Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026: Dates and Top Things To Do

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 is more than just pretty lights – it’s a magical experience that truly captures the soul of this ancient town. As a local expert, Prime Travel will give you the local’s perspective and insider tips to make the most of your visit, from the best spots to release lanterns, the hidden gems you won’t find in any guidebook to Hoi An Lantern festival dates. Get ready to be enchanted.

What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Hoi An Lantern Festival is monthly held on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Long before the vibrant spectacle of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the full moon held profound significance in Buddhist culture. A time of enlightenment and transformation, it was marked by rituals of reflection and appreciation.

Even today, in many Asian cultures, the full moon is a time of profound spiritual significance. People mark this occasion with various rituals, from worshiping their ancestors to visiting family shrines. Nowadays, this ancient tradition continues to inspire the magical display of lanterns that illuminates the streets of Hoi An.

What are the origins of the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Hoi An’s enchanting lantern tradition has its roots in the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of bustling trade when merchants from Japan, China, and beyond flocked to the port city. Inspired by the diverse lanterns they encountered, local villagers began hanging them in front of their homes, hoping to bring good fortune and happiness.

Since then, Hoi An has carefully preserved its rich cultural diversity, particularly its lantern traditions. While the monthly full moon celebrations and lantern festivals have long been separate traditions, the local government combined them in 1998, attracting both Vietnamese and international visitors to experience this unique spectacle.

Read More >>> Top 5 most traditional festivals in Vietnam 2024

How is the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026 celebrated?

From 5 PM to 10 PM on festival night, the town of Hoi An transforms. Vehicles disappear, and the streets are illuminated solely by the moonlight and a dazzling array of lanterns. Locals and visitors alike release colorful lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, each carrying wishes for happiness and good fortune.

You can wander freely, soaking in the sights and sounds, while enjoying captivating performances along the river. Expect to hear the enchanting melodies of bamboo flutes, drums, and fiddles, alongside captivating poetry readings.

Beyond the lanterns, the Hoi An Lantern Festival offers a glimpse into local life. Witness the vibrant energy as locals gather to play board games, enjoy traditional music, visit shrines and honor their ancestors with offerings of flowers, foods, incense, candles and burning fake money bills. It’s a truly immersive cultural experience.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a feast for the senses! To honor this special time, many locals choose to eat vegetarian food, abstaining from the taking of lives, and cultivating a sense of peace and inner calm. This is reflected in the delicious vegetarian dishes you’ll find alongside other yummy Vietnamese food at the many street stalls.

Local Tips: Don’t miss the chance to try delicious moon cakes, if you’re visiting in October.

Where is the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026 celebrated?

This UNESCO-listed town transforms into a magical spectacle, with the area between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Cau An Hoi Bridge offering the best views. Witness the enchanting sight of lanterns released onto the river, their reflections shimmering in the water.

If you’re staying within the city center, you’re just a short stroll away from the action. For those staying closer to the beach, a quick and affordable taxi or bus ride will get you there in no time.

Hoi An Lantern festival dates

Held monthly during the full moon, there are typically 12-13 festivals each year, making it easy to plan your trip around this enchanting event. Save this Hoi An Lantern festival dates for 2025 and 2026 to remember the dates and send to your family and friends who needs to see this magical event with you.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 Dates

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 Dates

Things to do during Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026

Join in the celebrations

Experience the magic of releasing your own lantern on the Hoai River during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. Purchase a beautifully crafted lotus-shaped lantern for just 5,000 VND, complete with a candle and a special pole for easy launching.

For the ultimate experience, consider a leisurely sampan ride along the river, where you can release your lantern and witness the river transform into a breathtaking sea of shimmering lights. Each floating lantern carries wishes for happiness, good fortune, and inner peace, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the full moon in Vietnamese culture.

Take part in traditional activities

Don’t miss Bai Choi, a UNESCO-listed tradition, during the Hoi An Lantern Festival. This unique blend of music, poetry, and a card game offers a captivating glimpse into local life and culture. Even if you don’t play, observing the festive atmosphere and lively interactions is an unforgettable experience.

Participate in lantern making workshop

Don’t miss the chance to participate in a lantern making workshop led by talented local artisans! Check our these amazing workshops when you are in Hoi An.

• Vietnamese Lantern Workshop:Located at 57 Ba Trieu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An. This is a place that provides a variety of traditional lantern models.
• Huynh Van Ba ​​Lantern Workshop:Located at 15A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoi An. The workshop is famous for its exquisitely handcrafted lanterns.
• Ha Linh Lantern Workshop: Address at 72 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An. The workshop provides many designs with guaranteed quality.

Explore the streets of Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, and Tran Phu to discover a dazzling array of lanterns. Prices vary widely, from 15,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on size, color, and intricacy of design. Custom orders are also available for a personalized touch.

Visit Hoi An’s landmarks and temples

Hoi An’s iconic landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Assembly Hall, and Quang Cong Temple, come alive during the Lantern Festival. These sites, each with its unique history and cultural significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into Hoi An’s past.

Don’t worry if you can’t see everything. Just soak up the enchanting atmosphere by wandering through the lantern-lit streets – it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Dine at a lantern-lit restaurant

When the festival bustle gets a bit much, retreat to a cozy restaurant. Enjoy delicious local cuisine while savoring the magical sight of the lanterns ascending into the night sky.

• Morning Glory Signature: Located at 41 Nguyen Phuc Chu, An Hoi, Hoi An. The restaurant aims to showcase what we Vietnamese eat, how we eat, and when we eat. However, it is a bit pricy than average Hoi An Restaurant.
• Dao Tien Restaurant: 19/4 Phan Boi Chau, Cam Chau, Hoi An. Head to this restaurant for Stunning riverside dining.
• Mai Fish: 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An, Hoi An. It has a beautiful garden terrace from which you can see the river and watch lantern festival.

Read more >>> Food safety: Guide to Vietnamese Street Food for travelers

Top local tips to make the most of Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026

Best time of the year

Witness the upcoming Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 in all its glory during February, when the first full moon of the lunar new year illuminates the town. This is the pinnacle of the festivities, a truly magical sight to behold.

Read more >>> Vietnam Weather by Month: A Traveler’s Guide to the best trip

Navigate the crowds

• Navigating the crowds can be tricky, especially on weekends. Consider visiting during the week or during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for a more relaxed experience.
• Arriving early (around 5 PM) allows you to explore the Old Town before the crowds intensify.
• Venture off the main paths to discover hidden gems and escape the crowds.

Respecting local tradition

To ensure a respectful and immersive experience:

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.
• Always ask permission before taking photos
• Participate in rituals with genuine respect for our cultural significance.
• Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases is also greatly appreciated.

Safety tips

• Be careful with fire: Be mindful of fire safety when releasing lanterns. Keep flames away from clothing and flammable objects.
• Hold on to your camera: Secure your camera and phone with straps to avoid dropping them in the water in the excitement.

What to Wear and Pack

Vietnam’s tropical climate requires some consideration when packing for the Lantern Festival:

• Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for warm evenings.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets.
• Pack a small umbrella or rain jacket, especially during the rainy season.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen for daytime exploration.

The upcoming Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 – 2026 is an unforgettable spectacle that transcends the beauty of its illuminated streets. It’s a cultural immersion, a chance to connect with the soul of this ancient town, and a truly magical experience.

With this guide, we hope you will embrace the magic, immerse yourself in the festivities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Save these Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates and see this as part of the tour with Prime Travel!

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