Hoi An Lantern Festival: A Timeless Glow in the Heart of Vietnam
Discover the enchanting Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam—an unforgettable full moon celebration of glowing lanterns, ancient traditions, and spiritual reflection along the Thu Bon River. Learn when to visit, what to experience, and why it’s a must-see cultural gem.
CULTURE/TRADITIONTRAVEL LIFECELEBRATION/FESTIVALSVIETNAM
Kim Shin
6/8/20254 min read


Where Light Meets Legacy
Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, the ancient town of Hoi An is a living canvas of heritage, tradition, and charm. Every month, this quaint UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a glowing dreamscape during the Hoi An Lantern Festival—a celebration that blends history, spirituality, and visual magic.
More than just a photogenic night, this festival is a cultural ritual deeply rooted in Vietnamese Buddhist customs and local traditions. It has become a bucket-list experience for travelers worldwide and a symbol of community and peace for locals.
What Is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event held on the 14th day of each lunar month, aligning with the full moon—an auspicious time in Vietnamese culture. The main celebration occurs in the ancient town of Hoi An, especially along the Thu Bon River.
During the festival, electric lights are turned off, and thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminate the streets, homes, and waterways. Locals and visitors release floating lanterns on the river, each carrying wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity.
Historical & Cultural Significance
The origins of the lantern festival are tied to Buddhist traditions, where the full moon symbolizes purity and enlightenment. The act of lighting a lantern or releasing one on the river is believed to bring good fortune and honor ancestors.
Hoi An itself was once a bustling port during the 15th–19th centuries. Influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures shaped the architecture, cuisine, and rituals—many of which are on full display during the festival.
Highlights of the Hoi An Lantern Festival
Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Artisans create intricate lanterns in various shapes—lotus flowers, fish, dragons, and more. These are lit using candles, creating a soft, golden hue that envelops the town. Visitors can purchase lanterns to float down the river, often accompanied by prayers or personal wishes.
Traditional Performances
The air comes alive with folk music, poetry recitals, Bai Choi games, and Vietnamese opera. Performers in traditional ao dai attire add to the nostalgic ambiance, celebrating the country’s artistic legacy.
Street Food & Night Markets
The festival is also a feast for the senses. Street vendors serve Mi Quang (turmeric noodles), Cao Lau (Hoi An noodles), and sweet sticky rice cakes. Markets brim with handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local herbs—perfect for tourists looking for authentic keepsakes.
Photography Paradise
For photographers, the festival is a dreamlike playground. The interplay of light, color, and reflection on water creates stunning compositions, especially around Japanese Covered Bridge and An Hoi Bridge.
When to Visit Hoi An for the Lantern Festival
The festival occurs monthly, but the most spectacular celebrations are during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which usually falls between late January and mid-February.
2025 Key Lantern Festival Dates (Lunar Full Moon):
January 13
February 12 (Tet Special)
March 14
April 12
May 11
June 10
July 8
August 7
September 5
October 5
November 3
December 3
Tips for Visitors
Arrive Early: To secure a good spot for viewing or photos, arrive by 5 PM. Crowds build up fast.
Support Local Vendors: Buying lanterns and snacks from local artisans helps preserve their livelihoods.
Be Respectful: It’s a spiritual event. Avoid loud behavior or disruptive photography.
Bring Cash: Most vendors and boat rowers prefer cash, especially for small purchases.
Eco-Conscious Tip: Use biodegradable lanterns and avoid plastic to protect the river ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
No Electricity in Ancient Town During the Festival
During the lantern festival, Hoi An Ancient Town turns off almost all electric lights. This enhances the glow of the lanterns and offers an authentic 18th-century ambiance—a rare moment where history feels truly alive.
Lantern Craftsmanship is a Generational Art
Hoi An’s lantern-making is a centuries-old craft passed down through generations. Families often specialize in unique designs, using bamboo frames and silk fabric, and take great pride in their handmade artistry.
Symbolism of Colors
Each lantern color holds a specific meaning in Vietnamese culture:
Red: Good luck and prosperity
Yellow: Wealth and nobility
Blue: Peace and hope
White: Purity and mourning (used less commonly during the festival)
Green: Growth and harmony
You Can Make Your Own Lantern
Many local workshops offer lantern-making classes for tourists. It’s a fun, interactive way to engage with local culture—and you get to take home a unique, handmade souvenir.
Eco-Friendly Evolution
With rising concerns about pollution, the local government and artisans are shifting to biodegradable lanterns made of rice paper, bamboo, and natural dyes, ensuring that the festival remains sustainable and respectful to the environment.
Spiritual Boat Ride Experience
Floating a lantern on the Thu Bon River isn't just about beauty—it's often done after a silent wish or prayer. Locals believe that the glowing lantern carries your intentions downriver to ancestors or spiritual forces.
Festival Once Faced Decline
In the 1990s, the festival was almost forgotten due to modernization. But thanks to cultural preservation efforts and tourism, it was revived and rebranded as a symbol of Hoi An’s heritage—now drawing thousands of visitors monthly.
UNESCO-Recognized Cultural Space
Although the festival itself isn’t individually listed, Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lantern festival is officially recognized as a part of its intangible cultural heritage.
Ideal for Couples and Proposals
The romantic setting of floating lanterns, soft river glows, and serene music has made the festival a popular spot for marriage proposals and anniversary celebrations. Some couples even hire boats with musicians onboard for a private serenade!
Local Superstitions
Many locals believe that if your lantern stays afloat and travels far down the river, your wish will come true. But if it sinks quickly, it’s a sign to reflect and refocus your intentions.
How to Get to Hoi An
Hoi An doesn’t have an airport or train station, but it’s easily accessible from
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)—30 km away
Taxi or Shuttle Services—Available daily
Motorbike or Bicycle Rentals—Ideal for local exploration
Why the Hoi An Lantern Festival Matters
In an age of neon lights and fast-paced travel, the Hoi An Lantern Festival stands as a gentle reminder of the power of tradition, mindfulness, and community. It doesn’t rely on spectacle alone—it thrives on soulful experience.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual reflection, cultural immersion, or simply a magical night under a glowing sky, this festival offers something rare: a moment of stillness, beauty, and human connection.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just an Instagram moment—it's a soulful, immersive journey into Vietnamese heritage, community spirit, and timeless tradition. It's where light meets intention, and history meets the heart.
🌟 Plan your visit. Light a lantern. Make a wish. Let Hoi An show you the way.
Subscribe to our newsletter
All © Copyright reserved by Accessible-Learning
| Terms & Conditions
Knowledge is power. Learn with Us. 📚