An Thuong Night Market: 7 Unique Experiences to Enjoy

Hey guys! So last month I finally got to check out the An Thuong Night Market in Da Nang and OMG, I just had to share my experience with you all! If your looking for the perfect evening spot that captures the real vibe of Da Nang's nightlife, this place is seriously it.

I've been to a few night markets in Vietnam, but there's something special about this one that keeps locals and tourists coming back night after night.

1. Discovering An Thuong Night Market Da Nang Location & Basics

First things first – if your trying to find this place, it's located on Tran Bach Dang Street in Ngu Hanh Son District. The An Thuong Da Nang area is basically the expat and tourist hub of the city, just a short walk from the famous My Khe Beach. The market itself is a 150-meter stretch that turns into a pedestrian-only zone every evening from 6 PM to 11 PM.

The market only opened in 2023 but has already become one of the hottest spots in town! What I love most is that unlike some tourist traps, this place feels authentic but still comfortable for foreigners. And guess what? It's totally free to enter!

My first impression? I was honestly a bit overwhelmed by all the lights, sounds, and amazing smells! I remember standing at the entrance for a good five minutes just taking it all in, trying to decide where to start. The colorful lanterns strung overhead created this magical atmosphere that instantly put me in a good mood.

But with so many enticing aromas floating through the air, what do you think had me completely mesmerized from the start? That's right – the incredible food options stretching as far as I could see!

2. Must-Try Foods at An Thuong Night Market

2.1. Local Vietnamese Dishes You Can't Miss

Okay, so the An Thuong Night Market is absolutely HEAVEN for foodies! With nearly 40 food stalls, you'll find everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to international cuisines. During my visit, I literally couldn't stop eating!

Some must-try dishes I personally recommend:

• Banh mi sandwiches – so much better than the ones I've had back home
• Oc hut (sucking snails) – sounds weird but trust me, they're delicious!
• Mi Quang noodles – a local specialty that's bursting with flavor

I'll never forget my first bite of Mi Quang at this tiny stall run by an elderly lady with the warmest smile. She noticed my hesitation and added extra herbs and a squeeze of lime before handing it to me. That bowl of noodles might have been the best 35,000 VND ($1.50) I've ever spent! The broth had this perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors that I still dream about.

But what happens when you're craving something a little different from traditional Vietnamese fare? Are there other options available for international palates?

2.2. International Food Options

Absolutely! Even though this is a Vietnamese market, you can find cuisines from around the world here. One night I was actually craving something different and stumbled upon this amazing Korean corn dog stall. The owner had studied in Seoul for five years and brought authentic recipes back to Da Nang!

I also spotted Japanese takoyaki, Thai papaya salad, and even a stall selling Belgian waffles topped with ice cream and fresh fruit. The diversity was impressive for such a compact market!

After trying so many savory dishes, do you ever find yourself craving something sweet to finish off your culinary adventure? I certainly did!

2.3. Sweet Treats and Beverages

Ever tried Vietnamese egg coffee? I hadn't until my third night at the market! There's this little beverage stall at the far end that serves the most incredible egg coffee I've ever tasted – rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. I ended up going back every night just for this!

For dessert lovers, don't miss the fresh mango sticky rice, chè (sweet soup desserts), or the crispy banana fritters drizzled with honey. I particularly loved watching the vendor prepare coconut ice cream served in actual coconut shells – both sustainable and delicious!

With all this amazing food to sample, you might wonder what else there is to do at the market once you've satisfied your appetite. Would you believe there's a whole world of shopping experiences waiting for you?

3. Shopping Experiences at An Thuong Night Market

3.1. Traditional Crafts at An Thuong Night Market

Beyond just stuffing your face (which, let's be honest, is the main attraction), the market has some amazing shopping options. You'll find traditional Vietnamese souvenirs like conical hats, colorful lanterns, and local specialties like rice paper.

I actually bought the cutest marble keychain from a stall that gets their products from the famous Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village about 10km away. The prices are pretty reasonable too – definitely cheaper than what you'd pay in the main tourist areas of Da Nang.

But when you see something you love, how do you make sure you're getting a fair price? Is haggling expected or would that be considered rude?

3.2. Bargaining Tips from My Experience

Let me share a quick story about bargaining: On my second night, I spotted this beautiful hand-painted tea set that would be perfect for my mom. The seller initially quoted 650,000 VND, which seemed high. After some friendly haggling (and my terrible attempt at Vietnamese), we settled on 400,000 VND. Later, I saw almost identical sets at other stalls for 500,000-550,000 VND, so I definitely got a good deal!

The key is to always be respectful and approach bargaining as a friendly conversation, not a battle. Start by offering about 60% of the initial price and work your way up. Most importantly, smile and keep it light-hearted!

After all that shopping and eating, you might be wondering what else the night market has to offer. What kind of atmosphere can you expect when the sun goes down?

4. Nightlife at An Thuong Da Nang Market

4.1. Live Performances

What makes An Thuong Da Nang night market special isn't just the food and shopping – it's the whole vibe! As night falls, the street transforms with bright lights, music, and street performances. On Saturday night when I visited, there was a local band playing, and the energy was incredible!

I'll never forget this amazing duo that performed traditional Vietnamese music with a modern twist. I ended up sitting on a tiny plastic stool for over an hour, completely mesmerized. The girl playing the đàn bầu (monochord instrument) even invited me up to try it – let's just say I should stick to eating rather than performing! Everyone had a good laugh though.

But beyond the organized performances, isn't it often the spontaneous human connections that create the most memorable travel experiences?

4.2. Meeting Locals and Fellow Travelers

Unlike some of the bigger markets that can feel overwhelming, An Thuong Night Market strikes a perfect balance between lively and laid-back. It's busy enough to be exciting but not so crowded that you feel suffocated.

One of my favorite memories was sharing a table with this lovely Vietnamese family who insisted I try their bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes). Despite the language barrier, we had the most wonderful conversation through gestures, smiles, and Google Translate. Their 8-year-old daughter practiced her English with me, proudly counting to twenty and teaching me Vietnamese words in return.

If you're planning to experience this amazing night market for yourself, you're probably wondering about practical details, right? Where should you stay to be close to all the action?

5. Where to Stay Near An Thuong Night Market

5.1. Livie Da Nang An Thuong and Other Accommodation Options

If you're planning to visit the market, I'd recommend staying in the An Thuong area. I chose to stay at Livie Da Nang An Thuong, which was literally a 5-minute walk from the night market! The place has super cute apartments with all the amenities you need, and the staff was incredibly helpful with recommendations.

My room had this amazing balcony overlooking the street, so I could actually hear the distant sounds of the night market each evening. It was like a little preview of what awaited just down the road!

There are lots of other accommodation options in the area too, ranging from budget hostels to luxury apartments. The great thing about staying in An Thuong Da Nang is that you're not just close to the night market but also to My Khe Beach and tons of restaurants and cafes.

But even with great accommodation sorted, how exactly do you find your way to the market? Is it complicated to navigate to An Thuong Night Market?

5.2. Using the An Thuong Da Nang Map to Navigate

Navigating to the night market is pretty straightforward, but having an An Thuong Da Nang map handy definitely helps. If you're coming from the Dragon Bridge area, you'll want to follow Vo Van Kiet Street eastward, then turn right onto Ngo Quyen Street. Continue for about 1.4 km, then turn left onto Do Ba Street. After about 1 km, make another right onto Tran Bach Dang Street, and voilà – you've reached the night market!

Full disclosure: I got lost the first time I tried to find the market! I ended up in a completely different neighborhood and had to show a local my phone with “An Thuong Night Market Da Nang” typed in. He actually walked me halfway there to make sure I found it! Vietnamese hospitality is seriously next level.

Now that you know how to get there, what insider knowledge might help you make the most of your visit? Are there certain times or days that offer the best experience?

6. Insider Tips for Visiting An Thuong Night Market

6.1. Best Times to Visit

After spending several evenings exploring An Thuong Night Market, here are some tips to make your visit amazing:

The market opens at 6 PM, but it really gets lively around 7:30 PM. If you want to avoid crowds, go early; if you want the full atmosphere, go later. I found Tuesday and Wednesday nights to be less crowded than weekends, which meant shorter lines for food but slightly less energy in terms of performances.

When planning your visit, it's also worth considering practical matters like money. What's the payment situation at the market, and should you come prepared?

6.2. Money Matters

While some vendors accept cards or digital payments, having cash on hand makes things easier. I made the mistake of not bringing enough the first night! I had my eye on this gorgeous handmade lantern but was about 100,000 VND short. By the time I returned with cash the next evening, it was already sold. Lesson learned!

Most stalls have prices clearly displayed, which helps prevent tourist markups. Still, having small bills is useful for bargaining and smaller purchases like street food.

Besides the obvious attractions, I bet you're wondering if there are any hidden gems in the market that most tourists might miss?

6.3. Hidden Gems I Discovered

Did you know there's a secret dessert stall at the very end of the market? It's easy to miss because it's slightly tucked away, but they serve the most incredible chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup) I've ever tasted. The owner explained that she uses her grandmother's recipe passed down for generations. I tried the chè bắp (sweet corn dessert) and honestly could have eaten three bowls!

After walking around for hours, I treated myself to a foot massage at one of the nearby parlors. For just about $10, it was the perfect way to end the evening. The massage place I found was up a narrow staircase with a tiny sign – I would have missed it if not for a recommendation from my hotel receptionist.

7. Why Visit An Thuong Night Market Da Nang

What makes the An Thuong Night Market special is its perfect blend of authenticity and accessibility. Unlike some traditional markets that can feel overwhelming for tourists, this one offers a taste of Vietnamese culture in a friendly, approachable setting.

The market isn't just about shopping or eating-it's about experiencing Da Nang's vibrant nightlife and connecting with locals. On my last night, I skipped a fancy oceanfront restaurant to return to the market “one more time,” and ended up having the most memorable evening of my trip, chatting with vendors who'd become familiar faces and sharing stories with other travelers.

So if you're planning a trip to Da Nang, don't miss this gem! Whether you're a foodie, shopaholic, or cultural explorer, An Thuong Night Market offers an authentic slice of Vietnamese life that'll become a highlight of your journey.

Have you been to An Thuong Night Market or planning to visit soon? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions!