The ancient town in Vietnam once drenched in yellow transforms into a colourful, vibrant and magical world at nightfall. In this part of our must-try list in Hoi An, we complete the culturally-immersive journey with more activities and attractions to experience at night!
Visit Hoi An’s Night Market
Once dubbed as a “global food paradise” by Lonely Planet, Hoi An still lives up to the title till today with its endless array of food options. Cross the Bridge of Lights – a short bridge connecting the ancient town to a smaller island - and follow the throngs of people heading to the Hoi An night market.
Vendors sell trinkets, imitation luxury-branded apparels, toys and many other items. Hawkers attract customers with aromas from Vietnamese street food such as spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, fresh local fruits, as well as non-traditional items like banana crepe pancakes and rolled ice cream.
Address: Nguyễn Hoàng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4:30pm - 10pm
Spoil Yourself with a Fancy Dinner
Settling for the night market as your dinner option also means a lot of walking and standing around, so why not spoil yourself instead with a fancy dinner at one of the popular restaurants mentioned below and enjoy the finest of Vietnamese cuisine paired with a glass of wine, cocktail or a pint of crisp beer.
Mango Mango
Far from ordinary, Mango Mango serves local food with a twist. Being one of the most popular restaurants in this little town, this Vietnamese fusion restaurant has maintained consistency in its food quality throughout the years. Enjoy a scenic magical view of the Thu Bon River in front of you as you tuck into one of their tasty creations.
Address: 45 Nguyễn Phúc Chu, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 3pm - 10pm
Morning Glory
Another eatery offering a fresh take on contemporary Vietnamese cuisine is this casual restaurant located 5 minutes away from the Japanese Covered Bridge. Order delicacies such as the White Rose Dumplings, Mackerel in Banana Leaf and Da Nang’s speciality dish, Mì Quảng for a truly satisfying meal.
Address: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 11pm
Light a Floating Lantern
As you walk away from the rows of shophouses towards the riverfront, be greeted by another side of Hoi An. Street vendors come forward with bags filled with paper lanterns and persuade you into purchasing one. They usually cost around US$1 - 2. If you think a vendor is charging you too much, you could try bargaining or buying more for a cheaper price. However, if both of you fail to reach a comfortable price, simply walk away.
Once you’ve gotten your lanterns, light them up and make a wish for better days ahead, then send them down the river. The paper lanterns floating on the water make for a beautiful sight, especially in the dark.
Experience a Traditional Wooden Lantern Boat Ride
At nightfall, board a wooden lantern boat at the riverfront and go on a magical fairytale journey. A true Disney fan will be able to relate this experience to the gorgeous scene in the movie Tangled, but this time, it’s with a distinctly Vietnamese vibe.
Watch a Vietnamese Bamboo Circus Performance
Catch a spectacular cultural arts performance in this prominent dome-shaped building by Lune Productions. The dance company incorporates both modern and traditional moves in a brilliant blend of local dance, acrobatics, singing and beat-boxing percussion. Tickets can be purchased online (starting from US$30) or at the ticketing stands outside the building.
Address: 1A Nguyễn Phúc Chu, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
In a nutshell, Hoi An is a small but mighty town that is easily covered in a day or two. The food and attractions are relatively inexpensive, and the pedestrian-dedicated streets are easy to walk on. It’s a no-frills day trip located 45-minutes away from Da Nang city. Consider staying a night or two at this beautiful UNESCO heritage site if you prefer to take it all in at a slower pace.
