Hoi An Central Market and Food Hall: Your Guide to Local Gem and Street Food | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Hoi An Central Market and Food Hall is not part of Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket. You can freely visit it.

The Hội An Central Market (Chợ Hội An) is one of the most dynamic and authentic places in Hoi An to experience everyday Vietnamese culture. From fragrant spice stalls and fresh produce to sizzling street food and handcrafted souvenirs, this lively marketplace is where the past and present of Hội An converge.
Whether you are a culinary adventurer, a culture-seeker, or just love to shop local, the Central Market offers a vibrant, multi-sensory experience, and a perfect contrast to the historic serenity of Hội An’s temples and lantern-lit alleys.

What is the Hội An Central Market?

The Central Market is the main traditional market in Hội An, and one of the most visited attractions in the Ancient Town. Spanning several blocks along Tran Phu, Nguyen Hue, and Bach Dang streets, it is a hive of activity from dawn until early afternoon.
This is where local residents buy their daily ingredients, street vendors stock up on supplies, and tourists hunt for authentic Vietnamese souvenirs. The market is divided into zones: fresh produce, seafood, dry goods, textiles, and, most famously, the Hội An Food Hall. We stop here several times for comparably inexpensive authentic Vietnamese lunch, and were never disappointed.

Here are some photos that we took:

Top Reasons to Visit Hội An Central Market

Shop Like a Local

Looking for handmade goods, Vietnamese spices, or local cooking tools? You will find them here. Popular items include:

• Dried chili, lemongrass, and star anise

• Rice noodles and local sauces

• Conical hats (nón lá) and hand-embroidered garments

• Handwoven baskets and mats: xxx

• Custom-tailored clothing—tailors around the market offer fast, affordable service

Eat Your Way Through the Food Hall

Inside the market is the Hội An Food Hall, one of the best places to try authentic central Vietnamese street food. The food court is lined with small stalls serving dishes that have been passed down for generations.
Must-try dishes include:

• Cao Lầu - Hội An’s signature noodle dish with pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons

• Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings) - Unique to Hội An, these delicate shrimp dumplings are shaped like flowers

• Mi Quang - A colorful noodle dish topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, and herbs

• Bánh Xèo - Crispy rice pancakes with savory fillings, served with rice paper and herbs

• Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) - Strong Robusta coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk

The Food Hall is an unbeatable spot for budget-friendly meals. Many dishes cost under 100,000 VND (about US$4). Locals and travelers alike gather here, making it one of the most authentic dining experiences in Hội An.

Cultural and Local Atmosphere

Unlike touristy night markets, the Central Market retains its working-class charm. Expect to hear the chatter of vendors bargaining in Vietnamese, smell the heady mix of fresh herbs and grilled meats, and see everything from live crabs to lacquerware being sold side by side.
The market also reflects the culinary diversity of Hội An, influenced by centuries of Chinese, Japanese, and French trade. Visiting in the morning gives you the full experience: locals shopping, monks collecting alms, and steam rising from giant pots of broth in the food court.

Practical Information

• Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM

• Food Hall busiest from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM

• Entry: Free (food costs vary by stall)

• Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket: Not required to visit the market

• Bring cash (Vietnamese dong); most vendors do not accept cards.

• Be adventurous. This is a great place to try something you have never had before.

• Many vendors speak only basic English, but pointing to dishes or other diners' plates works just fine.

• If you are unsure where to eat, look for stalls with the most locals!

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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