follow the coastal road Vo Nguyen Giap from My Khe Beach heading towards Cua Dai Beach. When you get close to Hoi An, you’ll come to an intersection; turn left to An Bang Beach, and then turn right to enter the ancient town. Hoi An Market is right in the center of the old town.
- Car: If you are traveling to Hoi An with your family or a group of friends, consider using a car for greater convenience. The route is the same as when traveling by motorbike. You can easily book a private car service from Da Nang to Hoi An through DanangPrivateCar.com.
In Hoi An, there are various public transportation services like taxis, motorbike taxis, and cyclos that serve tourists. If you want more convenience and flexibility, you can rent bicycles or motorbikes in Hoi An to explore the area.
The Unique Architecture of Hoi An Market.
Located in the heart of the old town, Hoi An Market reflects the distinctive appearance of an ancient town with its rustic, simple, and antique architectural style.
The bright yellow-painted walls, a characteristic feature of the old town, and the moss-covered tile roofs that have weathered the test of time contribute to the serene yet striking beauty of Hoi An Market. This leaves a lasting impression on all visitors as they depart.
Despite its relatively small size, the market is well-organized with distinct areas, making it easy for tourists to move around, find their preferred items, and stop to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
Experiences for Tourists When Visiting Hoi An Market
Indulge in Check-In Moments
As introduced earlier, Hoi An Market boasts a unique architectural style characteristic of an old-town market. So, when you visit Hoi An Market, don’t forget to check in and capture those memorable moments! You can even pair your visit with vintage outfits and accessories like fabric bags, conical hats, which are perfect for that “market” concept.
Explore Local Cuisine
Roaming the market without stopping to taste some of the delicious dishes would be a missed opportunity. Despite its relatively small size, Hoi An Market is renowned as a famous culinary paradise with countless delectable dishes, reasonably priced, and inviting for all food enthusiasts.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Way of Life
Exploring a local market is the quickest and easiest way to understand the lives and cultures of the local people. Here, you can discover the unique products of Quang Nam, exquisite traditional handicrafts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
The market is also a bustling place for interaction between vendors, tourists, and local people. The cheerful smiles, warm greetings, and friendly conversations are always present on the faces of the market sellers. This experience will undoubtedly be a memorable part of your journey back to Hoi An.
Delicious “Must-Try” Dishes at Hoi An Market
What makes Hoi An Market a famous culinary paradise near and far? Let’s embark on a culinary journey at Hoi An Market with a list of delectable specialties that you can’t afford to miss.
Hoi An Bread (Banh Mi Hoi An)
Banh Mi Hoi An is renowned as the best bread in the world, a testament to its irresistible appeal. Wherever you go in the S-shaped country of Vietnam, you can easily find eateries selling banh mi. However, Hoi An Bread still asserts its brand with its uniquely fragrant and distinctive taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Hoi An Bread is a dense baguette with a crispy crust, soft and aromatic interior, often generously filled with fresh vegetables, meat, pate, and sauce.
- Price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND per sandwich
Cao Lau
Originating from China, Cao Lau, when it arrived in Hoi, has been tweaked and spiced up to match the Vietnamese palate. Cao Lau is a dish composed of yellow noodles, served with shrimp, slices of pork, rice crackers, fresh greens, and a flavorful broth. This dish has become an integral part of Hoi An’s culinary heritage and is a must-try when you visit Hoi An Market.
- Price: 25,000 – 35,000 VND per bowl
Mi Quang (Quang Noodle)
Visiting Hoi An without trying Mi Quang is like not having been to Hoi An at all. Therefore, any tourist visiting Hoi An Market often orders a bowl of Mi Quang with either meat, eggs, shrimp, chicken, or fish to savor.
- Price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND per bowl
Banh Xeo – Nem Lui (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake and Grilled Skewers)
Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake and Grilled Skewers in Hoi An is made from rice flour, filled with ingredients such as pork, shrimp, and mung beans. When the crispy, golden pancake is served, its crunchiness blends with the savory filling, fresh herbs, rice paper, and a sweet dipping sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience. Banh Xeo and Nem Lui are often ordered together, and you will surely remember their flavors when you visit Hoi An.
- Price: Banh Xeo costs about 8,000 – 12,000 VND each, and Nem Lui is around 5,000 – 8,000 VND each.
Hen Xao Xuc Banh Da (Clams Sauteed with Sesame Rice Crackers)
A simple but incredibly attractive dish is Clams Sauteed with Sesame Rice Crackers. Crispy rice crackers are dipped in a mixture of clams, herbs, fried shallots, and a special sauce, providing a mouthwatering experience.
- Price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND per dish
Banh Dap Hoi An (Hoi An Smashed Rice Paper)
The enduring popularity of Hoi An Smashed Rice Paper, a simple and rustic dish, remains a mystery. A crispy rice cracker is folded in half and paired with a wet rice paper, dipped in a sauce made from chili, sugar, and other ingredients. It’s simple, but you’ll find yourself going for a second or third piece when you try this dish.
- Price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND per serving
Banh Uot Cuon Thit Nuong (Grilled Meat Rolled in Wet Rice Paper)
This is an elaborate and tantalizing dish, creating an irresistible flavor for diners. Grilled Meat Rolled in Wet Rice Paper includes: steamed rice paper, rice cracker, grilled skewered meat marinated to perfection.
When eating, the delicious aroma of grilled meat blends with the softness of steamed rice paper, fresh herbs, pickled mango, cucumber, and a special sauce.
- Price: Around 80,000 – 100,000 VND per serving
Various Sweet Desserts (Che)
Hoi An’s Che comes in a diverse and rich menu, serving sweet, aromatic, and refreshing desserts that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hoi An Market.
- Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND per bowl.
What to Buy as Souvenirs from Hoi An Market?
Souvenir Items
When traveling, delightful and meaningful small gifts for friends and family back home are essential. In Hoi An Market, you’ll find a plethora of souvenir items to choose from. These include accessories, silk scarves, woven bags, traditional toys, and more. With a wide variety of styles, designs, and prices, you can easily find something to suit your preferences.
Green Bean Cakes
Green bean cakes are one of the most popular specialties that tourists often buy as gifts. There are two types: soft cakes (bánh ướt) and dry cakes (bánh khô), both shaped into round molds. When you bite into them, you’ll experience the fragrant outer layer of green bean cake combined with a savory, aromatic pork filling.
Cherry Liquor (Ruou Hong Dao)
Hoi An’s cherry liquor is known for its distinctive aroma and strong, spicy taste, which captivates travelers. The liquor is made by mixing cooked and cooled rice with cherry leaves and fermenting the mixture in a jar for a week. Finally, thin slices of ripe cherries are added, and the concoction is left to ferment for another 100 days to achieve its exquisite flavor.
Ancestor Cakes
An ancient specialty of Hoi An that cannot be overlooked is the ancestor cake, which comes in brown or black colors and is made from glutinous rice flour and molasses.
Hoi An Chili Sauce
The unique flavor of Hoi An’s specialties is often attributed to a special ingredient: Hoi An chili sauce. Don’t forget to buy Hoi An chili sauce at Hoi An Market so that you can bring the taste of Hoi An’s delicious cuisine home with you after your trip.
Cam Thanh Fish Sauce
Cam Thanh fish sauce comes in various types such as liquid fish sauce, fermented fish paste, shrimp paste, anchovy sauce, and more. These products have built a reputable brand in the market due to their unique, delicious aroma and guaranteed food safety standards.
Tips to Remember When Visiting Hoi An Market:
- Flexible Schedule: Hoi An Market is open from early morning until evening, so you can plan your visit at any time during the day.
- Friendly Locals: The people of Quang Nam are known for their warmth and friendliness. If you need assistance finding a particular item or have any questions while shopping, don’t hesitate to ask the local vendors or residents for quick help.
- Fresh Seafood: If you want to purchase fresh seafood caught right from the sea, it’s best to visit the market in the early morning when the market starts.
- Negotiate Prices: Prices at the market are generally very reasonable, but if you wish, you can still haggle a bit to get the closest possible deal.
- Crowded Market: Hoi An Market can be extremely crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. Be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings to ensure their safety.
Other must-visit markets in Hoi An
In addition to the bustling Hoi An market, the ancient town is also known for many other special markets, eagerly awaiting visitors to explore and discover.
Hoi An Market exclusively for women
Can you believe it? Hoi An has a special market where mostly only women participate. Like other markets, this place sells local products such as vegetables, corn, and seafood…
However, mostly only women engage in wholesale trading at this market, as it operates very early in the morning, from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
- Address: South of Cam Nam Bridge, near the intersection of Phan Boi Chau and Hoang Dieu, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Thanh Ha Fish Market
Thanh Ha Fish Market comes to life around 4:00 AM every morning, specializing in selling the freshest and finest seafood just caught from the sea. This is the primary market that supplies fresh seafood for the local community.
- Address: Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Nguyen Hoang Night Market
Hoi An Night Market consists of about 50 stalls selling various products and goods, showcasing the local folk culture with items like lanterns, silk fabrics, clothing, and souvenirs…
The enchanting atmosphere of the night market, with its vibrant lanterns, beneath the ancient, closely-packed roofs along Hoi Street, is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on visitors.
- Address: Across from the Cau Bridge, Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
The special and fascinating features mentioned above have undoubtedly helped you find the answer to what makes Hoi An Market so attractive to tourists. Rest assured, you won’t regret a single moment spent exploring and getting to know this unique market, one of the most enticing food paradises in the world, cherished by both travelers and locals alike.
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