14 Night Markets in Asia for Street Food and Neon-Lit Views

Show me a photograph of someone digging into meat skewers, amidst a crowd of people on a street brightened by red lanterns — and in a matter of seconds, I’ll want to go there too. There’s something magnetic about night markets: ordering street food, licking sauce off your fingers, and just having a good time.

If you really want to get underneath the skin of a city in Asia, then you have to be nocturnal. You must explore all the little nooks and stalls crammed into each square metre, where the night whizzes by in a blur of red lanterns and the aroma of smoke clings to your clothes. Any local will tell you that it’s all part of the experience.

Asian night markets are some of the best in the world, and every corner is studded with delightful food options. Here are our picks for the best night markets in Asia, where you can eat and shop the night away!

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Also read: 12 Tropical Airbnbs in Asia to Experience the Best of Island Life

Best night markets in Asia worth visiting

1. Bến Thành Night Market – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Situated in a building at the centre of Ho Chih Minh City, the Bến Thành Night Market is one of the trendiest night markets in Asia. It’s almost painful to resist the array of culinary delights offered by the food vendors, who prepare everything from hearty, full-bodied dishes to drinks that will make your head spin before the night is over. 

Thankfully, the market stays open until midnight. You’ll have enough time to sink your teeth into fresh spring rolls, pho, succulent meats, bánh nam (flat rice dumplings), grilled seafood, bún chả (Vietnamese grilled pork and noodles), and other popular Vietnamese staples. 

Address: Chợ, Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6pm to 12am

2. Hoi An Night Market – Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Suffused with a quaint ambience, the Hoi An Night Market in the province of Quảng Nam has been well-documented as a bazaar for traditional silk lanterns. It takes place on a 300-metre-long street with a view of Thu Bon River. At night, the market shows its photogenic side as hundreds of vibrant lanterns illuminate the night, serving as a backdrop for picturesque strolls across town. 

Furthermore, you can expect to sort through delicate handicrafts, local snacks, clothes, accessories, and trinkets whose prices can be lowered with a little bargaining. And just like in the markets across Ho Chi Minh, the food is simply to die for! 

Address: Nguyễn Hoàng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 4.30pm to 10pm

3. Shilin Night Market – Taipei, Taiwan

A world of mouth-watering flavours is waiting for you in Taiwan’s capital city! Taipei’s largest market, the Shilin Night Market, is a must-visit destination for anyone eating their way through Asia. Why? It’s lined with stalls that sell most of the local delicacies that travellers seek out when they’re in Taiwan. Here, you can feast on oyster omelettes, stinky tofu with vegetables, fried chicken and calamari, pepper buns, meats on skewers, and so on. 

After filling up to your heart’s delight, you can easily burn off the calories by browsing the clothing and souvenir stores around the market. There’s a little something for everybody in this Asian night market! 

Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 4pm to 12am

4. Ningxia Night Market – Taipei, Taiwan

While Shilin Night Market is the most popular night market in Taiwan, locals would probably recommend you visit Ningxia Night Market instead, especially if you prefer somewhere less mainstream. Ningxia Night Market is a bustling night market also located in Taipei, featuring a wide variety of traditional Taiwanese delicacies. For instance — fried chicken fillet, oyster omelette, peanut mochi, and stinky tofu, which are all must-tries while you’re here! 

Several stalls in the market have also earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. Now you know where to fill up your tummy during your trip to Taipei!

Address: Ningxia Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 1am

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market – Bangkok, Thailand

Ever so essential to the nightlife scene as the bars in the streets, Thailand’s night markets are some of the best in Asia. Head to Chatuchak Weekend Market for an intoxicating glimpse of Bangkok’s culture. After all, there’s nothing like experiencing the commotion of a night in Bangkok to give you insight into where the locals go. 

Lasting well into midnight on Fridays, this market is a great jumping-off point in the city for shopaholics in Bangkok. With more than 8,000 stalls dedicated to fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs, and so much more, this buzz-worthy market has it all! 

Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Opening hours: Fridays, 9pm to 12am; Weekends, 9am to 6pm; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7am to 6pm

6. Jodd Fairs Night Market – Bangkok, Thailand

Speaking of the latest Asian night markets that travellers should not miss, Jodd Fairs is probably on top of the list. This night market in Bangkok is sheltered and very organized. It also boasts many seating areas and live performances, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience. From seafood restaurants to food stalls selling delicious Thai food, you can find all the best local food here. But of course, the most famous items to get in this market are fruit juice, grilled ribs, and alcoholic beverages. 

Up for a more unique experience? Try manicure or weed cookies, both available in the market!

Address: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 4pm to 12am

7. Luang Prabang Night Market – Luang Prabang, Laos

Anyone embarking on a shopping spree would be remiss to skip this memorable night market in Southeast Asia. By evening, the Luang Prabang Night Market covers the entirety of Sisavangvong Road with hundreds of colourful stalls. Along this stretch of road, you can take your pick from Laotian handicrafts, scarves, purses, ceramics, blankets, paper lanterns, clothes, and beautiful paintings — all of which have been meticulously and artfully produced by the locals. 

When you feel like stopping for a bite to eat, the food vendors in the market are also glad to whip up some of the country’s signature dishes for you. Without a doubt, a visit to this lively market is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang!

Address: Sisavangvong Road, Alley Behind Lao National Tourism Office, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 11pm 

8. Siem Reap Art Center Night Market – Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you have an eye for arts and crafts, you will be spoilt for choice at the Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Located right by the Siem Reap River, here’s where you can get a wide array of silks, handicrafts, jewelleries, clothes, and other souvenirs that will let you take home a little bit of Cambodia. Besides, there are also local restaurants and food stalls for you to fill up your tummy.

At night, the vibrant lights of this charming market and their reflection on the river make it one of the prettiest Asian night markets to take pictures of. Right across the river is the Old Market and Pub Street; the former is home to many local fresh produce and spices, while the latter is an entertainment hub with tons of clubs, pubs, bars, and restaurants. Now you know where to head for another shopping session and an exciting nightlife experience!

Address: 17000 Hospital St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 11pm; closed on Sundays

9. Bugis Street Market – Singapore

Certainly, there’s no shortage of things to do in Singapore for residents and foreign travellers. If you do find yourself shopping in the country, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Bugis Street Market. Easily one of the most famous night markets in Asia, this covered market presents all kinds of affordable trinkets, homeware, clothes, shoes, accessories, snacks, and gadgets to blow your money on. As you amble through the maze of stalls, you will definitely uncover plenty of unique keepsakes to take home with you. 

Address: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm 

10. Mercato Centrale – Metro Manila, Philippines

For a more upscale Asian night market experience, don’t miss out on Mercato Centrale. This night market hosts food fests in different venues in Metro Manila and is home to delicacies from all over the world. This includes dumplings, takoyaki, nachos, sushi, and gimbap, as well as Filipino street food like isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines). To satisfy your sweet tooth, there are also desserts like Oreo smores, croffles, and cheesecake on a stick! With DJ playing music on site and ample seats available, it’s definitely a night market worth visiting for food or for hanging out with friends. 

Address: 34th St, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to 2am

11. Baguio Night Market – Baguio, Philippines

From clothes to street food, you’ll never get bored of the many choices at the bustling Baguio Night Market. People usually come here to shop for secondhand goods from the ukay-ukay (thrift stores), as they are mostly for sale at a very reasonable price. 

The food stalls, on the other hand, sell an extensive range of street food like grilled balut (fertilised duck egg), shawarma, pares (Filipino beef stew), chicharon bituka (deep-fried pig or cow intestines), and strawberry taho (silken tofu with strawberry syrup). When in Baguio, remember to stop by this night market to hunt for good food and cheap bargains!

Address: Harrison Rd, Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9pm to 2am

12. Jalan Alor Street Food – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In Malaysia, night markets are also called pasar malam, which translates to “night bazaars.” While there are plenty of night markets in the country, one of the most popular and the best night markets is no doubt Jalan Alor Street Food in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The street is most recognisable for the vibrant red lanterns that will catch your attention from afar.

Although this street is the liveliest at night, it also operates in the morning. Beyond food stalls, there are tons of restaurants selling seafood and local Malaysian delicacies like nasi lemak (coconut milk rice), bak kut teh (pork rib tea), grilled chicken wings, dim sum, durians, fresh fruit juices, and various other street snacks. 

TripZilla Tip: If you’re staying in Malaysia for a longer time, we also recommend visiting other night markets, like the Taman Connaught Night Market. This is also in Kuala Lumpur and operates only on Wednesdays. 

Address: Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: All day

13. Sindhu Night Market – Bali, Indonesia

When searching for the best night markets in Bali, Sindhu Night Market would probably be one of the top picks on every list. Even though the market is known to be very touristy, that still does not stop people from paying it a visit. The mouth-watering local food and affordable prices here are what visitors love the most. 

Here, food items such as satay ayam (chicken skewers), bakso (meatball noodle), soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup with vermicelli), and gado-gado (Indonesian raw salad) are the most popular. Before you leave, don’t forget to get some jaje bali: a type of traditional Balinese sweet snack as dessert!

Address: Jl. Pungutan No.2, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 4pm to 10pm

14. Myeongdong Night Market – Seoul, South Korea

Speaking of Seoul, the first things that come to mind are probably K-pop and stunning street fashion. You’ll be surprised that the capital city of South Korea is also home to some of the best night markets in Asia! Case in point: Myeongdong Night Market, which houses over 200 vendors and shops. It is famous for its street snacks, fashion accessories, branded goods, and cosmetics, a paradise for foodies and fashion lovers for sure. Not to mention the area’s neon-lit vista, which makes it perfect for photos. 

Here, the most highly recommended street eats are blood sausages, Korean pancakes, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), japchae (Korean stir fry glass noodles), as well as desserts like tang hu lu (candied fruits). What’s more, there are also gift shops and small stalls selling souvenirs for you to bring something home! It’s no wonder that this is one of the best Asian night markets you shouldn’t miss. 

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jung-gu, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, 8-3-ga

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 1am

Also read: 15 Best Beaches in Asia for Summer Travel

Still can’t get enough of the beauty of Asia? Besides these popular night markets in Asia, you might also want to explore these stunning heritage towns in Asia that will bring you back to ancient times!