Vietnam enchants travelers with its sweeping coastlines, ancient heritage sites, and the relentless buzz of motorbikes weaving through historic streets. But when the sun sets, the country truly comes alive in its night markets – sprawling, neon-lit wonderlands where the air fills with sizzling grills, fragrant herbs, and the chatter of locals unwinding after a long day. Here are Vietnam’s best night markets for unforgettable evening food adventures.
1. Hanoi Old Quarter Weekend Night Market – Northern Classics
Every Friday to Sunday, Dong Xuan Market spills into the streets of the Old Quarter, transforming pedestrian zones into a walking street food paradise. Must-try evening bites:
- Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls with pork)
- Nem chua rán (fried fermented pork)
- Phở chiên phồng (crispy fried pho noodles) Pro tip: Start with egg coffee at a hidden café, then graze the stalls. The market runs 6 p.m.–midnight; join a local food tour for insider spots like the legendary nem stalls near Hang Dao.
2. Hoi An Ancient Town Night Market – Lantern-Lit Magic
Along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An’s night market glows with thousands of silk lanterns, creating one of the most photogenic food scenes in Vietnam. Must-try evening bites:
- Cao lầu (thick noodles with pork and crackling)
- White rose dumplings (shrimp dumplings)
- Bánh bao bánh vạc (rose-shaped rice cakes) The market opens around 5 p.m.; grab a riverside table for bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) while watching boat lanterns float by. Many tours include a lantern release for extra romance.
3. Son Tra Night Market, Da Nang – Seafood & Innovation
Da Nang’s modern vibe shines at Son Tra (or Helio) Night Market, with hundreds of stalls along the Han River bridge. Must-try evening bites:
- Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese “pizza” – grilled rice paper with toppings)
- Grilled seafood platters (prawns, squid, oysters)
- Mít trộn (jackfruit salad) Open daily from 5 p.m., it’s family-friendly with live music. Food tours often combine it with the dragon bridge fire show on weekends.
4. Ben Thanh Night Market, Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Energy
By day a famous market, by night the surrounding streets explode with food stalls serving Saigon classics. Must-try evening bites:
- Bò lá lốt (beef in betel leaves)
- Bánh xèo (southern-style giant crispy pancakes)
- Chè (sweet dessert soups) The action starts at 6 p.m. and goes late; District 1’s energy is unmatched. Join a motorbike food tour to weave through traffic to hidden gems.
5. Dinh Cau Night Market, Phu Quoc – Island Seafood Feast
On Vietnam’s largest island, this seaside is all about fresh catch grilled on the spot. Must-try evening bites:
- Grilled squid, scallops, and sea urchin
- Gỏi cá trích (raw herring salad)
- Coconut ice cream Open from sunset (~5:30 p.m.), it’s relaxed with beach views. Tours often include sunset watching before diving into seafood rows.
6. Dong Ba & Hue Walking Street Night Market – Imperial Flavors
Hue’s historic market area turns into a foodie haven with stalls along the Perfume River. Must-try evening bites:
- Bánh bèo, nậm, lọc (steamed rice cakes trio)
- Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodles)
- Chè Huế varieties Evenings from 5 p.m.; the illuminated Truong Tien Bridge adds magic.
7. Da Lat Night Market – Mountain Sweet Treats
In the cool highlands, Da Lat’s market centers around the central square with woolly-hat vendors. Must-try evening bites:
- Kem xôi (sticky rice with coconut ice cream)
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Hot soy milk with youtiao Open from 5 p.m.; perfect for warming up with strawberry skewers in the crisp air.
Tips for the Best Night Market Food Tours
- Go hungry – portions are small, perfect for grazing.
- Markets peak 7–10 p.m.; arrive early for fresher food.
- Cash only (small bills); prices $1–3 per dish.
- Join guided tours ($20–40) for translations and hidden stalls.
- Say “nướng” for grilled, “ít cay” for less spicy.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are essential.
Vietnam’s night markets turn evenings into sensory feasts – smoky grills, laughing vendors, and bites that capture the soul of each region. Whether you’re crunching on Vietnamese pizza under Da Nang lights or slurping noodles amid Hanoi’s chaos, these night market food tours deliver Vietnam’s best evening bites in the most magical settings.
Which market’s bites are calling you first? Hanoi’s grilled treats or Phu Quoc’s fresh seafood? Drop it below – your nighttime food adventure awaits! 🌙🍤
