Experience Hoi An lantern festival: What you need to know

by Bliss Hoi An February 11, 2026 5288

Hoi An Lantern Festival is not only a traditional cultural event but also a highlight of the ancient town. Every month, Hoi An becomes magical with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a colorful and attractive scene. In this article, Bliss Hoi An will help you discover the highlights and important information so that you can fully enjoy the lantern festival in Hoi An.

When is the Hoi An lantern festival? Full 2026 schedule & Best viewing locations

Planning your visit around the Hoi An Lantern Festival can transform a regular evening in the ancient town into a truly unforgettable experience. Held monthly under the glow of the full moon, the festival is when electric lights fade away and the Old Town shines with thousands of colorful lanterns.

Knowing the exact dates and where to go helps you avoid the crowds, secure better accommodation, and enjoy the most magical moments of the night.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 Dates (Solar Calendar)

*Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the full moon day of every month, the full moon night of Mid-Autumn Festival*

The festival traditionally takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, just before the full moon. Below is the converted schedule for 2026 to help you plan ahead:

Lunar Month	Festival Date (2026)	Notes
Month 11 (prev. lunar year)	Jan 2, 2026	Quiet season, fewer tourists
Month 12	Feb 1, 2026	Festive pre-Tet atmosphere
Month 1	Mar 2, 2026	Biggest festival of the year (First Full Moon)
Month 2	Apr 1, 2026	Pleasant weather
Month 3	May 30, 2026	Early summer vibes
Month 4	Jun 28, 2026	Warm evenings, great for river views
Month 5	Jul 27, 2026	Typically lively with domestic travelers
Month 6	Aug 26, 2026	Good balance of crowds
Month 7	Sep 24, 2026	Atmospheric mid-autumn period
Month 8	Oct 23, 2026	One of the most photogenic months
Month 9	Nov 22, 2026	Cooler weather, comfortable for walking
Month 10	Dec 22, 2026	Romantic year-end setting

Travel tip: If you want the most vibrant cultural experience, aim for March 2, 2026 (First Full Moon Festival). Expect larger crowds, but also richer performances, brighter decorations, and an unmistakably festive energy.

Note: Lunar-based events can occasionally shift slightly, so it is always wise to reconfirm dates closer to your travel time.

What time does the festival start?

While lanterns begin appearing before sunset, the festival atmosphere truly comes alive from around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Before 7:00 PM: Arrive early for a relaxed stroll and sunset photos.
7:00 – 8:30 PM: Peak beauty, lanterns glow vividly as darkness falls.
After 8:30 PM: Bustling but exciting, ideal if you enjoy energetic night markets.

For photographers and couples, the sweet spot is typically just after dusk when the lantern reflections shimmer across the river.

Where does the lantern festival take place?

Rather than being confined to a single venue, the celebration spreads throughout Hoi An Ancient Town, creating an immersive open-air festival.

Best places to experience it:

Thu Bon River: The heart of the celebration, famous for floating lanterns and romantic boat rides.
An Hoi Bridge & Night Market: A lively area packed with street food, handmade crafts, and glowing lantern stalls.
Walking streets of the Old Town: Perfect for wandering, photography, and soaking up the historic atmosphere without traffic.

For the best experience, consider starting near the river and gradually exploring deeper into the Old Town as the lights intensify.

When is the best time to visit?

Each full moon has its own charm, but your ideal timing depends on your travel style:

For the biggest spectacle: First lunar month (March 2026).
For great weather + fewer crowds: April or November.
For photography: October often delivers clear skies and beautifully balanced lighting.
For a quieter, more romantic trip: Early-year or late-year festivals.

No matter when you visit, the Lantern Festival offers a rare glimpse into Hoi An’s cultural soul, where tradition, spirituality, and everyday life blend under the warm glow of silk lanterns.

Origins of the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Later, this culture was adopted by the local people, who began hanging lanterns in front of their houses to pray for good luck. Around 1988, the local government decided to organize a lantern festival on the full moon day of every month. The lantern festival Hoi An, also known as the flower lantern festival, is the most anticipated event for locals and tourists.

The lantern hanging culture was then adopted and developed by the local people. They began hanging lanterns in front of their houses as a way to pray for luck and prosperity. In 1988, the Hoi An government officially organized the Lantern Festival on the full moon day of every month. This event not only enlivened the ancient town but also became an indispensable part of local culture.

Why does Hoi An celebrate with a lantern festival?

Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, has become one of the city’s most prominent events. Hoi An Lantern Festival not only attracts locals but also attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Reasons for holding Hoi An Lantern Festival

The main reason why Hoi An organizes this festival is to continue and promote the cultural tradition of using lanterns in the community. Hoi An Lantern Festival not only brings a brilliant party of lights but also an opportunity for locals and tourists to join in the bustling and festive atmosphere, enjoy the beauty of the shimmering lanterns and learn about their profound meaning in the cultural life of the ancient town.

Read more: 4 days in Hoi An: A helpful guide to discovering the best of Hoi An

Best Things To Do At Hoi An Lantern Festival

Hoi An is not only enchanting with its colorful lanterns but also attracts with its diverse and rich cultural and artistic activities. Below are things you cannot miss when participating in the lantern festival in Hoi An, helping you have a perfect and meaningful experience.

Immerse yourself in the sparkling beauty of Hoi An ancient town

When mentioning Hoi An ancient town, it is impossible to ignore the image of colorful lanterns, diverse and design, hanging all over the streets and on the eaves of ancient houses. Every time the night falls, Hoi An ancient town puts on a sparkling, magical beauty, evoking nostalgic emotions about the prosperous times of this land.

The harmonious combination of the gentle light of lanterns with rich colors such as yellow, blue, purple… creates a lively and romantic space. This scene will definitely leave a deep impression on visitors when participating in the Hoi An lantern festival. In particular, the Hoi An lantern festival 2024 or the Hoi An lantern festival 2025 will be the ideal time for you to fully admire this beauty.

Enjoy performing arts on the streets

Participating in the lantern festival in Hoi An, visitors not only immerse themselves in the brilliant light of lanterns, but also have the opportunity to enjoy unique art performances. From vibrant lion dances, elite martial arts performances, to sweet folk melodies performed by local artists, all contribute to creating a cultural space rich in identity. In addition, visitors can also participate in the folk game of Bai Choi – an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Besides, don’t forget to experience riding a cycle around the old town, visiting cultural museums, Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, Chaozhou Assembly Hall, and My Son Sanctuary when coming to the lantern festival in Hoi An.

Experience releasing flower lanterns on Hoai River

One of the activities that cannot be missed at the Hoi An Lantern Festival is the ritual of releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. Each flower lantern released into the river carries wishes for peace, luck and happiness.

The warm light from the flower lanterns not only symbolizes hope, but also helps dispel all worries and brings peace of mind. Whether adults or children, everyone feels excited when releasing the lanterns themselves and watching the gentle light drifting on the water.

Check-in with Hoi An lantern

When participating in the Hoi An Lantern Festival, you cannot miss the opportunity to check in with colorful lanterns. Hoi An lantern have many diverse shapes such as round, hexagonal, Banh U, papaya, and even unique fish, dragon/unicorn shaped lanterns.

Just one photo taken with a lantern, everyone will immediately recognize that you are in Hoi An ancient town. So, make sure you bring a camera or phone with full battery to capture the most beautiful moments. This is also an ideal place that many couples choose to take commemorative photos for their big day, with a peaceful and folk culture-filled setting.

Enjoy Hoi An’s signature cuisine

In addition to cultural activities, when participating in the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2024, do not forget to enjoy the famous specialties of Hoi An. From chicken rice, Quang noodles, banh xeo, Phuong bread to a glass of fresh Mot water, all bring unforgettable flavors.

Sitting and enjoying street food under the gentle light of lanterns, you will fully feel the special flavors and atmosphere of Hoi An. This will definitely be an unforgettable experience when you participate in the Hoi An Lantern Festival.

If you’re planning to experience the magic of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, choosing the right place to stay can elevate your entire journey. Nestled in a peaceful setting yet conveniently close to the Ancient Town, Bliss Hoi An offers the perfect balance between relaxation and cultural immersion.

After an evening wandering beneath glowing lanterns, return to a tranquil riverside retreat where comfort meets authentic Vietnamese hospitality. To help you explore beyond the festival, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness also curates a selection of thoughtfully designed sightseeing tours, from discovering hidden corners of the Old Town to countryside cycling and local cultural experiences, ensuring every moment of your trip feels meaningful and effortless.

What should you keep in mind when taking part in the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Notes when participating in Hoi An lantern festival

To experience the Hoi An Lantern Festival fully and interestingly, you should note the following points:

Pay attention to the time: To avoid missing important moments, you should plan to arrive early. This will help you choose a good location to take photos and enjoy the festival without being crowded by crowds.
Appropriate attire: Hoi An has an ancient and traditional atmosphere, so you should choose elegant and polite clothing. This will not only help you blend into the festival atmosphere but also show respect for the local culture.
Weather choice: For a great experience, you should attend the festival on a day with stable and dry weather. Rain or bad weather can reduce the fun of the event.
Be careful with fire: When participating in releasing flower lanterns, pay attention to keep the flame from coming into contact with clothes or flammable objects. This helps to avoid causing danger and ensures the safety of you and those around you.

Read more: Discover Hoi An where to stay: Best area to stay in Hoi An for every traveler

Where to buy Hoi An lanterns? What is the price?

When coming to Hoi An, visitors can choose lanterns with diverse designs, materials and colors as souvenirs. To buy Hoi An lanterns, you can visit some of the following famous places:

Vietnamese Lantern Workshop: Located at 57 Ba Trieu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam. This is a place that provides a variety of traditional lantern models.
Huynh Van Ba Lantern Workshop: Located at 15A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam. The workshop is famous for its exquisitely handcrafted lanterns.
Ha Linh Lantern Workshop: Address at 72 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam. The workshop provides many designs with guaranteed quality.

In addition to large workshops, you can also find lanterns on streets such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, and Tran Phu. The price of lanterns usually ranges from 15,000 to 150,000 VND each, depending on the size, color, and shape of the lantern. If you want to order a custom design, the price will be a little higher to suit your special requirements.

For travelers seeking a deeper connection to Hoi An’s heritage, joining a lantern-making workshop is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Guided by skilled local artisans, you’ll learn the traditional techniques behind these iconic silk lanterns and craft a personalized keepsake to take home.

Bliss Hoi An can arrange this hands-on workshop for you, along with a variety of other sightseeing tours that showcase the region’s rich culture, scenic landscapes, and everyday life. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, these curated experiences transform a simple vacation into a story worth remembering.

Hoi An Lantern Festival is not only a unique cultural event but also a great opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of this ancient town. With sparkling lights and colorful atmosphere, this is an occasion not to be missed. Be well prepared and enjoy every moment of the festival to have memorable memories in Hoi An.

Author

Bliss Hoi An

Tina Nguyen is a travel and hospitality writer based in Hoi An, sharing first-hand local guides for Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness. From hidden beaches and authentic street food to wellness escapes and the best times to visit, she helps travelers experience the real charm of Central Vietnam — written from someone who calls it home.

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