Hoi An Ancient Town in the Full Moon Season: Explore the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival

Despite the flow of time, this landmark still remains the same from its birth of existence. Maybe because of that, the Mid-Autumn Festival in this ancient town carries a different beauty. It is lively, restless, and awakens the emotions in anyone. Let’s explore the fun things in the full moon season in Hoi An in this article, and let’s see if you want to try it this year.

1. Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival: Date, Location, and how 2 blend in the atmosphere

Under the full moon of August, Hoi An dresses up with a bright and colorful shirt, alluring, and majestic that captivates visitors with its beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival. The difference with other regions is that, Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival here lasts for 4 days, from 12th to 15th of August on the Lunar Calendar, which gives a strong impression of Eastern Asian culture.

On these days in the ancient town, tourists will step into the fairy tale land with beautiful and colorful lanterns. Under these illuminated lights, smiles, talks with drums and the sound of the lion dance create a bustling and exciting atmosphere that can not be resisted.

The main event for this festival is the traditional activities such as lantern parade, flower garment lanterns releasing and dealing out the moon night. The flow of crowds going through every road, carrying the colorful lanterns, creates a truly impressive scene. The excitement is evident on children's faces as they participate in the lantern procession and release dream lanterns to float high in the sky. Enjoying local delicacies under the full moon, visitors feel immersed in the warm, festive atmosphere and togetherness of the local community.

Hoi An offers visitors not only unique experiences during the Mid-Autumn Festival but also captivates them with traditional cultural values preserved through generations. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming the festival's lasting appeal and significance.

See more: Hoi An Ancient Town and 1001 things you might not know 

2. 06 “once in once” activities for Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival

Come to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam at the Mid-Autumn Festival, tourists will experience many exciting activities which can not be seen anywhere else. Following, these 6 activities for you to do in Hoi An in the Full Moon August.

2.1. Hoi An Lantern Street: A Fairy Tale World of Colors

Every once in a year at this time, Hoi Anh becomes a masterpiece, illuminated with thousands of lantern lights, creating an illusive and poetic world. Come to Hoi An this Mid-Autumn, tourists can not miss some special activities, everywhere in the streets, every road all shines colorfully in the night. Hoi An Lanterns are simply not a decoration, it is also a symbol of luck, warmth and peace.

When stepping into Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam at this time, visitors will be shocked with many lanterns that are made with complexity. Each lantern carries a story, a cultural value, creating an illuminated and distinctive beauty of the ancient town.

In the world of lanterns, tourists can easily record their moments through thousands of pictures. Everywhere was covered in lights, from shops, houses, and restaurants. The Lantern Festival in Hoi An is not diverse in design, shape but also the pride and love for this country.

Hoi An offers visitors not only unique experiences during the Mid-Autumn Festival but also captivates them with traditional cultural values preserved through generations. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the festival's enduring charm and significance.

Hoi An become a lively picture with many illuminated lantern lights 

2.2. Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival: "Send a Wish, Embrace the Magic"

Under the full moon, releasing small lanterns with dreams and hopes on the tranquil Hoai River is an unmissable experience when visiting Hoi An during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Visitors will immerse themselves in an enchanting, magical atmosphere with thousands of colorful lanterns floating gently on the river. The light from the lanterns blends with the moonlight to create a mystical, shimmering scene that makes guests feel incredibly relaxed and at peace. For an even more delightful experience, you can take a ride in a small boat along the picturesque Hoai River and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Choose a lantern, light its candle, close your eyes, and make your wishes for yourself and your family. Then, let the lantern float away with the current, carrying your dreams and hopes with it.

Moreover, tourists can have a chance to participate in different entertainment activities such as: lion dance, singing, food,... The bustling and crowded atmosphere of the Lantern Festival will make tourists feel attractive and refuse to leave.

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival is not only a cultural beauty but also a chance for locals to wish for a better year, full of prosperity. If you are finding somewhere to travel for the Mid-Autumn Festival, then Hoi An will be your top choice.

See more: Explore the culture of Hoi An with lanterns and wishing lanterns releases

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival: "Send a Wish, Embrace the Magic" 

2.3. Hoi An Lion Dance: "Rhythms of Drums, Spectacles of Artistry"

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An is not about the illuminated lanterns but also about the lively lion dance performances. Lion Dance is considered a must have in the Mid-Autumn Festival by the locals.

The lively drum beats, vibrant music, and the graceful movements of the lion dance create an incredibly festive atmosphere that captures everyone's attention. Children cheer with delight, and adults join in the excitement, cheering for the lion dance performance.

For Hoi An people, lion dance is not an entertainment activity, it also means wishes for luck and fortune for the family and community. They believed that the drums, the music and the melody will exorcize evil spirits and bring good matters to our life. 

Mid-Autumn Festival is also an occasion for skilled hands to unleash their creativity, presenting unique artistic works to both visitors and locals, contributing to a vibrant and meaningful festival season. In Hoi An, lion dances are crafted with great care and detail, reflecting traditional cultural heritage. The lion heads are made from bamboo, rattan, and paper mache, and are adorned with bright colors. The lion’s body and costume are hand-sewn to match the head. Each part of the lion has its own significance, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and peace.

In addition to the talented artisans who craft the lion heads, the lion dancers themselves are crucial in bringing life to the lively and festive lion dance performances during Hoi An’s Mid-Autumn Festival. With passion and enthusiasm, the dancers train diligently for months leading up to the festival. They practice their dance moves, coordination, and synchronization with teammates to create captivating performances that attract all eyes.

“Lion Dance” is considered a specialty that can not be excluded from the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam

2.4. Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival Play: Live back your childhood

In addition to the vibrant and festive sights and sounds, Hoi An’s Mid-Autumn Festival offers visitors the chance to experience unique traditional games that evoke childhood memories. Under the sparkling full moon, the ancient streets turn into a lively playground filled with the joyful laughter of children, creating a warm and vibrant Mid-Autumn scene.

• Blindfolded Pot Breaking: This is a must have at Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival. You will be blindfolded then use a bat to hit the pot tied into a rope. When breaking, you will receive presents such as candies, snacks, fruits. This game not only makes you laugh but also requires skill and cheerful spirit of the player.
• Bài chòi: Bai choi is a traditional folk game in Quang Nam, commonly seen at the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tourists will enjoy the performances which contain singing, dancing from the local artists. Bai choi not only brings entertainment but also shows the beautiful culture of Hoi An people.
• Pen-Fruit Tray: a five fruit tray is a core in the Mid-Autumn Festival. Each fruit contains a different meaning, symbolizing the ambition about a prosperous life. Tourists can see different trays in front of people’s houses and temples.
• Tuồng: Tuồng is a traditional performance in Vietnam, commonly performed at festivals. Tourists can enjoy plays with a diverse story, alongside beautiful and colorful costumes. Tuồng is not only a type of entertainment but also shows religious devotion from the locals.
• Deal out: After participating in various activities, tourists can enjoy the delicious dishes in the festival tray. The tray in the Mid-Autumn Festival usually has mooncakes, fruits, sticky rice, sweet soup,... Tourists can enjoy the tray with family and friends, or join in the dealing out festival on many streets in the Ancient Town.

Participate in Traditional Plays in Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam at Mid-Autumn Festival

2.5. Bội singing: Enjoy the essence of traditional art performance 

Bội singing, or tuồng Quảng, is a traditional opera in Vietnam, originally from Quang Nam and passed down through generations. Even though today, Bội singing is decreasing, only a few people are still choosing this path.

In Hoi An, tourists still can find some Bội groups, from 1 to 2 groups, still wanting to keep this tradition for the next one. Their stage is also the vibrant and illuminated roads, offering the tourists a special traditional experience.

It can be said that tourists who come to Hoi An on the Mid-Autumn Festival will be very lucky to have a chance to “see with ears, hear with eyes” and “devour” the amazing traditional singing in Quang Nam. The echo of drums, sweet singing voices from the artists combining with those swift and colorful dances will ride you to the art world that is different and charming.

Even though there are only a few groups still doing this, they are trying their best to preserve the tradition to the younger generations. Bội singers still put their heart into this type of play, making sure that you will feel all the emotional plays.

See more: Top 25 things should not to miss when visiting Hoi An Festivals

Bội singing of the Quang

2.6. Hoi An mooncakes and tea: "Embrace Exquisite Flavors, Immerse in Timeless Ambiance"

Hiding themselves in small alleys of Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam, there are a lot of beautiful and peaceful tea shops. These shops are an ideal place for tourists to relax, sipping tea and watching the ancient town vibrantly shining on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some of famous tea shops in Hoi An you can check out:

• Reaching Out Teahouse: A tea house with a charming, antique ambiance, featuring wooden furniture and traditional lanterns.
• Cocobana Tea Rooms & Garden: A tea house set in a spacious, green environment with many plants and flowers, perfect for enjoying tea while admiring the beautiful garden.
• The Bird House Hoian: A tea house with a unique décor featuring charming birdcages, offering a delightful setting for tea and photo opportunities.
• A Little Hoi An: A quaint, cozy tea house with a romantic atmosphere, ideal for sipping tea and enjoying conversations with friends or loved ones.

Mooncake is a must have in every Mid-Autumn Festival. Tourists who come to Hoi An can enjoy these delicious mooncakes, made from fresh ingredients. Additionally, apart from those tea shops, you can find mooncakes in some sweet shops or local markets.

Enjoying tea at Reaching Out Teahouse in the Mid-Autumn Festival

2.7. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Memorable Night Feast at Hoi An Memories Land

Under the full moon of August, Hoi An Memories Land dons a shimmering, magical cloak, captivating visitors with its fairy-tale beauty during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This destination becomes a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in the vibrant, colorful festival atmosphere and experience unique traditional cultural values.

Entering Hoi An Memories Land, visitors are transported into a fairy-tale world with hundreds of radiant, enchanting lanterns. The bright moonlight illuminates every corner and detail of the island, creating a scene as dazzling and mystical as a movie set. As guests join the lively, festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival, they will enjoy spectacular artistic performances, dress up as the Moon Goddess and the Man in the Moon, participate in traditional games, and savor delicious traditional foods.

Enjoying the lively and festive night of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Memories Land

This year at Hoi An Memories Land, visitors will have the chance to admire the largest fairy-tale moon palace in Vietnam, bathed in enchanting, shimmering light. This giant moon palace is a must-see for anyone visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities such as: celebrating the moon festival with traditional mooncakes, making mooncakes themselves, savoring tea and mooncakes in the nostalgic setting of the Non La restaurant, participating in the "Moon in the Merchant Port" event for family gatherings, and witnessing the world-renowned "Hoi An Memories Show" on a massive 25,000m² stage.

At Hoi An Memories Land during the Mid-Autumn Festival, guests will not only immerse themselves in the lively festival atmosphere but also experience unique traditional cultural values and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

See more: The top 10 unique Hoi An festivals that tourists should not miss

Savoring mooncakes and sipping tea at Non La Restaurant in Hoi An Memories Land

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam is not just a vibrant celebration of colors but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam's unique traditional culture. As you partake in the folk games of the old town, savor mooncakes at charming cafes, and enjoy the skillful lion dances, you'll be transported back to a joyful, carefree childhood, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. This festival is also a chance for everyone to bond, share happiness, and hope for a bright future together. Come to Hoi An during the Mid-Autumn Festival to be enchanted by its magical, glowing atmosphere. Engage in lively activities and fully experience the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting land. You’ll undoubtedly create cherished memories and embrace the fairy-tale charm of a moonlit celebration in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam.