Hoi An Lantern Festival: Complete Guide for First-Timers

🏮 What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, is a monthly celebration held on the 14th day of each lunar month. During this time, the entire Ancient Town switches off electric lights and illuminates the streets exclusively with traditional silk lanterns and candles.

This beautiful tradition has roots in ancient Vietnamese customs of honoring ancestors and celebrating the lunar calendar. While it's become somewhat touristy in recent years, the festival still maintains its magical atmosphere and cultural significance.

What makes it special:

• The entire Ancient Town glows with thousands of colorful silk lanterns
• No electric lights - only lanterns and candlelight
• Traditional music and cultural performances throughout the streets
• Floating lanterns released on the Thu Bon River
• Local vendors selling traditional foods and crafts
• A peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere

📅 2025 Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates

The festival occurs every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, typically starting around 6:30 PM and lasting until 10:00 PM. Here are the 2025 dates:

• January 13, 2025 (14th day, 12th lunar month of 2024)
• February 12, 2025
• March 14, 2025
• April 12, 2025
• May 12, 2025
• June 10, 2025
• July 10, 2025
• August 8, 2025
• September 6, 2025
• October 6, 2025
• November 4, 2025
• December 4, 2025

Pro Tip: Always double-check the exact date as lunar calendar dates can shift slightly. Most hotels and guesthouses in Hoi An will have the exact dates posted.

✨ What Happens During the Festival

6:00 PM - The Preparation

As the sun begins to set, shopkeepers and restaurant owners start hanging lanterns outside their establishments. The energy in the Ancient Town shifts as locals prepare for the evening ahead.

6:30 PM - Lights Out

Electric lights throughout the Ancient Town are switched off, and thousands of silk lanterns illuminate the streets. The transformation is immediate and breathtaking - suddenly you're walking through a scene from centuries past.

7:00 PM - Cultural Performances Begin

Traditional music fills the air as local performers play classical Vietnamese instruments at various points throughout the Ancient Town. You might encounter:

• Traditional dance performances
• Folk music concerts
• Poetry readings in Vietnamese
• Traditional games and activities

8:00 PM - Peak Time

This is when the festival reaches its most vibrant. The streets are packed with visitors and locals alike, all soaking in the magical atmosphere. The river becomes dotted with floating lanterns as people release them with wishes and prayers.

10:00 PM - Winding Down

As the night progresses, the crowds thin out and the Ancient Town returns to its peaceful self. Some restaurants and cafes keep their lanterns lit well into the night.

📍 Best Viewing Spots in Hoi An

1. Japanese Covered Bridge (Most Iconic)

The most photographed spot during the festival. The bridge looks stunning lit up by lanterns, reflecting in the water below. However, it's also the most crowded. Best time: Early evening (6:30-7:00 PM) or late (9:30 PM onwards).

2. Thu Bon Riverside

Walk along the riverside path for beautiful views of lantern-lit boats and floating lanterns drifting downstream. Less crowded than the main streets and perfect for photography. Recommended section: Between An Hoi Bridge and Japanese Bridge.

3. Tran Phu Street

The main street through the Ancient Town becomes a river of lanterns. Shops hang elaborate displays, and street food vendors set up along the sides. Tip: Duck into side alleys for quieter moments.

4. An Hoi Peninsula

Cross the bridge to this area for a slightly less touristy experience. The lantern displays here are just as beautiful but with fewer crowds. Great restaurants and bars with riverside views.

5. Nguyen Hoang Night Market

While not exclusively for the Lantern Festival, this night market on An Hoi Island comes alive during festival nights. Browse handicrafts, try local foods, and soak in the atmosphere.

Hidden Gem: Bach Dang Street

Less traveled by tourists, this riverside street offers stunning lantern displays without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Perfect for intimate photos and quiet contemplation.

🎯 Things to Do During the Festival

1. Release a Floating Lantern (20,000-30,000 VND / $1-1.50)

The quintessential Lantern Festival experience. Purchase a floating lantern from vendors along the river, make a wish, and set it adrift on the Thu Bon River. While touristy, it's genuinely beautiful to watch hundreds of glowing lanterns float downstream.

Where to buy: Vendors line the riverside - negotiate the price as they often start high. Alternatively, many restaurants offer free lantern releases with dinner.

2. Take a Lantern-Lit Boat Ride (150,000-250,000 VND / $6-10)

Glide down the river on a traditional wooden boat illuminated by lanterns. It's touristy but offers unique perspectives and great photo opportunities. Boats depart from various points along the river.

Pro Tip: Share a boat with other travelers to split the cost. Most boats hold 4-6 people.

3. Try Traditional Festival Foods

Street vendors sell special festival treats:

• Bánh Trôi & Bánh Chay - Sweet rice balls in ginger syrup (traditional full moon food)
• Chè - Sweet Vietnamese dessert soups
• Fresh Spring Rolls - Made fresh at street stalls
• Grilled Corn - Simple but delicious street snack

4. Join Traditional Games

Throughout the Ancient Town, you'll find locals playing traditional Vietnamese games. Many are happy to teach visitors. Popular games include bai choi (a type of bingo) and ô ăn quan (a strategy board game).

5. Lantern Making Workshop (300,000-500,000 VND / $12-20)

Several shops offer quick workshops where you can make your own lantern to take home. It's a fun activity and makes a unique souvenir. Many hostels also organize group workshops at discounted rates.

6. Simply Wander and Absorb the Atmosphere

Honestly, the best way to experience the festival is to simply wander without a plan. Get lost in the side streets, peek into courtyards, and let the magic unfold naturally.

📸 Photography Tips

Camera Settings for Lantern Photography:

• ISO: 1600-3200 (low light requires high ISO)
• Aperture: f/1.8-f/2.8 (wide open for more light)
• Shutter Speed: 1/60s or slower (use a tripod for anything slower)
• White Balance: Auto or Tungsten (experiment for warm/cool tones)

Smartphone Photography Tips:

• Use Night Mode if your phone has it
• Keep your phone steady - lean against walls or use a mini tripod
• Avoid using flash - it kills the ambient lighting
• Focus manually on the lanterns to avoid blurry shots
• Edit afterwards to enhance the warm glow

Best Photo Opportunities:

• Japanese Bridge reflection in the water
• Floating lanterns on the river (use slow shutter for light trails)
• Silhouettes of people against lantern-lit buildings
• Close-ups of intricate lantern designs
• Street scenes with lanterns creating leading lines

Golden Hour Tip: Arrive at sunset (around 5:30 PM) to capture the transition from daylight to lantern light. The blue hour combined with warm lantern glow creates magical photos.

💡 Practical Tips & Costs

Entry & Costs

• Ancient Town Entry: 120,000 VND ($5) - valid for entire stay
• Floating Lantern: 20,000-30,000 VND ($1-1.50)
• Boat Ride: 150,000-250,000 VND ($6-10) per boat
• Street Food: 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2) per item
• Restaurant Dinner: 150,000-400,000 VND ($6-16)

What to Bring

• Camera with good low-light performance (or smartphone with night mode)
• Small tripod or stabilizer for better photos
• Cash (many vendors don't accept cards)
• Light jacket (evenings can be cool)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Small bag to keep hands free

What NOT to Bring

• Large backpacks (crowds make them cumbersome)
• Valuables you don't need (pickpockets work the crowds)
• Drone (not allowed in Ancient Town)

Safety Tips

• Watch your belongings in crowds
• Be careful near the river - edges can be slippery
• Negotiate prices before buying anything
• Stay aware of motorbikes even in "pedestrian" areas
• Keep your phone charged for maps/communication

👥 How to Avoid the Worst Crowds

Timing Strategies:

• Arrive Early (6:00-6:30 PM): Experience the lights turning off - magical and less crowded
• Stay Late (9:30-10:30 PM): Most tour groups leave by 9 PM
• Come the Day Before or After: Many businesses keep lanterns lit, with 10% of the atmosphere but 1% of the crowds

Location Strategies:

• Skip the Japanese Bridge at peak hours (7:30-9:00 PM)
• Explore side streets parallel to Tran Phu
• Cross to An Hoi Peninsula where it's less packed
• Find courtyard restaurants for peaceful lantern views

Alternative Experiences:

• Book a rooftop restaurant table for elevated views without crowds
• Take a cooking class that includes festival viewing
• Stay in a heritage house within the Ancient Town - many have private lantern displays

🌟 Final Thoughts

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is touristy, yes, but that doesn't make it any less magical. There's something genuinely special about walking through centuries-old streets lit only by silk lanterns, watching prayers float down the river, and experiencing a tradition that connects you to Vietnamese culture.

Go with realistic expectations - you'll be surrounded by other tourists and aggressive vendors. But look beyond that, and you'll find moments of real beauty: an elderly couple releasing lanterns together, children playing traditional games, the play of light on ancient walls, the peaceful flow of the river.

This is Hoi An at its most enchanting. Don't miss it.