Serene in the daytime and lively at night – that’s how you can talk about the charming town of Hoi An. As the sun goes down and the lights go up, Hoi An glitters with colorful lanterns, fanciful lights, and the shimmering water of Hoai River. Let’s begin your nocturnal wanderings with these things to do in Hoi An at night.
Top Things to Do in Hoi An at Night
Have Cao Lau for Dinner
It would be an omission to talk about Hoi An cuisine without mentioning Cao Lau. Resembling the Japanese udon in its white color and thickness, Cao Lau is usually eaten with pork, cabbage, and grilled Banh Trang. Though the night market does serve this dish, it is advisable to try it at specialized restaurants in town.
Cao Lau originates from Chinese food
Marvel at Colorful Lanterns
The fabric lantern is the most prevalent souvenir for your loved ones at home and it is a wonderful item to remind you about this antique town. In the daytime, it might look mediocre but at night, it becomes an impressive ornament that captivates you at first glance. You can see their beauty on streets along Hoai River or at the Hoi An Night Market.
A street packed with lanterns – a signature image of Hoi An
Go Shopping in Hoi An Night Market
Immerse in the hustle and bustle of Hoi An Night Market and you will be surprised by the commodities you find here. From snacks and sweets to potteries and souvenirs, the market offers them all! Normally, you should bargain with the seller for half of the stated price.
Address: Nguyen Hoang Street
Opening hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
These accessories are widely sold in the market at a reasonable price
A corner of Hoi An Night Market
Take A River Cruise
This is a superb way to rejuvenate and find your inner peace. Sitting on the cruise, you will view the town from a whole new perspective and have a closer look at the Hoai River. However, keep in mind that these cruises are more pricey than normal boat tours.
Cinnamon Cruises
Address:
- Huy Hoang River Hotel, 73 Phan Boi Chau Street
- Cinnamon Cruises Pier, opposite 76 Bach Dang Street
- Cinnamon Cruises Pier 2, opposite 114 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street
Duration: 2 hours
Ticket price: VND 790,000 – VND 930,000
Little River Cruise
Address: Little Riverside Hoi An, 86 Tran Hung Dao Street
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ticket price: VND 499,000 per child – VND 999,000 per adult
Among our top things to do in Hoi An at night, a river cruise is the most costly but you will get what you pay for
Drop Paper Lanterns
Once coming to Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to drop a handcrafted lantern while making a wish. Each lantern is meticulously made by the skillful hands of artisans and cost from VND 10,000 to VND 50,000. You can buy cheap ones (VND 10,000) from hawkers along the Hoai River. They’ll also lit the candle inside for you so your only job is to make a wish and send the lantern into the water.
In Vietnam’s folklore, this paper lantern (lotus lantern) represents people’s wish for health, good fortune, and peace
Glide through Hoi An Ancient Town
Under the glistening sunlight, Hoi An is like a silk painting with a warm tone of yellow. But when the night comes, it turns into a riot of color as lanterns are hung all over the streets and alleys. What’s more amazing is that after 5 PM, all vehicles are banned so your excursion will not be disturbed by engine sounds and motorbikes.
Lanterns sparkling around Hoi An
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Drink Bia Hoi – Local Draft Beer
In Vietnam, Bia Hoi – Local Draft Beer – appears everywhere from the North to the South and Hoi An is not an exception. After a sweaty day gliding through spider-webbing streets and alleys, dropping by a stall of Bia Hoi is not a bad idea. Interestingly, you don’t need a billboard to recognize these stalls. If you see some men chatting while holding yellow mugs, you know what that place sells.
These glasses of beer can ease the heat in Hoi An
Join A Bai Choi (Bingo) Game
Love playing Bingo in your home country? Then you probably want to join Bai Choi – a traditional Vietnamese game with similar rules. Just a few steps away from Hoi An Bridge, there is a yard where people gather to play this game. Since the game requires you to understand some folk songs, going with a Vietnamese friend is highly recommended. Otherwise, watch how the locals enjoy this lively game!
A typical game of Bai Choi
Summary of Things to do in Hoi An at Night
At the outset, miss Hoi An seems sedentary but once the night comes, you will be astonished by her vibrancy and energy. Try these top things to do in Hoi An at night and let us know how you feel by giving us your comments below.
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