Mekong night market offers travelers lively venues with unique foods, local culture, and memorable shopping. This guide covers the market’s exact locations, opening hours, transport tips, and highlights at each spot across Vietnam, Laos, and the US. If you want efficient, authentic, and stress-free planning for your trip, you’re in the right place.
Location, opening hours, and key highlights of the Mekong Night Market
Tay Do Night Market (Can Tho)
Situated on Hai Ba Trung Street beside Ninh Kieu Wharf in Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, this market is about one kilometer west of the city center and 11 kilometers southeast of Can Tho International Airport. 
The market operates daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Vendors typically begin setting up around 4:00 PM, and the market is in full swing after 5:30 PM.
Renowned for its historic marketplace with grand architecture, Tay Do Night Market is also known as Can Tho Old Market. Located within the Western Cultural Park by the iconic Ninh Kieu Wharf, it offers a lively blend of shopping and culture with no entrance fee.
Visitor tips include arriving between 5:00-7:00 PM for a calmer experience, visiting food stalls before 7:00 PM to avoid queues, and exploring souvenir areas after 9:00 PM when crowds lessen and bargaining opportunities improve. During the rainy season (May-October), bring a light raincoat or umbrella as the market remains open with covered sections. Public restrooms are near the entrance for a small fee (2,000-5,000 VND).
Transportation options include a 15-20 minute walk from the city center, a taxi costing approximately 20,000-50,000 VND, or a motorbike taxi (Xe Om) for about 15,000-30,000 VND.
Most vendors only accept cash, although a few larger ones might take cards or mobile transfers. ATMs can be found near the entrance and along the riverfront promenade.
Ninh Kieu Night Market
Located at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street in Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City, this market is close to iconic city landmarks. 
Its operating hours are from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily.
Ninh Kieu Night Market is considered one of the most popular in Can Tho, drawing visitors with its vibrant atmosphere.
Tran Phu Night Market
Also known as Cai Khe Night Market, this venue is on Tran Phu Street in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho. It stretches from Tran Phu Street to Song Hau Park and partially covers the grounds of Can Tho Stadium. 
The market is open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
It stands out as a lively food street, with a spacious riverside setting popular among night-time explorers.
Vientiane Night Market (Laos)
Situated along Quai Fa Ngum, by the Mekong River in the heart of Vientiane, just a few meters from the riverbank. 
It operates daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with the liveliest period after 6:00 PM.
This market offers a variety of clothing, shoes, bags, diverse food options, and even a small amusement park. Its riverside location provides a pleasant evening environment for browsing and walking.
Visitors can park at nearby temples or along the street and are advised to come early for better parking. Walking from the city center is convenient, especially during cooler evenings. Entrance is free, and no booking is necessary.
Little Mekong Night Market (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Found in the Little Mekong District at 422 University Ave Suite 14, Saint Paul, MN 55103, at the intersection of University Ave and Western Ave. 
The market takes place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
This is Minnesota’s first and original night market, known for its celebration of authentic Southeast Asian arts, crafts, culture, and distinctive street food.
Efficient Trip Planning for Your Mekong Night Market Visit
Sample Itineraries for Different Traveler Types
Families might consider arriving at the mekong night market by 5:30 PM when the crowds are manageable and there are plenty of dinner options and family-friendly activities. Solo adventurers will find that exploring after 7:30 PM is ideal for sampling street snacks in a more energetic environment. Groups may prefer to walk the market together, enjoy street food, and take advantage of entertainment zones later in the evening. Personalize your schedule depending on your priorities: food, shopping, or cultural events.
Combining Night Markets with Other Attractions
You can pair a mekong night market visit with a river cruise along the Mekong or a walk around Ninh Kieu Wharf. In Can Tho, combine your evening at the market with earlier day trips to floating markets, lotus ponds, or local pagodas. In Vientiane, a stroll by the riverside or visits to night lit temples are perfect additions. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, join art walks or community festivals nearby before diving into the lively night market scene.
Packing and Seasonal Advice
Weather in the Mekong region can be humid and rainy, especially from May to October. Pack light clothing and bring a breathable raincoat or compact umbrella for unpredictable showers. Comfortable footwear makes exploring easier, especially on stone walkways or grassy riverside patches. Some markets require small cash for entry, restroom facilities, or street snacks, so keep a little local currency easily accessible.
How to Find Authentic Local Experiences at the Mekong Night Market
Sampling Local Cuisine Beyond the Usual
To truly taste the mekong night market, step beyond barbecue skewers and common fried snacks. Seek out local favorites like grilled snakehead fish, crispy bánh xèo, coconut sweet soup, or Lao spicy sausages. Ask food stall owners for their house specialties, join locals in line, and look for dishes listed only in Vietnamese, Lao, or Hmong script. These hidden gems are often the highlights locals crave.
Connecting with Artisan Vendors
Dedicated artisan booths are easy to spot at the mekong night market. Look for handmade jewelry, hand-dyed fabrics, wooden crafts, and regional souvenirs. These products are crafted by local artists and represent the area’s traditions. Engage with vendors, ask about their creative process, and feel free to bargain politely—most appreciate genuine interest in their work.
Participating in Genuine Cultural Interactions
The mekong night market offers more than just shopping; it’s a space for cultural exchange. Attend traditional music and dance shows or try out simple handicraft workshops. You might find impromptu performances or street games with local children. Take a moment to start a friendly conversation with residents or sample foods you’ve never seen before—these interactions are both rewarding and memorable.
What to Do and Buy at Mekong Night Markets
Must-Try Activities for Visitors
While at the mekong night market, try out fun activities such as tasting street foods, joining karaoke corners, or watching magic tricks by local performers. For families, small amusement parks with games and rides add to the festive vibe. In some places, lantern-making or mask-painting sessions are on offer. Nighttime photography along colorful stalls is also a highlight.
Best Souvenirs and Local Specialties
Souvenir shopping at the mekong night market means finding conical hats, hand-painted fans, silver jewelry, and embroidered bags. Regional specialties such as lotus tea, coconut candies, or dried fruits make great edible gifts. Look for carved wooden figurines or silk scarves that showcase local artistry. Supporting resident vendors ensures authentic keepsakes with a personal story.
Unique Experiences: Cooking Demos and Live Performances
Some mekong night markets host open-air cooking shows, where chefs prepare traditional noodle dishes or regional specialties in front of visitors. Live music ranges from acoustic sessions to traditional ensembles and dance troupes performing folk routines. Check for posted schedules or ask volunteers to find the evening’s activities, as they frequently rotate. These performances add vibrant local flavor to any visit.
