The markets in Vietnam have become a must-see for every traveler interested in learning more about the local culture of any region. This is due to the market’s display of the hustle and bustle of everyday local life.
When visiting Vietnam, some tourists want to see a contemporary Vietnam with bustling tourist spots, while others want a genuine Vietnamese environment, such as markets, since they want to take some Vietnamese items home with them. If this describes you, you should not miss out on visiting the eight best markets in Vietnam listed below.
8 Best Markets In Vietnam You Should Check Out
Markets in Vietnam feature rustic and traditional but bustling and vivid atmospheres. They give visitors a deep insight into the locals’ daily life, such as their food, garments, commercial activities, and so on. Holidaymakers who want lovely items and prefer an experiential tour to native destinations shouldn’t miss out on the below markets in different places in the country.
Besides, if you want to explore markets in Vietnam with a local expert, we recommend tours by Vietnam Vacation Travel, Culture Pham Travel, or Hoian Private Taxi.
Hoi An Central Market
Highlights
Hoi An is known for its many different markets, each with its own reputation. However, tourists visiting Hoi An cannot ignore the Central Market, which is the largest and busiest market. Together with other markets, this market has greatly contributed to the formation of Hoi An’s commercial and spiritual values.
About 600 years ago, in the 15th century, Hoi An was the commercial center of the Cham Empire. This is a Polynesian who once invaded the lowlands and coasts of Vietnam. A century later, under the orders of Lord Nguyen, it became an international trading port. Soon after that, it was recognized as important for commercial activities in Southeast Asia.
Nowadays, while Hoi An has reduced its commercial value, the commercial spirit here remains intact. Hoi An is listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO for two reasons. The first is “an outstanding example of a well-preserved traditional Asian trading port.”
Therefore, when traveling in Hoi An, tourists should visit more markets, especially the Central Market. At Hoi An Central Market, visitors can find a wide variety of food, from fresh to cooked.
What To Buy
- Fresh Food
Hoi An Central Market has a wide variety of meat, from pork and poultry to beef and vegetables. Everything is fresher than a supermarket. However, if you want to see some interesting sights, it is best to go to the river around 4 or 5 in the morning every day. In this way, you can see the scene of sending fish.
Moreover, tourists can also buy fish, crustaceans, even super shrimp, small sharks, etc., all very fresh. Sometimes they are still alive, and the prices are the most reasonable. One can also buy daily necessities, flowers, and almost everything for self-catering in Hoi An, as this market is a real treasure for consumers.
- Cooked Food
For ready meals, the Central Market food court would be ideal for those looking to eat out. The food court is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It means you can eat here all day long, from savoring a hearty traditional breakfast to grabbing a snack while wandering the Hoi An Central Market.
When visiting for the first time, visitors should try typical Hoi An dishes, such as Cao Lau (special vermicelli served with marinated pork, vegetables, and some soup), Quang Noodles (a typical combination of Quang noodles in Vietnam), Vietnamese Banh Xeo (pork, prawns, and herbs mixed evenly wrapped in banh xeo), White Rose (not flowers of course, dumplings of course, steamed prawns), and more.
Things To Note
Thankfully, even though Hoi An is among the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam, the prices of goods at this central market are consistent. A bowl of Cao Lau is expected to cost no more than 30,000 VND (~1.5 USD). Besides, juices are very reasonable at around 15,000 VND (~1.5 USD). The vendors here serve you all the goodies.
- Location: Tran Quy Cap Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM, every day
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Highlights
This busy market, located in the city’s historic neighborhood between Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the entrance to Dong Xuan Market, shows tourists a different side of gorgeous Hanoi.
Open from Friday through Sunday evenings, the Hanoi Weekend Night Market (also called the Old Quarter Night Market) becomes a gathering place for both locals and visitors to Hanoi. Visitors may explore the streets and take in the market’s goods, cuisine, and musical acts because certain routes are blocked on weekends.
What To Buy
When you come to Hanoi, you must mention the food here. Tourists can taste many delicious Vietnamese dishes, from the famous Pho to Banh Mi, Bun Cha, etc. If you want to bring something home as a souvenir, this market has lots of cultural items for sale. Tourists can buy 3D cards, such as famous Vietnamese sights, or cheap T-shirts printed with Vietnamese landscapes.
Things To Note
The Old Town Night Market is very lively on Saturday nights. Usually on these evenings, there will be live performances or various artworks on display. These attract thousands of tourists to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. By participating in these artistic activities, visitors can enjoy modern Vietnamese music and sometimes traditional music, making walking around the market more relaxing and enjoyable.
- Location: Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Opening hours : 6:00 PM to 0:00 AM, every day
Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
Highlights
The French government gave the order for the construction of Dong Xuan Market in 1889, during the time of French colonialism. Dong Xuan Market was one of Hanoi’s most significant new construction projects at the time.
The market, which focuses on wholesale items, is today Hanoi’s biggest and most well-known commercial sector. Unquestionably, Dong Xuan Market has a wide selection that will meet all needs and preferences.
What To Buy
This bustling market sells everything, such as canned food, fresh food, tableware, clothing, daily necessities, exquisite wood carvings, etc. However, its arrangement is so good that even newcomers to Dong Xuan Market cannot get lost. Each commodity has its own shopping area, which is divided according to the size and use of the commodity. This makes the marketplace really convenient for consumers to search and buy goods.
However, it’s not just the market itself that makes Dong Xuan Market so interesting. This is partly due to the bustling alleys surrounding the market, with hundreds of stalls.
Things To Note
As mentioned above, Dong Xuan Market specializes in wholesale. Therefore, tourists may have difficulty buying large or small quantities. Yet, the surrounding alleys can solve this problem. Here, you can find daily necessities and gourmet food, making the area a traditional consumption and dining area.
- Location: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Opening hours : 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every day
Binh Tay Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights
Despite being one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most well-known marketplaces, little is known about its past. The Binh Tay Market has supposedly been developed, or at least significantly funded, by a Chinese businessman by the name of Guoyan (Vietnamese: Quach Dam). He does this to benefit both the local buy-and-sell scenes and his trading profession.
Tourists may readily locate a market with a distinctive layout that blends Vietnamese and Chinese influences in Vietnam’s Chinatown. This Chinatown is no longer the typical adorable Chinatown that you can see across the world. Instead, it is a “real” Chinatown due to the Chinese style that has been incorporated into people’s everyday lives.
What To Buy
Binh Tay Market, unlike the extremely renowned and touristic Ben Thanh Market, is less crowded. It boasts a two-story structure along Thap Muoi Street and sells a broad range of items to residents.
You can also find famous cuisines and popular goods here, like in other Vietnamese marketplaces. What distinguishes this market is a stone altar in the center of the market that enshrines the Quach Dam.
- Location: 57a Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, HCMC
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 7 PM, every day
Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights
Ben Thanh Market appears to be the most well-known among the Vietnamese marketplaces. The oldest remaining market in Ho Chi Minh City was first founded in the 17th century by a group of traders. It was not until 1895 that it was legally established by the French. Today’s Ben Thanh Market is a new commercial venue, namely New Ben Thanh Market. Its location is now on a new site after experiencing numerous ups and downs.
What To Buy
Ben Thanh is one of the best markets in Vietnam Saigon, similar to Dong Xuan in Hanoi. In addition to the extensive selection of items, this market is excellent for culinary adventurers. The greatest cuisine, ordered and prepared in front of you, will be available from rows of food kiosks eager to serve you.
- Location: Le Lai Street, Bincheng District, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours : 6:00 AM to 0:00 AM, every day
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is the most popular floral destination in Ho Chi Minh City for both individuals and wholesalers. Its spectacular beauty may captivate first-time visitors, with hundreds of flowers arranged in a harmonic and lively manner, suggesting a beautiful garden. As a result, even individuals who have no intention of purchasing flowers come to the market to soak up the cheerful atmosphere.
What To Buy
Naturally, there is a large assortment of flowers at the market. These flowers come from a variety of places, including Da Lat, the “City of Thousand Flowers” noted for its mountains in central Vietnam.
The Ho Thi Ky Flower Market draws a large number of tourists and shoppers each day. This makes sense given that most people like to embellish their houses with beauty. So, fresh flowers unquestionably enhance the décor beautifully.
- Location: Lane 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, District 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: all day
Nha Trang Night Market
Highlights
It seems reasonable that Nha Trang has a night market, as it is one of the most stunning and tourist-friendly cities in Vietnam. Nha Trang Night Market comes alive at night like other night markets, but it distinguishes itself from others by having a variety of specialties.
What To Buy
There are many different products, including apparel, home goods, souvenirs, and cuisine. “Bun Cha Sua,” rice vermicelli with jellyfish soup, is a must-try food at the market. Finding “Bun Cha Sua” is far more difficult than finding “Bun Cha Ca,” rice vermicelli with fish soup, which is widely available across Vietnam.
Unlike “Bun Cha Ca,” which is made with fish and pork bone broth, “Bun Cha Sua” is made with jellyfish broth and steamed jellyfish. Additionally, it has a variety of other ingredients, including crab meat, shrimp, and more, making for incredibly fulfilling meals for foodies and tourists alike.
Additionally, visitors shouldn’t pass up the chance to try “Banh Can,” a Vietnamese mini-pancake prepared with eggs, squid or shrimp, rice flour, spices, and other ingredients. They will definitely remember this classic Vietnamese treat for the rest of their lives.
- Location: 78 Tue Tinh Street, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
- Opening hours: 6:00 PM to 0:00 AM, every day
Dinh Cau Night Market, Phu Quoc
Highlights
The biggest street in Phu Quoc, similar to the legendary Hanoi Night Street, undergoes a transition at 5 PM. Motorized traffic is barred from the market area, providing a pedestrian-friendly environment for tourists.
What To Buy
Exploring the Phu Quoc Night Market allows guests to find great keepsakes for their beloveds and partake in a scrumptious supper. The market has several vendors selling a broad range of seafood. Each aquatic creature is displayed in its own glass habitat, allowing customers to admire and choose their favorites. After being selected, the food is freshly made, cooked, and served. As a result, each mouthful is guaranteed to be as fresh as possible.
However, as a major tourist destination, meal costs at this night market are typically 30% higher than at eateries in other sections of the island.
- Location: Vu Thiau Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island
- Opening Hours : 4:30 PM to 3 AM, every day
Helpful Tips For Tourists
- Be ready for large crowds and busy environments, especially in popular markets. It’s advisable to visit early in the day to avoid peak hours.
- Bargaining is a common practice in Vietnamese markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate the prices. Start with a lower offer and be willing to compromise to reach a fair price.
- Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, as crowded markets can be a target for pickpockets. Use a secure bag or backpack and keep your valuables close to you.
- Bring small denominations of Vietnamese dong (VND), as many vendors may not accept larger bills or credit cards. Having a small change will make transactions easier.
- Try the local street food available in the markets, but make sure it’s cooked fresh and served hot to avoid any potential health risks. Follow the locals’ lead in choosing the stalls with the most customers, indicating good quality and cleanliness.
- Stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you, especially in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam. It’s essential to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Respect the local customs and traditions while visiting the markets. Be polite, smile, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their products.
- Explore beyond the main tourist areas of the markets to discover hidden gems and unique local products. Wander through the smaller lanes and alleys to find lesser-known stalls and experiences.
- Take your time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the markets. Engage with the locals, learn about their products, and embrace the cultural diversity that these markets offer.
Summary: Best Markets In Vietnam
These bustling shopping venues are a shopaholic’s dream when it comes to locating the greatest markets in Vietnam. Each one provides a one-of-a-kind experience that represents the country’s rich culture and customs. These markets have it all, whether you’re looking for authentic handicrafts, tempting street cuisine, or simply want to soak up the colorful ambiance.
So, make a point of visiting these best markets in Vietnam to find hidden treasures, bring home unique mementos, and enjoy an incredible shopping journey. Thanks for reading Student Exchange Vietnam‘s travel blog.