Feel like shopping? First of all, the major shopping areas of Hoi An
include the Hoang Dieu, Hai Ba Trung, Phan Chu Trinh and the riverside
district. A massive amount of shops can be found in here, but make sure
to be resistant against the constant drive from salespeople asking you
to purchase their products. It doesn’t really matter which shop you
enter, most products and clothes in Hoi An are of pretty high standard.
However, if you are looking for a market experience, go and have a look
at the Central Market in Hoi An. This market is filled with a massive
amount of products, random smells of animals and food, and begging
salesmen every step of the way. A real adventure, but be prepared to
stand strong in the chaos.
Just follow your nose down to the river’s edge and you can devour the
fascinating sights, sounds and smells of a Vietnamese local market. If
you are an early riser or a keen photographer, visit the market just
before sunrise and get a glimpse of the local fisherman bringing in
their night’s catch. Many of the local women and restaurant chefs get to
the market as early as possible to grab the freshest, tastiest produce,
and while the market runs all day, early morning is when it is really
bustling.
The market is set out according to different culinary areas: the wet
market, selling fish and seafood; the meat section (not for the faint
hearted or vegetarian); fruit and vegetables; and inside the large shed
is the dry market selling nuts, seeds and spices.
In the late 2000s, the local government of Hoi An decided to demolish
the French era central market. Plenty of us were alarmed at what might
follow in the heart of the World Heritage listed old town.
Whether the demolition was justified or not, there aren't too many complaints about what's replaced the original old market. The new building looks perfectly at home in the old town and is now a massive food hall.
Locals and travellers flock to the market to sample some of Hoi An's delicious specialties as well as a good range of other Vietnamese favourites like banh xeo pancakes, bun bo Hue spicy soup and a variety of rice based dishes. There's even a dedicated vegetarian stall.
Make sure you visit at least once. You could easily spend several mealtimes here.
The stallholders are friendly, if at times a little pushy, the atmosphere's great and there are no complaints about value for money.
The market also has fresh fruit stalls where you can sample the delights of pomelo or custard apple juice as well as more conventional juice offerings. Recommended.
Whether the demolition was justified or not, there aren't too many complaints about what's replaced the original old market. The new building looks perfectly at home in the old town and is now a massive food hall.
Locals and travellers flock to the market to sample some of Hoi An's delicious specialties as well as a good range of other Vietnamese favourites like banh xeo pancakes, bun bo Hue spicy soup and a variety of rice based dishes. There's even a dedicated vegetarian stall.
Make sure you visit at least once. You could easily spend several mealtimes here.
The stallholders are friendly, if at times a little pushy, the atmosphere's great and there are no complaints about value for money.
The market also has fresh fruit stalls where you can sample the delights of pomelo or custard apple juice as well as more conventional juice offerings. Recommended.
