Hoi An Lantern Festival is known for its colorful lantern displays, traditional atmosphere, and beautiful riverside scenery. Held in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, the festival gives visitors the chance to enjoy local culture in a peaceful and memorable setting. The streets become more vibrant at night as lanterns light up every corner of the town. Many travelers visit to release floating lanterns, taste local dishes, and explore the historic streets filled with cultural activities. Over the years, the Lantern Festival has become one of the most famous attractions in Hoi An and continues to draw international visitors looking for an authentic cultural experience in Vietnam.
Origins of the Hoi An Lantern Festival
The story behind the Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of the reasons why this event feels so memorable for travelers. It is not only a tourist attraction but also an important cultural tradition that reflects the history and lifestyle of Hoi An Ancient Town.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An was a busy trading port in Southeast Asia. Merchants from China, Japan, and other countries came here to trade goods and settle in the town. Along with their business activities, they also introduced cultural customs, including the tradition of hanging lanterns outside homes, temples, and shops.
At first, lanterns were used mainly to light the streets at night. Over time, they became symbols of luck, happiness, and peace. Local residents gradually adopted this tradition, and lanterns eventually became one of the most recognizable symbols of Hoi An. Today, visitors attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival can still experience this centuries-old tradition throughout the Ancient Town.
The festival is also connected to the lunar calendar. It usually takes place during the full moon, a meaningful time in Vietnamese culture that represents family reunion, good fortune, and reflection. During the festival, many local families visit temples, spend time together, and release floating lanterns on the Hoai River while making wishes for the future.
The modern version of the Lantern Festival Hoi An became more organized in the late 1990s as part of efforts to preserve the town’s cultural heritage. Today, travelers joining the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 or planning for Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 can still see handmade silk lanterns created by local artisans using traditional bamboo frames and colorful fabric.
One of the reasons many travelers love the Hoi An Lantern Festival is its peaceful atmosphere. The glowing lanterns, quiet riverside views, and historic streets create a relaxing experience that feels very different from modern city life.
Why does Hoi An celebrate with a Lantern Festival?
For many travelers, the beauty of the Hoi An Lantern Festival is the first thing they notice. However, behind the colorful lanterns and peaceful streets is a tradition that holds deep cultural meaning for local people in Hoi An.
The festival began centuries ago when Hoi An was an important trading port in Southeast Asia. Merchants from China and Japan introduced the custom of hanging lanterns outside homes and shops. Over time, local residents adopted this tradition, and lanterns became symbols of luck, happiness, peace, and family reunion. Today, they remain one of the most recognizable parts of Hoi An’s identity.
Another reason why the Hoi An Lantern Festival is celebrated comes from Vietnamese spiritual traditions. The festival usually takes place during the full moon, a meaningful time for reflection, prayer, and family gatherings. Many local families visit temples and release floating lanterns on the Hoai River while making wishes for health and good fortune. For first-time travelers, releasing a lantern on the river often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the experience. Watching hundreds of glowing lanterns drift across the water creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere that feels very different from busy modern cities.
The Lantern Festival Hoi An also helps preserve the cultural identity of the Ancient Town. Many lanterns are still handmade by local artisans using bamboo frames and silk fabric. Visitors attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 or planning for Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 can still experience these traditional crafts throughout the town.
Another reason travelers love the Hoi An Lantern Festival is its slower atmosphere. With fewer vehicles and softer lighting in parts of the Old Town, visitors can simply walk through the historic streets, enjoy the riverside views, and experience a quieter side of Vietnam. Even as tourism continues to grow, the 2024 Hoi An Lantern Festival still feels closely connected to the history and traditions of Hoi An itself.
Best Things To Do At Hoi An Lantern Festival
There are many ways to enjoy the Hoi An Lantern Festival, especially for first-time travelers visiting Hoi An Ancient Town. The festival is not only about seeing lanterns. It is also about slowing down, exploring local culture, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere around the river and old streets.
Walk through the lantern-lit Ancient Town
One of the simplest but most memorable experiences during the Hoi An Lantern Festival is walking through the Old Town at night. During the festival, many electric lights are turned off, and colorful lanterns become the main source of light throughout the streets. The yellow ancient buildings, quiet alleys, and riverside paths look especially beautiful under the lantern glow.
Lily’s Travel suggests you arrive at 5 P.M so you can experience the transition from daytime to nighttime. Streets such as Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang become more vibrant as lanterns slowly light up across the town.
Release floating lanterns on the Hoai River
Releasing floating lanterns is one of the most popular activities during the Lantern Festival Hoi An. Small paper lanterns are sold by local vendors along the riverside. Visitors can light a candle inside, make a wish, and gently place the lantern onto the water.
For many travelers, this is one of the most emotional and peaceful moments of the evening. Watching hundreds of glowing lanterns drift slowly across the river creates a calm atmosphere that photos often cannot fully capture. Lanterns usually cost between 5,000 and 20,000 VND, depending on size and location.
Take a lantern boat ride
A lantern boat ride is another experience many visitors enjoy during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. Small wooden boats move slowly along the Hoai River while lantern lights reflect across the water. Most rides last around 15 to 20 minutes and are especially popular after sunset.
For first-time visitors, taking the ride early in the evening can be more comfortable because the riverside becomes busier later at night. Some travelers also suggest agreeing on the price before boarding to avoid confusion.
Enjoy traditional performances and folk games
During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visitors can also experience local cultural performances throughout the Ancient Town. Traditional music, Bai Choi folk singing, street performances, and cultural games often take place near the riverside and public squares.
Bai Choi is especially interesting for travelers because it combines music, poetry, and folk games together. The performances help visitors understand more about local culture while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Explore the night market
The Hoi An Night Market becomes even livelier during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. Visitors can find handmade lanterns, local handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and street food throughout the market area.
For travelers who enjoy photography, the night market is also one of the best places to capture colorful lantern displays and local street scenes. The area near An Hoi Bridge is usually one of the busiest parts of the festival.
Try local food specialties
Food is an important part of the festival experience. While exploring the Ancient Town, travelers can stop at local restaurants or street stalls to try famous Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, White Rose dumplings, and Vietnamese Banh Mi.
Some travelers on online forums mention that one of the best ways to enjoy the Hoi An Lantern Festival is simply finding a quiet riverside café or balcony restaurant, ordering local food, and watching the lantern-filled streets below.
Join a lantern-making workshop
For travelers wanting a more hands-on experience, lantern-making workshops are also popular in Hoi An. Visitors can learn how traditional lanterns are made using bamboo frames and silk fabric. Many workshops allow guests to create and take home their own lantern as a souvenir.
Visitors attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 or planning for the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 often find these workshops meaningful because they provide a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind Hoi An’s famous lantern culture.
Take photos but also enjoy the atmosphere
The 2024 Hoi An Lantern Festival continues to attract travelers because of its beautiful nighttime scenery. However, many experienced visitors recommend not focusing only on photos. The real charm of the festival often comes from simply walking slowly through the Ancient Town, listening to traditional music, and enjoying the peaceful riverside atmosphere.
Best Things to Do at Hoi An Lantern Festival
One of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Hoi An is, when is Hoi An Lantern Festival held? Knowing the timing can help you enjoy a more memorable experience because the atmosphere during the festival feels very different from a regular evening in the Ancient Town.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival usually takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month, which is the night before the full moon. In Vietnamese culture, the full moon represents peace, family, and good fortune. On this evening, colorful lanterns light up the streets and riverside areas, creating a calm and magical atmosphere. For first-time visitors, it is important to know that the festival follows the lunar calendar, not the regular international calendar. This means the date changes every month. Many travelers accidentally miss the festival because they only check standard calendar dates before planning their trip.
The festival starts becoming lively in the late afternoon, but the best atmosphere appears after sunset. From around 6 PM onward, the Ancient Town fills with lantern displays, floating lantern activities, traditional music, and riverside crowds. Many experienced travelers recommend arriving before dark to enjoy the transition from daytime to nighttime. Visitors planning for the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 or researching Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 should also know that the event takes place every month, not just once a year. However, some periods become more crowded, especially during holidays, the summer season, and the Lunar New Year.
Although Hoi An is beautiful almost every evening, the atmosphere during the Hoi An Lantern Festival feels more peaceful and traditional because many electric lights are reduced throughout the Old Town. The charm of the Lantern Festival Hoi An comes from its slower pace, glowing lanterns, and relaxing riverside atmosphere. If possible, staying at least one or two nights in Hoi An is often better than making a quick visit. This gives travelers more time to explore the Ancient Town slowly and fully enjoy the festival experience.
What should you keep in mind when taking part in the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
Joining the Hoi An Lantern Festival can be one of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam, especially for first-time travelers. The atmosphere is beautiful and peaceful, but the Ancient Town can also become very crowded during festival nights. A little preparation can help you enjoy the experience more comfortably and avoid common travel mistakes.
Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere
One of the best tips for visitors attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival is to arrive before sunset. Many experienced travelers recommend reaching the Ancient Town around 5 PM or 6 PM. This gives you enough time to walk around, enjoy dinner, and explore the streets before the crowds become heavier later in the evening.
The atmosphere changes noticeably after dark. As lanterns begin lighting up across the town, the streets become busier and more lively. Arriving early also helps you find better spots near the river for photos or floating lantern activities.
Prepare for large crowds
Visitors planning for the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 or Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 should expect crowded streets, especially near the Hoai River and An Hoi Bridge. Walking can become slow between 7 PM and 9 PM because many tourists gather in the same areas.
For travelers who prefer a quieter experience, staying later into the evening can help. After around 9 PM, some tour groups leave, and the streets often feel more relaxed.
Bring small cash
Many small vendors in Hoi An only accept cash payments. This includes floating lantern sellers, street food stalls, and some boat rides. Carrying smaller Vietnamese Dong notes makes transactions easier and more convenient.
It is also helpful to confirm prices before buying anything. Some services near tourist areas may charge different prices depending on crowds or location.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
The Old Town becomes mostly pedestrian during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, so visitors usually spend several hours walking through cobblestone streets and riverside paths. Comfortable shoes and light clothing can make the evening much more enjoyable.
If you visit during rainy months, bringing a small umbrella or waterproof bag is also a good idea. Light rain does not always stop festival activities, and some travelers even enjoy the lantern reflections on wet streets.
Respect local culture and traditions
Although the Lantern Festival Hoi An is very popular with tourists, it still holds cultural and spiritual meaning for local people. Many residents visit temples, pray with family members, and release lanterns as part of traditional beliefs.
Travelers should try to keep a respectful attitude while exploring the festival. Avoid blocking bridges or temple entrances for long photo sessions. If you visit temples, dress modestly and speak quietly inside prayer areas.
Be careful when booking boat rides
Boat rides are one of the most popular activities during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, but travelers should be careful when choosing operators. Some visitors online have shared experiences with unofficial sellers or confusing prices near the river.
To avoid problems, it is usually safer to book from official ticket areas or confirm the full price clearly before getting onto a boat. Travelers should also avoid feeling pressured by aggressive sellers along busy streets.
Don’t focus only on photos
Many travelers visit Hoi An after seeing beautiful pictures online. While the 2024 Hoi An Lantern Festival is definitely photogenic, the real experience often feels more meaningful when you slow down and enjoy the atmosphere itself.
Some visitors spend the entire evening rushing between crowded photo spots and leave feeling tired. Instead, many experienced travelers recommend finding a quiet riverside café, walking slowly through smaller streets, or simply sitting by the river and watching the lantern reflections on the water.
Visitors joining the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 will likely enjoy the experience more if they focus not only on taking photos but also on appreciating the calm atmosphere and local culture that make Hoi An special.
Where to buy Hoi An lanterns? What is the price?
Buying lanterns is one of the most popular experiences during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. For many travelers, lanterns are more than simple souvenirs. They represent the atmosphere, culture, and peaceful memories of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Visitors can find lantern shops almost everywhere in the Old Town, especially along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tran Phu Street, and near the Hoi An Night Market. Many shops display hundreds of colorful silk lanterns outside their entrances, making the streets feel bright and lively even before sunset.
For first-time visitors, one useful thing to know is that most lanterns in Hoi An are handmade. Local artisans often use bamboo frames, silk fabric, and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. This is one reason why lanterns have become such an important symbol of the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
Buy lanterns at the Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market is one of the easiest places for travelers to shop for lanterns. The market becomes especially lively during the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, with rows of colorful lanterns hanging above the streets and riverside stalls.
Travelers can find many styles here, including:
- Small decorative lanterns
- Foldable travel lanterns
- Silk lanterns
- Bamboo lanterns
- Hand-painted lanterns
The market is also convenient for visitors who want to compare prices between different stalls before buying. Many travelers recommend walking around first instead of purchasing from the first shop you see.
Visit traditional lantern workshops
Some travelers prefer buying lanterns directly from local workshops instead of tourist stalls. Workshops usually provide a more personal experience because visitors can see how lanterns are made by hand.
Several workshops in Hoi An also offer lantern-making classes where travelers can create their own lantern and take it home as a souvenir. This activity has become increasingly popular during the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024 and is expected to remain popular for the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025. Workshops often include bamboo frames, silk fabric, and guidance from local artisans. Prices for lantern-making classes usually range from 240,000 to 350,000 VND, depending on the workshop and experience.
Many visitors say making their own lantern feels more meaningful than simply buying one because it helps them better understand the craftsmanship behind Hoi An’s lantern culture.
How much do Hoi An lanterns cost?
Lantern prices in Hoi An vary depending on size, material, and design. Small decorative lanterns usually cost around 20,000 to 100,000 VND. Larger handmade silk lanterns can cost 150,000 VND or more.
Foldable lanterns are especially popular with international travelers because they are easier to pack inside luggage. Some shops also offer protective packaging for travelers flying home.
For travelers attending the 2024 Hoi An Lantern Festival or researching the upcoming Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025, it is useful to know that prices inside the busiest tourist areas can sometimes be slightly higher. However, many travelers on online forums mention that lantern prices in Hoi An are still generally reasonable compared to other tourist souvenirs in Vietnam.
Take your time before buying
One common mistake first-time visitors make during the Hoi An Lantern Festival is buying too quickly in crowded areas. Since many lantern shops sell similar products, it is often better to explore several stores first before deciding.
Some travelers also recommend checking the quality of the bamboo frame and silk fabric before purchasing. Handmade lanterns usually feel lighter and more detailed compared to mass-produced versions.
Consider making your own lantern
For travelers who want a more memorable experience, joining a lantern-making workshop can be one of the best activities in Hoi An. Many workshops are beginner-friendly and suitable even for travelers with no crafting experience. Sessions usually last between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the type of lantern being made.
Visitors often describe these workshops as relaxing, creative, and a nice break from crowded sightseeing. Families, couples, and solo travelers all commonly join the classes during the Hoi An Lantern Festival season.
Local Tips: How to Enjoy the Lantern Festival Like a Hoi An Resident
Many first-time visitors focus on the main riverside area near An Hoi Bridge, but local residents often recommend exploring the smaller streets behind Tran Phu Street after sunset. These quieter lanes are usually less crowded and offer a more authentic atmosphere, with lanterns hanging outside family homes, temples, and traditional shops.
One piece of advice frequently shared by local lantern artisans is not to rush through the festival. As artisan Huynh Van Ba, whose family has made lanterns in Hoi An for decades, explained in an interview with local media, “Lanterns are not only decorations. They represent wishes for peace, happiness, and good fortune.” Taking time to learn the stories behind the lanterns often makes the experience more meaningful than simply taking photos.
Another local tip is to visit the riverside twice. The period between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM offers beautiful golden-hour lighting before the lanterns fully illuminate the town, while 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM provides the most vibrant festival atmosphere. Experiencing both allows visitors to see two very different sides of Hoi An in a single evening.
Travel deeper into Vietnam’s culture with Lily’s Travel. With a strong focus on local experiences and cultural discovery, Lily’s Travel offers carefully planned tours that help travelers experience destinations like Hoi An in a more meaningful way. Whether you are visiting during the Lantern Festival Hoi An or exploring the Ancient Town for the first time, Lily’s Travel provides thoughtful guidance for a smoother and more memorable journey.
Hoi An Lantern Festival is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important tradition that reflects the identity and history of Hoi An Ancient Town. The festival gives travelers the chance to experience local culture in a calm and welcoming environment filled with glowing lanterns and riverside charm. It is an experience that many visitors remember long after leaving Vietnam.
