If the prospect of another expensive, frosty German Christmas market leaves you cold, a stunning alternative in Southeast Asia offers festive charm at a fraction of the cost. The ancient Vietnamese port town of Hoi An transforms into a magical, lantern-lit Christmas market each December, where visitors can enjoy beers for just 30p and hot chocolates for £1.50.
A Fairytale Setting with UNESCO Heritage
By day, Hoi An's old town is a picturesque collection of mustard-yellow shophouses and historic wooden merchant homes. As night falls, the entire area undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The riverside streets and shopfronts, draped in tinsel and fairy lights, glow under the light of hundreds of colourful silk lanterns. This unique atmosphere has led many to call it Asia's enchanting answer to a traditional European Christmas market.
Located on Vietnam's central coast, roughly 30 minutes from Da Nang airport, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its exceptionally preserved trading port architecture. Unlike the typical cordoned-off European market square, Hoi An's festive experience spills organically through the lanes of the Ancient Town and across the bridge to the bustling night market on Nguyen Hoang Street.
Atmospheric December Visits and Incredible Value
According to Asia travel specialist TransIndus, December is one of the most atmospheric times to visit. A spokesperson explained that the town enters its cooler winter period, with daytime temperatures in the low- to mid-20s Celsius, perfect for exploring in a T-shirt. Evenings may require a light jacket, especially if there's a breeze from the river.
While December marks the tail end of the rainy season, the occasional shower adds to the ambience. "When the rain clears and the pavements start to dry, the reflections from the lanterns in the puddles are beautiful," the spokesperson added. "You get steam rising off the street-food stalls, scooters back out within minutes, and the whole old town has this slightly surreal, cinematic feel."
The value for money is staggering. Alongside the incredibly cheap drinks, accommodation is remarkably affordable, with guest houses and three-star hotels available for just £10 to £15 per night. Even in prime tourist spots along the riverfront, the cost of a drink remains far below prices in UK cities like Manchester or London.
Practical Details for UK Travellers
Stalls throughout the old town sell a festive mash-up of Vietnamese handicrafts, lanterns, sweets, and souvenirs alongside Christmas decorations. For UK travellers, the main cost is the flight. TransIndus analysed Skyscanner data for London to Vietnam routes and found that return fares in December can start from around £386. This price typically requires flexibility on travel dates and a willingness to take an indirect flight route into Vietnam.
This unique destination offers a compelling combination of cultural heritage, winter sun, festive spirit, and extraordinary value, presenting a serious alternative to the traditional—and often costly—European Christmas market experience.
