Hoi An, with its golden-walled ancient houses and peaceful canals, is charming on any day. But on the night of the full moon, it transforms into a fairytale. It’s an event that feels both festive and deeply spiritual, reminiscent of the beautiful light of Diwali, yet uniquely Vietnamese. Let Vietnamstory.in take you on a journey through Hoi An Lantern Festival, so you can plan the most magical night of your Vietnam trip.
Your guide to the Hoi An Lantern Festival
Let’s start with the essential information you need to plan your visit. This is your quick guide to the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
When is it celebrated?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month, which is the night of the full moon. It’s a regular, monthly celebration, making it easy to plan your trip around. Here are the confirmed dates for the upcoming years so you can mark your calendars:
Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates 2025
| Month | Date |
| January | 13 January |
| February | 12 February |
| March | 13 March |
| April | 12 April |
| May | 11 May |
| June | 10 June |
| July | 9 July |
| August | 7 August |
| September | 6 September |
| October | 5 October |
| November | 4 November |
| December | 3 December |
Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates 2026
| Month | Date |
| January | 22 January |
| February | 21 February |
| March | 22 March |
| April | 21 April |
| May | 20 May |
| June | 19 June |
| July | 18 July |
| August | 17 August |
| September | 15 September |
| October | 15 October |
| November | 13 November |
| December | 13 December |
Unique insight: While the official festival is once a month, don’t worry if your dates don’t align perfectly! The spirit of the lanterns is alive every night in Hoi An. The Ancient Town is always decorated with colourful lanterns, and you can release a floating lantern any evening. The main difference on the festival night is that all electric lights in the Ancient Town are switched off, creating a much more authentic and mesmerizing glow.
Where does it take place?
The festival happens throughout the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main areas of activity are along the banks of the Hoai River, especially on Bach Dang Street, and across the An Hoi Bridge on the island. The historic streets of Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Le Loi are also pedestrian-only and filled with light.
What is the main purpose?
The festival is a beautiful blend of the spiritual and the celebratory. Its purpose is threefold: to honor ancestors and deities, to offer prayers for good fortune, peace, and happiness, and to preserve and celebrate the unique traditional culture of Hoi An.
History and spiritual significance of Hoi An Lantern Festival
To truly appreciate the lanterns, it helps to understand their story. This isn’t just a modern tourist event; it’s a practice with deep roots.
A legacy from the past
Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, with large communities of Chinese and Japanese merchants. They brought with them the tradition of hanging lanterns for good luck and celebration. Over centuries, this custom was adopted and beautifully adapted by the Vietnamese people of Hoi An. The lantern-making craft became a local specialty.
Then, in 1998, the local government had a wonderful idea. To celebrate the town’s heritage and create a unique cultural identity, they decided to revive and formalize this tradition. The tradition evolved into a monthly event in the late 1990s to preserve local culture, turning the full moon night into a town-wide celebration of light and peace.
The full moon & Buddhist traditions
In Vietnam, as in many parts of Asia, the full moon holds great spiritual significance. The 14th and 15th days of the lunar calendar are considered auspicious days in Buddhism. On these days, many Vietnamese people practice vegetarianism, visit pagodas to pray, and burn incense to pay homage to their ancestors. The Lantern Festival is an extension of this reverence. The lanterns are seen as offerings of light, guiding souls and carrying prayers for a prosperous and happy life.
Unique insight: The monthly festival is beautiful, but two full moon nights are the grandest of all: Tết Nguyên Tiêu (the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, usually in February) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September). On these nights, the celebrations are even larger, with dragon dances, more elaborate performances, and an incredible number of locals and visitors joining in.
What to see and do?
So, you’re in Hoi An on festival night. The sun is setting, and the magic is about to begin. Here’s what you absolutely must do.
Floating Lantern Ritual: Making a wish on the Hoai River
This is the heart of the festival experience. All along the riverbank, you will see local ladies and children selling small, colourful paper lanterns with a candle in the center. For a very small price (usually 5,000-10,000 VND), you can buy one.
Take your lantern to the water’s edge, light the candle, make a silent wish for yourself and your loved ones, and gently release it onto the Hoai River. It will join hundreds of other flickering lights, creating a “river of stars.” The symbolism is beautiful: you are letting go of your worries and sending your hopes for luck, health, and happiness out into the world.
Experiencing the Art of Light
Around 8 PM, the moment arrives. All the electric lights in the Ancient Town are switched off. The harsh modern glare disappears, and the entire town is plunged into the soft, warm, multi-coloured glow of thousands of silk lanterns hanging from every shopfront, restaurant, and ancient home. The atmosphere becomes instantly more intimate and timeless.
For the most breathtaking view, Vietnamstory.in highly recommends taking a short boat ride on the river. A local will paddle you gently along the water in a small wooden sampan. From here, you are surrounded by the reflections of the town’s lanterns on one side and the floating river of wishes on the other. It’s the perfect, peaceful vantage point and an ideal moment to release your own lantern.
Traditional performances & Folk games
The festival is not just a visual spectacle; it’s filled with sound and joy. You’ll hear traditional music being played on street corners. The most unique cultural activity to watch is Bài Chòi. This is a traditional folk game that is a mix of bingo, music, and theatre. You’ll see performers in bamboo huts, and a host who sings clues about the cards. Even if you don’t understand the language, the energy and melody are captivating.
Exploring the Night Market and local delicacies
Cross the An Hoi Bridge to find the bustling Nguyen Hoang Night Market. It’s a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs, especially the beautiful silk lanterns you can fold up and take home.
It’s also a food lover’s paradise! You must try Hoi An’s famous dishes:
- Bánh Mì: The Vietnamese baguette, a perfect snack.
- Cao Lầu: A unique noodle dish with pork and greens, found only in Hoi An.
- White Rose Dumplings: Delicate shrimp dumplings shaped like flowers.
- Moon Cakes: Especially available during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
For vegetarian travellers from India, you’re in luck! As the full moon is a traditional day for Vietnamese Buddhists to eat vegetarian, you will find an abundance of delicious “chay” (vegetarian) food stalls and restaurants. Just look for the word “Chay” on the signs.
Tips for Indian travelers
Let’s make sure your festival experience is perfect with a few insider tips.
Getting the perfect picture
To capture the best photos, arrive before sunset. This allows you to get photos in the beautiful “golden hour” light and witness the magical transition as the lanterns begin to glow against the twilight sky. The Japanese Covered Bridge and the riverbanks are popular spots, so find your place early.
Respecting local customs
The festival is a cherished cultural event. When visiting temples or pagodas, please remember to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of local people, especially the elderly. A smile and a simple gesture go a long way.
A perfect Itinerary for the festival night
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a simple plan for a perfect evening:
- Late afternoon (5:00 PM): Arrive in the Ancient Town. Stroll through the streets as the sun sets and the lanterns are being prepared.
- Early evening (6:30 PM): Enjoy some delicious street food for dinner.
- Witness the magic (8:00 PM): Find a good spot by the river or on the bridge to watch as the electric lights go out.
- Make a wish (8:30 PM): Buy a lantern, take a boat ride, and release your wish onto the river.
- Explore (9:00 PM onwards): Wander through the lantern-lit streets, listen to music, watch the Bài Chòi game, and soak in the incredible atmosphere.
Connecting your journey: Beyond the lanterns
The magic of Hoi An’s lanterns extends beyond the festival itself.
The Art of Lantern Making
The lanterns you see are a proud local craft. Vietnamstory.in highly recommends visiting a lantern workshop during the day. Many local artisans offer classes where you can learn to make your own silk lantern from scratch-from bending the bamboo frame to choosing and stretching the silk. It’s a wonderful, hands-on experience and you get to take home the most meaningful souvenir imaginable.
Nearby UNESCO Heritage Sites
Hoi An is the perfect base to explore more of Central Vietnam’s rich history. Don’t miss a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, the ancient capital of the Champa Kingdom. Understanding this Hindu-influenced civilization adds another layer of depth to the history of the entire region, including the trading port of Hoi An Ancient Town itself.
Conclusion
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a truly special event. It’s a night where history, spirituality, and beauty converge in a spectacle of gentle light. It’s a time to slow down, to make a wish, and to connect with a timeless Vietnamese tradition.
The memory of standing by that glowing river, surrounded by peace and beauty, will be one of the brightest highlights of your journey through our country. When you book your trip, be sure to ask us to include the Hoi An Lantern Festival in your Vietnam Story itinerary. We can’t wait to share its magic with you.