Tan Thanh fishing village market – an attractive destination in Hoi An

Tan Thanh flea market in the ancient city of Hoi An, in the central province of Quang Nam, was launched in late 2020 and has been postponed or cancelled many times due to natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks; however, it has left special impressions and become an attractive destination for visitors and local residents alike.

Tan Thanh flea market in Hoi An city (Photo: NDO)
Tan Thanh flea market in Hoi An city (Photo: NDO)

The market is located next to a beautiful beach with white sand and golden sunshine, so people can go to the beach to relax and enjoy fresh seafood following visiting the market.

The flea market in the fishing village was initiated from the idea of “garage sales” by several restaurants, hotels and households to liquidate and exchange unused products. With the support of the local government and people, the market has been expanded, becoming a place to introduce and trade unique products and help increase the incomes for those who have been being affected by COVID-19.

More than 100 stalls of second-hand products, handicrafts, garments, and food are beautifully and eye-catchingly decorated along the windy Nguyen Phan Vinh Street. Walking around Tan Thanh flea market, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy flavours from all over the province, from Hoi An specialties such as cao lau (pork noodle dish) and che dau (sweet bean soup) to agricultural products such as Tra Que vegetables and Cua Khe fish sauce. Fashionistas have many options from stalls displaying hand-embroidered shirts and towels, handmade leather goods, and silver jewellery. They are sold with cheaper prices than the shops in the streets. People who like ancient and "unique" goods will be even more fascinated because the market has many creative products.

In addition to purchasing goods, a wide variety of activities and entertainment activities will be held at the market, including painting classes for children, music performances, fashion shows, street food, 'bai choi' (a popular folklore style of singing in the Central and South Central regions of Vietnam) singing contest and Zumba dancing festivals. The activities drew the participation of both professional and amateur artisans and artists, including foreigners living in Quang Nam, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

It can be said that many visitors to Hoi An are interested in experiencing the “coffee culture” of the local people, especially at the weekend. Now Tan Thanh flea market is a new address for people who like enjoying their favourite drinks, chatting with their relatives and friends, making new friends in front of the sea, or purchasing fancy products in a friendly space.

As tourism in Hoi An is being recovered to welcome both domestic and international tourists, the flea market will be reopened this December with many jubilant and exciting activities in the festive season to celebrate Christmas and New Year.