Hoi An looks stunning all day long, but it really comes alive at night! As the sun sets, the city bursts into life with lots of exciting things to do. You can stroll down streets lit up by colorful lanterns, have dinner by the river, check out the night market, listen to live music, or watch amazing performances. Hoi An’s nightlife is so magical, you’ll make memories that you’ll never forget!
Don’t miss our list of the top 10 things to do at night in Hoi An.
1. Stroll around the Ancient Town
Exploring the town at night is a must-do activity in Hoi An ancient town. In the morning, the town is beautiful and impressive, but in the evening, it becomes even more dazzling and vibrant.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about wandering through the narrow alleyways adorned with lanterns hanging from wall to wall. You can roam the streets, popping into different shops and buildings.
2. Shop at the Night Market
You can find the Night Market right across the bridge on An Hoi Island, over the Hoai River. This area is packed with places to eat and drink. The market itself is bustling with stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs, from clothes, accessories, and shoes to lacquerware, lanterns, and jewelry. If you’re looking for gifts for your friends back home, this is the place to be. And don’t forget to grab some street food while you’re here – like the famous banh mi sandwich or the delicious coconut popsicle ice cream.
3. Enjoy Hoi An cuisine
Hoi An’s food scene is another big draw for tourists. At night, you can find a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes at very reasonable prices. From classics like Cao Lau Noodle, Hoi An Chicken Rice, Bun Bo, to Quang Noodles, there’s something to satisfy every craving. You can even grab a seat by the roadside, enjoy a cup of coffee, and take in the peaceful atmosphere, with the old rooftops glowing softly in the beautiful light.
4. Take a night boat trip on Hoi An river
Hoi An is known for its charming old houses lining the picturesque Hoai River. These houses are often compared to the romantic and peaceful vibe of Venice in Italy.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy boat tours on the Hoai River, where you can witness stunning sunrises, sunsets, and admire the beauty of the old town at night.
5. Release a paper lantern and make a wish
As the clock strikes 6 pm, you’ll notice street vendors setting up along the riverbank, selling beautiful paper lanterns. It’s a lovely tradition to purchase these lanterns, light them up, and send them drifting on the water while making a wish. People believe it brings them luck and joy. As the night progresses, you’ll see hundreds of these lanterns shimmering on the river, creating a magical atmosphere that adds to the charm of evenings in Hoi An.
6. Participate in folk games
Taking part in folk games in Hoi An is a fantastic way to dive into the local culture. Games like “Bai Choi,” which is like Vietnamese bingo, or “Bamboo Dancing,” where you dance between bamboo sticks, are really popular. Getting involved in these games is a fun way to bond with locals and learn more about the traditions and customs of Hoi An and Vietnam.
7. Watch the Ao Dai Show
In Hoi An Ancient Town, there’s a beautiful tradition of performing dances while wearing the elegant ao dai dresses and conical hats. This art form, known as Nam Nam, blends seamlessly with the rich cultural history of the area.
8. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Watching a water puppet show is one of the most special experiences you can have in Hoi An at night. This traditional Vietnamese art dates back to the 10th century and is linked to the wet rice civilization of Vietnam.
During these shows, you’ll see stories that cover a wide range of topics, from everyday life in Vietnam to mythical tales of fairies and dragons. You can catch one of these captivating performances at the Hoi An Water Puppet Theatre for around 80,000 VND per person, and the show usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.
9. Walk along the Thu Bon river
One of the top free activities to enjoy in Hoi An at night is taking a leisurely stroll along the Thu Bon River. As the sun sets, the riverside transforms into a vibrant scene, with colorful lanterns, bustling bars, and cozy restaurants lining the banks. The illuminated Bridge of Lights adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for an evening walk.
If you arrive early, you might even catch a breathtaking sunset from the banks of the Thu Bon River. It’s a serene and picturesque experience you won’t want to miss.
10. Grab a drink during happy hour
In Hoi An, you’ll find lots of bars and pubs offering great deals during happy hour. The timing of happy hours differs from place to place, so if you’re aiming for the best value, you might want to do a little pub-hopping to catch the top deals!
