Step into Hoi An lantern festival: A night you’ll never forget

Every month, the Hoi An lantern festival transforms the ancient town into a shimmering sea of lights. Locals and visitors alike stroll along the riverside, watching colorful lanterns illuminate the night sky. It’s a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that no Hoi An trip would be complete without.

When is Hoi An lantern festival held?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the moon shines at its fullest and brightest. The event usually begins around 6 p.m. and lasts until approximately 10 p.m.

The festival’s main activities unfold throughout the ancient town, especially around the Hoai River, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and Hoi Bridge.

On this magical evening, Hoi An shimmers under thousands of colorful lanterns, revealing a timeless beauty that enchants every traveler who comes to experience it.

What to know about the origin of Hoi An lantern festival

The Hoi An lantern festival traces its roots back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An flourished as a vibrant trading port. During this time, Chinese and Japanese merchants who settled in the town introduced the tradition of hanging lanterns in front of their homes — a beautiful reminder of their distant homelands.

Over the years, lantern-making evolved into an integral part of local culture, passed down through generations as both a craft and a symbol of celebration. 

By the late 1980s, recognizing the cultural significance of this tradition, local authorities officially established the Hoi An lantern festival to be held every full moon. On this night, electric lights are dimmed, allowing the soft glow of lanterns to illuminate the ancient streets. Since then, the festival has become one of Hoi An’s most cherished cultural highlights — a mesmerizing blend of history, beauty, and local spirit.

How does the Hoi An lantern festival take place?

On the night of the festival, from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., all vehicles are temporarily restricted from entering the old town. One by one, the houses, shops, restaurants, and cafés switch off their electric lights, allowing the soft glow of lanterns and the full moon to take over. The entire ancient town becomes awash with warm, magical light, creating an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and dreamlike.

Visitors are free to stroll through the lantern-lit streets, soaking in the calm beauty of the evening. Along the Hoai River, a variety of cultural performances — from traditional music and folk singing to poetry recitals — add to the enchanting mood. There are also lively folk games and activities that invite participation, offering travelers a deeper glimpse into local life and traditions.

During the Hoi An lantern festival, the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, inviting you to sample everything from Cao Lau noodles to sweet sesame soup. It’s a feast not just for the eyes, but for every sense.

Things to experience at Hoi An lantern festival

Admire the shimmering beauty of Hoi An at night

When the festival begins, vehicles are restricted and electric lights are turned off throughout the old town. This is when Hoi An reveals its most enchanting side — streets bathed in the warm glow of thousands of lanterns swaying gently in the night breeze.

Even if you don’t have time to visit every attraction, simply walking around and admiring the colorful lanterns is enough to feel the town’s festive spirit. While Hoi An is peaceful by day, the lantern night brings a whole new layer of charm — quiet yet vibrant, ancient yet alive — leaving an unforgettable impression on every traveler.

Join traditional activities and performances

As you wander through the ancient streets, you’ll come across lively folk games, street performances, and traditional music echoing along the riverbanks. The air fills with the sounds of bamboo flutes, fiddles, drums, and soulful Vietnamese folk singing — each note carrying the rhythm of local life.

Among these performances, Bài Chòi stands out as a cultural highlight. This unique art form, blending music, poetry, and acting, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017. During the show, performers sing and draw cards in a game similar to bingo, creating a joyful and interactive atmosphere. Whether you play or simply watch, you’ll find yourself immersed in the warm and welcoming spirit of Hoi An.

Buy and release lanterns on the poetic Hoai River

No visit to the festival would be complete without joining the lantern-release ritual. Along the Hoai River, you can buy delicate paper flower lanterns — beautifully crafted and folded — for around 5,000 VND each.

Hop on a small wooden sampan and gently set your lantern afloat. Each light represents a wish for happiness, peace, and good fortune. As hundreds of lanterns drift downstream, the river transforms into a shimmering ribbon of color, reflecting countless glowing dreams under the full moon.

>> Find out more beautiful things in Hoi An in our Discover