Hoi An Lantern Festival – Dates & What To Expect

What is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival, also referred to as the Full Moon Festival, is a monthly event held in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Taking place once a month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, this event is a blend of tradition, spirituality, and vibrant local festivities.

On this night, the town dims its public lights, allowing the warm glow of hundreds of lanterns to illuminate the streets, creating a uniquely magical atmosphere. The heart of the festival is along the Hoai River, where visitors and locals alike release floating paper lanterns, making wishes for good fortune and happiness.

During the festival, motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited in the Ancient Town, allowing people to freely walk through the lantern-lit streets. The town comes alive with street performances, traditional games, and religious rituals, while families present offerings at temples and ancestral altars. The festival is also a great time to enjoy Hoi An’s street food scene, with vendors selling everything from savory local dishes to sweet mooncakes.

While the festival is an unforgettable experience, it is also one of the busiest nights in Hoi An, attracting both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for a peaceful visit, this might not be the best time—but if you want to witness Hoi An at its most vibrant, it’s a night you won’t want to miss

What are the origins of the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The tradition of lanterns in Hoi An dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when the town was an important trading port influenced by Chinese and Japanese merchants. The Japanese custom of hanging lanterns outside homes for good fortune was adopted by locals, eventually spreading throughout the town. Over time, lanterns became a symbol of Hoi An, and while the full moon has always held spiritual significance in Vietnam, the monthly Lantern Festival as we know it today was only introduced in 1998.

The idea behind the festival was to revive local traditions while attracting visitors, and it quickly became a major event. Each month, the streets of the Ancient Town dim their electric lights, allowing lanterns and candles to create a more traditional atmosphere. While the festival has commercial aspects, it remains linked to Buddhist customs and ancestral worship, as many locals use this time to visit temples and make offerings. Today, the festival is one of Hoi An’s busiest nights, drawing large crowds who come to experience the glowing lanterns along the river.

Hoi An Lantern Festival dates

The Hoi An Lantern Festival does not have a fixed date each month according to the Western (Gregorian) calendar. Instead, it follows Vietnam’s lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun. Many major Vietnamese celebrations, including Tet (Vietnamese New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and other Buddhist holidays, are determined by this lunar system.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, which is the night before the full moon. This is when the moon is at its brightest and fullest, a time traditionally associated with good fortune and spiritual significance in Vietnam. Below are the festival dates for the upcoming years:

2025 Lantern Festival dates

2026 Lantern Festival dates

First full moon of lunar calendar

The biggest and most special Hoi An Lantern Festival of the year is the one that falls on the first full moon of the lunar calendar. This marks the first full moon after Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and is celebrated with even more lanterns, offerings, and cultural events than the usual monthly festival. In 2025, this will be on February 11, and in 2026, it falls on March 1.

If you’re planning your trip specifically for the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visiting during this time will give you the most festive experience, though expect even larger crowds than usual.

What to do during the lantern Festival in Hoi An

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just admiring the glowing lanterns along the river—it’s a lively cultural event with traditional rituals, performances, and unique activities. Whether you want to soak in the atmosphere, participate in local customs, or simply enjoy the festive streets, there are plenty of things to do during this special evening.

1. Walk through lantern lit streets

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Hoi An Lantern Festival is the dimming of electric lights in the Ancient Town, allowing the glow of lanterns and candles to take over. This creates a completely different atmosphere compared to an ordinary evening in Hoi An, making the town feel more traditional and intimate.

With motorbikes and bicycles prohibited, it’s the perfect time to walk freely through the historic streets and admire the lantern-lit houses, temples, and storefronts. For a slightly quieter experience, consider starting your walk at Nguyen Thai Hoc Street near Hoi An Central Market and making your way toward Le Loi Street, which tends to be less crowded than the areas near the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Photo Tip: Every corner of Hoi An during the festival is a perfect photo opportunity—from the glowing lanterns hanging in alleys to the illuminated river, creating a scene that feels almost timeless.

2. Release lanterns on the Hoai River

A highlight of the festival is the floating lantern tradition, where people release small paper lanterns onto the Hoai River while making a wish. This practice is rooted in Buddhist beliefs and is meant to bring good fortune, health, and happiness.

Along the riverbanks, vendors—often elderly locals or children—sell lanterns for around 5,000 to 10,000 VND (about $0.20–$0.40 USD). You can lower them onto the water using a small stick, watching as they drift among hundreds of others, creating a beautiful, glowing reflection on the water. If you take a boat ride, you’ll also have the chance to release a lantern directly from the river.

While this tradition is popular among visitors, keep in mind that the lanterns are made of paper and often end up as litter in the river. If you choose to take part, try to be mindful of the environmental impact.

3. Take a boat ride

For a unique view of the festival, consider taking a traditional sampan boat ride along the Hoai River. Gliding through the water with lanterns reflecting all around you is one of the most peaceful and immersive ways to experience the festival.

• Cost: A 30-minute boat ride costs between 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8 USD). Prices are currently regulated, so you won’t need to negotiate.
• Where to board: Boats are available along Bach Dang Street near the An Hoi Bridge, and there’s no need to book in advance.

While the river can get crowded with boats, the experience remains one of the most memorable activities of the festival. It’s a chance to escape the packed streets and enjoy the glowing lanterns from the water.

4. Visiting temples & pagodas

Since the Lantern Festival is rooted in Buddhist traditions, many locals use this night to visit temples and pagodas to pray and make offerings. Unlike on normal days, entry to the Old Town pagodas is free during the festival, making it a great time to explore these spiritual sites.

The most visited temples during the festival include:

• Quan Cong Temple – A historic temple honoring a famous Chinese general.
• Ong Pagoda – A well-preserved temple with intricate carvings.
• Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall – Known for its large courtyard and elaborate dragon statues.

Inside the temples, you’ll see people lighting incense, presenting offerings, and reciting prayers, creating a lively and deeply cultural atmosphere that’s different from the more tourist-focused events in the streets.

5. Enjoying local street food dishes

The Lantern Festival is also a great time to try Hoi An’s famous street food, as vendors set up stalls along the river and throughout the Ancient Town. Some must-try dishes include:

• Cao Lau – Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, influenced by Japanese and Chinese flavors.
• Mi Quang – A turmeric-infused noodle dish topped with shrimp, pork, and peanuts.
• Banh Mi Phuong – Considered one of the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam.
• Banh Bao & Banh Vac – Known as White Rose Dumplings, these delicate dumplings are a local specialty.
• Mooncakes – Traditionally eaten during full moon celebrations, filled with sweet red bean or lotus paste.

With food stalls lining the streets, you can simply wander and sample different dishes, making the festival a perfect time for a culinary adventure.

6. Join traditional Vietnamese folk games

During the festival, the streets of Hoi An turn into a playground for traditional Vietnamese folk games. One of the most entertaining is Dap Nieu Dat (hitting the clay pots), a game similar to piñata where players are blindfolded and try to smash a hanging clay pot with a stick. It may sound simple, but it’s surprisingly difficult, leading to cheers and laughter from the crowd.

• Where to play: Kazik Park in the Ancient Town.
• Cost: 10,000 VND per game ($0.40 USD).

Even if you don’t participate, watching the locals play these traditional games adds to the festive energy of the night.

7. Night Market Shopping

Hoi An’s Night Market is always open, but during the Lantern Festival, it becomes even livelier, with more stalls selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, and artwork.

Some of the unique things to look out for include:

• Handmade lanterns – A perfect souvenir to take home.
• Calligraphy art – Local calligraphers set up along the sidewalks, creating personalized artwork.
• Bamboo carvings & handcrafted items – Small handmade figurines, jewelry, and woodwork make for interesting gifts.

If you’re looking to bring home authentic Vietnamese crafts, this is the best time to browse, bargain, and support local artisans.

8. Cultural performance

The Hoi An Lantern Festival also features live performances of traditional Vietnamese arts. One of the most famous is Bai Choi, a UNESCO-recognized folk game that combines bingo with singing. Even if you don’t understand Vietnamese, the game is fun to watch and easy to follow.

• Where: Near the An Hoi Bridge in the Ancient Town.
• Cost to play: 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD).

Other cultural performances include traditional music, singing, and dance, giving visitors a chance to experience Vietnamese performing arts up close.

9. Watch locals doing board games

One lesser-known but interesting aspect of the Lantern Festival is the local board games played on the streets. You may see groups of elderly men dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire, deeply focused on a game that looks similar to chess.

This game is likely Xiangqi (Chinese Chess), a strategy game that remains popular in Vietnam. While tourists don’t typically join in, it’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to observe a traditional pastime in action.

Practical tips for visiting

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique experience, but with large crowds and limited space, it helps to be prepared. From the best time to arrive to practical tips on money and seating, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.

What time does it start?

The Lantern Festival officially begins between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, but most people start gathering in the Ancient Town much earlier, especially around sunset. Many visitors use this time to walk around, enjoy dinner, or have a drink while waiting for the lights to dim.

By 8:00 PM, most public lighting and electric lights from businesses in the Ancient Town are turned off, leaving only the warm glow of lanterns and candles. This marks the true start of the festival atmosphere, so if you want to fully enjoy the experience, it’s best to arrive well before this time.

Bring small cash

If you plan to buy a lantern, take a boat ride, or sample street food, it’s important to carry cash, as most vendors do not accept card payments.

• Small bills (10,000–50,000 VND) are especially useful, as they make transactions easier and reduce the risk of getting incorrect change.
• ATMs are available in Hoi An, but withdrawing money earlier in the day can save time, as cash machines near the Ancient Town can be busy during the festival.

Enjoy from a rooftop café

The Ancient Town gets very crowded during the festival, and moving through the streets can be slow. If you want a more relaxed way to enjoy the view, consider grabbing a seat at a rooftop café or restaurant.

Many places in Hoi An’s Ancient Town have balconies or rooftop seating, offering a great vantage point to watch the glowing lanterns, the river, and the crowd below. You can sit back with a cold beer or a bowl of Mi Quang or Cao Lau while taking in the scene without the hustle of the street.

Popular options for a good rooftop view include:

• Faifo Coffee – Known for its panoramic views over the lantern-lit streets.
• Market Terrace Hoi An – Overlooks the central market and riverside area.

Since rooftop seats fill up quickly, it’s best to arrive early in the evening if you want a good spot.

Prices

Here are the typical prices for activities at the Hoi An Lantern Festival:

• Boat ride (30 minutes): 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8 USD)
• Floating lanterns: 5,000–10,000 VND ($0.20–$0.40 USD)
• Decorative lanterns (souvenirs): Prices vary depending on size and quality, typically ranging from 50,000–300,000 VND ($2–$12 USD)

While prices for boat rides are regulated, it’s always a good idea to confirm the price before getting on a boat to avoid misunderstandings.

Is it worth planning your trip around the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Hoi An is beautifully lit with lanterns every night, and you can always see people releasing floating lanterns on the river, regardless of whether it’s the festival night or not. The Lantern Festival doesn’t add something completely different, but it does intensify the experience. With most public lights turned off, the glow of lanterns becomes more pronounced, creating a warmer and more atmospheric setting than on a regular evening. You’ll also see more floating lanterns on the river than usual, adding to the charm.

However, the festival also brings large crowds, making the Ancient Town much busier than on other nights. For some, this festive energy is worth experiencing, while others might find the packed streets overwhelming. If you’re already planning to visit Hoi An and your dates align with the festival, it’s definitely worth seeing. But if you’re considering adjusting your entire Vietnam itinerary just for this event, it may not be a must-do for everyone. In fact, if you prefer a quieter experience, you might even want to plan around the festival to avoid the extra crowds.