Imagine stepping into a real-life fairytale. Picture ancient streets bathed in the soft, flickering glow of thousands of colourful lanterns, reflecting mesmerisingly on a peaceful river. This isn’t a dream; it’s the magic of the Lantern Festival in Vietnam, an experience that captivates travellers from India and around the globe. More than just a visual spectacle, these festivals are a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture, tradition, and community spirit, offering a profound connection to the heart of this beautiful country.
While lanterns feature in various celebrations, the most iconic and accessible Lantern Festival in Vietnam for international visitors, especially those planning their Vietnam tour packages, is the monthly event held in the historic town of Hoi An. Let’s delve into what makes this festival so special.
What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival? The Heart of Vietnam’s Lantern Magic
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a captivating cultural event held every month in the Hoi An Ancient Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This deeply traditional celebration takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, coinciding with the Full Moon – the brightest night of the month. Its origins trace back to the 16th and 17th centuries when Chinese settlers introduced the craft of lantern making, a tradition embraced by locals and now synonymous with Hoi An’s identity. Some traditions are also rooted in Buddhist customs.
The festival is a time for locals to honour their ancestors and pray for good fortune, peace, and happiness. Releasing lanterns onto the Hoai River is a central ritual, symbolising the letting go of worries and the welcoming of good luck. During the festival, the entire Ancient Town transforms. From around 8:00 PM onwards, electric lights in shops and homes are switched off, allowing the gentle, shimmering light of thousands of handmade lanterns (made from materials like bamboo and silk) to illuminate the streets and waterways, creating an truly ethereal and unforgettable nighttime atmosphere.
When and Where is the Hoi An Lantern Festival Held?
Mark your calendars! The Hoi An Lantern Festival occurs on the 14th day of every lunar month. While it’s a beautiful experience year-round, the celebration during the first full moon after the Lunar New Year (Tet), usually in February, is considered the grandest and most vibrant.
The festival takes place primarily within the pedestrianised streets of the Hoi An Ancient Town. Key areas buzzing with activity include the banks of the Hoai River and the iconic An Hoi Bridge. If you’re staying in Hoi An town, it’s an easy walk. If you’re based near the beach or in nearby Da Nang (the closest city with an airport), a short taxi or Grab ride (15-40 minutes depending on location) will get you there.
Activities usually begin around sunset (6:00 PM onwards), but the main event, including the turning off of electric lights, happens from 8:00 PM until around 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Schedule 2025
Planning your Vietnam trip from India? Ensure your dates align with this magical event! Here are the anticipated dates for 2025:
| Year | Month | Hoi An Lantern Festival Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | January 13th, 2025 |
| 2025 | February | February 11th, 2025 (Major celebration post-Lunar New Year) |
| 2025 | March | March 13th, 2025 |
| 2025 | April | April 11th, 2025 |
| 2025 | May | May 11th, 2025 |
| 2025 | June | June 9th, 2025 |
| 2025 | July | July 8th, 2025 |
| 2025 | August | August 7th, 2025 |
| 2025 | September | September 5th, 2025 |
| 2025 | October | October 5th, 2025 |
| 2025 | November | November 3rd, 2025 |
| 2025 | December | December 3rd, 2025 |
What to Expect and Do at the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers a feast for the senses and numerous activities for an immersive cultural experience:
- Admire the Spectacle: Simply wander through the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town. With vehicles banned, it’s a peaceful stroll through a magical setting.
- Release a Lantern on the Hoai River: This is the quintessential festival activity. Purchase a small paper lantern (often costing around 5,000 VND – prices can be negotiable!) from vendors along the river, make a wish for good luck and happiness, and gently release it onto the water to join hundreds of others.
- Take a Sampan Ride: For a different perspective, hire a small wooden boat (sampan) for a gentle ride along the Hoai River (typically costing around $1.18 – $2 USD per person). Seeing the lanterns float past from the water is truly enchanting.
- Enjoy Traditional Performances: Listen to folk music and watch captivating performances like Bai Choi, a UNESCO-recognised blend of music, poetry, and acting, often performed near the riverbanks.
- Participate in Folk Games: Locals often gather to play traditional games like a form of blindfolded pot-hitting (‘dap nieu’). Watching or even trying your hand adds to the fun.
- Savour Local Street Food: Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise! Try delicious local specialities like Cao Lau (unique pork noodles), Com Ga (chicken rice), Banh Mi Phuong (famous Vietnamese sandwich), or various sweet treats (Che) from street vendors.
- Explore the Night Market: Browse the stalls at the Hoi An Night Market, located across the An Hoi Bridge on Nguyen Hoang Street, for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and more lanterns.
- Shop for Handcrafted Lanterns: Buy a beautiful silk or paper lantern as a memento of your trip. Many shops sell intricate designs.
- Consider a Lantern-Making Workshop: Several workshops in town offer classes where you can learn the traditional craft and create your own lantern to take home.
Why Experience the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
For travellers from India seeking unique cultural encounters, the Hoi An Lantern Festival offers:
- A deep dive into authentic Vietnamese culture and ancient traditions.
- An incredibly picturesque and romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples and families.
- Unforgettable photo opportunities – your Instagram feed will thank you!
- A chance to interact with friendly locals in a festive setting.
- A truly magical, almost fairytale-like experience unlike any other.
Tips for the Best Hoi An Lantern Festival Experience
To make the most of this special night:
- Arrive Early: The Ancient Town gets very crowded. Arrive before sunset to enjoy dinner and secure a good spot, especially near the river.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking as vehicles are banned.
- Bring Cash (VND): Many small vendors, lantern sellers, and boat operators may not accept cards.
- Negotiate Gently: Lantern prices can sometimes be negotiated, especially if buying more than one. Start respectfully.
- Be Respectful: Remember this is a cultural and spiritual event for locals. Dress modestly and observe customs politely.
- Protect Valuables: As with any crowded event, be mindful of your belongings.
- Consider Photography Gear: Low light can be tricky. If you’re serious about photos, consider bringing appropriate equipment or use your phone’s night mode.
- Best Time: While magical every month, the February festival (first full moon post-Tet) is the largest.
Beyond Hoi An: Lanterns in Vietnamese Culture (Briefly)
While Hoi An hosts the most famous regular lantern festival for tourists, lanterns play a significant role in other Vietnamese celebrations too. The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), typically in September or October, is a major nationwide festival, especially for children, where lanterns (often star-shaped or animal-shaped) are paraded, and families gather to eat mooncakes under the full moon. However, for the iconic, visually stunning river lantern experience available monthly, Hoi An is the prime destination to include in your Vietnam tour package.
READ MORE: Unveiling the rich tapestry of Vietnamese Culture: A Journey for the senses
Conclusion: Let Vietnam’s Lanterns Light Up Your Journey
The Lantern Festival in Vietnam, particularly the enchanting monthly celebration in Hoi An, is far more than just pretty lights. It’s a living, breathing expression of Vietnamese culture, history, and community spirit. Experiencing the serene beauty of the Hoai River illuminated by countless floating lanterns, wandering the ancient streets under a canopy of glowing silk, and partaking in the simple traditions offers an unparalleled travel memory.
For travellers from India planning their adventure, ensuring your itinerary includes a visit to Hoi An during the Full Moon transforms a great trip into an extraordinary one. Explore our tailored Vietnam tour packages that can help you experience this magical festival and the many other wonders Vietnam has to offer. Are you ready to see Vietnam in this whole new, magical light?