Overview of Hoi An Market
Hoi An Market is an ideal place which you should not miss when travelling to Hoi An Ancient Town which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999. Here, you can savor the delicious local cuisine, admire the charming French architecture of the market, and gain a better insight into the daily life of the locals. Read on to discover more interesting things about this bustling market.
Where is Hoi An Market?
Address: No. 19, Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
Located at the intersection of three main streets including Tran Phu, Bach Dang and Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An Market has been one of the most important trading points of Hoi An for a long time. The market is also located near many other tourist attractions such as Sa Huynh Culture Museum, Cau Pagoda, Tan Ky Old House and Cantonese Assembly Hall. Owning a prime location, Hoi An Market can be easily reached from all parts of Hoi An Ancient Town.
History of Hoi An Market Vietnam
During the 16th – 19th centuries, Hoi An was one of the most bustling trading centers for Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants in Southeast Asia. Until the early 18th century, Hoi An Market was a distribution hub of foreign products. At first, the market was built near Ong Voi communal house before being moved to the area near Bach Dang River, where it is expanded as it is now.
Architecture of Hoi An Market
Being built during the French colonial period in Vietnam, Hoi An Market, similar to other constructions in Hoi An Ancient Town, takes on the impressive elements of French architecture with yellow painted walls, arched entrances and windows, and ornate columns. The market is divided into different areas for fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, and souvenirs so that visitors can easily find what they want when visiting the market.
Top 3 interesting experiences at Hoi An market
Here are the three most fascinating experiences waiting for you at Hoi An Market:
Enjoy the bustling traditional market atmosphere
The vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Hoi An Market is in stark contrast to the peaceful, quiet, and contemplative Hoi An Ancient Town that people often see. Walking around the market while immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle is a very interesting experience that tourists should not miss out on.
Explore the rich cuisine of Hoi An
Being widely regarded as a culinary paradise in Hoi An, Hoi An Market attracts thousands of tourists annually thanks to numerous delectable dishes that this market offers. Here are 7 must-try dishes that you should enjoy when visiting the market:
Stir-fried baby clams with sesame rice crackers
Stir-fried baby clams with sesame rice crackers, which originated in Central Vietnam, is an authentic dish best enjoyed with beer. The special combination between delicate baby clams and crispy Vietnamese sesame rice crackers is the highlight of the dish. Baby clams are stirred with a handful of dry onions, garlic cloves, lemongrass, ginger, chili pepper, and Vietnamese coriander.
White rose dumplings
Hoi An dumplings are lovingly referred to as “white rose dumplings” by diners because of their delicate and rose-like shape. Each white rose dumpling is meticulously prepared, with the outside covered with a rice wrapper and the inside filled with rustic Vietnamese delicacies, such as shrimp, pork, and wood ear.
Cao lau
Cao lau is a signature dish of Hoi An that consists of yellow noodles, thinly sliced roasted pork (char siu), shrimp, greens, bean sprouts, croutons, and an aromatic broth. Cao Lau noodles are meticulously made from the local sticky rice and sliced before being cooked three times using firewood.
The pork of this special dish is marinated with star anise and cassia bark before being stir-fried. In order to enhance the flavor of cao lau, you should enjoy it with lots of herbs and vegetables.
Quang noodles
Quang noodles, a delectable Vietnamese staple, are made of flat and yellow noodles that are served with savory beef broth and fresh vegetables and herbs, such as banana blossoms, lettuce, cilantro, scallions, and Vietnamese coriander. The toppings are pork belly, chicken, shrimp, fish, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, and fish crackers.
Pancakes
Vietnamese pancake (banh xeo in Vietnamese) is a popular stuffed rice pancake in Central Vietnam. The outer layer of banh xeo is made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder while the fillings are pork, shrimp, mung beans, onions, and bean sprouts. You can enjoy Vietnamese pancakes by wrapping them in veggies before dipping them in a flavourful sauce.
Steamed rice rolls with grilled pork
Steamed rice rolls with grilled pork (banh cuon in Vietnamese) is a popular dish for breakfast in the central region of Vietnam. The rice used for banh cuon must be of the best quality. The pork is lightly seasoned before being grilled. This dish is served with fish sauce and fresh herbs such as lettuce, fresh mint, and bean sprouts.
Dap cakes
Dap cake can be considered the simplest dish of Hoi An’s cuisine. It is made up of two pieces of rice paper folded together like a sandwich. To enjoy this dish, you should dip it into a sauce made of fish sauce, dry onions, and chili.
Take stunning photos in front of the market
Having idyllic architecture, Hoi An Market wins tourists’ hearts with its mossy tiled roofs and time-stained yellow walls. Each area of the market can be a beautiful background for your pictures, so don’t forget to bring your camera and take tons of appealing photos.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An Central Market?
If you love to experience the local life, then you should come between about 5 am and 9. This time is when it’s at its most original state with locals stocking up their pantries. The added bonus for morning persons is that the vendors will be busier setting-up and have not much time to play around with you for a price if you’re looking to buy something.
After that, many tourists start flocking in, and the tour groups come to buy their goods for cooking. Meaning the local experience will become a bit washed out by the blond heads 30 cm above the conical hats! This doesn’t mean you will not have fun at any other time though. If you come there, you will surely have yummy food to eat, loads of people watching to do and interesting things to buy.
Hoi An Market Map
How to get to Hoi An Market?
It is very easy to get to Hoi An Market. It is located at the intersection of three main streets including Tran Phu, Bach Dang and Nguyen Thai Hoc. It is 1 minute walking from Fujian Assembly Hall. Moreover, you can go to Hoi An market by taking a boat trip from Thanh Ha Pottery village or Kim Bong Carpentry village.
For travelers who want to visit the Hoi An market with private services, you can book a private tour from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about Hoi An Market and Hoi An Ancient Town, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Hoi An Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
Notes the best tips for your excursion to Hoi An Market
- There are numerous stalls offering special and meticulously made souvenirs in Hoi An Market
- Don’t forget to take pictures
- Check the prices carefully
- Mind your personal belongings
- Bring some medicines in case of food allergies
- Check the weather forecast beforehand
- Wear sneakers or sandals for the most convenience
Besides Hoi An Market, tourists should also visit other attractions in the Ancient Town of Hoi An, such as Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, etc.
In conclusion, Hoi An Market is the most beautiful and bustling market in Hoi An. It is a perfect culinary paradise for food lovers and shopaholics thanks to the wide variety of exquisite dishes and appealing products. If you are planning to visit Hoi An on your next holiday, don’t forget to include this attraction in your itinerary!
