Hoi An Central Market Place guide

When it comes to immersing yourself in local life, nothing is as exciting as visiting a city’s central market. If it’s your first time visiting the Vietnamese markets, prepare for back and forth shouting matches between patrons and stall owners, or the heat resonating from the crowd. But if you’re familiar with the local market scene, you’ll know that this is simply how people say hello! So if you find yourself in the city of Hoi An, don’t forget to stop by the Hoi An markets.

What to do: From the motorcycles parked outside the main entrance to the smell of numerous fresh catch of the day, Hoi An’s Central Market is definitely not the place for people who want to sit back and relax. With the many goods to see, smell, and feel here, it will almost be impossible to stop and decide what to do next, but this is all part of the central market’s charm. 

Right up front, sellers will greet their customers with a full-fledged smile as they do their best to entice you to buy their goods. If you believe that you can match up to their bargaining skills, then take the challenge and haggle with them. Walk deeper towards the back and you’ll find more stalls – with friendlier prices – and various other eateries. Fill up on Hoi An’s favorite dishes such as banh xeo pancakes, or head back to the action; the choice is yours when you are in Hoi An Central Market.

Tip: For those who are only planning to browse the market and not purchase anything, simply smile and move on. Expect owners to drive their wares hard, so do not be surprised or mistake this gesture as something negative.

Getting there: The market is located near the Nguyen Hue and Tran Phu Roads on the Thu Bon River, which can be easily reached by foot or bike. Hoi An Central Market opening hours are from 6:30am onward.