Night markets in Vietnam are a vibrant highlight for travelers, offering open-air experiences that come alive after sunset. Unlike day markets focusing more on business and trade, night markets are designed for enjoyment. Their vibrant energy and spectacular settings draw tourists and locals alike, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors.
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Vietnam embraces the allure of its night markets, with many scattered across the country in diverse locations. These markets offer historic, vibrant, and exotic scenes, making them the perfect addition to any getaway vacation. Below are some of the top night markets in Vietnam that you won’t want to miss.
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market.
Nestled in Hanoi Old Quarter, the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is arguably the most famous among Hanoi night markets. Just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, it thrives in a densely populated area rich with history. Open every weekend from 6 pm to midnight, the market stretches along Hang Dao Street, buzzing with activity. The market boasts a variety of goods, including clothes, salted dried fruits, sweets, stationery, and an abundance of food stalls. Adventurous eaters can dive into local delicacies like Hanoi Pho, Bun Cha, Vietnamese bread, and roasted quail. For first-time visitors, this market is an unmissable introduction to Vietnam’s night market scene.
Ky Lua Night Market
Ky Lua night market.
A longstanding gem in Lang Son near the Chinese border, Ky Lua Night Market has a rich history. This market has thrived for generations, operating on a lunar calendar schedule with six sessions each month (on the 2nd and 7th days). It’s a gathering place for ethnic groups like Tay, Dao, and Nung, whose youths flock here to shop, socialize, and even court potential partners. Stalls overflow with handmade crafts, local produce, and affordable clothing, while the air hums with laughter and chatter. Less touristy than Hanoi’s market, Ky Lua offers an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnam’s traditions—a hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Hoi An Night Market
Lantern-lit market in Hoi An.
Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient trading port in Quang Nam province, comes alive each evening along Nguyen Hoang Road with its enchanting night market. Starting at 5 pm, this riverside market glows under the soft light of silk lanterns—a signature Hoi An craft. Vendors sell everything from beaded necklaces to intricately embroidered fabrics, alongside steaming plates of Cao Lau and flavorful Quang Noodle. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a postcard, with the Thu Bon River reflecting lantern hues and street music adding to the charm. It’s a romantic, laid-back spot perfect for souvenir hunting or a quiet evening stroll.
Ha Long Night Market
Night market in Ha Long.
Ha Long, famous for its UNESCO-listed bay of limestone karsts, also boasts a thriving night market near Bai Chay Beach. Running daily from 6 pm to midnight, this market offers wooden crafts, handmade clothing, bags, and accessories. Food vendors tempt visitors with grilled seafood and fresh coconut water. The proximity to Ha Long Bay’s natural wonders makes this market a convenient stop, blending scenic beauty with a taste of local life.
Nha Trang Night Market
Nha Trang night market.
Located along the walking street near the cultural center, Nha Trang Night Market is the city’s largest. Starting at 7 pm, it offers handmade jewelry, dazzling fabrics, dried seafood, and aloe wood products. Nearby, trendy cafes and bars beckon for a post-shopping drink, their neon signs lighting up the warm night air. It’s a lively, modern take on Vietnam’s night market tradition.
Am Phu Night Market
Am Phu night market.
In the misty hill town of Da Lat, Am Phu Night Market opens at 5 pm. At night, the city infuses this market with a cool, refreshing vibe. You can snag warm sweaters, quirky souvenirs, sugary candies, and dried fruits like persimmons and apricots—the region’s agricultural specialties. Street food stalls dish out hot Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese “pizza”) and fragrant soups to ward off the evening chill. The market’s relaxed pace and mountain backdrop make it a standout for travelers seeking a quieter night market experience.
Dinh Cau Night Market
Dinh Cau night market.
Located in Duong Dong town on Phu Quoc Island, Dinh Cau Night Market runs from 5 pm to midnight, drawing crowds with its tropical island vibe. Tourists from the beach browse stalls loaded with pearl jewelry, seashell crafts, and souvenirs, while food vendors grill fresh seafood: prawns, squid, and fish right before your eyes. The scent of salty air mingles with sizzling dishes, creating an irresistible draw. With its laid-back island vibe and proximity to the Dinh Cau Temple, this market offers a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Ho Thi Ky flower market.
In Ho Chi Minh City’s District 10 in Ward 1, the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market blooms from midnight to 3 am, serving night owls and early risers alike. As the city’s largest flower market, it’s a garden of roses, orchids, and lotus blossoms, attracting florists, decorators, and curious tourists. Beyond flowers, food stalls serve late-night delights like Banh Mi and hearty noodle soups, fueling vendors and visitors through midnight hours. The surreal sight of a floral wonderland under streetlights makes this market a unique addition to Vietnam’s night market tapestry.
Ben Thanh Night Market
Ben Thanh night market.
A crown jewel among night markets in Vietnam, Ben Thanh night market in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 operates from 5 pm to midnight. By day, it’s a bustling indoor bazaar. By night, it spills onto the streets with an electric energy. Food reigns supreme here, with stalls offering Pho, Bun Cha, and Hanoi-style noodle dishes alongside Hue’s steamed cakes wrapped in banana leaves and the Mekong Delta’s crispy Banh Xeo pancakes. Shoppers can also score clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market’s central location and diverse offerings make it a magnet for travelers eager to taste Vietnam’s culinary and cultural diversity in one spot.
Night Markets in Vietnam Are a Must-Visit
Night markets in Vietnam are more than just places to shop or eat—they’re exceptional tourist attractions that showcase each city’s historical roots and cultural richness through their vibrant displays. They’re affordable, accessible, and endlessly entertaining, offering everything from a $1 bowl of noodles to a handcrafted keepsake. For tourists, they’re a gateway to understanding Vietnam beyond the guidebooks—places where locals laugh, eat, and trade.
Vietnam’s night markets promise an experience that lingers long after the stalls close. Plan your trip, pack your curiosity, and dive into these nocturnal wonders—they’re the beating heart of Vietnam after dark.
