Lantern Festival Hoi An: Insider Tips for an Enchanting Night

Hoi An, an ancient town by the Thu Bon River, is famous for its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage. Among its most beloved traditions is the Lantern Festival Hoi An - a magical night when thousands of colorful lanterns light up the streets and riverbanks. This long-standing event transforms Hoi An into a glowing wonderland. Discover insider tips to make the most of this enchanting experience.

1. Overview of The Lantern Festival Hoi An

The Lantern Festival Hoi An is a unique monthly event where the ancient town turns into a glowing maze of colors, traditions, and spiritual charm. Here is the basic information you need to know about this event.

1.1. What is The Lantern Festival Hoi An? Where Is it Held?

The Lantern Festival in Hoi An is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, when the moon shines at its fullest and brightest. This charming riverside town in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant cultural heritage, earning it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the many festivals that light up this historic town, the Lantern Festival stands out as the most iconic and magical, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty and timeless charm.

On this night, the entire Old Town - especially around the Hoai River and Japanese Covered Bridge - turns off all electric lighting (Source: Internet)

Visitors are drawn not only by the beauty but also by the unique, peaceful atmosphere. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:

• A magical setting lit by thousands of lanterns: Strolling through lantern-lit alleyways under a full moon creates an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

• Engaging cultural experiences: Join locals in floating flower lanterns on the river, watching traditional music and dance shows, or sampling street food along the lantern-strewn paths.

• A peaceful experience of Hoi An, free from traffic noise: With traffic blocked from entering the Ancient Town and no honking motorcycles, the quiet streets allow visitors to feel the true soul of Hoi An - tranquil, poetic, and deeply spiritual.

This is not just a festival but an immersive journey into Vietnamese tradition, aesthetics, and serenity (Source: Internet)

1.2. What is the Origin and Significance of The Festival?

The Lantern Festival Hoi An has deep historical roots that trace back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An thrived as a major international port. During this period, traders from China, Japan, and other countries brought with them spiritual customs, architecture, and decorative arts - including the lanterns that have since become a signature of Hoi An’s identity.

Originally, lanterns were hung in homes and streets to invite good fortune, peace, and prosperity. Over time, this practice evolved into a monthly festival coinciding with the full moon, a sacred time in Vietnamese culture associated with reflection, family, and ancestor worship.

The origins of the Lantern Festival Hoi An date back to the 16th - 17th centuries (Source: Internet)

The Lantern Festival holds several layers of cultural and spiritual meaning:

• Spiritual connection: The full moon is seen as a time to pause, reflect, and connect with one's ancestors. Lighting lanterns is a way of honoring loved ones who have passed and wishing for a bright future.

• Preservation of traditional values: The festival encourages local artisans to continue the craft of handmade lanterns, often using bamboo frames and silk covers - a symbol of both aesthetic elegance and cultural continuity.

• Community bonding: It creates a space where both locals and tourists gather, share, and celebrate heritage together, reinforcing Hoi An's identity as a living museum of Vietnamese culture.

Culturally, the festival reflects Vietnamese spiritual values - honoring ancestors, showing gratitude, and wishing for harmony and fortune (Source: Internet)

2. When is the Lantern Festival Hoi An Held in 2025?

The Lantern Festival Hoi An is held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar. In 2025, here are the key dates to mark:

The lantern-lit celebration usually starts between 09:00 PM and 10:00 PM, but the festive atmosphere begins much earlier. Visitors typically gather around sunset to enjoy dinner, stroll the lantern-lined streets, and relax at cafés along the river. By 08:00 PM, the town begins switching off electric lights, allowing the glow of lanterns to create a peaceful and enchanting setting.

Lantern Festival occurs once every lunar month, so there are multiple chances to witness it throughout the year (Source: Internet)

3. Top Attractive Experiences in the Lantern Festival Hoi An

Here are 5 attractive experiences waiting for you at the Lantern Festival Hoi An:

3.1. Admire Hoi An With Magical Lighting Space

One of the most unforgettable experiences during the Lantern Festival Hoi An is simply wandering through its softly lit streets. As the sun sets, the Ancient Town comes alive with thousands of colorful lanterns suspended overhead, casting a warm, enchanting glow over the town. Key spots include:

• Hoi An Ancient Town (Tran Phu, Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc Streets): As night falls, the streets glow with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere.

• The Japanese Bridge: An iconic landmark of Hoi An. At night, it’s beautifully illuminated, making it a must-visit spot for photos.

• Riverside along the Hoai River (Bach Dang Street): Take a peaceful stroll beside the river, where the shimmering lantern lights reflect gently on the water.

Without electric lights, the soft glow from thousands of silk lanterns brings a surreal, romantic charm to every corner (Source: Internet)

3.2. Participate in Releasing Flower Lanterns on Hoai River

Releasing a flower lantern onto the Hoai River is a deeply symbolic act during the festival. It represents letting go of past worries and sending wishes for peace, health, and happiness into the universe. Dozens of glowing lanterns drifting along the river under the moonlight create a serene, breathtaking moment at the heart of the celebration.

You can take part in this experience in several places:

• An Hoi Bridge - Nguyen Phuc Chu Boat Dock: The most popular spot to hop on a small boat and release flower lanterns onto the river - especially magical during full moon nights

• Along the Hoai River - near the Japanese Bridge and Bach Dang Street: Plenty of vendors sell handmade lanterns. You can buy one and release it into the river right from the riverside.

• Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street - opposite the Japanese Bridge: During local festivals, you'll often find organized lantern-releasing events, creating a stunning, glowing spectacle on the water.

During the festival, you can buy handmade lanterns from street vendors and participate in lantern-releasing activities (Source: Internet)

As the boat gently glides along the Hoai River, travelers release glowing lanterns into the water, each carrying a quiet wish into the night (Source: Internet)

3.3. Enjoy Special Traditional Art Performances

One of the most captivating experiences is enjoying Bai Choi - a traditional singing game that combines music, poetry, and improvisation in a playful, theatrical style. Combined with live traditional instruments and folk dancing, these shows offer an authentic experience of Vietnam’s cultural soul. Besides, you can immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural heritage through live shows in:

• Outdoor stage at Kazik Park (62 Tran Phu Street): Free evening performances featuring traditional folk arts like Bai Choi singing, ethnic dances, and traditional instruments.

• Hoi An Traditional Arts Performance House (66 Bach Dang Street): Regularly hosts programs showcasing folk music, cultural dances, and lion dances - a great way to experience local art up close.

Visitors can watch programs featuring folk music, lion dances and participate in Bai Choi singing at the Lantern Festival Hoi An (Source: Internet)

3.4. Enjoy Cuisine at Hoi An Night Market

Food is a huge part of any Vietnamese festival, and during the Lantern Festival, the aroma of sizzling street food fills the night air. As you walk through the glowing streets, you’ll be tempted by local delicacies like cao lau (Hoi An noodles), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), grilled skewers, and traditional desserts. 

The best place to dive into this food adventure is:

• Nguyen Hoang Night Market: The most famous night market in Hoi An, with over 50 stalls offering colorful lanterns, handmade crafts, local specialties, and mouth-watering street food.

• Nguyen Phuc Chu Street - along the Hoai River: This riverside stretch is lined with food stalls and local eateries - a great place to try cao lau, banh mi Phuong, or a cup of sweet Hoi An-style dessert (che).

• Food alley near the Japanese Bridge (intersection of Tran Phu and Bach Dang): A hidden gem for foodies. Affordable prices, authentic flavors - perfect for a spontaneous late-night food tour.

Sample must-try dishes like cao lau, banh xeo, or grilled skewers right from the street (Source: Internet) 

3.5. Buy a Lantern as a Souvenir

Taking home a handcrafted lantern is the perfect way to remember your magical night in Hoi An. These lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, often made from bamboo and paper or silk using traditional methods. You’ll find the widest selection at Nguyen Hoang Night Market, along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, or the Hoai River - near the Japanese Bridge and Bach Dang Street. These lanterns are foldable, lightweight, and easy to pack - a glowing reminder of your night in magical Hoi An.

Prices typically range from 50,000 to 200,000 VND (around USD 2 to USD 8), depending on size, design, and materials – paper lanterns being more budget-friendly, while high-quality silk ones can be more expensive. For those seeking something truly unique, many shops offer custom-made lanterns, which can cost up to several million VND (over USD 50). Bargaining is common at local markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate politely – you might just bring home a beautiful lantern at a better price.

A lantern is an ideal souvenir that carries both the beauty and cultural meaning of the Lantern Festival (Source: Internet)

4. Tips to Remember for The Best Visit at The Festival 

To make the most out of your night at the Lantern Festival Hoi An, a few practical tips can enhance your experience and help you avoid common tourist pitfalls:

• Explore nearby cultural spots during the day: Before the lanterns light up the sky, consider visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village or taking a boat trip through the lush Bay Mau Coconut Forest - perfect for a full-day Hoi An experience.

• Keep your personal belongings safe: With large crowds gathering in the Ancient Town, it’s best to carry a small crossbody bag, avoid bringing valuables, and always keep an eye on your phone and wallet.

• Arrive early to avoid traffic and find good spots: Most roads leading into the Old Town are closed to vehicles after 06:00 PM. Arriving early gives you more time to explore, grab dinner, and pick a great place to view the lanterns.

• Wear comfortable footwear: Expect to walk a lot during the festival, so go for soft-soled, breathable shoes that’ll keep your feet happy all night.

• Bring small cash: Street food stalls, flower lantern vendors, and souvenir shops may not accept cards, so carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for easier transactions.

Whether you're a culture lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a magical evening in Vietnam, the Lantern Festival Hoi An promises an unforgettable experience. From glowing lantern-lit streets to serene flower lantern releases on the Hoai River, the festival offers a peaceful yet vibrant escape into Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions. Plan ahead, follow the tips above, and let yourself be immersed in the enchantment of Hoi An by night.

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