Helio Night Market (Chợ đêm Helio Đà Nẵng) is widely recognized as Da Nang’s largest night food and entertainment complex. It stands out as a vibrant night-time destination in the city, offering a diverse range of food, entertainment, and shopping experiences.
This comprehensive guide aims to help tourists easily navigate and enjoy the rich experiences at Helio Night Market in Da Nang, making your visit both memorable and enjoyable.
What Is Helio Night Market?
Helio Night Market is located just 10 minutes from the city center. It opens every evening and is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, providing a lively atmosphere where people can enjoy events, games, food, and music.
- Location: 2/9 Street, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (daily)
- Entrance fee: Free
Location and Accessibility
Helio Night Market is centrally located on 2/9 Street, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The market is conveniently close to other well-known entertainment areas and shopping centers in Da Nang, such as Asia Park (Danang Downtown), Tien Son Sports Palace, Children’s Cultural Palace, Lotte Mart supermarket, Dragon Bridge, and the Han River Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge.
Getting there
- Motorbike: A popular and flexible option for exploring the city. Rental prices are typically from 80,000 to 150,000 VND per day. You can reach it by heading towards the Phan Dang Luu – 2/9 Street intersection or using 2/9 Square as a landmark.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing apps: Convenient for families or groups. Popular taxi companies in Da Nang include Mai Linh, Tien Sa, Vinasun, and ride-hailing services like Grab and Xanh SM. Fares are reasonable, and services operate 24/7.
- Bus: A cost-effective option, with fares around 8,000-10,000 VND per trip. Buses are air-conditioned and quick. Popular routes include Bus No. 4 (Tran Thi Ly Bridge– Hoa Tien) and Bus No. 7. Note that some bus services might operate only until 18:00.
- Parking: Parking is available within the complex. The fee is typically 3,000 VND per motorbike and 5,000 VND or 20,000 VND for cars. Remember to retrieve your vehicle before 23:00.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Helio Night Market is open daily, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy its offerings.
- Operating Hours: 17:00 to 22:30 (Daily).
- Entrance Fee: Entry to Helio Night Market is completely free.
- Food Prices: While entry is free, you’ll need money for food and shopping. The average price for food items ranges from 10,000 VND to 35,000 VND per dish, with some items going up to 45,000 VND. The prices are considered reasonable and publicly listed.
What to Do at Helio Night Market?
Helio Night Market is a complex designed by White Hutchinson, a world-leading company in FEC (Family Entertainment Center) development. Spanning over 35,000 m2 and capable of hosting 7,000 to 10,000 people, it is divided into four spacious zones.
1. Food Paradise
Helio Night Market is famed as a culinary heaven, offering a vast array of delicious dishes that reflect both Da Nang’s local specialties and international cuisines.
Diverse Cuisines
You can find traditional Vietnamese dishes, Korean, and Western foods.
- Vietnamese Dishes: Popular choices include trứng chén nướng (grilled egg cups), bánh mì nướng (grilled bread), bánh tráng Đà Lạt nướng (grilled Dalat rice paper), bánh bèo, nậm, lọc (various rice flour cakes), gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), bún bò (beef noodle soup), bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodle salad), bánh xèo (sizzling pancakes), cơm chiên (fried rice), mì quảng (Quang noodles), bún chả cá (fish cake noodle soup), and cháo hải sản (seafood porridge).
- Korean Dishes: Try xúc xích lốc xoáy (tornado sausage), tokbokki ly (cup tokbokki), cơm trộn (bibimbap), kimbap, xiên nướng (grilled skewers), mỳ cay (spicy noodles), and bánh gạo (rice cakes).
- Western Dishes: Options include soup, xúc xích que (sausage on a stick), bánh mỳ kẹp (sandwiches), hamburger, and mỳ Ý spaghetti.
Dedicated Food Zones
The market is well-organized with distinct areas:
- Helio Grilled Street: Known for grilled specialties like pork wrapped in lá mắc mật, grilled chicken skewers with cheese, whole roasted chicken, and various grilled seafood like grilled oysters with butter and garlic, grilled shrimp, grilled octopus with scallion oil, and grilled lobster. You can also find unique items like grilled fertilized duck eggs with ginger fish sauce.
- Seafood Restaurant/Street: Opened in 2019, this area offers a wide selection of fresh seafood such as lobster, tiger prawns, crabs, various fish, and snails. You can choose your preferred seafood and have it prepared on the spot in various styles like steamed, grilled, stir-fried, butter-fried, salted, Cajun style, or hotpot.
- Beer and Grill Space: A unique space adorned with a “starry arch” of LED lights and colorful silk banners, reminiscent of European beer festivals. It features over 70 types of imported and local beers paired with appealing grilled dishes like grilled oysters with chili sauce, grilled octopus, and various grilled skewers. This area also hosts a vibrant live music stage.
- Hotpot Dishes: A popular choice for groups, offering various hotpot options like spicy Korean kimchi hotpot, beef hotpot, grilled chicken hotpot, or crab noodle hotpot with pork ribs and beef toppings.
- Snacks and Beverages: A wide range of snacks is available, including bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper salad), bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper), dried beef, waffle cones, and grilled snakehead fish. For drinks, you can find milk tea, soft drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, and craft/imported beers.
Hygiene and Quality
Food stalls at Helio Night Market are reportedly certified for food safety and hygiene, ensuring fresh ingredients and proper preservation in glass cabinets. The diverse selection makes it feel like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
2. Shopping
With nearly 100 stalls, the shopping zone at Helio Night Market offers a wide array of products.
- Product Categories: You can find fashion items, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs, and handmade goods.
- Unique Items: Special products include those made from bamboo and rattan, such as straw bags, bamboo hats, and brocade bracelets, reflecting Da Nang’s culture.
- Book Stalls: There are also book stalls with a variety of genres, often at affordable prices and with promotions.
- Pricing: Items are generally affordable, and bargaining is sometimes possible, though maintaining courtesy is advised.
3. Entertainment & Activities
Helio Night Market is a hub of entertainment, offering various activities for all ages.
Live Music Stage
The “Mecutis” live music stage hosts performances nightly from 20:00 to 22:00. Talented bands perform various genres, including Acoustic, EDM, R&B, and Rock&Roll, offering free shows to visitors. These performances create a lively and exciting atmosphere, perfect for de-stressing after a long day. Sometimes, special events feature renowned singers.
Outdoor Cinema
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 18:00 to 20:00, Helio Night Market offers a spacious and comfortable outdoor cinema experience with soft cushion seats, clear screens, and quality sound systems.
Check-in & Photo Zones
A highlight of Helio Night Market is its dedicated “check-in” photo zones. These areas are elaborately decorated with colorful LED lights and unique lighting systems, providing excellent backdrops for photos and selfies. Recommended spots include the entrance, the ancient yellow houses, and the two-boat model.
Special Events & Festivals
Helio regularly organizes special events and festivals throughout the year, especially during holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival or Halloween. These events may include costume contests, folk games, and interactive activities, attracting both locals and tourists.
4. Helio Center Components (Adjacent Entertainment Zones)
May you not know, Helio Night Market is part of the larger Helio Center complex, which offers additional entertainment options. Helio Center generally opens earlier, from 16:00 to 22:30 daily.
- Helio Play: This vibrant game zone offers various exciting games for youth and adults.
- Active Games: Carnival games (e.g., air guns, darts), a large ball house, and giant inflatable houses.
- Thrill Rides: High-speed rides like aerial roller coasters, spinning rides, and “tornado” rides.
- Game Rooms: Arcade games, claw machines, and redemption games where you can win tickets for prizes.
- Helio Kids: A colorful paradise specifically designed for children aged 1 to 12. It features over a dozen themed rooms and activities, allowing children to engage in role-playing (e.g., mini-chef, supermarket), creative arts (e.g., painting statues, art workshop), and physical play (e.g., ball pit, train station). There are also performances and games designed to enhance soft skills and offer prizes.
- Metiz Cinema: Located within Helio Center, it offers a modern cinema experience with 5 screening rooms, high-quality equipment, and competitive prices.
- Holie Water Park: Described as the largest inflatable water park in Da Nang. It’s located at Tuyen Son Sports Village, Nai Nam 2 Street (with an entrance between Helio Center and the Disc-shaped building). It operates daily from 15:30 to 19:30. For a single ticket, visitors can enjoy unlimited access to 9 large inflatable pools, a 15-meter-long slide, a 40-meter obstacle course, and various water games like water balloon tossing and bubble houses.
Tips for Visitors to Visit Da Nang Helio Night Market
To make the most of your visit to Helio Night Market, consider these tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (from March to August) is generally the ideal time as the market operates outdoors. While it may still open during the rainy season if the weather is dry, it’s best to check the weather forecast. To avoid the largest crowds, visit between 18:00 and 19:00 on weekdays; weekends are busiest from 20:00 to 22:00.
- Payment: It’s advisable to carry both cash and cards, as many stalls also support QR code payments and e-wallets.
- Safety: In crowded environments, always be mindful of your personal belongings, such as wallets and phones.
- Photography: You are generally free to take photos in common areas, but avoid obstructing pathways or photographing individuals without permission. Some stalls may prohibit photography to protect their brand. For professional equipment, it’s recommended to inform the management.
- Companions: Visiting with family or friends can enhance the experience, allowing you to try more dishes and participate in group activities.
Nearby Attractions & Accommodation
Helio Night Market’s central location means you’re close to many other Da Nang attractions.
Attractions
- Dragon Bridge: Known for its weekend fire and water shows.
- Han River Pedestrian Street: Ideal for strolling and enjoying street art along the Han River.
- Asia Park (Da Nang Downtown): Features the Sun Wheel and thrilling rides.
- Lotte Mart: A convenient spot for shopping and dining.
- Cham Sculpture Museum: For exploring Cham Pa culture.
- Son Tra Peninsula: A natural area with winding roads, lush forests, and views of the sea, home to Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Han Market: A central market for local life and specialties.
- Da Nang Cathedral: A prominent Gothic-style church in the city center.
Nearby Hotels
- Several hotels are conveniently located near Helio Night Market for a comfortable stay.
- Tan Phuong Nam Hotel & Apartment: Less than 300m from Helio, close to My Khe beach and Han River, with modern rooms and a rooftop pool.
- Minh Toan Galaxy Hotel: A 4-star hotel on 2/9 Street, known for its modern style and proximity to attractions.
- Grand Citiview Da Nang Hotel: A 4-star hotel located right next to Helio, offering modern amenities.
- Gold Plaza Hotel Da Nang: A 4-star hotel opposite Tran Thi Ly Bridge, convenient for accessing Helio and other famous sites.
- The Secret Garden Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dorm-style rooms, a unique design, and a bar/cafe.
- Satya Hotel Da Nang: A 4-star hotel less than 4km from Helio, offering luxurious and modern rooms for a premium stay.
Why Visit Helio Night Market?
Helio Night Market is truly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Da Nang. It’s a comprehensive complex that blends a vibrant food scene, diverse shopping opportunities, and exciting entertainment options into one lively space. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a shopaholic, or simply looking to unwind and soak in the festive atmosphere, Helio Night Market promises a fresh and wonderful experience, immersing you in the lively nightlife and local culture of this beautiful city.
