Exploring the Enchantment of Halong Night Market: A Must-Visit for Every Traveler

Halong Bay, located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam, is known for its stunning natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Site status. But beyond the breathtaking landscapes and emerald waters, lies a hidden gem that every traveler must experience – the Halong Night Market. This bustling market comes to life after sunset, offering a unique blend of local flavors, handicrafts, and entertainment. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the enchantment of Halong Night Market and why it should be on every traveler’s itinerary.

Brief Overview and Location of Halong Night Market

Halong Night Market is situated in Bai Chay Ward, just a few minutes away from the popular Bai Chay Beach. It is easily accessible by taxi or motorbike from the city center of Ha Long. The market opens daily from 6 PM to 11 PM, making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll and some late-night shopping.

The market is divided into two main sections – the outdoor street market and the indoor market. The outdoor street market is where you can find a variety of food stalls, souvenir shops, and street performances. The indoor market, on the other hand, offers a more traditional shopping experience with vendors selling everything from clothing to handicrafts.

Must-Try Delicacies at Halong Night Market

Halong Night Market gives you a variety of food to choose

One of the highlights of visiting Halong Night Market is the opportunity to indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Here are some must-try delicacies that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Savor the Seafood

As a coastal city, Halong is famous for its fresh and flavorful seafood. At the night market, you can find a wide array of seafood dishes that are not only delicious but also affordable. Some of the must-try seafood dishes include:

Grilled Squid on Skewers

Grilled squid on skewers is a popular street food in Vietnam, and you can find it in abundance at Halong Night Market. The squid is marinated in a special sauce and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. It is then served on a stick, making it easy to eat while strolling through the market.

Halong Bay Oysters

Halong Bay is known for its oysters, and you can find them freshly shucked and served at the night market. These plump and juicy oysters are best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of chili sauce.

Mussel Porridge

Mussel porridge, also known as “chao hau,” is a popular dish in Halong. It is made by cooking rice in a flavorful broth with mussels, creating a creamy and comforting porridge. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening at the night market.

Ngan (Austriella Corrugata)

Ngan, or razor clams, are another must-try seafood dish at Halong Night Market. These long and slender clams are cooked in various ways, such as grilling, steaming, or stir-frying. They have a unique texture and flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Experience Local Flavors

Aside from seafood, there are also plenty of local dishes to try at Halong Night Market. Here are some of the must-try dishes that will give you a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine:

Banh Mi Halong

Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that has gained worldwide fame. At Halong Night Market, you can find a variety of Banh Mi stalls, each with their own unique twist on this classic dish. Some popular fillings include grilled pork, pate, and pickled vegetables, all stuffed into a crispy baguette.

Pho Cuon (Pho Rolls)

Pho Cuon is a lesser-known dish that originated from Hanoi but has made its way to Halong Night Market. It consists of fresh rice noodles rolled with beef, herbs, and lettuce, served with a dipping sauce. This dish is light and refreshing, making it the perfect snack while exploring the market.

Squid Cake with Steamed Rice Rolls

Another unique dish to try at the night market is squid cake with steamed rice rolls. The squid cake is made by mixing minced squid with flour and spices, then deep-fried until crispy. It is then wrapped in steamed rice rolls and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Banh Goi (Pillow Shaped Cake/ Fried Pillow Cake)

Banh Goi, also known as “pillow-shaped cake,” is a popular street food in Vietnam. It is made by stuffing a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles into a pastry wrapper and deep-frying it until golden brown. The result is a crispy and savory snack that is perfect for munching on while browsing the market.

Banh Troi (Floating Cake)

Banh Troi, or “floating cake,” is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that is often enjoyed during special occasions. It consists of glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste and served in a sweet ginger syrup. The name “floating cake” comes from the fact that the rice balls float to the surface when they are cooked.

Banh Gat Gu (Nodding Cake)

Banh Gat Gu, also known as “nodding cake,” is another popular dessert at Halong Night Market. It is made by steaming a mixture of rice flour, tapioca starch, and coconut milk, then topping it with a layer of mung bean paste. The cake is then cut into small squares and served with a sweet syrup.

→ Explore more: Halong Bay day trip – Itinerary and Experience

Indulge in Desserts and Drinks

After trying all the savory dishes at Halong Night Market, don’t forget to save some room for dessert. Here are some must-try desserts and drinks that will satisfy your sweet tooth:

Ha Long Pearl Yogurt

Ha Long pearl yogurt is a unique dessert that you can only find in this city. It is made by mixing fresh yogurt with pearl jelly, creating a creamy and refreshing treat. You can find this dessert at various stalls throughout the market, each with their own twist on the recipe.

Che Halong (Halong Sweet Soup)

Che Halong, or “Halong sweet soup,” is a popular dessert in Vietnam. It consists of various ingredients such as beans, fruits, and jelly, all served in a sweet coconut milk broth. This dessert is perfect for those who want to try a variety of flavors in one dish.

Fresh Coconut Water

If you’re feeling thirsty while exploring the night market, be sure to grab a fresh coconut water from one of the vendors. The coconuts are freshly picked and opened in front of you, making it a refreshing and healthy drink option.

Souvenir Hunting in Halong Night Market

Don’t forget to bring some souvenirs from your Halong trip

Aside from food, Halong Night Market is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Here are some items that you can find at the market:

Handicrafts

The indoor market at Halong Night Market is filled with vendors selling a variety of handicrafts, such as wooden carvings, lacquerware, and silk products. These make for unique and authentic souvenirs to bring back home.

Ha Long Specialties

You can also find a variety of local specialties at the night market, such as dried seafood, coffee, and tea. These make for great gifts for friends and family, or a treat for yourself to remember your trip to Halong.

Brocade Products

Brocade is a traditional fabric in Vietnam, and you can find a variety of products made from this material at the night market. From bags to clothing, these items make for unique and colorful souvenirs.

Tips for Your First Experience at Halong Night Market

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your visit to Halong Night Market:

• Be prepared to haggle: As with most markets in Southeast Asia, haggling is expected at Halong Night Market. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price, but also keep in mind to be respectful and fair.
• Bring small bills: Most vendors at the night market prefer cash, so it’s best to bring small bills to make transactions easier.
• Try new things: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and flavors at the night market. You might discover a new favorite dish or drink!
• Come early: The market tends to get crowded later in the evening, so it’s best to come early to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.

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Conclusion

Halong Night Market is not just a place to shop and eat, but a cultural experience that every traveler should have. From trying new and delicious dishes to shopping for unique souvenirs, there’s something for everyone at this enchanting market. So if you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay, be sure to add Halong Night Market to your itinerary for an unforgettable evening.

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