Hoi An Lantern Festival – A Magical Night of Lights & Culture

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province, Hoi An is a charming ancient town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its many cultural highlights, the Hoi An Lantern Festival stands out as a magical monthly celebration that transforms the old town into a glowing paradise of lights, colors, and traditions. This vibrant event offers travelers a rare chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam.

Lantern-lit dreams floating down the Hoai River — where Hoi An’s magic shines brightest at night (Image source: Internet)

I. Origin and meaning of Hoi An lantern festival

1.Origin of Hoi An lantern festival

Hoi An lantern festival originated in the 16th-17th century, when Hoi An was a bustling trading port, attracting many merchants, especially Chinese and Japanese, to trade and settle. They brought with them the tradition of hanging lanterns in front of their houses to pray for luck and peace. Gradually, local people adopted and developed this custom, turning lanterns into an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of the old town.

Lost in a sea of colors — where every lantern in Hoi An tells a story of light and tradition (Image source: Internet)

In 1988, the local government decided to organize the lantern festival on the full moon nights of every month to preserve and promote this unique cultural feature. The festival quickly became a unique cultural event, attracting domestic and foreign tourists, contributing to honoring the traditional beauty and community spirit of Hoi An people to this day.

The lantern festival originated in China and was introduced to Vietnam in ancient times. According to legend, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the gods from heaven descend to earth to bestow blessings on the people. To welcome the gods, people hang lanterns everywhere to create a magical, shimmering atmosphere.

2.What is the meaning of the Hoi An lantern festival?

The lantern festival in Hoi An ancient town is an activity to preserve the beauty of the indigenous culture of the people. The lanterns are also a symbol of peace and luck that will come to every home. At some tourist destinations in Hoi An, visitors also enjoy participating in the activity of releasing flower lanterns - the shimmering candles floating on the Hoai River are wishes and prayers of people for good things and happiness in life.

Lanterns become symbols of ancient town tourism (Image source: Internet)

II. When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival held?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month, with the Mid-Autumn Festival being the most brilliant time. On these days, from 6pm to 10pm, Hoi An ancient town turns off all the lights and prohibits traffic. People hang lanterns in front of their houses, release flower lanterns on the Hoai River, and participate in cultural and artistic activities such as lion dances, martial arts performances, and Bai Choi singing.

Lantern festival is held every month (Image source: Internet)

In particular, during Tet in Hoi An, the festival is held on a larger scale, with lantern decoration competitions and special fireworks displays, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

III. Where is the Lantern Festival held in Hoi An?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place at many famous locations in the ancient town, bringing a brilliant and cultural atmosphere. Here are some highlights you should not miss.

1.Hoi An Ancient Town

During the festival, the entire Hoi An Ancient Town area becomes brilliant with thousands of colorful lanterns hanging along the streets, in front of houses and shops. People turn off the electric lights, replacing them with warm light from lanterns, creating an ancient and romantic space. Visitors can stroll on streets such as Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang to admire the sparkling beauty of the ancient town in the lantern light.

When the lights go out, the magic begins (Image source: Internet)

2.Pagodas in Hoi An

Pagodas in Hoi An also play an important role in the lantern festival. Hoi An Bridge Pagoda, a symbol of Hoi An, is decorated with sophisticated lanterns, creating a mysterious and brilliant beauty. Ong Pagoda, Ba Mu Pagoda and assembly halls such as Phuc Kien, Trieu Chau also participate in lantern decoration, contributing to enriching the festival space. The combination of lantern lights and ancient architecture of pagodas creates a unique cultural picture, attracting tourists to visit and admire.

The Japanese Covered Bridge is resplendent in the full moon festival (Image source: Internet)

3.Hoai River - The heart of Hoi An Lantern Festival

Hoai River, a branch of Thu Bon River, is considered the heart of Hoi An Lantern Festival. On festival nights, hundreds of small boats carry tourists to release flower lanterns into the river, creating a magical scene with shimmering light reflecting on the water surface. The activity of releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An not only has the meaning of praying for luck and peace but is also an unforgettable experience for every tourist when coming to Hoi An.

Gliding through a river of lights - Hoi An’s lantern boats painting the night with magic (Image source: Internet)

IV. Attractive Activities at the Hoi An Lantern Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival not only captivates visitors with its shimmering beauty but also with a variety of fascinating traditional cultural activities. Below are some of the most notable experiences you should not miss.

1.Releasing Flower Lanterns on the Hoai River

The activity of releasing flower lanterns was officially introduced in 1998, originating from Buddhism, with the purpose of praying for the souls of the deceased to be liberated and reborn in peace, and to bring tranquility to the living.On the nights of the 14th lunar month, especially during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, locals and tourists gather along the banks of the Hoai River – a branch of the Thu Bon River – to release handmade paper lanterns lit with candles onto the water. Each lantern carries wishes for health, happiness, and good fortune. According to local beliefs, the light from the lanterns will dispel sorrow and suffering, bringing peace to the person who sets it afloat.

Visitors can purchase lanterns from riverside stalls for about 5,000 VND each. In addition, a boat ride on the Hoai River to release lanterns and enjoy the view of the ancient town at night is also a popular choice, with rental prices ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 VND per boat.

2.Enjoying Traditional Vietnamese Performances

During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of traditional Vietnamese performing arts. One of the highlights is Bai Choi singing—a folk art form combining music, poetry, and acting—which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Bai Choi performances usually take place along the streets, attracting enthusiastic participation from both locals and visitors.In addition, lion and dragon dances as well as martial arts demonstrations draw the attention of many guests. These performances not only showcase the skill and strength of the artists but also convey wishes for luck and prosperity. Visitors can also take part in traditional folk games such as tug-of-war and human chess, creating a lively and communal festival atmosphere.

Art performance by artists recreating cultural features of Hoi An ancient town (Image source: Internet)

Hoi An’s breathtaking cultural performance under the lantern-lit sky (Image source: Internet)

3.Learning About Hoi An’s Traditional Lantern-Making Craft

Hoi An is home to many traditional craft villages such as Thanh Ha Pottery Village and Tra Que Vegetable Village. During the Lantern Festival, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the traditional lantern-making craft—a cultural symbol of the ancient town. This craft has existed for over 400 years, dating back to the 17th century when Hoi An was a bustling trading port influenced by Vietnamese, Japanese, and Western cultures. In 2011, the lantern-making craft of Hoi An was recognized by the Vietnam Association of Craft Villages as one of the nine most outstanding traditional crafts in the country.Each lantern is a work of art created through the skill, creativity, and dedication of the craftspeople. The production process involves many meticulous steps, from selecting bamboo, shaping the frame, attaching the silk, to hand-painting decorations—requiring patience and passion. This has helped the craft survive for centuries, making Hoi An lanterns not only a cultural icon but also a meaningful souvenir for visitors. Here are some well-known lantern shops in Hoi An you can visit:

• Thanh Truc Lantern Workshop: DX18 Street – Thanh Nhut Village – Cam Thanh, Hoi An.

• Huynh Van Ba Lantern Workshop: 15A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

• Ha Linh Lantern Workshop: 72 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

• Viet Lantern Workshop: 57 Ba Trieu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

4.Exploring the Night Market and Tasting Hoi An’s Specialties

Exploring the Hoi An Night Market is an unmissable experience during the Lantern Festival. The most famous is the Nguyen Hoang Night Market, located on Nguyen Hoang Street opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge. Stretching about 500 meters with more than 50 diverse stalls, it offers a variety of exquisite handicrafts such as brocade fabric bags, tò he (toy figurines), bracelets, clothing, handbags, and ceramics—most of which are handmade with traditional Vietnamese motifs like the conical hat and the ao dai.Beyond shopping, the night market is also a food paradise with many delicious local specialties. Visitors can savor Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles), hen xuc banh da (baby clams with rice crackers), Cao Lau, grilled corn, and colorful sweet soups. Prices typically range from 40,000 to 100,000 VND per item or dish, making it accessible for many types of travelers.

Under the warm glow of lanterns, Hoi An’s night market comes alive with colors, crafts, and culture (Image source: Internet)

5.Tips for attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival

• Choose the right time: The festival takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month under the full moon. The best months to visit are February–April and August–September for pleasant weather and a lively atmosphere.

• Arrive early: Get there between 5–6 PM to enjoy the sunset on the Thu Bon River and secure the best photo spots before the crowd fills the streets.

• Wear comfortable clothes: Opt for light, comfortable outfits in bright colors for stunning photos. Sandals or sneakers are ideal for walking around the ancient town.

• Try releasing a paper lantern: Buy a lantern from local vendors (10,000–20,000 VND each) and gently set it afloat on the river while making a wish for luck and happiness.

• Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River: A 15–20 minute boat trip (100,000–150,000 VND) between 7–8 PM offers the best view of glowing lanterns floating across the water.

• Taste Hoi An’s specialties: Don’t miss Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi Phuong, and White Rose dumplings. Riverside eateries offer great food with magical lantern views.

• Capture the moment: Use night mode or increase ISO for bright, clear shots. Let the lantern light be your natural photo spotlight.

• Respect local culture and the environment: Keep noise levels down, avoid pushing, don’t litter, and handle lanterns with care to preserve the festival’s charm.

Conclusion

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just a visual spectacle—it is a celebration of heritage, community, and timeless beauty. Whether you are seeking cultural immersion, romance, or simply stunning photography opportunities, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. So, mark your calendar for the next full moon and let the warm glow of Hoi An’s lanterns light up your journey.