Hoi An Heritage Walk Blog

The Hoi An Lantern Festival (Hoi An Full Moon Festival) takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights and the streets, shophouses, and riverbanks glow under the light of hundreds of silk lanterns and paper offerings. It is one of Vietnam's most atmospheric cultural events and transforms an already beautiful town into something genuinely magical.

When Does It Happen?

The festival occurs monthly on the 14th of the lunar calendar, which falls on a different date each month in the Western calendar. In 2026, key dates include: April 11, May 11, June 9, July 9, August 7, September 6, October 5, November 4, and December 3. The festivities begin at dusk, around 6:00 PM, and continue until approximately 10:00 PM. Always check the lunar calendar before planning your trip, as the date shifts each month.

What Happens During the Festival?

As the sun sets, shops and restaurants along the main streets of the Ancient Town switch off their electric lights. Hundreds of colourful silk lanterns are lit, casting a warm glow across the old wooden shophouses and narrow lanes. Along the Thu Bon River, locals and visitors release small paper lanterns with candles onto the water, creating a river of flickering lights. Traditional music performances, folk games, and lion dances take place in the streets and at the central market area.

Where to Experience It

• Thu Bon Riverfront — The best spot to watch floating lanterns and buy your own paper lantern to release on the water. Vendors sell lanterns along the Bach Dang Street waterfront.
• Japanese Covered Bridge — The bridge is particularly photogenic under lantern light, with reflections shimmering on the water below.
• Tran Phu Street — The main heritage street is lined with silk lanterns hanging from every shophouse, creating a tunnel of coloured light.
• An Hoi Island — Cross the bridge to the island for a slightly less crowded perspective and excellent views back across the illuminated riverfront.
• Nguyen Phuc Chu Street — Traditional music and cultural performances often take place near the central area of the Ancient Town.

Tips for the Lantern Festival

• Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure a good spot along the river before the crowds build.
• Bring your camera but leave the flash off — the lantern light creates beautiful natural tones that flash photography destroys.
• Buy a paper lantern (around 10,000 VND) and release it on the river for good luck. Use biodegradable lanterns offered by responsible vendors.
• Book accommodation in or near the Ancient Town well in advance, as hotels fill up for full-moon dates.
• Combine the festival evening with a daytime heritage walk using the Hoi An Heritage Walk app to understand the history behind the illuminated buildings.
• Motorbikes and cars are banned from the Ancient Town during the festival, making it safe and peaceful to walk everywhere.

Beyond the Full Moon

Even on non-festival nights, Hoi An's Ancient Town is beautifully lit with silk lanterns. The nightly experience along the Thu Bon River, while less dramatic than the full-moon festival, is still one of the most atmospheric evenings in Southeast Asia. The An Hoi Night Market operates every evening with food stalls, lantern vendors, and craft sellers.