Hoi An Night Market Guide: Shopping and Lanterns Tips

The Hoi An Night Market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street on An Hoi islet, offering a vibrant mix of silk lanterns, local handicrafts, and street food nightly from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. To make the most of your visit, arrive at dusk for the best photography lighting and ensure you have a reliable data connection to navigate the crowds and book a Grab ride home afterward.

The Magic of Hoi An at Night

As the sun dips below the Thu Bon River, Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland. For Australian backpackers and global travelers, the night market is the heart of this transformation. Unlike the hectic markets of Saigon or Hanoi, Hoi An offers a more walkable, albeit crowded, experience that feels like stepping back in time. However, to find the best stalls and avoid getting lost in the narrow alleys, having access to real-time maps is essential.

Before you leave your hotel, ensure your phone is ready. Most modern travelers are switching from physical SIMs to eSIMs to avoid the hassle of local kiosks. You can check if your phone is compatible with digital SIM technology to save time upon arrival.

Staying Connected in Vietnam

Connectivity in Vietnam has leaped forward recently. While you might be tempted to wait until you reach Da Nang International Airport to buy a SIM, those kiosks often charge a premium and can have long queues. For Australians used to the high roaming fees of Telstra or Optus, a local eSIM is a game-changer.

Thai Simcard provides access to Vietnam's top-tier networks, including Viettel Mobile, Vinaphone, and MobiFone, all of which now offer 5G coverage in major tourist hubs like Hoi An. Whether you need a small 100MB plan for a quick weekend or a massive 50GB plan for a six-month trek, you can see plans that fit your specific itinerary. These are data-only plans, meaning they do not come with a local phone number, but they work perfectly with WhatsApp, Messenger, and Grab.

Why Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone Matter

Vietnam's telecommunications landscape is dominated by three main players. Viettel is the state-owned giant known for having the best reach in rural areas. If you are planning to follow our guide on the Best Network Coverage for Sapa and Ha Giang Loop, Viettel is usually the preferred choice. Vinaphone and MobiFone provide excellent 5G speeds in urban centers like Hoi An and Da Nang, making them perfect for uploading high-resolution lantern photos to Instagram in real-time.

Navigating the Market: Location and Timing

The market is centered on Nguyen Hoang Street, just across the bridge from the Old Town.

• When to go: The stalls start setting up around 5:00 PM. The "blue hour" (just after sunset) is the best time for photography.
• How to get there: If you are staying at a beach resort in An Bang, use the Grab app. It is significantly cheaper than traditional taxis and avoids any language barriers regarding the destination.
• Data needs: Using Grab for a round trip and Google Maps for navigation typically uses about 50-100MB of data. If you are streaming music or uploading video, consider a plan with at least 1GB per day.

Shopping Guide: What to Buy and How to Bargain

The Hoi An Night Market is famous for its diversity of goods. You will find everything from hand-painted bowls to tailor-made clothing.

Silk Lanterns

This is the iconic purchase. Lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and fabrics. Most are collapsible, making them easy to fit into a backpack.

• Tip: If you want to take a photo of a lantern stall without buying a lantern, it is polite to pay a small fee (usually around 20,000 VND) or buy a small souvenir.

Leather Goods and Tailoring

While the night market has some leather stalls, the best tailoring is usually done in the permanent shops in the Old Town. However, for ready-made sandals or bags, the market offers great variety.

Bargaining Etiquette

Bargaining is expected but should always be friendly. Start at about 50% of the asking price and work your way up. If you have a steady data connection, you can quickly check online prices to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Photography Tips: Capturing the Glow

To get those professional-looking shots of the lanterns, you need to manage the high contrast between the glowing silk and the dark night sky.

1. Use Night Mode: Most modern iPhones and Androids have a dedicated night mode that stacks exposures.
2. Stabilize: Use a small tripod or lean against a pillar to avoid blur.
3. Cloud Backup: High-res photos eat up storage. Use your 5G connection to back up photos to Google Photos or iCloud instantly so you never run out of space.

Street Food Must-Tries

Just like the legendary stalls in our Yaowarat Street Food Guide, Hoi An's street food is world-class.

• Banana Crepes: A backpacker staple, usually drizzled with chocolate.
• Thit Nuong: Pork skewers grilled over charcoal, served with rice paper and herbs.
• Cao Lau: While best eaten in a dedicated shop, you can find variations here. It is a noodle dish unique to Hoi An, made with water from a specific local well.

Roaming Comparison: Why Skip the Home Carrier

Many Australian travelers rely on their home carrier's international roaming. Here is how it compares to a dedicated travel eSIM from Thai Simcard.

Feature	Australian Roaming (Telstra/Optus)	Thai Simcard Vietnam eSIM
Cost	Often $5-$10 AUD per day	Significantly lower local rates
Data Allowance	Usually capped at 1GB/day or shared with home plan	Up to 50GB or daily 10GB passes
Network	Roams on whoever is cheapest for the carrier	Direct access to Viettel/Vinaphone/MobiFone 5G
Setup	Automatic (easy to trigger accidentally)	Simple QR code scan
Number	Keeps your AU number (good for SMS)	Data only (no local number)

How to Install Your Vietnam eSIM

Setting up your connection is simple and can be done before you even board your flight from Sydney or Perth. Follow this easy installation guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code provided by Thai Simcard.
4. Label the plan "Travel" and set it as your secondary data line.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Select Add Mobile Plan.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Ensure "Data Roaming" is turned ON for the new eSIM profile.

Data Usage Guide for Travelers

Not sure how much data you need for a week in Hoi An?

• Light User (100MB - 1GB): Perfect for checking emails and occasional Google Maps usage.
• Social Media Lover (3GB - 10GB): Ideal for daily Instagram stories and uploading Reels of the lantern boats.
• Digital Nomad (20GB - 50GB): Necessary if you are tethering your laptop to work from a riverside cafe. You can see plans for all these tiers on our store.

Beyond the Market

Hoi An is a gateway to the rest of Vietnam. Once you have mastered the night market, use your 5G connection to book a bus to Hue or a flight to the mountains. The seamless transition between networks ensures you stay connected whether you are on a beach in Da Nang or trekking in the far north.

The bottom line

The Hoi An Night Market is an unmissable experience for any traveler in Vietnam. By securing a local eSIM from Thai Simcard before you arrive, you avoid expensive roaming fees and the stress of airport kiosks. With 5G access on Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone, you can navigate the stalls, book rides, and share your lantern photos without ever losing touch. Enjoy the lights, the food, and the culture of this ancient town with the peace of mind that comes with reliable connectivity.