A perfect guide to explore Hoi An morning market

Hoi An morning market offers a unique cultural experience with its rich ancient town delicacies and specialties. This place has been voted by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the most attractive culinary paradises for both locals and tourists around the world.

About Hoi An morning market

History

Built in 1841, Hoi An market is more than just a place for trading; it is also an essential part of local history and culture, with a rich history spanning centuries. Hoi An market, in particular, and Hoi An Ancient Town in general, were formerly one of the most thriving domestic and international commerce hubs specializing in the selling of imported products. This is a stopover for international merchants to come for business and settle down, which is why, when you arrive in Hoi An, you will notice the diversity in cuisine, culture, and architecture.

Outstanding features

• Architecture: Hoi An morning market features distinctive architectural elements of the ancient town with the ancient yellow walls and red tiled roofs. The market’s beam and column system is solidly designed, reflecting French architectural influences.
• Title: Lonely Planet magazine selected Hoi An morning market as one of six “culinary paradises” for both tourists and locals.
• Market layout: The market space is divided into various areas such as the seafood section, fruit section, vegetable section, food section, and souvenir section. The stalls are arranged neatly and cleanly.

Read more: Discover Quang Nam Province: A perfect travel destination 

Where and when to visit Hoi An morning market? 

Address: No. 19 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Situated right in the heart of the Old Quarter, it takes just a few minutes of walking to reach this “food paradise.” Hoi An Market is open from early morning till late at night – from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week in order to meet the high demand for sightseeing and shopping from both locals and tourists.

Top things to do when visiting Hoi An morning market

Hoi An morning market offers a vibrant experience with plenty to explore and enjoy. From savoring local delicacies to admiring traditional crafts, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the charm and culture of this iconic destination.

• Taking aesthetic photos 

Hoi An Market reflects the timeless charm of the ancient town, with its moss-covered roofs, weathered yellow walls, and rustic simplicity. This unique beauty never fails to captivate visitors, who find themselves irresistibly drawn to capture its stunning scenes through their cameras. Pair it with vintage-style outfits, woven bags, or a traditional conical hat – a perfect look for your “market day” photos!

• Savoring excellent cuisine

A trip to the market wouldn’t be complete without stopping to taste some local delicacies. Though modest in size, Hoi An morning market is filled with countless mouthwatering dishes at affordable prices:

• Banh Mi Hoi An

Price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND each.

Ranked among the best sandwiches in the world, Banh mi Hoi An asserts its class with a uniquely delicious and distinctive flavor that cannot be found anywhere else. Banh mi Hoi An is a sort of bread that is always hot and crispy on the outside but soft and flavorful inside. A Hoi An banh mi, in particular, is always fully stuffed with fresh veggies, beef, pork, pâté, and drenched in sauce.

• Cao Lau Hoi An

Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND

Cao lầu is hailed as the pride of the culinary culture of Hoi An Ancient Town. This dish originated from China, but it has been reinterpreted by the locals and has become a unique specialty of Hoi An. The cao lau noodles are bright yellow, served with char siu, pork, rice paper, shrimp, various fresh herbs, and a rich broth.

• Hoi An Sweet Soup

Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND

When visiting Hoi An morning market, you can not miss the colorful stalls selling different sorts of sweet soup. Hoi An sweet soup is simple, with a natural sweetness and pleasant aroma that would be perfect to enjoy on a sunny day. Popular sweet soup varieties include: lotus seed, black sesame, Xí Mà, mung bean, floating rice ball, and corn sweet soup…

• Hoi An stir-fried clam rice crackers

Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND

Stir-fried clam rice crackers are one of the most popular dishes that many tourists choose to enjoy when visiting Hoi An morning market. The fresh clams are thoroughly cleaned, then stir-fried with various spices, fried onions, onions, peanuts, Vietnamese coriander, chili, releasing an irresistible aroma. Stir-fried clams are rich in flavor, while crispy rice crackers are crunchy and nutty, and when paired with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, they arouse all of the diners’ senses.

• Banh Beo Hoi An (Steamed rice cake)

Price: 5,000 – 15,000 VND

Banh Beo is a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An morning market. The rice flour grinding technique is crucial in order to create the tastiest cake. Little, round bowls are used to mold the cakes and are the ideal size for a single serving. The filling is often made of minced pork, shrimp, and other flavorful ingredients. Lastly, a splash of fish sauce and a dash of green onions are added for the final touch.  

• Buying unique gifts and souvenirs 

Besides the tempting cuisine, you can also choose many gifts for your loved ones in Hoi An morning market. There are a wide range of handicrafts, specialties, and souvenirs for tourists to choose from.

• Old Town Chili Sauce

The chili sauce here is unlike any other chili sauce you’ve ever had; it has a delightfully fiery chili flavor, a garlic scent, and a subtle nuttiness from roasted peanuts. This sauce is suitable for foods such as cao lau, chicken rice, fermented pork, and Quang noodle.

• Green Bean Cake

Hội An mung bean cake is a popular delicacy with a unique flavor. This cake’s preparation method is unique: the dough is baked rather than steamed after it has been molded. As a result, the cake has a very fragrant and deep flavor that pairs well with green tea.

• Handcrafted goods.

Visitors to Hoi An morning market can purchase handmade goods as gifts. These include colorfully woven bags, jackets, bracelets, clothes, and tablecloths, or gifts made of seashells,.. These items are all handmade by Hoi An artists, with excellent quality and distinctive eye-catching patterns.

Tips when visiting Hoi An morning market

• Hoi An Market is open all day, so you can drop by anytime.
• Visit in the early morning for freshly caught seafood.
• Come in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy the magical lantern-lit atmosphere.
• The vendors here are friendly, honest, and don’t overcharge.
• Food prices are affordable and clearly listed on menus, ensuring a worry-free experience.  

When Hoi An Ancient Town earned its UNESCO World Heritage status, Hoi An Market seemed to reclaim its historic splendor. Today, it stands as one of the most popular attractions in the Old Quarter, drawing countless visitors every year.

If you are looking for a great resort for a trip to Hoi An that combines nature and high-class service, Bliss Hoi An Resort & Wellness is an exceptional choice. Our resort offers a tranquil setting surrounded by lush greenery near the sea, perfect for relaxation and peace. Featuring amenities like a spa and an outdoor swimming pool, Bliss Hoi An ensures not only a restful stay but also unique experiences for its guests.

Read more: Explore Hoi An Market: The heart of local culture & cuisine