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The Hoi An Lantern Festival originated in the 16th–17th centuries, closely tied to the prosperous era of Hoi An’s ancient trading port. Over generations, the festival has evolved into a distinctive cultural celebration, attracting a large number of both domestic and international tourists each full moon night. Amid the shimmering glow of thousands of radiant lanterns, visitors can slow down and truly experience the cultural richness and spiritual depth of this heritage land.

Time and Venue of the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Festival Dates

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar month – when the ancient town switches off electric lights, making way for the soft illumination of thousands of colorful lanterns.

Notably, the nights of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Lantern Festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu) are celebrated on a grander scale, featuring more community events and special art performances. If you want to experience the most magical version of Hoi An, this is truly the moment not to be missed.

Location

The festival is held throughout the entire Ancient Town, but there are specific places to see the Hoi An lanterns that visitors absolutely must experience to fully immerse themselves in the magical ambiance of lights:

• Hoi An Ancient Town: Serving as the “main stage” of the festival, streets such as Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang are adorned with high-hanging lanterns, creating a space that is both nostalgic and vibrant.
• Hoai River: An ideal location for a leisurely walk, photography, or taking a boat ride to release floating paper lanterns. At night, the lantern lights reflected on the water create a magnificent and poetic scene.
• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): An architectural symbol of the Ancient Town where the glow of lanterns blends with the centuries-old charm of the bridge. On full moon nights, the lanterns here are elaborately decorated and brilliantly illuminated.
• Phuoc Lam Pagoda and Linh An Pagoda: Sacred sites that often host candle-lighting and peace-praying ceremonies during full moon nights. If you seek a meditative atmosphere and wish to explore the spiritual depth of the festival, these are must-visit places.
  

Exciting Activities at the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Immerse Yourself in the Dreamy, Sparkling Atmosphere of the Ancient Town

Within the radiant space of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, there are destinations that not only captivate visitors with their nostalgic charm but also serve as perfect backdrops to capture memorable moments in every frame.

Walking along Tran Phu Street or Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, you’ll encounter rooftops tinted with the hues of time, glowing brightly under the dense rows of lanterns hanging from house eaves to street lines. This atmosphere, both vintage and sparkling, makes these streets some of the most beloved photography spots during the festival.

Hoi An Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere, like a miniature festival of lights.
With hundreds of handcrafted stalls and decorative lanterns everywhere, it’s easy to find lively, quintessentially Hoi An photo spots.

Moving toward the Hoi An Bridge and the Japanese Covered Bridge – iconic architectural symbols of the Ancient Town – you’ll be immersed in a beauty that is both tranquil and enchanting, especially when the lanterns are lit and their light reflects on the water below.

And if you wish to enjoy an even more romantic and poetic scene, head to both sides of the Hoai River. This is the ideal place for a riverside walk or a boat ride to view the Ancient Town at night. The glow from hundreds of floating paper lanterns drifting with the current creates a shimmering, magical picture.

Experience Releasing Floating Lanterns on the Hoai River

Releasing floating lanterns in Hoi An is the most anticipated activity of the festival night. On each festive occasion, visitors can light a candle by hand, softly whisper their wishes, and gently set the delicate paper lanterns adrift on the tranquil waters of the Hoai River. The entire river shimmers with flickering lights, creating a magical scene unlike any other.

Admire Traditional Art Performances

In the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An full moon lantern festival, traditional art performances further enrich the cultural tapestry of the ancient town.

Visitors can stop and enjoy folk acts such as bai choi singing, lion dances, traditional musical instrument performances, or water puppet shows at outdoor stages and areas around the Japanese Covered Bridge.

The lively sounds blending with the shimmering lantern light make the old town feel even more animated and warm. It is also a rare chance to deeply appreciate the rustic yet refined beauty of local traditional arts.

Enjoy Distinctive Culinary Culture

Famous dishes such as cao lau, mi Quang, banh dap, fried wontons, and corn sweet soup are sold along the ancient streets and night markets. They are not only delicious but also deeply rooted in the local cultural identity.

Discover the Traditional Lantern-Making Craft

Exploring the Hoi An lantern-making villages is an essential part of understanding the culture of the ancient town. Visitors can stop by traditional craft villages like Thanh Ha, Phuoc Kieu, Cam Kim, Cam Thanh, and Hoa Thanh—where skillful hands continue to create vibrant lanterns full of nostalgic charm every day.

Notes When Participating in the Hoi An Lantern Festival

To fully enjoy the Hoi An Lantern Festival, you should arrive before 7 PM to avoid crowds and move around easily for photography. Prioritize wearing neat and respectful clothing when visiting the ancient town and spiritual sites. Avoid pushing, shoving, or littering—especially during the release of the Hoi An floating lanterns. Respect shared spaces and contribute to preserving the cultural beauty of Hoi An in every moment you experience here.

Plan your trip early and combine your visit to Hoi An with Da Nang festivals such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival to enjoy a complete vacation filled with color, sound, and deep cultural values of Central Vietnam.

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