If you can’t stand the idea of another freezing cold Christmas market, trying to warm your hands on an £8 mug of mulled wine, there is another way. For a Christmas like no other, this market needs to be on your list. It’s got £0.30 beers, £1.50 hot chocolates and hundreds of glittering lanterns illuminating the night sky. 

This magical market area is Hoi An – a UNESCO listed port on Vietnam’s central coast. In December, this port comes alive with glowing lanterns, fair lights, and tinsel draped across shopfronts. It might not be the traditional Christmas you’re after – but it offers a stunning alternative for a fraction of the price.

There’s plenty of stalls to browse which sell everything from souvenirs to traditional sweets and home made crafts. Vietnam on the whole is famously affordable and Hoi An is no different. A glass of local beer will set you back between £0.30 and £0.70 – even in the touristy river spots.

Asia travel specialists TransIndus, say December is one of the most beautiful times to visit Hoi An.

A spokesperson said: “Daytimes are usually in the low- to mid-20s, so it’s T-shirt weather for exploring the old streets, and in the evenings you might just want a light jacket if there’s a breeze coming off the river.”

It’s at the end of the rainy season, so you may see some showers or grey days – but when the rain passes, it’s truly magical.

They said: “When the rain clears and the pavements start to dry, the reflections from the lanterns in the puddles are beautiful. 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.”

Hoi An in December is a mix of Western Christmas scenes and Vietnamese lantern festival celebrations. You might see a nativity scene, or children in Santa hats and then see a riverboat draped in silk and lit up as it drifts serenely along the water.  

It’s the perfect place to get away from the usual Christmas routine and experience a different walk of life.