Pacific Dive
Dive center in Luganville, gives dives to WWII fleet wrecks in the channel.
🌐 pacificdive.net🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-17:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Luganville Market House
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Luganville Market House on Espiritu Santo is the second-largest trading center in Vanuatu, serving the entire northern region of the country. As the central hub for agricultural produce from Santo and its surrounding islands, the market is of vital importance to the local economy. It facilitates the trade of vast quantities of root vegetables, tropical fruits, and fresh fish delivered directly from coastal villages. The architecture of the market house was specifically designed to provide natural protection from heat and rain while ensuring excellent cross-ventilation. In addition to food trade, the facility features dedicated areas for traditional handicrafts and the preparation of kava. The market fosters direct interaction between producers and consumers, playing a key role in ensuring price stability for staple foods across Sanma Province.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Pacific Dive · Jehovah witness · Sarakata apostolic church
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (68 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Luganville Market House is the main trading hub in Luganville, essential for distribution of fresh food across Espiritu Santo. Visitors can buy local produce, crafts, and food. The market is a lively meeting point.
Typical hours
The market is typically open from early morning to late afternoon, busiest on Saturday. Exact hours may vary seasonally. Best visited in the morning.
Photography
Photograph the colorful stalls and produce - ask vendors permission first. The bustling atmosphere provides great street photography subjects. Avoid intentionally photographing faces.
Time needed
Allow about 30-60 minutes for a walk through the market. If you also eat or shop, budget 1-2 hours. The market is not huge but full of activity.
Combine with
Combine the market visit with a walk around central Luganville. The nearby Quonset Huts and airfield are also close. The market is a good starting point.
Getting there
Market House is centrally located in Luganville, walkable or by car. Parking is available nearby. Local buses stop in the area.
Insider tip
Bring cash as many vendors don't accept cards. Try local fruits like breadfruit or mangoes. Arrive early for the best selection.
Geography
Facts
- The central market for Vanuatu's second-largest city
- The leading site for the trade of wild-caught ocean fish
- Features an on-site cafeteria serving traditional island meals
- Operated and regulated by the Luganville Town Council
- Serves as a transit point for inter-island cargo from the north
- Contains a major section for the processing of fresh green kava
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Luganville Market House (7)
Sarakata Anglican church
Anglican church in Sarakata, Luganville, meeting place for the Anglican community.
Flower Garden Water Music
Park with flower beds and water features in Luganville, a place for relaxation.
Leweton custom village
Cultural village in Luganville, showcases traditional dances, music, and crafts of Vanuatu.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the price level?
Prices are competitive and very fair for local products.
Is it covered?
Yes, the market hall has protection from sun and rain.
Are there souvenirs there?
Yes, besides food, traditional textiles are often sold.
How much time is needed for a visit?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes for a tour.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, but ask politely before photographing people.
Luganville Market House: where is it located?
Luganville Market House is located in Vanuatu.
Luganville Market House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pacific Dive, Jehovah witness, Sarakata apostolic church.
Luganville Market House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Luganville Market House: why is it worth visiting?
The Luganville Market House on Espiritu Santo is the second-largest trading center in Vanuatu, serving the entire northern region of the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Vanuatu →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Luganville Municipal Market
The main market of Luganville on Espiritu Santo island is a vital commercial hub for the region.
Luganville Quonset Huts
These distinctive corrugated iron huts are remnants of the massive US military presence in Luganville during the Pacific War.
Unity Park Luganville
Unity Park is the central public green space and event venue in the city of Luganville.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
Bomber No. 2 Wreck
The well-preserved wreck of a US bomber from World War II, located near Luganville.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
🗺️
Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
🗺️
Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
🗺️
Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
🗺️
Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
More places
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.