Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the entire ancient town glows with vibrant, shimmering lantern lights. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to release floating lanterns on the Hoai River, admire the enchanting beauty of the old town, and immerse themselves in traditional culture. Join us as we explore the time, location, and must-experience activities of this special festival in the following article by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery!
Introduction to the Hoi An Lantern Festival and its history
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique cultural event held on the 14th day of each lunar month in Hoi An Ancient Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This festival is not only an opportunity for visitors to witness the mesmerizing beauty of thousands of vibrant lanterns illuminating the Hoai River (Thu Bon River) but also an essential part of the spiritual life of the local people.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, during the time when Hoi An was a bustling international trading port. It was a key commercial hub where Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchants conducted trade and cultural exchanges.
According to historical records, Japanese and Chinese traders introduced the tradition of hanging lanterns in front of their homes to bring luck and peace. Over time, the local people adopted and developed this custom, turning lanterns into an inseparable symbol of the ancient town.
In 1988, the Hoi An authorities officially established the Lantern Festival on every full moon night to preserve and promote this valuable cultural tradition. Since then, the festival has become a major cultural event, celebrating the unique heritage and identity of Hoi An.
Today, the Hoi An Lantern Festival attracts millions of visitors annually, offering an immersive experience in the enchanting glow of thousands of lanterns lighting up the old town. Beyond the visual spectacle, visitors can enjoy traditional folk performances like Bài Chòi (a form of Vietnamese musical storytelling) and indulge in Hoi An’s famous traditional cuisine.
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The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique cultural event held on the 14th day of each lunar month
Time and Schedule of the Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the full moon is at its brightest. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a magical scene, illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a dreamlike and poetic ambiance.
On the night of the festival, all electric lights in the ancient town are turned off, allowing the warm glow of lanterns and candles to take over. This is the perfect time for visitors to admire the ancient beauty of Hoi An, bathed in soft, flickering lights, while also participating in traditional cultural activities.
If you are planning to visit Hoi An, it is highly recommended to check the lunar calendar to align your trip with the festival dates, as each month offers a unique atmosphere and experience. Below is the 2025 Hoi An Lantern Festival schedule for your reference:
| Month | Lunar Date | Gregorian Date |
| January | 14th of the first lunar month | January 13, 2025 |
| February | 14th of the second lunar month | February 11, 2025 |
| March | 14th of the third lunar month | March 13, 2025 |
| April | 14th of the fourth lunar month | April 11, 2025 |
| May | 14th of the fifth lunar month | May 11, 2025 |
| June | 14th of the sixth lunar month | June 9, 2025 |
| July | 14th of the seventh lunar month | July 8, 2025 |
| August | 14th of the eighth lunar month | August 7, 2025 |
| September | 14th of the ninth lunar month | September 5, 2025 |
| October | 14th of the tenth lunar month | October 5, 2025 |
| November | 14th of the eleventh lunar month | November 3, 2025 |
| December | 14th of the twelfth lunar month | December 3, 2025 |
Important notes:
- February (Tet Nguyen Tieu – Lantern Festival of the Lunar New Year) is the biggest festival of the year, featuring many spiritual rituals and artistic performances.
- The best time to visit is from February to April, when the weather in Hoi An is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and festival activities.
This is the perfect time for visitors to admire the ancient beauty of Hoi An
Top 6 must-experience activities at the Hoi An Lantern Festival
Admiring the Enchanting Beauty of Hoi An at Night
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a mystical wonderland, illuminated by thousands of traditional lanterns glowing across the streets. The vibrant silk lanterns reflect on the waters of the Hoai River, creating a shimmering spectacle that makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into an ancient painting.
Walking along the narrow, historic streets, you will notice that houses, shops, and cafés replace electric lights with traditional lanterns, crafting an extraordinarily romantic and magical ambiance.
Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery recommends visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Night Market, and Hoai River Boat Dock to admire the breathtaking festival scenery on the water.
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a mystical wonderland
Participating in Traditional Activities
The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers numerous opportunities for visitors to take part in traditional cultural activities, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and customs of the ancient town’s residents. Below are some activities during the festival:
- Playing Bai Choi: Bai Choi originated in Central Vietnam and is especially popular in Hoi An. During the festival, visitors can participate in Bai Choi games, where they can listen to folk songs, try their luck, and connect with the local community. This game has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique chance to deeply experience Hoi An’s culture. This activity is usually held along the Hoai River and Hoi An Square.
- Enjoying traditional music and dance performances: When attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival, you will have the chance to enjoy traditional music and dance performances, including fan dance, conical hat dance, ca tru, and quan ho folk singing, taking place along the ancient streets. Talented artists will showcase folk music performances using traditional instruments such as the bamboo flute (sao truc), monochord (dau bau) and fiddle (dan co), accompanied by captivating traditional dances.
- Traditional folk games and cultural practices: In addition to music and dance performances, visitors can also participate in Vietnamese folk games such as human chess (co nguoi), tin can knocking (tat lon), and crossbow shooting (ban no).
The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers numerous opportunities for visitors to take part in traditional cultural activities
Buying and releasing Lanterns on the Hoai River
In the enchanting ambiance of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the activity of releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River is not only a breathtaking experience but also carries deep spiritual significance. According to Vietnamese beliefs, the light from the lanterns symbolizes the illumination of the soul, helping people dispel worries and embrace better things in life.
Along the Hoai River, visitors can easily find stalls selling handcrafted floating lanterns, made by local artisans. These lanterns come in various shapes, such as lotus flowers, heart-shaped designs, and traditional lantern patterns with intricate motifs. The price of each lantern ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 VND, making it affordable for everyone to participate in this meaningful ritual. After selecting a favorite lantern, visitors can release it from the riverbank or board traditional wooden boats to set it afloat in the middle of the river.
The act of releasing floating lanterns represents a wish for peace, luck, and happiness for oneself and one’s family. It is also a way to honor ancestors and express gratitude and respect for those who have passed away.
As thousands of small lanterns drift along the water, the Hoai River transforms into a dazzling Milky Way in the heart of the ancient town. Standing on the Japanese Covered Bridge or along the riverbank, visitors can enjoy a moment of serenity, listening to the sound of flowing water harmonized with traditional music, creating a magical yet sacred scene.
Some important notes when participating in this activity include using eco-friendly paper lanterns to minimize waste, choosing the ideal time between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM for the most stunning visual effect, and allowing lanterns to float naturally with the river’s current to avoid blocking the waterway.
Buying and releasing Lanterns on the Hoai River
Enjoying Hoi An’s signature dishes
Hoi An is renowned for its diverse cuisine, which harmoniously blends Central Vietnamese flavors with influences from Japanese and Chinese culinary traditions. Below are some must-try dishes when visiting Hoi An during the festival.
- Cao Lau – A unique noodle dish featuring roast pork, fresh herbs, and a rich broth derived from the Hoai River.
- Hoi An Banh Mi – A crispy baguette filled with pork, pâté, egg, and fresh vegetables, often regarded as one of the best street foods in the world.
- Mi Quang – A thick turmeric-infused noodle dish served with minimal broth, typically accompanied by pork, chicken, or shrimp, along with fresh greens and crispy rice crackers.
- Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings) – Delicate rice dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, served with a sweet and tangy fish sauce.
- Hoi An Sweet Soups (Che Hoi An) – A variety of traditional Vietnamese desserts, including corn pudding (che bap), mung bean sweet soup (che dau xanh), and glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup (che troi nuoc), offering a delightful and refreshing sweetness.
- Other Street Foods – Apart from the main dishes, Hoi An is also famous for tasty local snacks such as Hoi An chicken rice (com ga Hoi An), hu tieu (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh nam (steamed rice cakes), and banh it (sticky rice cakes). All these dishes are made from fresh ingredients, creating a vibrant and diverse culinary experience.
Enjoying Hoi An’s signature dishes
Learning and participating in lantern-making workshops
The Hoi An Lantern Festival not only offers a mesmerizing display of colors and lights but also provides visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the traditional craft of lantern-making – a cultural heritage that has existed for centuries and is deeply intertwined with the town’s history.
Joining a lantern-making workshop is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Hoi An’s handcrafted artistry. Under the guidance of local artisans, participants will learn every step of the process, from bending bamboo frames and applying do paper or silk fabric to painting and decorating the final piece. These lanterns are not only aesthetically beautiful but also symbolize luck, peace, and prosperity in Hoi An’s cultural traditions.
Best places to join a lantern-making class
- Hoi An Lantern Craft Village – A place where artisans have preserved and developed the craft for generations.
- Tuoi Ngoc Lantern Workshop – Specializes in offering hands-on workshops for tourists who want to create their own lanterns as souvenirs.
- Ngoc Hoa Lantern Workshop – A spot where visitors can delve deeper into the history and significance of Hoi An’s lanterns.
Learning and participating in lantern-making workshops
Exploring vibrant night markets
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is also a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, shop for unique souvenirs, and indulge in local street food specialties.
Famous night markets in Hoi An
- Nguyen Hoang Night Market – Located right across from the Japanese Covered Bridge, this is the busiest market, featuring over 50 stalls selling lanterns, embroidered paintings, ceramics, and souvenirs.
- Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market – Situated along the Hoai River, this area is known for various food stalls and street art performances.
- Thanh Ha Night Market – Near Thanh Ha Pottery Village, this market specializes in handcrafted ceramic products made by local artisans.
Here, visitors can find handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and local specialties. Exquisitely handmade items, such as lanterns, ceramics, and silk fabrics, are particularly popular among tourists.
In addition to shopping, the night markets feature food stalls serving delicious street food like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), Hoi An chicken rice, and traditional sweet soups (che). You can savor these delicacies while soaking in the vibrant ambiance of the ancient town.
Exploring vibrant night markets
Important Tips for Attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival
When participating in the Hoi An Lantern Festival, here are some important tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Prepare for Crowds: The festival attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the full moon and major holidays. Be prepared for crowded areas and consider arriving early to secure a good spot and enjoy the festival without being overwhelmed by the crowd.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Hoi An Ancient Town is a pedestrian-only area, meaning you’ll need to walk a lot. Wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers will help you move around easily and enjoy the festival without discomfort.
- Avoid Carrying Valuables: Due to the large crowds, the risk of losing personal belongings is higher. It’s best to limit carrying valuables, especially when moving through busy night markets.
- Respect the Environment: The festival includes lantern-releasing activities, but remember to release lanterns properly and avoid littering in the river or surrounding areas. Let’s work together to protect the environment and preserve the beauty of the ancient town.
- Follow Festival Regulations: To maintain the festival’s tradition and atmosphere, follow the rules, such as not bringing outside food and drinks into festival areas and respecting local customs and rituals.
- Be Ready for Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning moments, but try to avoid using flash, as it can disrupt the natural beauty of the lanterns and the festival ambiance.
By keeping these useful tips in mind, you’ll have a truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience at the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
We hope this guide from Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery has provided valuable insights into the Hoi An Lantern Festival and its must-try experiences. Hoi An not only charms visitors with its timeless beauty and glowing lantern streets but also captivates hearts through its rich culture, cuisine, and meaningful traditional activities.
Read more:
- Hoi An Travel Experience: What to eat, what to do, where to stay?
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The ideal accommodation for couples or families seeking a spacious layout with gorgeous views, our Deluxe Suites ensure a luxurious experience that include 70 sqm of living space, great balcony opening up the grand views of Hoai River and Hoi An. Enjoy chic life, privileges at Executive Lounge.
- 70sqm (754sq ft)
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