I visited Da Lat night market as part of my 7 day journey in Vietnam, where I also spent time in Ho Chi Minh, the capital of Vietnam.

The Da lat night market is a vibrant and bustling hub that comes alive as the sun sets, and is a highly recommended spot while in Da Lat. This market is situated right in the heart of Da Lat, which makes it accessible for anyone wanting to visit.

Da Lat night market is open all year round and gets really busy once the sun sets, selling a range of products from fruits and snacks to clothes and appliances. Be sure to save your appetite for this place and if you do, try signature food items like snail dishes and Vietnamese pizza.

The air was filled with aromas wafting from food stalls selling delectable dishes and snacks, which will entice anyone passing by. Do give the bánh xèo (savoury pancakes) and phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) a try if you have time!

Before I knew, I was caught in the lively ambience along with the crowds of people wandering the market. I started with touring chợ Đà Lạt, a building at the north of the central market roundabout. It can be accessed via street level, but there is a bridge linking to the upper floors of the building if you're coming from the north as well.

The interior of chợ Đà Lạt is cramped. Think Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, but reduce the walkway width. I didn't get past a single store without brushing against a piece of clothing that was being sold. With lines of shops towering over my sides, it was hard to tell which way I was headed, making it feel like I was exploring a maze. Though given the density of the shops, it also means there's lots to see, so you'll surely be occupied if you have time to kill.

While walking the interior of the building, I caught a glimpse of the night market action happening on ground level. At 5:30PM on a Monday, it didn't look like there were many people yet, although the shops were definitely ready for business.

There's a myriad of things to buy here. I got to see an assortment of handicrafts like embroidered fabrics and intricately woven textiles. An abundant number of stores were also selling fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, which gives you a glimpse into the vibrant agricultural heritage of Vietnam.

Souvenirs are plenty here as well, ranging from traditional Vietnamese hats and clothing to hand-painted ceramics and lacquerware. You will also find many shops selling local Vietnamese cuisine and snacks. Shops with more space would usually have seating areas, like this one:

I didn't sample their fruits, but I wish I had now that I'm looking back at these pictures - They look too fresh and juicy! I've never seen such red strawberries in my life before; they almost look like fake plastic berries meant for display. There is also another stall selling dried fruits - It's so colourful that it makes the entire selection look like a dessert shop:

I would recommend visiting the Da Lat night market if you're making a trip here. The ambience, food and liveliness of the crowd would top off the experience for sure. Just don't forget to bring your bargaining skills along to strike up a good deal during your shopping.