What to Do in Hoi An at Night | The 8 Best Things to Do
Have you arrived in Hoi An at night and don’t know what to do? No worries, you’re in the right place. I’ve prepared a detailed article for you to discover all there is to do in Hoi An in the evening.
During the day, the old town of Hoi An is already stunning with its yellow facades, but you haven’t seen anything yet. At night, illuminated by thousands of lanterns, it becomes simply magical—I have no other words. It is also listed among the 20 cities to visit at night.
So, what does the old town offer at night that makes visitors so passionate? Read my article to discover the great experiences that are available only here.
1. Visit the Old Town of Hoi An
The first thing to do is to simply stroll through the old town.
Hoi An at night is a must-see. Illuminated by thousands and thousands of lanterns of all colors, the old buildings of the ancient quarter are sublime.
Walking the streets of Hoi An at night illuminated by lanterns is just magical and for that alone, you cannot miss an evening in Hoi An.
Honestly, you won’t find this magical atmosphere anywhere else in Vietnam. It’s one of the must-see things in the city of lanterns, which truly lives up to its name.
The photo below shows what I call the golden triangle of Hoi An, where some of the city’s most famous restaurants are located, such as Cargo Club, Tam Tam Café, and Morning Glory. Even though there are fewer lanterns than before 2020, it remains one of the street corners with the most lanterns.
If you are lucky enough to come during the Full Moon, also called Legendary Night or Lantern Festival, which happens once a month, where only lanterns light up the city, you have the perfect combo.
The Japanese Covered Bridge (a symbol of the city) becomes even more beautiful and sparkling than ever. The bridge is illuminated by twinkling lights, constantly changing colors.
2. Take a Lantern Boat Ride
Another must-do activity in the old town: Take a lantern boat ride.
These boats can be found at the port of Hoi An and are illuminated by one or two lanterns. It’s an extremely popular activity and, let’s just say, you definitely won’t be the only one doing it. Nevertheless, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
What I like is that it offers another perspective of Hoi An from the river.
Expect to pay 150,000 VND per boat for a 15-minute ride. It’s a regulated activity and the prices are fixed.
During your lantern boat ride, enjoy setting a paper lantern on the river while making a wish. It’s a Hoi An tradition. You can also place a paper lantern from the dock, but if you’re taking a boat ride, why not combine the two activities?
A paper lantern costs 5,000 VND.
3. Visit the Night Market
Head to the Hoi An night market for some shopping. It’s a very lively place in the evening.
The Hoi An night market is a chance to buy some Vietnamese souvenirs, jewelry, bags, bracelets, or necklaces. I recommend going there to taste the local cuisine at low prices from the various stalls that abound in the market.
However, they tend to sell items for twice as much as the shops. You need to know how to negotiate.
The night market is also an opportunity to try some Vietnamese culinary specialties.
The highlight of the night market is the lantern walls found in front of each small shop that sells them. The perfect Instagram photo.
It’s so popular that some shops may charge you just for taking a photo in front of them. Welcome to Vietnam, where every little bit counts.
If you want to buy a lantern, negotiate the price and do not pay more than 100,000 VND for a standard-sized lantern.
The night market is open from 6 PM to 10 PM, and the busiest hours are from 7 PM to 9 PM.
4. Play Bai Choi
A more traditional activity is playing Bai Choi.
Bai Choi is a traditional Vietnamese game, listed by UNESCO, similar to bingo, played in the Quang Nam province (which includes Hoi An). A space dedicated to this game is located at the beginning of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and you simply need to buy playing cards (Price: 20,000 VND per card = ~0.74 €) on-site to start playing.
The principle: folk songs are performed by a group of Vietnamese singers. At the end of each song, a Vietnamese word is spoken, and a sign is shown to you to recognize the symbol corresponding to the word. It’s a simple way to play without speaking a word of Vietnamese.
Like in bingo, you need to have a full card.
In 12 years living in Hoi An, I’ve won a few times, and each time I won a lantern.
5. Lune Production Shows
At the end of Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, you will find the Hoi An Lune Center, a huge dome decorated with bamboo. You can’t miss it.
This is where Lune Production, recognized as one of the best show companies in Vietnam, presents its hit shows Teh Dar and Ao Show in Hoi An.
It is often said to be Vietnam’s answer to Cirque du Soleil. And what an answer it is. The artists whirl around in a beautifully staged performance. Personally, it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in Vietnam.
The show starts each evening at 6 PM at the Hoi An Lune Center, and ticket prices range from 700,000 VND (~26 €) to 1,600,000 VND (~59 €).
6. Hoi An Memories
Compared to Lune Production’s shows, Hoi An Memories is a large-scale show with a 25,000 square meter stage, 500 actors, and a reproduction of the old town of Hoi An. Quite impressive.
This show traces 400 years of Hoi An’s history in a breathtaking production, especially the first scene featuring several Vietnamese women in Ao Dai and particularly unique conical hats. But I won’t give away too much, letting you enjoy discovering the show for yourself.
It’s a very visual show, although there’s a story that you can follow in English on screens on either side of the stage.
The show starts at 8 PM and ticket prices range from 600,000 VND (~22 €) to 1,200,000 VND (~45 €).
7. Have a drink on Hoi An harbour
Beyond the peaceful side of Hoi An, you can also discover another interesting facet of this UNESCO World Heritage site in the trendy bistros, bars, and pubs of the old town.
There are two vibes, two atmospheres: on one side, the historic old town with bars like The Hoianian, Market Bar among others which are more chill bars; and on Nguyen Phuc Chu street, you find lively bars with live music such as The Shamrock Irish Pub or Wanderlust Hoi An.
I have a preference for chill bars but the choice is yours.
Most of them are located in the bustling old town and along the river. These nightlife spots stay open and lively, closing around 11 PM – 1 AM.
8. Enjoy An Bang Beach at Night
If you’ve already spent the evening in the town, I recommend heading to An Bang Beach (~4 km from town). Sitting quietly in one of the bars, breathing in the sea breeze, and listening to the murmur of the waves will surely be a beautiful memory of Hoi An.
At An Bang Beach, Soul Kitchen is the place where most Hoi An expatriates go and which remains a must-visit. There are several live concerts on the weekends.
