Hoi An Lantern Festival: A Must-Do in Hoi An's Glowing Ancient Town

This unique cultural event draws thousands of visitors each year. But did you know that behind this radiant beauty are profound cultural stories and meanings? When you travel to Hoi An, don't miss the chance to uncover the intriguing secrets behind these beautiful lanterns!

1.  Introduction to the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient beauty, still preserves its traditional values and rich cultural essence. One of the most beloved events in the ancient town is the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a celebration deeply imbued with traditional culture, drawing thousands of tourists annually. It's not just an occasion to light up the old town with vibrant lanterns, but also a time for the people of Hoi An to express gratitude, pray for good fortune, peace, and happiness.

>>> Explore more: Explore the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town

Lantern festival in Hoi An ancient town

1.1 Discovering the Hoi An Lantern Festival

On every full moon night, the town of Hoi An adorns itself with the shimmering glow of thousands of lanterns, but it’s during the Mid-Autumn Festival in August that the celebration truly shines the brightest. Under the perfectly round full moon, thousands of lanterns of various colors are lit, transforming the ancient streets into an ethereal, dreamlike scene. The gentle light spreads across the space, painting a magical and poetic picture. The Lantern Festival is not only a long-standing traditional beauty but also a deep harmony between humans and nature, sky, and earth, while also honoring the intricate craftsmanship of Hoi An's traditional lantern-making.

Colorful lanterns at the lantern festival

1.2 The Significance of Lanterns in local culture and beliefs

Lanterns are not just simple decorations; they carry deep spiritual meanings for the people of Hoi An. In Vietnamese culture and beliefs, lanterns symbolize the light that guides the way, dispels evil spirits, and brings good luck and happiness to all. Especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns take on even more significance as they bring families and friends closer together in a cozy, warm, and joyful atmosphere. The image of children lighting lanterns, joyfully parading them under the full moon, has become a cultural beauty passed down through generations, contributing to the soul of the festival.

The Lantern Festival is not only a long-standing traditional beauty but also a deep harmony between humans, nature, heaven, and earth, as well as an occasion to honor the intricate craft of Hoi An’s handmade lantern-making.

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

2. The radiant atmosphere of the ancient town during the Mid-Autumn Festival

When night falls, the ancient town of Hoi An adorns itself in a vibrant new outfit, glowing with the light of thousands of lanterns.

Lanterns Adorning Hoi An Everywhere

2.1 The Ancient Town shimmering under the lantern lights on the full moon night

From the narrow streets, past the ancient houses, to the quaint little bridges, everything is illuminated by lanterns of all colors and shapes. The combination of classic architecture and lantern lights creates a space that is both romantic and mysterious, attracting visitors from all over to come and experience it.

2.2 Discover the highlighted "Check-in" spots

In the radiant atmosphere of the Lantern Festival, certain locations in Hoi An’s ancient town stand out even more, drawing attention and becoming must-visit “check-in” spots.

1. Hoi An Ancient Town

The lanterns of Hoi An’s ancient town are familiar to many tourists. Especially around the 14th day of the lunar month, from 6 PM to 10 PM, the streets are brightly lit with the shimmering light of numerous lanterns. This will be a fantastic “virtual living” space that you won’t want to miss. Visitors can also freely “check-in” on streets filled with colorful lanterns, especially on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, where the ancient houses stand close together, illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a captivating fairy tale world.

>>> See more: Top 15 interesting things must do in Hoi An

2. The Pagodas in Hoi An

At famous Hoi An pagodas such as Chùa Cầu (the Japanese Covered Bridge) – beautifully reflected in the poetic Hoai River, which turns into a masterpiece under the magical lantern lights, or Ba Mu Temple, Ong Temple, and more, the lanterns are also beautifully adorned. In addition to taking photos, visitors to these sites have the opportunity to learn more about the architecture and history of these ancient pagodas.

3. Hoi An Memories Island

Hoi An Memories Island, with its unique cultural and artistic activities and its space decorated with hundreds of vibrant lanterns, becomes an ideal rendezvous for visitors to immerse themselves in the colorful and emotional festival atmosphere, capturing stunning "check-in" photos.

The Japanese Covered Bridge Shimmering Under the Lantern Lights

2.3 The Ritual of Releasing Floating Lanterns for Good Fortune on the Hoai River

One of the must-do in Hoi An during the Hoi An Lantern Festival is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River. Each floating lantern carries with it a wish, a hope for peace, good fortune, and happiness. The twinkling lanterns drifting along the river create a poetic and tranquil scene. This is a moment when visitors can immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, experiencing the serene and peaceful feeling amidst the radiant ancient town.

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

Tourists release flower lanterns to pray for love

3. Discovering the traditional lantern-making craft is a must-do in Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for its shimmering lanterns and is home to a traditional lantern-making craft that has been preserved and passed down through generations.

3.1 Traditional lanterns made from bamboo and silk

The craft of lantern-making in Hoi An has existed for hundreds of years, witnessing the ups and downs of history and becoming an indispensable part of the cultural life of the people of Hoi An. When participating in the Lantern Festival, visitors not only get to admire the beauty of the lanterns but also have the opportunity to learn about the process of making lanterns from skilled artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of the value of this traditional craft.

Hoi An lanterns stand out for their traditional materials of bamboo and silk, two familiar and common materials in Vietnamese life. Bamboo is carefully selected and meticulously shaped into a sturdy frame, while soft silk is used to create the lantern’s cover, giving the product a light, elegant look. The harmonious combination of bamboo and silk creates durability, helping Hoi An lanterns exude sophistication, elegance, and a strong sense of tradition. Each bamboo-and-silk lantern is a symbol of the skill, artistry, and dedication of the lantern makers.

 Attending the Mid-Autumn Festival in this ancient town is a must-do in Hoi An

3.2 Various shapes, colors, and symbolic meanings of Hoi An lanterns

Hoi An lanterns come in a wide range of shapes and colors, with each lantern carrying its own symbolic meaning, reflecting the richness of local culture and spirituality. There are lanterns in the shape of pumpkins, octagons, hearts, and squares, each form representing a cultural feature or a message that the artisan wishes to convey.

The colors of the lanterns are also diverse, from red, yellow, and green to white, each color carrying a different meaning. Red symbolizes luck and happiness, while yellow represents prosperity and wealth. Hoi An lanterns are not only artistic products but also the culmination of cultural essence, a source of pride for the people of Hoi An.

Various types of colorful lanterns in Hoi An ancient town

3.3 The Art of Lantern-Making: From Skilled Hands to Exquisite Creations

The art of lantern-making in Hoi An is a process that requires patience, skill, and meticulousness from the artisans. Each lantern is a work of art, created by talented hands, filled with the soul and emotions of its maker. The process of making lanterns includes many steps, from selecting bamboo, shaping the frame, gluing the silk, to decorating and painting, all done with great care and finesse. It is the dedication and love for the craft that allows Hoi An’s artisans to create unique lanterns, rich in cultural significance, and meaningful souvenirs for visitors from near and far.

4. Exciting Experiences During the Lantern Festival

Don't miss the must-do activities of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, including admiring the shimmering beauty of the ancient town.

>>> Find out more: Essential Tips for Independent Travel to Hoi An

4.1 Participating in lantern-making at traditional craft villages

One of the most unique experiences when visiting Hoi An during the Lantern Festival is joining lantern-making classes at traditional craft villages. Visitors will be directly guided by skilled artisans and can create their own personalized lanterns, gaining insight into the cultural value of this traditional craft.

Tourists participate in making lanterns in Hoi An ancient town

4.2. Admiring Hoi An lanterns on the Mid-Autumn Festival Night

The Mid-Autumn Festival night is the perfect time to admire Hoi An’s lanterns in their full glory. The ancient streets become radiant and magical under the vibrant light of lanterns. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of the old town, gaze at the lanterns hanging high, and enjoy the peaceful yet colorful atmosphere. It’s a time to immerse yourself in the festival's spirit, feeling the warmth and happiness radiating from the small but meaningful lanterns.

Hoi An ancient town is colorfully decorated

4.3 Traditional folk games, lion dances, and singing contests to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival

During the festival, Hoi An not only attracts visitors with the beauty of its lanterns but also with the vibrant traditional games. Folk games such as tug of war, bamboo dancing, and blindfolded goat-catching are widely organized throughout the streets. Lion dances and singing contests are popular art forms during the Mid-Autumn Festival, bringing joy and excitement to both adults and children. These activities further enliven the festive atmosphere and allow visitors to explore Vietnam’s folk culture more deeply.

>>> See more: Discovering 8 Forms of Cultural and Artistic Performances in Vietnam

4.4 Must-do in Hoi An: Enjoying Hoi An’s culinary delights

A visit to the festival wouldn’t be complete without indulging in traditional dishes like cao lầu and mì quảng, known for their rich and irresistible flavors. In addition, visitors can savor special festival dishes like mooncakes, bánh nậm (steamed rice cakes), and various childhood snacks. Hoi An’s cuisine not only delights with its delicious taste but also captivates with its simplicity and strong traditional roots.

Lantern festival is a special occasion for tourists coming to Hoi An

4.5 Experiencing the World-Class Hoi An Memories Show: A Journey Through Hoi An’s History and Culture

Hoi An Memories (Ký Ức Hội An) at Hoi An Memories Land is one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor shows, hailed as a unique cultural and historical symbol of Hoi An. While attending the Lantern Festival, visitors should not miss the opportunity to witness this top-tier performance, a deeply emotional and captivating experience.

The show is meticulously choreographed with over 500 actors, vividly reenacting significant moments in Hoi An’s history and culture through various periods. The artistic performances combine sound, light, dance, and traditional costumes to create a romantic and majestic atmosphere. This helps the audience feel as though they are traveling back in time to relive the golden moments of ancient Hoi An.

5. Things to Keep in Mind When Attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival

To have a fulfilling and meaningful experience at the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visitors should keep the following points in mind:

Time:

• The festival takes place on the night of the full moon every month, but the most special event is during the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the most vibrant part of the festival.
• During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hoi An can be very crowded, so it's best to arrive early to leisurely explore and participate in the activities.

Attire:

• Choose comfortable, respectful clothing appropriate for the festive atmosphere. 
• Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended for walking through the ancient streets.

Protecting the Environment and Heritage:

• Do not litter; keep the environment clean to preserve the beauty of the ancient town. 
• Avoid touching or climbing on historical sites and architectural structures to protect these cultural treasures.

Safety and Security:

• Be cautious with your personal belongings, especially in large crowds.
• Follow safety rules and traffic regulations, particularly in the pedestrian zones where motorcycles and cars are prohibited.

Respect Local Culture:

• Respect the customs and traditions of the local people. 
• Avoid inappropriate or disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Other Notes:

• Purchase a ticket to visit the ancient town if you plan to explore the heritage sites within the area. 
• Be prepared to walk a lot since Hoi An's ancient town is mostly pedestrian-only. 
• Bring a camera to capture beautiful moments during the festival.

With thorough preparation and a respectful attitude toward local culture, you are sure to have an unforgettable and enjoyable experience at the Hoi An Lantern Festival.

Scene of lantern shops at the festival

6. Conclusion

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique cultural event where visitors can find peace, immerse themselves in the shimmering, colorful atmosphere of the ancient town, and reconnect with traditional values. Each lantern not only lights up the streets but also warms the hearts of the people, bringing joy, hope, and community spirit. If you're seeking a special experience, attending the Mid-Autumn Festival in this ancient town is a must-do in Hoi An. It allows you to enjoy a lively cultural environment, explore rich traditions, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting locale.