Go on a culinary adventurethrough Central Market, a riverside marketplace filled with stalls sellingherbs, spices, live poultry and fresh produce. Try local specialty dishes andVietnamese favorites in the food hall and shop for souvenirs and clothing.
Expect the market to be busythroughout the day, because this is where locals and tourists alike come toshop. If you want some fish, arrive first thing in the morning when fishermen unloadtheir catches. Even if you are not a lover of fish, watch the lively and loudspectacle of market vendors and other local buyers haggling over prices.
Then browse the rest of themarket for fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs and spices such as chili powdersand saffron. Stop by stalls where there are live ducks and chickens for sale.
Visit the massive food hall andtry traditional Vietnamese fare, including pho, a noodle soup. Order localspecialties such as the rice noodle dish, cao lầo. Each stall prepares only a small variety of meals,typically based on unique family recipes. All of the vendors work together, soyou can order dishes from several stalls, and they will be delivered to you inthe dining area.
After your meal, continue yourtour of the market. Find stalls selling souvenirs and have clothes custom madefor you by a tailor. There are several in the market and they make suits,dresses and jackets among other items. Although the prices are a lot cheaperthan elsewhere, haggle for even more of a bargain because the first price youwill be offered is usually inflated.
The Central Market is locatedin the old town between two of Hoi An’s main thoroughfares, Tran Phu Street andBach Dang Street. It is just across theriver from the island of Cam Nam and is open every day from early morning untilthe evening.
