Located along the peaceful Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful heritage sites. Known for its timeless architecture, lantern-lit streets, and gentle pace of life, this charming town is even more captivating during the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
This monthly celebration transforms the UNESCO-listed Old Town into a glowing paradise of colors and sounds. As the electric lights fade, thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets and the Hoai River. The night becomes a magical mix of culture, spirituality, and beauty that every traveler should experience at least once.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- Discovering the Hoi An Lantern Festival
- Best Experiences During the Lantern Festival
- Beyond the Hoi An Lantern Festival: What Else to Do in Hoi An
- Suggested Itineraries
- Practical Tips for Visitors
- FAQs
Discovering the Hoi An Lantern Festival
When and Where It Happens
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the fourteenth day of each lunar month. This is when the moon shines brightest, and the Old Town turns off its electric lights to let the warm lantern glow guide the evening. The main activities take place along the Hoai River (a branch of the Thu Bon) and throughout the Ancient Town, where locals and visitors gather to celebrate under the moonlight.
Meaning and Traditions
The festival has deep cultural and spiritual roots. It is held to honor ancestors and pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity. Locals light candles inside colorful paper lanterns and place them on the river while making a wish. Each lantern color carries a meaning. Red symbolizes happiness, yellow brings luck, and blue represents good health.
What to Expect During the Festival
As night falls, the town changes completely. Streets glow with lanterns hanging from ancient houses, while the river sparkles with floating lights. You can listen to traditional music, see people dressed in ao dai, and enjoy street performances along the way. Boat rides on the Hoai River are especially popular, giving visitors the chance to release their own lanterns and admire the reflections.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it. The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers an unforgettable evening filled with warmth and culture. It is not only about lanterns but also about feeling the calm rhythm of life and witnessing the harmony between people and their traditions. For many travelers, this is the moment when Hoi An truly shines.
Best Experiences During the Lantern Festival
Floating a Lantern on the Hoai River
Lighting your own lantern and watching it drift away is one of the most meaningful experiences. You can buy a lantern from local vendors, light it, make a wish, and release it onto the river. The gentle flicker of hundreds of lanterns floating together creates an unforgettable sight.
Joining Local Activities and Performances
The Old Town comes alive with music, folk games, and art performances. Visitors can enjoy bai choi singing, traditional games, and calligraphy stands along the streets. These small details make the festival more than just a visual event; it is a joyful expression of local culture.
Exploring the Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market becomes especially vibrant during the festival. You can find handmade crafts, silk lanterns, jewelry, and delicious street food. It is also a wonderful place to meet locals, bargain politely, and bring home a small piece of Hoi An’s charm.
Photographing the Town Under Lantern Lights
For photography lovers, Hoi An offers endless inspiration. The soft glow of lanterns reflects beautifully on the river. Arrive early to capture the sunset light before the crowd gathers, or stay until late to photograph the calm reflections after the main activities end.
Beyond the Hoi An Lantern Festival: What Else to Do in Hoi An
Even if you come for the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the town has much more to offer before and after the celebration. Staying for two or three days lets you explore its slower rhythm, charming culture, and beautiful surroundings.
Wander Through the Ancient Town by Day
Hoi An’s daytime charm is equally stunning. The yellow-painted houses, wooden shopfronts, and narrow alleys tell stories of centuries past. Visit landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House vs Fujian Assembly Hall to understand how this riverside town became a cultural crossroad.
Join a Cooking Class or Lantern-Making Workshop
A cooking class or lantern-making workshop is an ideal way to connect with the local culture. You can learn how to prepare iconic dishes such as cao lau noodles or white rose dumplings. Making your own paper lantern is also a lovely way to take home a personal memory of Hoi An.
Relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach
Only a short drive from the Old Town, Hoi An’s beaches like An Bang or Cua Dai are calm and inviting. Spend your day swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a coconut by the sea. These beaches are the perfect contrast to the busy festival atmosphere in the town center.
Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village or Cam Thanh Coconut Village
For a more rural experience, cycle through rice paddies to reach Tra Que Village, where you can try farming with local families. Or visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where basket boat rides through palm forests offer a peaceful and fun adventure.
Discover Local Food and Cafés
Hoi An’s food scene is a highlight of any visit. Try banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong, cao lau noodles, and com ga. After exploring, relax at a riverside café, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee, and watch lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Suggested Itineraries
A Night to Remember in Hoi An
For travelers who want to experience the Lantern Festival at its fullest, a two-day stay is ideal. Spend the day exploring the Ancient Town with your loved ones and try a lantern-making class together before the evening celebration. The Best of Da Nang & Hoi An 3 Days Tour includes heritage visits, market walks, and a memorable night by the Hoai River, surrounded by glowing lanterns. It’s a scene that both adults and children will treasure.
From Da Nang to Hoi An – A Cultural Getaway
If you are based in Da Nang, it is easy to combine both destinations for a short yet meaningful trip. The Glimpse Central Vietnam 5 Days Tour connects Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, offering families the chance to enjoy the Lantern Festival night while exploring the cultural gems along Vietnam’s central coast.
Central Vietnam and Culinary Highlights
For travelers who love food and authentic experiences, the Vietnam Culinary Highlights 12 Days Tour blends local flavors with timeless charm. Families can join hands-on cooking classes, explore colorful markets, and experience the Lantern Festival as part of a deeper cultural journey through Vietnam.
💡These are ready-made journeys. If you are keen on any of them or want to create your own route, let us know. At Vietnam Travel Online, we design tailor-made trips that suit your pace and interests. Explore more with our Vietnam tours, email us at [email protected], or contact us through our form to start planning.
Practical Tips for Visitors
-
Arrive before sunset to enjoy the soft light and find a good spot near the river.
-
Bring small cash for buying lanterns, food, and souvenirs.
-
Always wear a life jacket when taking a boat.
-
Support eco-friendly lanterns made of paper and avoid plastic materials.
-
For the best photos, use natural light during sunset and avoid flash.
-
Book accommodation early because the festival attracts many visitors.
FAQs
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival held?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the fourteenth day of every lunar month, one day before the full moon. During this night, all electric lights are turned off, and the Old Town shines beautifully under the lantern glow.
What time is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The festival usually begins around sunset, between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, and continues until about 9:30 PM. The most beautiful moment is from 7:00 to 8:00 PM when the Hoai River glows brightest with floating lanterns.
How long does it last?
The main celebration lasts one evening, but the festive atmosphere often continues for two or three days around the full moon.
Do you need tickets to join the festival?
You do not need tickets to walk through the Old Town. However, small fees may apply if you enter historical houses or take a boat ride.
Is it crowded during the festival?
Yes, it can be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early and choose a spot by the riverbank for better views and photos.
What should you bring or wear?
Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring a camera, water, and small cash. Always show respect when taking photos of locals and monks.
