Hoi An Lantern Festival - Vibrant colors in the heart of Ancient Town

The vibrant colors blending with cheerful laughter awaken every corner of the streets. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magical hues of the Hoi An Lantern Festival in Hoi An?

Origin and significance of the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Once a bustling and prosperous trading port in the 16th–17th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchants from all over the world, especially a large Chinan community who came to trade and settle down. When they arrived, they brought with them the custom of hanging vibrant lanterns in front of their homes to pray for good luck and peace. Over time, local residents gradually embraced and preserved this tradition, turning colorful lanterns into a distinctive symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town today.

In 1988, local authorities officially launched the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on every full moon night (also known as the “hoa dang” festival), to preserve this traditional cultural beauty and create a lasting impression on both domestic and international visitors.

When the Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, with the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival considered the most dazzling and enchanting moment of the year. As the festival begins, all electric lights in the ancient houses and shops are turned off, giving way to a serene and poetic atmosphere. The entire Hoi An Ancient Town also suspends vehicle traffic, allowing visitors to stroll leisurely through the colorful night.

Across the old streets, vibrant lanterns of all shapes and colors are hung in front of houses, creating a shimmering scene like something out of a fairytale. Crowds of people flock to the town, mesmerized as they wander under the gentle glow, admiring the historic Japanese Covered Bridge sparkling in the full moonlight. Everything comes together like a magical painting, captivating the hearts of all who witness it and leaving them longing to return.

What’s special about the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Enjoy traditional performing arts at the Hoi An Lantern Festival

At 6:00 PM, Hoi An Ancient Town begins to glow in a dazzling array of colors. Lanterns gradually light up, illuminating moss-covered rooftops and reflecting on the poetic Hoai River. In this lively atmosphere, visitors can immerse themselves in countless vibrant cultural activities, all completely free of charge - the most bustling area is along the riverside between the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Bridge. 

Traditional music echoes through the streets, blending with graceful dances, dazzling lion and dragon performances, powerful martial arts demonstrations from professional schools, and elaborate shows by skilled artists that vividly recreate the cultural charm of Hoi An.

During Tet (Lunar New Year), the festive spirit becomes even more electrifying with lantern-decorating contests and colorful fireworks displays. Meanwhile, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings joyful scenes of beautifully arranged moon-watching feasts and traditional folk games like tug of war and bai choi, filling the ancient town with laughter and delight for both locals and visitors.

Release floating lanterns on the Hoai River

One of the most anticipated experiences is releasing floating lanterns to make wishes. For just 5,000 – 10,000 VND, you can choose a small, delicately handcrafted lantern made by local artisans to set afloat on the shimmering water.

These lanterns drift gently with the ripples, carrying heartfelt wishes for peace, happiness, and good fortune in the new year. Sitting on a boat drifting along the river, watching hundreds of flickering lights reflected on the water, you will feel the rare, magical tranquility of the festival night in Hoi An.

Savoring the unique cuisine of Hoi An

Amid the vibrant colors, don’t forget to stop and savor the signature flavors that embody the soul of Hoi An’s cuisine. A steaming bowl of Cao lau, a plate of rich Mi Quang, a crispy fragrant Banh mi or a refreshing glass of Nuoc Mot will bring you closer to the simple yet heartfelt way of life of the locals.

Whether you sit at a small roadside eatery or stop by humble street vendors, you can taste the authentic, flavorful and budget-friendly dishes - an experience not to be missed on your journey through the festival.

Some notes when joining the Hoi An Lantern Festival

• The Hoi An Lantern Festival usually attracts a large number of visitors to Hoi An, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot and the perfect view of the vibrant floating lanterns.
• At night, the Ancient Town is lit up by countless shimmering lanterns, but the light is quite soft and dim, which may not be ideal for taking sharp photos. Be sure to bring suitable equipment to capture those memorable moments of the festival.
• The first lunar month is when the festival is at its most lively and spectacular. If possible, plan your trip during this time to fully experience the bustling and colorful atmosphere.
• During the festival, traffic is restricted within the Ancient Town. So, wear comfortable shoes or sandals to leisurely wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique celebration that showcases the enchanting beauty of countless colorful lanterns, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the people of Hoi An. It will surely be an unforgettable experience for you, your family, and your friends when visiting the ancient town.

>> See must-see landmarks at our Discover guide