🏮 Introduction: A Night When Hoi An Glows
Once a month, the charming ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam, transforms into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The streets turn off their electric lights, and thousands of colorful lanterns glow softly above the Thu Bon River, reflecting on the water below.
This is the Hoi An Lantern Festival — a beautiful tradition that celebrates the full moon and honors ancestors, love, and luck. Whether you’re here for photos, culture, or romance, the festival is a must-see experience.
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Hoi An’s most magical night.
🌕 1. When Does the Lantern Festival Take Place?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of every lunar month, when the moon is at its brightest.
🗓️ In 2025, some popular festival dates include:
- January 13
- February 12
- March 14
- April 12
- May 12
- June 10
- July 9
- August 7
- September 6
- October 5
- November 4
- December 3
💡 Pro tip: Check with your hotel or local travel office for confirmation — dates sometimes shift slightly based on the lunar calendar.
🎐 2. What Happens During the Festival
From 6:00 PM until around 10:00 PM, the Old Town glows with a warm, candle-lit atmosphere.
Here’s what to expect:
- Electric lights are turned off in the Old Town — only lanterns illuminate the streets.
- Locals and visitors release small paper lanterns with candles onto the river, making wishes for luck and happiness.
- Cultural performances take place: traditional music, games, and poetry readings.
- The Japanese Covered Bridge and the Thu Bon River become perfect photo spots.
💬 Local saying: “Each lantern carries a wish — let yours float away with hope.”
🛶 3. How to Experience the Festival Like a Local
If you want the most authentic experience, follow these local tips:
- Arrive early (around 5:30 PM) to walk around before the crowds.
- Buy a paper lantern (10,000–20,000 VND) and gently release it on the river.
- Hire a small wooden boat for a short ride (around 150,000–200,000 VND) — it’s peaceful and romantic.
- Turn off your phone flash — enjoy the natural glow of lantern light.
- Respect local customs: locals see this night as spiritual, not just for photos.
📸 4. Best Photography Spots for Lantern Festival
Hoi An becomes a photographer’s paradise during the festival.
Top locations for stunning shots include:
- The Japanese Covered Bridge — especially from the side near Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.
- The Thu Bon River — reflections of hundreds of floating lanterns.
- An Hoi Bridge — panoramic view of the entire Old Town.
- Faifo Coffee rooftop — perfect for lantern-lit skyline shots.
💡 Photography tip: Bring a tripod or use a steady surface for night photos. Lantern light is soft and romantic but needs a longer exposure.
🍜 5. What to Eat During Lantern Night
After exploring the glowing streets, indulge in some local specialties:
- Cao Lau – Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
- White Rose Dumplings – delicate and light, shaped like flowers.
- Grilled pork skewers – popular at night stalls along Bach Dang Street.
- Banh Mi Phuong – world-famous Vietnamese sandwich (open late!).
💬 Tip: Book a riverside restaurant table early if you want to dine with a lantern view.
🏨 6. Where to Stay for the Lantern Festival
Stay within or near Hoi An Ancient Town so you can walk to the festivities.
Recommended areas:
- Cam Pho Ward: closest to the river and lantern area.
- An Hoi Island: great views, quieter, and just a short bridge away.
- Cam Chau: peaceful area with homestays and boutique hotels.
💡 Tip: Book at least 1–2 months in advance, especially if your visit falls on a full moon weekend — hotels fill up fast.
🎒 7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience
- 🎫 Entry: Free — no tickets needed for the festival.
- 👟 Footwear: Wear sandals or waterproof shoes; some streets get wet.
- 💰 Cash: Small bills for lanterns, snacks, or street vendors.
- 🚫 Avoid motorbikes — streets are closed to traffic during the festival.
- 🕐 Stay late (after 9:00 PM) — crowds thin out and photos are even better.
🌅 Conclusion: A Night You’ll Never Forget
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than a tourist attraction — it’s a moment of peace, beauty, and connection.
As lanterns float down the Thu Bon River, carrying wishes of love, luck, and happiness, you’ll feel the timeless soul of this ancient town.
Whether you visit for photography, romance, or culture, this night will stay in your memory long after the candles fade.
“In Hoi An, every light tells a story — let yours shine too.”
