Night Markets in Vietnam: A Complete Shopping Guide

The night markets of Vietnam are inseparable from the country’s culture and food. Night markets are more authentic than the daytime tourist places, and they show the daily life of the people with the street food, handicrafts, textiles, and everyday human contact mingling in the lively and colourful places. The markets from the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the riverside stalls of Hoi An, all lit up with lanterns and thus, their diversity is well tasted through the different flavours, crafts, and rituals. The guide gives tips on timing, transportation, hygiene, shopping, and safety, thereby assisting the travellers, from the beginners to the experienced, through the most efficient and genuine night market experience.

Why Vietnam’s Night Markets Are a Must-Visit

Night markets are the heart of Vietnam after dark-messy, dense, unscripted, and full of authentic culture, street food, and handmade goods. This guide is for:

• Travellers seeking local experiences beyond tourist traps
• Families optimising for safety and variety
• Food enthusiasts and street-food photographers
• Shoppers hunting for souvenirs, textiles, and local crafts

For island-specific night activities, see things to do at night in Phu Quoc.

Vietnam Night Market Essentials: Timing, Cash & Safety

Timing

• Markets usually run from 5-6 pm to 10-12 pm
• Friday-Sunday = peak crowds
• Special events: Hoi An’s full-moon lantern nights, Tet holidays

Cash & Survival Gear

• Cash is king; small bills are essential
• Transport fares: 7,000-20,000 VND for short buses
• Bring: sturdy shoes, backup battery, reusable bag, sanitiser, warm layer for Đà Lạt/coasts

Security & Hygiene

• Zipped bags, avoid distractions in crowds
• Eat cooked food; look for local lines
• Bottled water only; inform vendors of allergies
• Travel insurance recommended

Transportation & Practical Numbers

• Taxi/Grab: base fare ~35,000 VND; airport runs 200-400k VND
• Motorbike rentals: 150-300k/day
• Grab helps avoid scams; check for airport surcharges

Booking & Logistics

• Most travellers can wing it
• For convenience, pre-book guides, custom tours, or fast-track packages (e.g., Pickyourtrail)

Vietnam Night Markets: City-by-City Guide

City	Market	Hours	Prime Times	Highlights
Hanoi	Old Quarter Night Market	Fri-Sun ~18:00-24:00	Weekends	Handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, bun cha, egg coffee
HCMC	Ben Thanh Night Market	Daily ~18:00-24:00	Evenings	Clothes, knockoff brands, cơm tấm, seafood
Hoi An	Riverside Night Market	Daily ~17:00-22:00	Nights, full moon	Lanterns, custom suits, silk, cao lầu
Da Nang	Son Tra / Helio	~17:00-23:00	Evenings, weekends	Snacks, seafood skewers, crafts
Nha Trang	Tran Phu Night Market	~18:00-24:00	Evenings	Seafood, ceramics, grilled foods
Đà Lạt	Am Phu Night Market	~17:00-00:00+	Evenings	Produce, warm snacks, bánh tráng nướng, hot soy milk

Vietnam Insider City Tips

• Hanoi: Go early to beat crowds; the Old Quarter is walkable
• HCMC: Use Grab; haggle on clothes
• Hoi An: Lantern zone peaks before 8 pm
• Da Nang: Check pop-up schedules at Helio
• Nha Trang: Freshness matters; follow local lines
• Đà Lạt: Wear warm clothes; lanes are tight, secure your wallet

What to Buy & How to Bargain in Vietnam

Handicrafts

• Lacquer, bamboo, ceramics, and embroidery
• Village-made = higher quality

Clothes & Tailors

• Silk, áo dài, made-to-order suits (Hoi An speciality)
• Sample items, confirm time/costs

Jewelry & Pearls

• Coastal pearls, silver
• Get guarantees if possible

Coffee & Edible Souvenirs

• Vietnamese coffee, sealed nước mắm, spices, craft chocolate

Specialities / Customs Quirks

• Hoi An lanterns, salangane, fruit preserves
• Avoid untreated leather, raw bamboo, and incense; keep receipts

Price Signals & Negotiation

• Scope multiple stalls; don’t anchor too low
• Phrases:
  
  • “Cái này bao nhiêu?” = What’s the cost?
  • “Bạn có thể bớt cho tôi được không?” = Can you reduce the price?
  • “Cảm ơn, tôi đi xem trước đã.” = Thanks, I’ll think about it

Recognising Quality

• Textiles: stitching, lining, labels
• Electronics: demo + receipt/warranty
• Jewellery: ask for details and guarantees

Vietnam Street Food & Health After Dark

Clean Stall Indicators

• Cooked to order, visible kitchen, crowded stalls
• Avoid raw seafood not chilled or fast turnover

Health Tips

• Bottled water only
• Prefer cooked/hot dishes
• Carry antacids; explain allergies
• Observe washing & handling practices

Vietnam Personal Security & Transport

Security

• Keep valuables zipped; plan exit route
• Stick with trusted taxis or Grab

Night Transfers

• Major drop-off points recommended (e.g., bridges, main roads)
• Pre-booked transfers or curated packages reduce stress

Transport Costs Recap

• Taxis/Grab: 35k VND local, 200-400k VND airport
• Motorbike: 150-300k/day
• City buses: only daylight, 7,000-20,000 VND

Night Market Itineraries & Photography

2-Hour Sprint (19:00-21:00)

• Hotel pickup, browse 30-45 mins, eat one snack, buy a souvenir

4-5 Hour Deep Dive (18:00-23:00)

• Eat four dishes, shop for tailored or craft items, and dessert/coffee

Full Lantern Night (17:00-22:30)

• Hoi An full-moon market, riverside dinner, pre-book transfers

Photography Tips

• Blue hour + Night Mode
• Focus on textures, hands, food; skip generic crowds

Vendor Selection & Seasonal Notes

• Ask for vetted vendors or sample photos
• Custom itinerary services can manage schedule drift and vendor quality
• Tet and monsoon season affect hours, crowds, and access
• Guides help with negotiation, group coordination, and language barriers

Vietnam Night Market Checklist

• Small bills for purchases
• Check opening hours and event dates
• Choose crowded stalls for hygiene and turnover
• Carry a pocket med kit
• Book transfers or concierge services for frictionless visits

Final Thoughts

The night markets of Vietnam are not just places to buy and sell, but are also vibrant in the local culture. With careful planning as to when and how, and by knowing the local trade practices and dealing with trustworthy sellers, vacationers can taste real street food, get unusual gifts, and have deep contacts with the locals. No matter whether wandering through the markets of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Đà Lạt, these markets give you the most exciting combination of food, culture, and lively atmosphere, which is impossible to find in any day tour.

FAQ: Night Markets in Vietnam

1: What time do night markets open?
Usually 5-6 pm, closing 10-12 pm; Friday-Sunday are busiest.

2: How much cash do I need?
Small bills for street food and stalls; taxis/Grab ~35k VND local, 200-400k VND airport.

3: Are street foods safe?
Cooked food at crowded stalls is safest; bottled water only.

4: Can I bargain in markets?
Yes, ask price first, negotiate politely, and walk away if needed.

5: Best markets by city?

• Hanoi: Old Quarter
• HCMC: Ben Thanh
• Hoi An: Riverside / Lantern Night
• Da Nang: Son Tra / Helio
• Nha Trang: Tran Phu
• Đà Lạt: Am Phu

6: Should I pre-book transfers?
Recommended for convenience, especially for airport pickups or full-night itineraries.

Q: What to buy?
A: Handicrafts, silk, áo dài, pearls, coffee, spices, Hoi An lanterns.Q: When to avoid night markets?
A: Tet holidays and monsoon season; check local opening hours.