Hoi An Lantern Festival – A monthly celebration where thousands of vibrant lanterns illuminate this ancient Vietnamese town, creating a magical cultural immersion.
Hoi An Lantern Festival or the Full Moon Festival Hoi An – it’s not just a celebration; it’s a feeling. Imagine walking through a centuries-old town lit only by the warm glow of thousands of handmade lanterns. The streets are quiet yet alive, the Thu Bon River sparkles with floating lights, and the air carries whispers of ancient traditions. This isn’t a movie set – this is Hoi An, Vietnam, and this is the magical night of the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter from New York, a first-time visitor from Singapore, or a solo wanderer looking for that one unforgettable moment, the Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival offers something truly special. It’s where Vietnamese culture, history, and spirit come alive under a sky of silk lanterns.
In this guide from Asia Legend Travel, we’ll take you deep into the heart of the Lantern Festival in Hoi An – from the best places to watch the lanterns drift on the river to hidden alleys glowing with charm, from essential travel tips to fascinating local legends. Let’s uncover why this is one of the most enchanting traditions in all of Southeast Asia – and why you absolutely shouldn’t miss it during your Hoi An tour.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Location and Time: Timing Your Visit
Every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the historic town of Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. Held just one night before the full moon, this monthly event offers a dreamlike setting—silvery moonlight reflected on the Thu Bon River, centuries-old streets illuminated only by the flickering glow of handcrafted lanterns, and a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere.
The Full Moon Festival Hoi An is not just an event; it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and light. For travelers from the United States or Singapore, it offers a cultural immersion unlike anything else in Southeast Asia. Picture yourself wandering through centuries-old streets with no electric lights, guided only by the warm, flickering glow of thousands of handcrafted lanterns.
“I thought I came to Hoi An for a quiet getaway,” said Jasmine, a Singaporean solo traveler, “but I ended up dancing with locals under the lanterns and wishing on a river.”
Best Time to Go
For travelers planning their visit, the dry season from February to August is ideal. During these months, Hoi An enjoys clear skies, gentle breezes, and pleasant evening temperatures averaging 25–28°C (77–82°F) — perfect for wandering the lantern-lit streets, releasing floating lanterns on the river, and enjoying outdoor performances without worrying about rain.
The rainy season (September to January), on the other hand, can bring sudden downpours and occasional flooding, which may disrupt the festivities or limit your ability to fully enjoy the lantern release and nighttime strolls.
Bonus Tip: Catch a Double Celebration
For an even more vibrant experience, time your visit to coincide with Tet Vietnamese New Year—usually in late January or early February—or the Mid-Autumn Festival in September. When the Hoi An Lantern Festival overlaps with these celebrations, the town bursts into even more color and excitement — you’ll see thousands of lanterns, Vietnamese lion dances, traditional music, and families gathering to celebrate. It’s a rare chance to witness Vietnam at its cultural peak.
“I planned my trip just to see the lanterns,” said Jamie, a traveler from Singapore, “but when I arrived during Tet, it felt like I had stumbled into another world. Everything glowed — the lights, the people, the energy.”
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So, make sure to check the lunar calendar before your trip — and if you’re lucky, your travel dates might just align with one of the most unforgettable nights in Vietnam.
History and Cultural Significance
The Hoi An Lantern Festival isn’t just a beautiful sight to experience Hoi An nightlife – it’s a vibrant cultural celebration deeply rooted in local traditions and rich with symbolic meaning. Introduced in the late 1990s, the festival was created as a cultural tourism initiative to celebrate Hoi An’s heritage and atmospheric charm—drawing inspiration from the town’s golden age as a 16th-century trading port.
Lanterns have always held deep significance in Vietnamese and East Asian cultures, especially during significant occasions like the full moon, Tet, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Hoi An, the gentle glow of lanterns symbolizes gratitude, peace, and prosperity. Their warm light creates a sense of nostalgia and reverence, reflecting the spiritual rhythms that have shaped Vietnamese life for centuries.
Today’s Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival beautifully blends cultural heritage with tourism, transforming quiet nights into enchanting monthly gatherings that preserve spiritual traditions while welcoming the world to share in their magic. While drawing on age-old beliefs and aesthetics, the festival represents a modern expression of community spirit and hospitality—an invitation for visitors to experience the town’s timeless charm.
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When you light a lantern on the river or wander through ancient streets bathed in golden light, you’re not just observing history – you’re becoming part of it.
Things to Do During Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is so much more than just pretty lights. It’s a feast for all your senses—a vibrant celebration where Vietnam’s cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and community spirit come to life. Whether you’re an adventurous traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for magic under the moonlight, here are some unforgettable experiences you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Wander Along the Streets with a Lantern in Hand
One of the simplest yet most magical experiences of the Lantern Festival in Hoi An is strolling through the lantern-lit streets with your own lantern in hand. As electric lights dim across the Old Town, the warm flicker of silk lanterns strung overhead and the gentle glow of your own lantern create an atmosphere that feels otherworldly.
You can purchase a small candlelit lantern from local vendors for just a few thousand VND. Many visitors choose to walk slowly through hidden alleys, pause on quiet stone bridges, or simply sit by the river and take in the dreamlike scenery.
“It felt like time slowed down,” said Sara from Melbourne. “Just me, the lantern light, and the quiet beauty of the town—it was unforgettable.”
Whether you carry your lantern for a photo, a wish, or simply the experience, this gentle ritual is a beautiful way to feel connected to the spirit of the festival.
Float Along the Thu Bon River with a Lantern Boat Ride
When night descends and the town glows in candlelight, one of the most enchanting experiences during Hoi An Lantern Festival is drifting along the Thu Bon River in a traditional wooden sampan. For just a few dollars, you can hop aboard with a local boatwoman – perhaps even Tam, who’s been rowing visitors for over 20 years and knows every bend of the river.
She’ll hand you a paper lantern with a tiny candle, help you light it, and together you’ll release it into the water while making a silent wish – for love, health, happiness, or a return trip to Hoi An.
“As I let my lantern go, I whispered a wish to the river,” said Farah from Singapore. “The reflection of hundreds of lanterns floating together felt like a dream.”
This moment is at the heart of the Full Moon Festival Hoi An – serene, symbolic, and soul-stirring.
Watch Traditional Vietnamese Performances
In the central square near the Japanese Covered Bridge, and along Bach Dang Street, small open-air stages come alive each evening with authentic cultural performances. You’ll experience:
- Bai choi – a centuries-old folk singing game recognized by UNESCO, blending poetry, music, and humor.
- Mesmerizing lion and unicorn dances that leap to life with drums and cymbals, while graceful dancers in silk ao dai (traditional dress) bring ancient tales to the stage.
- The hauntingly beautiful sounds of the dan bau, a single-stringed instrument that produces incredibly emotional melodies unlike anything you’ve heard before.
Note: Shows typically start around 7:30 PM and are free to watch. The atmosphere is magical—a perfect blend of centuries-old tradition and contemporary wonder.
Indulge in Hoi An’s Iconic Street Food
No festival in Vietnam is complete without food, and the Hoi An Lantern Festival turns the Old Town into a culinary carnival. Wander through Le Loi, Tran Phu, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, where vendors stay open late, serving specialties hot off the grill.
Here are a few must-tries:
- Cao Lau: Hoi An’s famous noodle dish, made with thick rice noodles, roasted pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons in a savory broth. Local tradition claims that truly authentic cao lau must be made using water from the ancient Ba Le well – a charming detail that adds to its mystique!
- White rose dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Delicate, translucent dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, arranged like a blooming flower and sprinkled with crispy garlic.
- Mango cake (Banh Xoai): A chewy, sesame-coated rice cake filled with sweet mung bean paste. Don’t be fooled by the name — there’s no mango inside!
And don’t forget dessert: try a chilled Vietnamese Che (a traditional sweet soup), or sip a refreshing lemon basil seed drink to cool off in the warm evening air.
Every corner of Hoi An glows with life and light during the Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival – whether you’re painting lanterns with locals, releasing your wishes to the river, applauding traditional performances, or savoring street food under the stars, this festival offers more than memories. It offers connection – to the culture, the people, and something timeless.
Top Spots to Experience Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival transforms the entire town into a glowing fairytale, but some spots stand out as truly unforgettable. Whether you’re here to take photos, soak in the atmosphere, or find a quiet corner of enchantment, these locations promise to elevate your experience of this timeless celebration.
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): A Symbol of History Illuminated by Lanterns
Built in the 16th century by the Japanese community in Hoi An, the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge is more than a historical landmark – it’s the glowing heart of the Lantern Festival in Hoi An. As night falls, the soft light from dozens of colorful lanterns dances across the wooden beams and stone footings, casting poetic reflections into the canal below.
Local street musicians often gather near the bridge, filling the night air with traditional melodies on bamboo flutes and đàn bầu (Vietnamese monochord). It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe in the incense-scented breeze, and watch the town come alive in golden light.
“Standing on the bridge, I felt like I had traveled back in time,” said Alina, a photographer from New York. “Everything shimmered — even the silence.”
Bach Dang Street: Riverfront Views with a Lantern-Lit Glow
Running alongside the Thu Bon River, Bach Dang Street offers front-row seats to one of the most beloved moments of the Full Moon Festival Hoi An — the release of floating lanterns. As you stroll beneath hanging lanterns and bougainvillea vines, you’ll find stone benches and cozy Hoi An cafes ideal for relaxing while lanterns drift lazily across the water.
For a truly magical view, grab an iced coconut coffee at Faifo Lantern Cafe and watch the river sparkle under the moonlight. The combination of glowing lanterns, lapping water, and traditional music drifting from nearby makes this one of the most romantic corners of Hoi An.
Nguyen Hoang Night Market: A Lantern Lover’s Paradise
If your idea of the Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival includes shopping for your own piece of magic, head to the bustling Nguyen Hoang Night Market. Lined with stalls selling hand-painted silk lanterns, delicate calligraphy, local snacks, and artisanal souvenirs, this Hoi An night market bursts with color and energy.
Want to take a lantern home? You’ll find a rainbow of choices, from elegant minimalist designs to ornate, dragon-embroidered masterpieces. Don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills — vendors are friendly and often happy to share the stories behind their handmade goods.
“I got completely lost in the market,” laughed Mark, a traveler from Seattle. “But then I stumbled on the best banh mi of my trip — at a food cart called ‘Lantern Bites’. It was spicy, sweet, and unforgettable.”
Hidden Alleyways of Hoi An Old Town: Where Lanterns Whisper Stories
Beyond the main streets and tourist crowds lies a quieter, more intimate side of the Lantern Festival in Hoi An. Tucked into the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Town, you’ll discover tiny shrines glowing with candlelight, locals lighting incense at their doorways, and strings of lanterns swaying softly in the breeze.
These hidden corners are ideal for reflective walks, spontaneous photos, or simply sitting down on an old stone stoop and watching life unfold. It’s here, away from the noise, where the festival feels most personal – like a secret the town is quietly sharing with you.
“I followed a trail of lanterns and ended up in a tiny courtyard with a family making mooncakes,” recalled Stephanie, a solo traveler from Singapore. “They gave me one and taught me how to say ‘Chúc mừng’ – it means congratulations or blessings. That moment meant everything.”
Each of these places reveals a different facet of the Hoi An Lantern Festival – from its historical roots and river rituals to its vibrant marketplace and hidden spiritual core. Wherever you go, bring your camera, an open heart, and maybe a pocket-sized lantern to carry a bit of Hoi An’s magic with you.
Lantern Release on the River: A Dreamlike Ritual
One of the most mesmerizing and emotionally resonant moments of the Hoi An Lantern Festival is the lantern release ceremony – a tradition that blends quiet reflection, cultural symbolism, and stunning beauty.
A Gentle Ritual at Sunset
As the sun sets and the sky transitions to a soft indigo, the banks of the Thu Bon River come alive with hundreds of flickering lanterns in shades of red, gold, and blue. Locals and visitors alike gather at the water’s edge, lantern in hand, ready to take part in a ritual that has become a symbolic and moving practice for many visitors.
The process is beautifully simple and deeply symbolic. You can purchase a handmade paper lantern from a local vendor – typically priced between 10,000 to 20,000 VND (less than $1 USD). Each lantern contains a tiny candle, which is carefully lit before being gently set afloat on the river’s surface.
Wishing on the Water
This moment isn’t just about beauty — it’s a chance to reflect and connect. Before releasing the lantern, it’s customary to make a personal wish or prayer – for good health, love, success, or to honor someone you’ve lost.
“I released a lantern for my late grandmother,” shared Alex from Chicago. “And somehow, watching it drift silently beneath the Japanese Covered Bridge brought me a peace I didn’t know I needed.”
According to local belief, the lanterns carry your hopes and worries downstream, washing away bad luck and inviting good fortune for the months ahead. Whether you’re spiritual or simply open to the beauty of intention, participating in this ritual is a moving experience that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Light, Silence, and Memory
During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the river transforms into a flowing canvas of light — silent, sacred, and unforgettable. Even if you don’t believe in the mystical power of the ritual, the act of releasing a lantern in such a magical setting leaves an indelible impression.
It’s a moment where time slows down, the noise of the world fades, and your heart quietly joins the rhythm of an ancient tradition.
Hoi An Ancient Town in the Festival: A Living Painting
When the Hoi An Lantern Festival unfolds each month under the full moon, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into something truly extraordinary – a living, breathing canvas of color, scent, and sound.
A Town That Walks You Back in Time
To preserve the serenity and ambiance of the event, the ancient town center is completely closed to motorbikes and cars during the evening of the festival. Instead, you’re invited to wander slowly on foot or by bicycle, through narrow cobbled lanes lit entirely by the soft, ambient glow of hanging lanterns. There are no streetlights, just the golden shimmer of silk-covered lights swaying gently above.
The experience feels timeless – like stepping into a storybook where each turn reveals a new detail. You’ll hear the gentle melodies of street musicians playing traditional Vietnamese instruments near ancient temples like Quan Cong Temple, or beside the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Local families sit outside their 200-year-old houses, burning incense and chatting in low voices while children chase each other under lantern-lit skies.
Serene Moments and Special Stops
A favorite stop for many visitors is Reaching Out Teahouse, a peaceful café run by hearing-impaired staff, where tea is served in beautiful ceramic sets and conversations happen in writing. Here, you can enjoy a fragrant pot of lotus tea while watching lanterns sway above you like glowing stars tethered to earth.
“We sat at Reaching Out Teahouse for nearly two hours,” recalls Priya from Singapore. “It was so quiet, yet so alive — the flickering lanterns, the soft clinking of teacups, and the occasional laugh from nearby street performers made it feel like a dream.”
The Perfect Night for Wandering
The weather during the Hoi An Lantern Festival is usually quite favorable. If you’re visiting between February and August, expect dry, warm evenings with gentle breezes drifting in from the Thu Bon River. Temperatures typically hover around 25–28°C (77–82°F) – perfect for strolling in light clothing. The air carries the earthy scent of incense, grilled street corn, and the delicate perfume of night-blooming jasmine wafting from private gardens.
The entire town feels like a stage lit for a romantic drama, where every corner glows, every step is slow and meaningful, and every face seems to smile just a little more brightly.
To truly understand the magic of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, you must walk through the Old Town at night – and let it walk you through time.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Travel Tips
Experiencing the Hoi An Lantern Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime memory – but to truly enjoy it without stress, a bit of planning goes a long way. Below are essential tips to help you navigate this enchanting evening like a seasoned traveler.
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
While the lanterns begin to glow around sunset, Hoi An Old Town starts getting crowded from 6:00 PM onwards. To soak in the ambiance and secure the best views, aim to arrive by 4:00 PM. This gives you time to explore the town, grab a meal, or catch the golden hour light along the Thu Bon River before the festival begins.
Book Your Accommodation Well in Advance
The Full Moon Festival Hoi An attracts both international and domestic travelers, especially during peak months (February–August). Hotels and homestays within walking distance of the Old Town – like Little Riverside Hoi An, La Siesta Resort, or Allegro Hoi An – tend to sell out weeks in advance. Booking early not only ensures a prime location but also often gets you better rates.
Bring Cash (in Vietnamese Dong)
Many of the charming street vendors, lantern sellers, and food stalls operate on a cash-only basis. It’s a good idea to bring small denominations (10,000–50,000 VND notes) for smoother transactions. There are ATMs in the area, but they can run out or have long queues during festival nights.
Respect Local Culture and Traditions
The festival may feel festive, but its roots are spiritual. Locals light lanterns to honor ancestors and pray for good fortune. If you plan to enter temples like Quan Cong Temple or Fujian Assembly Hall, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and speak softly. Always ask for permission before photographing residents — a smile and a gesture go a long way.
Stay Safe in Crowds
As the night deepens, the crowds near the riverbanks and bridges can become very dense. Keep a close eye on your belongings — use a secure bag, and avoid carrying valuables. If you’re traveling with children, hold hands in tight spaces.
Best Spot for Photos: An Hoi Bridge
For iconic panoramic shots of floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River, head to the bridge connecting An Hoi Island to the Old Town. From here, you can capture both the shimmering reflections and the glowing facades of lantern-lit buildings. Sunset to 7:30 PM offers the perfect balance of fading daylight and emerging lantern glow.
With these practical tips in mind, your evening at the Hoi An Lantern Festival will be as seamless as it is unforgettable. Don’t just attend – immerse, connect, and carry the light of Hoi An with you wherever you go.
Conclusion: Why Travelers Love the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is far more than just a monthly event – it is a deeply immersive experience that touches the heart and stirs the soul. Set under the gentle glow of thousands of silk lanterns, this monthly celebration transforms the ancient town into a dreamscape of light, reflection, and serenity.
For international travelers, especially those from Singapore or the United States, the Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival offers something rare: a peaceful atmosphere steeped in centuries-old tradition, where modern distractions fade and cultural connection takes center stage. Here, you don’t just watch — you participate. You walk lantern-lit streets, share smiles with locals, float wishes down the Thu Bon River, and rediscover the simple joy of being present.
“We came for the lanterns,” shared Liam and Rachel, a couple from Boston, “but we fell in love with the town. We made friends, cooked with locals, and, for the first time in years, truly slowed down.”
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, the Lantern Festival in Hoi An invites you to mark the full moon not just on your calendar – but in your heart. Make it the highlight of your Asia travel itinerary. Choose curiosity over checklist. Wander without haste. And let the lanterns guide you – not just through the streets of Hoi An, but into moments of stillness and wonder that you’ll carry long after your journey ends.
Because sometimes, the most radiant memories are made beneath the softest lights.
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