10 Best Markets in Vanuatu

For a lively and authentic taste of daily life in Port Vila, a visit to Port Vila Central Market is an absolute must.

This bustling marketplace showcases an incredible variety of fresh produce, from tropical fruits like dragon fruit, soursop and custard apples to traditional root vegetables such as taro, yam and breadfruit.

Wander through the vibrant stalls where local vendors sell everything from aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger and wild chillies to exotic nuts including nangai, natapoa and navele. The market is particularly famous for its affordable, high-quality tropical fruits and traditional ingredients used in local dishes like laplap, of which the local mamas are always selling, should you want to try some traditional dishes for yourself.

Beyond the fresh produce, you'll discover unique island specialities such as green coconuts for drinking, ready-to-eat snacks like banana chips and peanuts. There's also a mini-restaurant set-up at the back where you sample real island meals.

The friendly atmosphere and authentic local interactions make this much more than just a shopping experience.

Right in the center of Luganville in Espiritu Santo, this lively market offers a colourful snapshot of island life, where locals gather daily to trade, eat and connect.

Santo offers multiple vibrant marketplaces that showcase the island's abundance and local culture. Luganville Market operates Monday through Saturday and bursts with an incredible array of fresh fruits and vegetables, all grown locally and harvested with care. The friendly vendors are usually happy to share stories about their produce and offer samples of exotic fruits you may have never encountered before.

For those seeking ready-made meals, the market's traditional food restaurants, split into around eight booths, serve up authentic local street food from early morning until evening. Here you'll find food stalls offering freshly prepared fish, chicken, and steak served with traditional sides like rice, tomatoes, and leafy greens - perfect for experiencing genuine Ni-Vanuatu cuisine.

The markets truly come alive during morning hours when the selection is at its peak, making it the perfect time to experience the authentic local atmosphere. From familiar tropical staples to unique island varieties, you'll discover flavours that capture the essence of Vanuatu's fertile lands.

Located in the town centre of Malekula, Lakatoro Market is the island’s main trading hub, where daily life unfolds through early-morning activity and the steady rhythm of local commerce.

Watch locals carefully weighing kava for sale and observe how trucks serve as the primary local transport, picking up and dropping off people at this bustling community hub.

The real treasure lies at the back of the market and across the park out back, where cooked meals, sweet treats and snacks showcase the flavours of local produce (essentially the only dining option outside your accommodation). From fresh tropical fruits to traditional root vegetables, the market provides an incredible opportunity to taste authentic Vanuatu ingredients prepared by local vendors.

The market operates from 5 am until around 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with the sweet spot for visiting being between 7 am and 8 am when activity peaks. The market remains closed on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

Haos Blong Handicraft Market is one of the best places in Vanuatu to discover locally made souvenirs, where traditional craftsmanship is showcased through a wide range of handmade creations.

This charming handicraft market offers an impressive collection of traditional wood carvings, intricate shell necklaces and locally crafted souvenirs. Every piece is entirely locally owned and made, ensuring your purchase directly supports the community's skilled craftspeople.

The market operates Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, with special Sunday openings timed perfectly for cruise ship visitors.

The welcoming atmosphere makes browsing a pleasure, whether you're hunting for the perfect memento or simply admiring the craftsmanship.

Most items can be taken back to New Zealand and Australia, though it's worth checking the signage or consulting our Leaving Vanuatu: Departure Tips & Checklist LINK#TT074 for specific guidelines on what to look out for.

Step into Mahitahi Handicraft Market House, a carved fare house where local mamas showcase Vanuatu-made crafts.

Whilst smaller than the nearby Hoas Blong Handicraft market further down the waterfront, this charming spot still offers a worthwhile browse when strolling along the waterfront or after visiting Nambawan Cafe or diving with Big Blue or Watersports Vanuatu.

This delightful handicraft market features an impressive collection of traditional wood carvings, intricate shell necklaces and locally crafted souvenirs. Every piece is entirely locally owned and made, ensuring your purchase directly supports the community's skilled craftspeople.

The market operates from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, with special Sunday openings timed perfectly for cruise ship visitors.

The welcoming atmosphere makes browsing a pleasure, whether you're hunting for the perfect memento or simply admiring the craftsmanship, with most items able to be taken back to New Zealand and Australia.

Located in Lenakel on the west side of Tanna, Lenakel Market is a lively gathering place where locals come to buy, sell and socialise.

This bustling community hub is where you'll find the island's incredible agricultural bounty, from aromatic fresh herbs and homemade pastries to towering bunches of coconuts and traditional kava root.

What we love most about this market experience is the genuine warmth of the local vendors. They'll greet you with the biggest "big mama" smiles as they share their finest organic produce.

The market offers an unfiltered glimpse into daily Ni-Vanuatu culture. Beyond the fresh produce, you'll discover locally crafted items that make perfect mementoes for your trip to the volcanic heart of Vanuatu.

Tucked away behind Lakatoro Market, the Malampa Handicraft Centre offers one of the best (and only) authentic souvenir shopping experiences on Malekula.

This charming centre showcases genuine local craftsmanship with items truly unique to the island that you won't find elsewhere in Vanuatu.

Browse through an impressive collection of traditional handwoven bags, intricate wood carvings, locally-made hats and colourful dresses crafted by skilled artisans.

The centre also stocks practical items like organic coconut oil, distinctive Malekula pepper and refreshing noni juice alongside beautiful decorative pieces such as traditional salusalu made from coconut and hand-carved canoes from northeast Malekula.

What we love about the place is the warmth of the local ladies who run it. They're delighted to share the cultural significance behind each craft and have handicraft explainer books on hand for those eager to learn more about traditional techniques and meanings.

The Malampa Handicraft Centre is open 8:30 am to 12 pm, then 1:30 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Scattered along the stunning 63.6 km (39.5 mi) east coast stretch between Luganville and Port Olry, you'll discover charming roadside fruit stalls offering the freshest local produce straight from the gardens of Santo.

These authentic markets provide the perfect opportunity to sample tropical delights, including drinking coconuts, ripe bananas, taro, maioke (cassava) and kumala (sweet potato). The friendly vendors are delighted to share stories about their produce whilst you browse their colourful displays.

Each stall offers a genuine glimpse into local life, where families have been selling their harvest for generations. Have some cash ready and don't be surprised if you're offered a taste before you buy!

Location: East Coast Road, Espiritu Santo.

Price Range: $

With a prime location and genuine local hospitality, the Bethel Roadside Market provides an authentic taste of Malekula's community spirit whilst stocking up on essentials.

Conveniently positioned between Norsup Airport and Walarano, this substantial roadside market offers the perfect pit stop for travellers exploring Malekula Island.

The welcoming covered venue features a spacious deck where friendly local ladies enthusiastically wave to passing cars, creating an instantly inviting atmosphere.

Inside, you'll discover an excellent selection of fresh local produce, road trip snacks and authentic island goods. The market serves as an ideal refreshment stop before heading to the Small Nambas Cultural Tour or embarking on adventures to nearby Wala Island.

Unity Park Market transforms a grassy park in Luganville into a vibrant clothes market every day of the week, with distinctive marquees creating a colourful shopping experience under the open sky.

While this market caters primarily to locals rather than tourists, it offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Vanuatu life and presents an excellent opportunity to pick up traditional island dresses or shirts at genuine local prices.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to mingle with friendly locals and practice your bislama while browsing through the various stalls.

The market's casual setup and community feel provide a refreshing contrast to more tourist-focused shopping experiences, offering visitors a chance to see how locals shop and socialise in their daily lives.