Hoi An Market is considered a rich culinary paradise, located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town – a place that preserves many traces of history through each roof tile and house. The bustling atmosphere and diverse cuisine here play a significant role in attracting visitors, making them fall even more in love with this picturesque land.
Table of Contents
Overview of Hoi An Market
History and Location
Hoi An Market boasts a long history, originally built in 1841. Initially, it was located near Ong Voi Temple, but in 1848, it was relocated to its current spot along the Bach Dang River.
Today, Hoi An Market is situated at 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. This location is in the center of the ancient town, approximately 1 km from Cam Nam Bridge and 2 km from the Hoi An Night Market.
Key Features
- Architecture: Hoi An Market showcases the unique architectural style of the ancient town, with yellow-colored walls and mossy red-tiled roofs. The supporting columns and beams are sturdy and reflect a touch of French architecture.
- Recognition: Hoi An Market was selected by Lonely Planet as one of the top six “culinary paradises” that attract both tourists and locals.
- Layout: The market space is divided into different sections, including areas for seafood, fruits, vegetables, food stalls, and souvenirs. The stalls are organized neatly and kept clean.
Essential Information
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Visitors: Open to both tourists and locals
- Entry Fee: Free
Transportation Options from Da Nang to Hoi An Market
Taxi to Hoi An Market
- Duration: Approximately 45 to 55 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).
- Cost: Ranges from 350,000 VND to 430,000 VND per trip.
- Popular Taxi Companies: Xanh SM, Mai Linh Taxi, Tien Sa, Vinasun.
Bus to Hoi An Market
- Duration: 70 to 80 minutes.
- Operating Hours: The bus service runs from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with buses departing every 20 minutes.
- Cost: Around 30,000 VND per passenger per trip, making it the most affordable option.
- Drawbacks: The bus only stops at certain fixed locations and offers limited routes. For flexible or customized travel plans, other transportation methods may be more suitable.
Private Car to Hoi An Market
A private car is a great choice, especially for groups or travelers unfamiliar with the route. With PrivateCarTransferHoiAn.com, our drivers provide door-to-door service, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. Book now: Private Car from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Motorbike to Hoi An Market
- Cost: Approximately 200,000 VND.
- Motorbikes are a popular choice among tourists exploring the area. Look into reputable motorbike rental shops in Da Nang, which allow you to enjoy a scenic ride and explore various attractions along the way.
Must-Try Dishes at Hoi An Market
Explore Hoi An’s unique culinary flavors by trying these famous specialties:
Mi Quang (Quang-Style Noodles)
Quang Noodles is a signature dish of Quang Nam Province, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. At Hoi An Market, you can enjoy Mi Quang with various toppings like chicken, beef, and char siu.
- Characteristics:
- Noodles made from rice flour, chewy yet soft
- Thick broth with a distinctive turmeric yellow color
- Diverse toppings: chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, etc.
- Served with fresh herbs and rice crackers
- Flavor: A harmonious blend of the sweet broth, rich meats, and a hint of chili
- Price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND per serving
Banh Mi Hoi An (Hoi An Baguette Sandwich)
Hoi An’s banh mi is renowned for its crispy crust, diverse fillings, and unique flavors. It was praised by world-famous chef Anthony Bourdain as “the best banh mi in the world.”
- Characteristics:
- Crispy crust, soft inside
- Varied fillings: pâté, char siu pork, fried egg, fresh herbs, etc.
- Special sauce for a distinctive taste
- Highlight: The secret sauce, crafted from a traditional recipe, gives it a unique flavor.
- Price: 10,000 – 25,000 VND per piece
- Recommended Spot: Phuong’s Banh Mi Cart in the food area of the market
Traditional Cakes (Banh Truyen Thong)
Hoi An Market is famous for its traditional cakes, each with its unique flavor and story:
- Banh Hoa Hong (White Rose Dumpling):
- Appearance: Shaped like a rose
- Ingredients: Rice flour wrapper filled with shrimp, pork, and wood ear mushrooms
- Serving: Paired with a sweet and sour fish sauce
- Banh Beo (Water Fern Cake):
- Appearance: Small, round, white cakes
- Ingredients: Rice flour, shrimp, and scallion oil
- Serving: Served with seasoned fish sauce, dried shrimp, and scallion oil
- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Savory Pancake):
- Appearance: Yellow, crispy pancake
- Ingredients: Rice flour, shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
- Serving: Eaten with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a special dipping sauce
- Banh Dap (Crispy Rice Cracker with Steamed Rice Cake):
- Appearance: Layers of rice crackers with steamed rice cake in between
- Serving: Broken before eating (hence the name “banh dap”) and enjoyed with a special dipping sauce
- Price: 15,000 – 50,000 VND per portion
- Recommended Spot: Traditional cake stalls near the food area of the market
Sweet Soups (Che)
After savoring savory dishes, refresh your palate with a variety of sweet soups at Hoi An Market:
- Che Dau Xanh (Green Bean Sweet Soup):
- Flavor: Lightly sweet, cool
- Ingredients: Green beans, rock sugar, coconut milk
- Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup):
- Flavor: Natural sweetness from corn, creamy with coconut milk
- Ingredients: Fresh corn, sugar, coconut milk
- Che Thung (Cinnamon Leaf Sweet Soup):
- Specialty: A unique Hoi An sweet soup with a green color
- Ingredients: Rice flour from cinnamon leaves, green beans, shredded coconut
- Che Me Den (Black Sesame Sweet Soup):
- Flavor: Rich sesame taste, sweetened with rock sugar
- Ingredients: Black sesame, rock sugar, coconut milk
- Che Thap Cam (Mixed Sweet Soup):
- Appearance: Colorful with various ingredients
- Ingredients: Assorted beans, fruits, jellies, coconut milk
- Price: 5,000 – 25,000 VND per cup
- Recommended Spot: Ba Nam’s Sweet Soup Stall in the food area of the market
Chicken Rice in Hoi An
Chicken rice Hoi An is a dish that is very familiar to Vietnamese people, and you can find it cooked anywhere. But what makes Hoi An’s chicken rice special? It has a unique flavor that is very distinct. PrivateCarTransferHoiAn’s is sure that once you taste it, you will never forget it. The key difference in this dish lies in the secret recipe of the people of Hoi An, which is reflected in: the choice of rice, chicken, and especially the free-range method of raising the chickens. Additionally, attention is paid to supporting elements like the dipping sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables, which all contribute to the distinctive flavor of Hoi An chicken rice.
Tips for Visiting Hoi An Market
- Visit Early in the Morning (6 AM – 8 AM): Arrive early to experience the bustling atmosphere and buy the freshest seafood.
- Make a Food List: Prepare a list of dishes to try so you don’t miss out on any must-try specialties.
- Communicate Politely with Vendors: Vendors are often friendly and willing to share insights about their dishes and products, so approach them courteously.
- Check Prices Before Ordering: Prices in the food area are usually affordable and clearly displayed, but it’s always wise to confirm prices before ordering.
- Choose Easy-to-Pack Souvenirs: If buying gifts, select items that are easy to pack and preserve during travel.
- Ask About Specialty Food Storage: Get tips from vendors on how to store certain specialty foods to maintain quality when taking them home.
- Bring Cash: Many small vendors don’t accept card payments, so have cash on hand.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes and footwear as you’ll be walking a lot.
- Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen: Bring a water bottle and apply sunscreen, especially in the summer months.
- Ask Permission Before Taking Photos: If you wish to photograph vendors or their stalls, politely ask for permission to avoid causing discomfort.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Q: What are the opening hours of Hoi An Market?
A: Hoi An Market is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. - Q: Is it worth visiting Hoi An Market in the morning?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to visit Hoi An Market early in the morning (from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) to experience the lively atmosphere, get the freshest seafood, and avoid the crowds. - Q: What are some must-try foods at Hoi An Market?
A: Some must-try dishes at Hoi An Market include: Mi Quang, Banh Mi Hoi An, Com Hen, Cao Lau, traditional cakes like Banh Beo and Banh Vac, and various types of sweet soups (Che). - Q: What souvenirs can I buy at Hoi An Market?
A: You can buy specialty products such as Hoi An chili sauce, green bean cakes, fish sauce, and handmade crafts like bags, clothing, and decorations made from seashells as souvenirs. - Q: Are there other markets near Hoi An Market that I can visit?
A: Yes, there are several markets near Hoi An Market that you can visit, including: Nguyen Hoang Night Market (about 2 km away), Thanh Ha Fish Market (10 minutes by car), and Tan Thanh Market (about 3 km away, open only on Saturdays). - Q: Does Hoi An Market charge an entrance fee?
A: No, there is no entrance fee to Hoi An Market. Visitors are free to explore and shop at the market. - Q: Can I bargain when shopping at Hoi An Market?
A: Bargaining is a common practice in traditional markets in Vietnam. However, it is important to negotiate politely and reasonably, especially with items that do not have fixed prices.
Conclusion
Hoi An Market is an integral part of the local life and culture, and PrivateCarTransferHoiAn.com believes it brings a unique and vibrant atmosphere. If you truly want to understand the customs, culture, and daily life of any place, you must visit that place. Visiting Hoi An Market not only offers the chance to savor delicious food but also provides an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life. It is an experience worth cherishing!
