Halong Night Markets

When you are done with sightseeing, after beating the heat and dust of the day, Halong opens to an effervescent night market along the bay. Bustling with attractive local wares and souvenirs, you can’t walk past them without a second look or simply falling in the temptation to carry a handful for friends and folks back home. Sellers use their best persuasion skills and tricks to sell their wares and you can't resist their pleas or the pleasing craftsmanship on display. Don’t forget the golden rule, bargain, and bargain all the way. Even if you haven’t done it before, this is the best time to try it out. So just step into the Halong night market with confidence and go ahead, quote outrageously.
 

Lined along the Bai Chay coast, the Halong night markets open with the setting sun every day of the week and does not close until midnight. Covering a span of 5,000 square meter, with 335 stalls, foreign tourists mostly from Asia, crowd around these markets hoping to take back little tokens home. There are several stalls divided into square blocks with tables of colorful scarves, jewelry, small handcrafted dolls modelling fishermen or Vietnamese men and women in their traditional dresses and catamarans. Various elements of the local culture are indigenously emulated by artisans. The market thrives, with loud music amidst the heat and the crowd.

The shopkeepers can converse in English and are exceedingly polite and charming. You can purchase both in Dong and USD. Most items sold here are highly overpriced with a difference of 30-40% from the local markets. If you are staying in central Halong then the market is at walking distance, however, if staying at the Halong Paradise Suites hotel a taxi will bring you to this market in 15 minutes, the taxi charges 100 VND till the Halong night market. The night market can add to a photographer’s collection, the colorful market with a canvas of moods and moments that can be summed in an album of sorts.
 

Other delights and trinkets that buyers can look for are lacquer polished chopsticks, ceramic tea sets with local motifs of dragon and flowers. Conical hats, beautiful soft silk fabric, ‘Ao dai’, handmade Vietnamese dolls are particularly favorite with tourists. ‘We Love Vietnam’ T-Shirts too, are a great hit with tourists.
 

Located on the Vuon Dao Street, in Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, this is a modern shopping center in Halong. From luxury goods to other diverse items, this is a rather expensive place in Halong. So, if you want a posh shopping experience then you may try this out or just stroll in to take a look at the market. However, the product does ensure quality and if you really like something, it might be expensive but holds value. The place is around 600 meters away from the Halong Night Market. You will find genuine pearls, real crocodile leather (not sure you would like to buy it), wooden and coal souvenirs items. The opening time is 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM.

This unique Hanoi Night market is surely one to experience. Though you may not be able to buy souvenirs, as this is a market that sells fresh fruits and veggies on boats standing together. Close to the wharf cruise ships, a makeshift market also sells fresh seafood. However, what really catches your eye or camera are the colorful fruits, bananas, watermelon, dragon fruit, pineapples and the fresh green cabbages, yam, and leafy delights. You may have never seen such a lively market in such a unique setting. These nomadic markets are seen to be floating along the bay with no fixed location after a point. This should surely be included in your itinerary. It starts from 04:00 AM and closes by 11:00 AM. So you need to be an early bird to reach this place.
 

Right at the center of the city, this market is close to the new port in the heart of Hanoi. A recent market and rather colorful, if I may say so. Selling wares from flowers to fruits, vegetables to fresh fish and meat, it offers a window into the local life and people of Halong. Experience a slice from the local life in this market. It is open till 02:15 AM daily. A great place for taking some awesome pictures. Don’t miss the delectable Squid balls, a famous offering of the Halong Market. This can surely be added to your Halong night market list.
 

If you wish to check out on the luxurious shopping addresses in Halong, then this international chain will whet your appetite. A part of the Cot Dong Ho (Cột Đồng Hồ) Area, Bach Dang (Bạch Đằng) Ward, this shopping plaza showcases international brands. It’s interesting to watch how Halong preserves its traditions with modernity. But tourists do find this place convenient as it has toilets, ATMs, and a Highland coffee shop. Phew! Those who have missed the taste of the good old American coffee, here’s an enthralling reminder from David, the American coffee shop owner who popularized his brand of American coffee in Hanoi. Additionally, there is a play area for children, and cinema. So, hop in if you want. The Plaza is open from 09:00 AM-10:30 PM.
 

The ideal time to visit Halong night markets is in the months of September to November and March to May when the climate is a bit dry and the temperature is pleasant. But whenever you visit, the bounties of the market will catch your fancy. After a stroll at the local markets, you can sit by the beach restaurants and grab some local seafood delights. Don’t miss the outdoors in Halong Bay as long as you are here. Watch the soaking shores, the limestone isles as the Night Market of Hanoi with its wares prepares for another day of busy selling.