The Bach Dang Night Market, also known as the Phu Quoc Night Market or Duong Dong Night Market, is in its final days of operation after 10 years.
In recent evenings, the market has been packed with visitors – mostly foreigners – who come to eat, drink, and shop.
The Phu Quoc District Department of Economy, now the Department of Economy, Infrastructure and Urban Affairs of Phu Quoc, signed a 10-year lease contract with Ngoi Sao Bien Tourism Company for the operation of Bach Dang pedestrian street and Phu Quoc night market in 2015.
The contract expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
Phu Quoc authorities on Jan. 9 confirmed that traders at the market will be allowed to operate until Feb. 28, after the Lunar New Year holiday.
In its final days of operation, the market is bustling with visitors typically arriving after 6:30 p.m.
Many foreigners spend the daytime hours exploring the northern and southern parts of the island before returning to Duong Dong's old town center in the evening to enjoy seafood and experience the night market.
The market stretches about 500 metres and has five entrances, with around 100 stalls operating inside.
Stalls selling fresh seafood with prices clearly displayed are particularly popular.
Near the entrances, the stalls are densely packed, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Deeper inside the market, the selection becomes more diverse, ranging from pearls and clothing to a wide array of inexpensive accessories.
Restaurant owners in the market display prices in multiple languages such as Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian – reflecting the main tourist groups in Phu Quoc.
Kim, a South Korean tourist wearing a striped shirt, bought nearly 10 boxes of chouchou, a peanut-like snack, as souvenirs.
"This area feels more local than the northern and southern parts of the island, which are known for their modern entertainment venues," she said, adding that she would be very disappointed if the night market disappears.
This is the first Chouchou shop in Phu Quoc.
There is another establishment inside the market that sells this product.
Chouchou has become a popular local specialty that many people buy as souvenirs.
Shops selling this dish are densely packed in night markets and outside the city center.
Beach shirts are also a popular item at this night market.
Truong Phu Quoc, a local photographer, said this market operates in an unorganized manner, like a makeshift market where people offer all kinds of goods to tourists.
Duong Dong Night Market is regarded as a rare evening cultural attraction in the central area of Phu Quoc.
The market has received a 3.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor, a leading global travel website. Most reviews indicate minimal price gouging, but the overall experience is average, only worth staying for about 45 minutes.
Phu Quoc has several other night markets, including Grand World Night Market in the north of the island, Sonasea Bai Truong, and Vuifest Night Market in Sunset Town.
"Duong Dong night market has become an integral part of Phu Quoc tourism's identity, and it would be a regret if this area suspends operation," said a small business owner.
Authorities said the closure of the night market aims to tighten urban order management and restore unobstructed space for traffic.
2025 was a booming year for Phu Quoc Island with 8.1 million visitors including 1.8 million foreign arrivals.
The island expects to receive 8.5 million visitors this year, a 5% year-on-year increase.
