The nightlife in Hoi An has its own unique charm, with streets glowing under colorful lanterns and a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. To give you a truly distinctive experience exploring the ancient town at night, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery suggests 11 exciting activities to try. These experiences will help you fully appreciate the beauty and special ambiance of Hội An when the city lights up.
The enchanting beauty of Hoi An at Night
As the sun sets, the ancient town of Hoi An puts on a new, captivating look. Unlike the hustle and bustle of daytime, Hội An at night is slow, poetic, yet still vibrant.
From Tran Phu Street to the bustling night market, every corner of the old town exudes an ancient, quiet charm. This beauty becomes even more magical when soft golden oil lamps glow in Indochine-style cafés, and brightly colored lanterns hang along the streets, creating a mystical and artistic atmosphere. Blended into this scene are traditional melodies drifting from cozy little bars, as if composing a romantic soundtrack just for the nights in Hoi An.
If you have the chance to travel to Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique charm that only the ancient town offers at night!
Exciting nighttime activities in Hoi An
Nighttime is when Hoi An takes on a completely different appearance, attracting visitors with many interesting activities. Below are experiences you should not miss when exploring the ancient town at night.
Admire the Lantern Streets
Hoi An’s lantern streets have long been the most vibrant and lively symbol whenever this city is mentioned at night. As a highlight of the nightlife in Hoi An, starting around 5:30 PM daily, hundreds of lanterns in various colors are lit, turning the ancient town into a sparkling and magical fairy-tale picture.
Especially, twice a month (on the 14th and 15th of the lunar calendar), the entire old town turns off the electric lights. At that time, only the gentle light from lanterns, flickering candles, and floating lanterns drifting on the Hoai River remain, creating a magical scene rarely found anywhere else. This is also the ideal time to fully feel the mystical beauty of Hoi An at night.
Recommended places to visit:
- Tran Phu Street: The main street in the ancient town, highlighted by dense lanterns hanging at guild halls and old houses.
- Bach Dang Street: Riverside street along the Hoai River, suitable for watching lanterns reflecting on the water and releasing floating lanterns.
- Nguyen Thai Hoc Street: A quiet street with lanterns hanging along the path, interspersed with souvenir shops and handcrafted art paintings.
- Nguyen Hoang Street: A lively night market area, selling hundreds of colorful and vibrant lanterns.
Read more: Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025: Best Dates, Activities & Travel Tips
Stroll around the Ancient Town at night
Evening is when Hoi An’s ancient town wears a peaceful and romantic beauty. Soft lantern light gently illuminates old houses, highlighting moss-covered yellow walls and old brick-paved streets. Walking through this space, you will clearly feel the unique calmness and leisurely pace of Hoi An.
When the streets light up, many small shops remain open welcoming guests. You can stop by handicraft stores, view art paintings, buy some souvenirs, or try traditional ao dai tailoring. Streets such as Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang, or the area near Cau Chua are always ideal stops for your nighttime exploration.
Boat cruise on the Hoai River and release floating lanterns
One of the most memorable experiences when coming to Hoi An at night is sitting on a boat cruising the Hoai River. From the boat, you can admire the ancient town brilliantly lit by lanterns from a completely different perspective, while enjoying the cool breeze and rare peace in the city center.
The highlight of this journey is the floating lantern release activity. Along the riverbank, you can easily buy small lovely lanterns from elderly people or children. After lighting the candle, gently release the lanterns to float with the water, sending wishes for peace, luck, and happiness. The sparkling light of hundreds of floating lanterns on the river makes Hoi An’s nighttime scene even more magical and sacred.
- Boat ticket price: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/boat (15-30 minutes, negotiable)
- Floating lantern price: 5,000 – 10,000 VND/lantern
- Ideal time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Boat boarding location: An Hoi Bridge area or the pier near Hoi An market
Read more: Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An: The most beautiful check-in spot by the Hoai River
Shopping at Nguyen Hoang night market
Nguyen Hoang Night Market is a shopping paradise stretching 300 meters with more than 50 stalls. Here, you can find all kinds of souvenirs such as handcrafted lanterns, bags, clothes, handmade jewelry, and many typical Hoi An souvenirs. Especially, the food area at the night market is where you can enjoy many delicious street foods like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), cao lau (Hoi An noodles), wontons, Hoi An sweet soup, and a variety of fresh seafood.
Not only a shopping place, Nguyen Hoang Night Market is also a lively cultural space with many street art performances and folk music. Many local artisans often perform traditional musical instruments, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere.
- Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Operating hours: 5 PM – 11 PM daily
Read more:
- Explore Hoi An night market and its unique experience
- Top 20 meaningful Hoi An souvenirs – With recommended shopping addresses
Watch the “Ky Uc Hoi An” Show
“Ky Uc Hoi An” (Memories of Hoi An) is a special cultural art performance that recreates the historical journey and cultural beauty of the ancient town of Hoi An through different eras. The show is elaborately staged on a large outdoor stage by the Hoai River, featuring over 500 performers. Each scene takes the audience back in time, from the ancient Champa period to the flourishing era of Hoi An as a trading port, and finally to the image of the ancient town today.
The auditorium can hold more than 3,000 people, with a stage facing Con Hen Island. The combination of modern sound and lighting with performances rich in ethnic identity creates an impressive artistic space.
- Location: 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam, Hoi An
- Showtime: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily (except Tuesday)
- Ticket price: 180,000 – 1,080,000 VND/person (depending on seat location and age)
- Ticket booking: Available at hotels, travel agencies, or online via the official website
Join the Traditional Folk Game Bai Choi
Bai Choi is a traditional folk art combining games, music, and poetry, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This lively game is an essential part of the nightlife in Hoi An, offering visitors a unique cultural experience after dark.
The game uses cards with pictures and unique meanings. The game host sings playful verses or rhymes to hint the card names, making players guess and wait to win, creating a lively and laughter-filled atmosphere.
Bai Choi performance venues:
- An Hoi Sculpture Garden: Located by the Hoai River opposite Cau Chua (Japanese Bridge), this is a frequent venue for Bai Choi performances in the evening.
- Hoai River Square: Near Cau Chua, where visitors can join and enjoy Bai Choi in the ancient town atmosphere.
- Area near Cau Chua: Some Bai Choi shows are also held here, providing easy access for tourists to experience.
Performances usually start around 7:00 PM and last until 9:30 PM every night. Additionally, during Lunar New Year or major festivals in Hoi An, you may have the chance to join larger-scale Bai Choi performances with more players and attractive prizes.
Enjoy evening dining
Hoi An at night truly is a food lover’s paradise, where you can explore a wide array of signature dishes from this region. Below are some must-try foods and famous restaurants you should visit:
| Dish | Recommended Places |
| Cao Lau | – Quan Thanh (26 Thai Phien) – Quan Cao Lau Lien (16 Thai Phien) |
| Mi Quang | – Mi Quang Ong Hai (6A Truong Minh Luong) – Mi Quang Di Hat (81 Phan Chu Trinh) |
| Che Hoi An | – Che Co Lien (175 Ly Thuong Kiet) – Che Bap Cam Nam (Xom Cam Nam, Hoi An |
| Banh Dap Hen Xao | – Quan Ba Gia (Thon 1, Cam Nam commune) |
| Wonton Fried | – Van Loc Restaurant (27 Tran Phu) – Duc Tan Restaurant (20B Tran Phu) |
| Grilled Skewers | – Riverside Food Street – Nguyen Hoang Night Market |
Sip Coffee Amidst the quiet Ancient Town
Away from noise and rush, the cozy coffee shops tucked inside Hoi An’s old houses offer a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
If you get the chance to visit, don’t miss trying traditional roasted coffee, especially drip coffee, iced milk coffee, egg coffee, or modern cold brew and espresso. Many cafés also serve herbal tea and fresh fruit juices, perfect light options for those who enjoy refreshing and subtle flavors in the heart of the ancient town.
Read more: Top 21 Hoi An cafes with super cool views and extremely chill
| Coffee Shop | Features | Address |
| Faifo Coffee | Rooftop café with panoramic views of ancient town, rich coffee, vintage space | 130 Tran Phu |
| Reaching Out Tea House | Quiet café run by hearing-impaired staff, offers meditation space, handcrafted tea and coffee | 131 Tran Phu |
| Cocobana | Vintage-style café with small garden and artistic vibe, serving herbal tea | 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc |
| Mot Hoi An | Famous for refreshing herbal tea, small but characteristic space | 150 Tran Phu |
| The Espresso Station | Specialty roasted coffee, cold brew, coconut milk coffee, cozy small space | 28/2 Tran Hung Dao |
Party all night with friends at bars and clubs
Although known for its peaceful and ancient beauty, the nightlife in Hoi An also features lively spots for travelers who love music, cocktails, and vibrant atmospheres. Bars, pubs, and lounges here are not as noisy as in big cities but have unique styles blending ancient and modern architecture, offering a special relaxing experience.
Here are some notable bars in Hoi An you shouldn’t miss:
| Bar Name | Address | Highlights |
| The Deck Hoi An | 39 Dao Duy Tu, Cam Pho Ward | Rooftop bar with spectacular views of the ancient town and Thu Bon River |
| Mango Mango | 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu | Beautiful view overlooking the ancient town, river, and colorful lanterns |
| Q Bar | 94 Nguyen Thai Hoc | Classic Indochine-style cocktail bar, dark wood interior, warm lighting |
| Tiger Tiger Bar | 9 Nguyen Phuc Chu | Lively bar with modern space, beer pong, foosball, DJ playing EDM and hip-hop |
Stroll An Bang Beach at Night
Just about 3 km east of the bustling town center, An Bang Beach at night transforms into a peaceful and romantic place quite different from daytime. The gentle sound of waves is like a lullaby, blending with the cool sea breeze, bringing a comfortable and relaxing feeling.
Walking on the smooth sandy beach under moonlight or the distant lights of coastal cafés, you will feel your heart lighten and relax more than ever. Additionally, many seafood restaurants open late here, offering fresh dishes in a peaceful seaside atmosphere.
Read more: Explore An Bang Beach: Fun activities, cuisine, and accommodation
Relax at VinWonders Nam Hoi An
When sunset falls, VinWonders Nam Hoi An turns into a magical world, attracting visitors with spectacular artistic performances. Here are some outstanding shows you must not miss in the evening at VinWonders Nam Hoi An:
- Water Music Show: Held from 6:50 PM to 7:10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, harmonizing light, music, and lively water sprays. This performance takes the audience on an emotional journey exploring Vietnamese culture and heritage through the language of art.
- 3D Mapping Show “Legend of Dai Viet”: Screening from 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM on weekend evenings, impressing viewers with vivid images recreating the architecture of Co Loa Citadel and ancient mythical stories such as Dragon’s Descendants and Saint Giong, offering an artistic experience blending tradition and modernity.
Some tips for traveling to Hoi An at Night
To fully enjoy the nightlife in Hoi An, you should keep in mind a few small but essential points below.
- Ideal visiting time: Hoi An is most beautiful at night from February to April when the weather is cool and less rainy. If you visit in summer, it’s best to stroll around after 8 PM to avoid the heat.
- Appropriate clothing: Evenings in Hoi An are usually not too cold; you can bring a light jacket in case it gets windy. If you want to take beautiful photos, you can rent an ao dai or ba ba outfit. Avoid carrying valuable items to prevent losing them.
- Reasonable itinerary: Start from Cau Chua (Japanese Bridge) at sunset, walk along Tran Phu Street, turn into small alleys to admire lanterns, then head to the riverside pier to release floating lanterns. At the end of the night, visit Nguyen Phuc Chu Street to enjoy coffee or cocktails by the river.
- Safety tips: When taking photos near the river, hold your phone tightly to avoid dropping it into the water. If visiting the night market, keep your belongings in a zipped bag to reduce the risk of pickpocketing, as the market can get crowded.
Read more:
- What is the best season to visit Hoi An? Let’s explore it
- 30+ Hoi An tourist destinations that you should not miss
Admire Hoi An from Above – A Luxurious Stay at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery
If you’re looking for a luxurious and elegant stay in Hoi An, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is the perfect choice. Inspired by the legendary love story between Japanese merchant Sotaro Araki and Princess Ngoc Hoa, the hotel offers a unique blend of Vietnamese and Japanese cultural elements, with an exquisite mix of classic and modern design.
With 187 beautifully designed rooms and suites, along with world-class 5-star services, the hotel guarantees an unforgettable stay.
- Wakaku Japanese Restaurant: Serves high-quality Japanese cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
- Faifo Café: Offers a buffet-style dining experience, serving both Vietnamese and international cuisine in an open kitchen setting.
- The Deck: The highest rooftop bar in Hoi An, where guests can enjoy exquisite cocktails while admiring panoramic views of the city.
- River Bar: A relaxing poolside bar, serving signature cocktails and local drinks.
- The Attic Bar: A premium lounge with breathtaking views of the ancient town and Hoai River.
- Woosah Spa: A haven of relaxation, offering traditional therapies to rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Executive Lounge: An exclusive space for guests staying in Royal Deluxe, Deluxe Suite, and 2-Bedroom Suites.
The hotel also offers cultural experiences, including Vietnamese coffee brewing workshops, calligraphy sessions, lantern-making, fan painting, and mask artistry, allowing guests to deeply connect with Hoi An’s heritage.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant nightlife, indulging in street food, or relaxing at a luxury hotel, Hoi An’s nighttime charm is truly unforgettable.
Indulge in the most luxurious accommodation, the 2 Bed Rooms Suite. This exceptional retreat spans an impressive 110 sqm and offers guests a world of bespoke services, unparalleled comfort, stunning views, and indulgent amenities with 1 twin room and a mesmerizing master bedroom in each unit.
- 110sqm (1184sq ft)
- 4 Adults
We hope this article has given you some exciting ideas to fully explore the nightlife in Hoi An. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here many times before, the ancient town illuminated at night always brings a fresh and memorable feeling. Wishing you a journey filled with wonderful memories!
