Hoi An Lantern Festival: All you need to know

Hoi An Lantern Festival has become a much loved tradition, inviting both locals and tourists to take part in the traditional rituals and festivities. There’s no doubt that Hoi An is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. It’s magical, vibrant, and filled with warmth every night of the week, so what makes the Hoi An Lantern Festival significant?

What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The origins date back to 16^th and 17^th centuries when settlers, mostly Fujian, Guangdong and Chaozhou China immigrated here and brought with them the tradition of lantern making. They hung paper lanterns outside their homes to feel connected to their homelands and to show their family/clan names.

Over time, lanterns have become a huge part of Hoi An’s identity. Locals believe the lanterns brings good luck and happiness. During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, they are used to celebrate the full moon, commemorate ancestors, and praying for good fortune, health and happiness.

When does the festival take place?

For Vietnamese people the festival takes place on “ngay ram” which is the full moon day or the 14^th day of the month according to the lunar calendar. Upcoming dates include:

• 5^th October 2025
• 3^rd November 2025
• 3^rd December 2025
• 2^nd January 2026
• 1^st February 2026
• 2^nd March 2026
• 1^st April 2026
• 30^th May 2026
• 28^th June 2026
• 27^th July 2026
• 26^th August 2026
• 24^th September 2026
• 23^rd October 2026
• 22^nd November 2026
• 22^nd December 2026

Special Hoi An Lantern Festival

• Nguyen Tieu Festival (First Full Moon): is the biggest celebration of the year and takes place during the first full moon of the year. It marks the end of the TET holiday (Lunar New Year holiday). Local people often go to pagodas and temples to pray and prepare offerings at home to commemorate ancestors and for Buddha. 
• Tet Trung Thu (Moon Festival): is held on the full moon of the 8^th month in the Vietnamese Lunar Calendar when the moon is the brightest and fullest of the year. To celebrate, Vietnamese people make and eat moon cakes (symbolising reunion, fullness), prepare a tray of five different fruits to worship ancestors, hang up paper lanterns, buy a star lantern for children, and watch dragon dance, lion dance, heavenly dog dance (just in Hoi An) that take place in the street. 

Where does the festival happen?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes places right in the middle of the Ancient Town of Hoi An. Most of the activities are held in two main spots which are popular attractions in the city. The An Hoi Bridge and on the banks of the Hoai River. If you’re in Hoi An during the festival, here are some suggestions to fully immerse yourself in Hoi An.

What time is the lantern show in Hoi An?

The lantern releases happen nightly once the sun sets, and the moon rises. From 6PM to 10PM you can partake in the lantern activities down by the river. During the full moon ceremony, on the 14^th day of the lunar month, lanterns will be released when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

Do they release lanterns every night in Hoi An?

Yes, floating lanterns are lit and released every night in Hoi An. A sustainable travel tip is to look for the vendors who are using paper or compostable lanterns instead of the plastic lanterns which block the waterways. Travellers fall in love with Hoi An, the Ancient Town holds so much history, so it’s important to keep that alive for more travellers to enjoy. 

What to expect at the festival?

First things first, expect it to be busy down by the river, the Hoi An Lantern Festival attracts locals and tourists. There is a magical energy in the air, gradually as night falls, Hoi An begins to glow with thousands of colourful lanterns. While you stroll around treat yourself to street food from the local food stalls, listen to the local live music, watch the incredible street performances, dances, wander the night markets and admire the hanging lanterns which make the perfect backdrops for Instagram photos.

During the festival, local authorities organise a variety of traditional folk games on the sidewalks, the games are simple, fun and locals will encourage you to participate too.

During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a traditional and beloved performance of Bai Choi will captivate audiences with its rich cultural essence. Recognised in 2017 by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Bai Choi offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in smooth and melodic folk songs. Visitors can feel the excitement and joy that these performances bring.

A highlight of the festival is to release your own lantern on the Hoai River. Each lantern carries a prayer for health, happiness and the banishment of sorrows.

Best time to visit, and tips for the festival

Hoi An is the most beautiful during February to August. A reminder ideally not to travel over Vietnamese New Year (TET) as the city will be like a ghost town as locals take a week off to spend with friends and family as they welcome in the new year. The dates for TET change depending on the lunar calendar – usually around February to March.

• It’s going to be busy, so head down to the river early and find a spot close to the bridge where you can see the local performances at the roadside theatre.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes – this area is blocked off from vehicles, so get ready to do lots of walking.
• Keep your valuables close to you, busy areas can mean pick pocketers are around.
• There are no flying sky lanterns, this custom is not part of Vietnamese traditional culture.
• Taking photos can be difficult with all of the lanterns and lights. During sunset is the best time to capture the essence of the city and the festival.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that actually lives up to its hype. Thousands of lanterns light up the river, street food sizzles on every corner, live music fills the air, the banging of the drums, the dancing dragons, it’s a festival for all your senses. Hoi An is stunning every night of the week, but even more special during the lunar celebrations. If a Vietnam trip  is on your radar, this is your sign to make it happen. If you’re stuck for ideas, then look no further at our top things to do in Vietnam.

Vietnam contains so much ancient and modern history, there’s so many regions to explore and see how ancestor worship, full moon holidays and how the local livelihood changes between regions. This article about the ultimate way to explore Vietnam is a quick read which breaks down each of the regions worth exploring.