The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a magical event held every full moon in the ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam. On the night of the full moon, thousands of colorful lanterns are lit, both on the streets and in the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere. As part of the festival, locals and visitors alike don traditional Vietnamese dress and parade through the streets carrying lanterns. The streets are lined with traditional performances, singing, and dancing, and the night culminates in a stunning fireworks display. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is a magnificent celebration of Vietnamese culture and a must-see for anyone visiting Hoi An.
Hoi An Lantern Festival is an important occasion for travelers who visit Vietnam. Considering the paper lantern festival schedule is a must-do list before your travel. During the festival, all the lanterns will be lit up all around the Hoai river and the ancient town. It elaborates a colorful picture.
In the Hoi An Old Town, you just don’t want to miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025. Lantern Festival is one of the most unique attractions of Hoi An and in fact all throughout Vietnam. It is one of the main reasons thousands of both domestic and international visitors flock every year, for a chance to witness such a beautiful scene that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
Floating Lantern Festival is lit every night in Hoi An regardless of whether it is the Lantern Festival or not. Candles are placed and burned at the bottom of the colorful paper lanterns, creating a glowing atmosphere in the twinkling moonlight.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival will be held once every month. The lantern festival has become popular enough that even if your visit isn’t on the full moon date, you can still participate in the Hoi An traditional full moon festival most nights of the week. There are many things to do in Hoi An besides the festival, but if possible, you should arrange a time to see Hoi An Lantern Festival which has been long regarded as one of the best Things to do in Hoi An whilst visiting Hoi An in Viet Nam
1. When does the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 take place?
Hoi An Lantern Festival is run on the 14th day of each lunar moon when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.
2025 LANTERN FESTIVAL DATES:
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13th, 2025 | Feb 11th, 2025 | Mar 13th, 2025 | April 11th, 2025 | May 11th, 2025 | June 9th, 2025 |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
| July 8th, 2025 | Aug 7th, 2025 | Sep 5th, 2025 | Oct 5th, 2025 | Nov 3rd, 2025 | Dec 3rd, 2025 |
2. Where does the Lantern Festival happen?
Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place in the Hoi An Old Town area where colorful candlelit lanterns are. Much of the activities are centered at the An Hoi Bridge and along the banks of the Hoai River. For those of you staying in the Hoi An City Center, it will be a short walk from your hotel. For those of you staying closer to the beach, it will be a 10-15 minute taxi/shuttle ride into the city center.
3. What time does it start and finish?
The paper lantern festival commences quite late, between 9-10PM. Most people however begin to gather in the Ancient Town as sunset begins, where they can have dinner and relax having a drink as they wait for it to begin.
From 8 pm, all the buildings located within here start to turn off their electricity to allow soft lights from the lanterns to light the surroundings to create a magical glow.
4. What to Expect?
This is a very special occasion for not only travelers visiting Hoi An to witness, but the local Vietnamese. The release of lanterns on the rivers is said to bring good fortune and love, as well as health and happiness.
In the center of the Hoi An Ancient town, vehicles and bicycles are prohibited at this time, which allows you to roam the streets and alleyways whilst soaking up the magical atmosphere. Along the river, there will be lanterns lit, musical performances by locals and locals gathered outside their homes or businesses to play games or simply socialize at this special time.
Furthermore, there is no shortage of mouth-watering street food on offer as you stroll through along the riverside. Everything from snacks to vegetarian dishes are on offer, as well as “moon cakes”, filled with sweet red bean paste which is a must-try.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is also an important time to worship deceased relatives, which is an incredibly important ritual for most Vietnamese. Families will present offerings such as food, drinks, flowers, and fake money in the belief that it will result in good luck and future prosperity for their family. For this reason, you will notice most locals get very involved with the festivities.
The performances held along the river also often contain poetry readings, showcasing the artistic side of local culture.
Some local dishes available are Cao Lau (a famous Hoi An dish with rice noodles, pork, and fresh vegetables), Banh Bao (steamed dumplings filled with pork, mushrooms, and other goodies), Banh Xoai (mango cake) and also Xi Ma (a unique black sesame pudding). All street foods are worth a try and for the cheap price, it would be silly not to at least once!
5. Travel Tips
- If you have a short time to explore Hoi An, you want to experience all the best things in this charming town. Here, Hoi An Day Trips from Da Nang offer a great chance to ride a basket boat in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, wander around the timeless ancient town, and drop flower lanterns on the tranquil Hoai River.
- Although all times of year to enjoy the Hoi An Lantern Festival are great, the biggest celebration will be in February which is the first full moon of the lunar new year.
- If you enjoy photography, this is one of the best opportunities you will have in Vietnam to take stunning photos. Bring along your camera and enjoy the luminous glow of the Lantern Festival as the lights shimmer from the river.
Coconut Forest & Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An in Vietnam is a familiar name to most of tourists once coming to visit this S-shaped country. Hoi An is an an old town full or charming beauties and antique architecture. And it is a truly paradise hidden under its tranquility. Nowadays, the town attracts a lot of tourists visiting and staying. Besides the own town, Hoi an is also famous for the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a wonderful ecological spot in Hoi An. In this Hoi an city tour 1 day, we will introduce to you not only the famous Hoi an old town but also the interesting coconut village with many…
The colorful, lantern-filled evening at the Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of the most magical experiences you will have in Vietnam, make sure you don’t miss it!
If you have any questions regarding the Hoi An Lanter Festival or regarding your travels in Vietnam, please feel free to contact our friendly staff who will be more than happy to help you.
6. Hoi An lantern festival schedule 2025
| Year | Month | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | January 13th, 2025 |
| 2025 | February | Feb 11th, 2025 |
| 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 |
7. Hoi An lantern festival schedule 2026
| Year | Month | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January | Jan – 2nd, 2026 |
| 2026 | February | Feb – 1st, 2026 |
| 2026 | March | Mar – 2nd, 2026 |
| 2026 | April | April – 1st, 30th, 2026 |
| 2026 | May | May – 30th, 2026 |
| 2026 | June | June – 28th, 2026 |
| 2026 | July | July – 27th, 2026 |
| 2026 | August | Aug – 26th, 2026 |
| 2026 | September | Sep – 24th, 2026 |
| 2026 | October | Oct – 23rd, 2026 |
| 2026 | November | Nov – 22nd, 2026 |
| 2026 | December | Dec – 22nd, 2026 |
Hoi An lantern festival schedule 2025 – 2026
8. Hoi An Lantern Street
Famous for its ancient yellow buildings and enchanting Hoi An lantern-lit streets, Hoi An captivates every visitor who sets foot in this charming town. As night falls, thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The soft glow reflects on the Hoai River, transforming the town into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. This dazzling lantern display is not only a major tourist attraction but also a long-standing tradition symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
9. What to do in Hoi An Lantern Festival?
If you visit Hoi An Old Town during the Lantern Festival, it will be an unforgettable experience. Visiting Hoi An’s Lantern Street is more than just admiring the lights. There are plenty of exciting activities to make your experience memorable.
9.1 Release a Lantern on the Hoai River
One of the most magical experiences in Hoi An is releasing a floating lantern on the Hoai River. Locals believe this brings good luck and prosperity. Buy a small paper lantern, make a wish, and watch it float down the river, creating a magical scene of twinkling lights.
Tip: Go during the first festival of the Lunar New Year for the biggest celebration of them all.
9.2 Enjoy Hoi An’s Street Performances
As you walk through the town, you will encounter vibrant street performances, including traditional music, street music featuring traditional Vietnamese instrumental ensembles and folk songs, folk dances and cultural reenactments, and folk games that attract many tourists to participate such as Bai Choi. These performances add to the charming atmosphere of the town, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage.
9.3 Try Local Street Food
Hoi An not only attracts visitors with its ancient and poetic beauty but also leaves a lasting impression with the unique flavors of its delicious street food. This is a food lover’s paradise, and its lantern-lit streets are filled with street food stalls. You can try diverse local specialties like Cao Lau (pork noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Com Ga (chicken rice), Che (sweet dessert soup), or sample a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. Enjoying these delicacies under the glowing lanterns is an experience in itself.
9.4 Shop for Handcrafted Lanterns
Lanterns in Hoi An are handcrafted by skilled artisans using bamboo frames and colorful silk. You can buy these beautiful lanterns as souvenirs from many shops in the old town or even take a lantern-making workshop and learn how to make your own beautiful lanterns. This is a great way to take home a piece of Hoi An’s magical charm.
9.5 Explore Night Markets
Hoi An Night Market is a must-visit. Located along Nguyen Hoang Street, the markets offer everything from traditional handicrafts and silk clothing to street food and local souvenirs. Strolling through the vibrant lantern-lit stalls is an unforgettable experience.
10. Conclusion
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a captivating celebration that beautifully showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit. As the streets come alive with vibrant colors and glowing lanterns, visitors are transported into a magical world that reflects Hoi An’s history and traditions. Participating in this enchanting event allows you to connect with the local community and experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.
Beyond its magical and beautiful image, the festival also reflects long-standing traditions, symbolizing prosperity, luck, and hope. If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, be sure to experience the festival at night, release a lantern on the river, purchase a handcrafted lantern, enjoy cultural performances, or savor delicious local cuisine. The Hoi An Lantern Festival promises an unforgettable experience that captures the hearts of all who visit.
