Recently, the Helio and Le Duan night markets in Da Nang have drawn a great deal of attention from both locals and visitors. They have become an indispensable spiritual food in young people’s lives.

Night market on Le Duan

Taking inspiration from some famous night markets in Thailand such as Siam Gypsy Junction, Liab Duan and Rot Boran, the Helio night market at the namesake entertainment complex on 2 September street features a variety of fashionable products, drinks and food under the electrifying glow of multicolored stands.

Since operations began in June 2017, the market has been considered as the largest cuisine and shopping space, and the biggest night-time event in the city.

It opens from Thursdays to Sundays between 5.00pm and 10.30pm daily. The 3,000m² area showcases 150 food and drinks stalls, along with 100 fashion ones.

32-year-old Dinh Nguyen Khanh Phuong from Hai Chau District has operated a stall called ‘Lala Silver’ for a year. She is selling silver jewellery and fashionable accessories at the price of between 60,000 VND and 500,000 VND each.

Phuong said that her stall has been frequently crowded with young people and foreigners. She often offers 10% discount on her products on the holidays in order to thank her customers for their support.

Especially, visitors to the market can try a wide range of Vietnamese dishes such as ‘banh xeo’ (steamed rice flour pancakes), Quang noodle, ‘goi cuon’ (fresh spring rolls) and ‘pho bo’ (Vietnamese beef noodle soup). In addition, some Korean, Japanese and Thai specialities are also available there.

In addition to going to shopping and trying favourite food and drinks, visitors can enjoy relaxing moments with exciting live musical performances after a hard day’s work or study.

To date, the entertainment venue has become more attractive to young families, and domestic and foreign visitors. It welcomes a nightly average of around 8,000 visitors.

Unlike the Helio market, a night market in alley No 144 on Le Duan has opened for around 7 years.

There are now a total of 27 business households at the market which opens between 7.00pm and 11.00pm daily. Although there are numerous luxury fashionable shops nearby, the market still attracts a large number of young shoppers.

On sale at the market are popular products such as footwear, clothes, cosmetics and bags, along with drinks and food at very reasonable prices.

In addition to the Helio and Le Duan night markets, there are some small-scale fairs in the city but they operate irregularly. Included are a Da Nang fair at 230 Trung Nu Vuong, and an Eco Fun weekend fair at the Da Nang University of Economics at 71 Ngu Hanh Son.