Hoi An Lantern Festival: Dates, Tips & What to Expect
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of Vietnam's most magical experiences. Here are the exact dates, best spots, and everything you need to know.
Every full moon — on the 14th day of each lunar month — Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a glowing wonderland. Electric lights are turned off, hundreds of colourful silk lanterns light the streets, and paper lanterns float down the Thu Bon River. It is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Southeast Asia.
2026 Lantern Festival Dates
The festival happens monthly on the 14th lunar day. Upcoming dates in 2026:
📅 January 12 | February 11 | March 12 | April 11
📅 May 11 | June 9 | July 9 | August 8
📅 September 7 | October 6 | November 5 | December 5
💡 The festival lasts from approximately 17:30 until midnight.
Best Spots to Experience the Festival
🌉 Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge — The most photographed spot on festival night. Arrive early to get a position.
🚣 Thu Bon River Banks — Watch lanterns float past from riverside restaurants or rent a boat for a unique perspective.
🏮 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street — The longest stretch of traditional shophouses, beautifully lit with hanging lanterns.
☕ Rooftop Cafes — Several cafes along the river offer elevated views over the lantern-lit rooftops.
How to Release a Lantern
Buying and releasing a paper lantern on the Thu Bon River is the most popular festival activity.
💰 Cost: 20,000–50,000 VND per lantern (sold by vendors along the riverbank)
1. Choose your lantern colour — each colour has a different meaning (red = luck, yellow = prosperity, white = remembrance)
2. Light the candle inside carefully
3. Make a wish
4. Gently place the lantern on the river and release
📌 The current carries lanterns slowly downstream — a magical sight from the bridge above.
Practical Tips
👕 The Ancient Town is entered by ticket on festival nights: 120,000 VND/person (covers 5 heritage site visits).
📸 Use manual camera settings — lantern light is beautiful but challenging. ISO 800–1600 with a wide aperture works well.
⏰ Arrive before 17:30 to secure a good spot — the area gets very crowded by 19:00.
🚗 Leave your motorbike outside the Ancient Town — the streets are closed to vehicles on festival nights.
Frequently asked about Hoi An
Quick answers to help you plan with confidence.
Two to three nights is ideal for the Ancient Town, tailor fittings, beaches, and a cooking class. Four nights if you want relaxed beach time or day trips to My Son Sanctuary.
Grab, private transfer, or hotel pickup takes about 35–45 minutes to the Old Town. Expect roughly USD 15 for a private car, depending on demand and luggage.
Yes if you allow time for fittings (usually 24 hours). Choose well-reviewed shops, agree on fabric and price in writing, and don’t promise huge orders on day one. Quality varies widely.
Absolutely—cao lau, white rose dumplings, banh mi Phuong–style sandwiches, and seafood are highlights. Cooking classes and market tours are among the best in Vietnam.
Evenings are magical, especially around full-moon nights when traffic restrictions make streets more atmospheric. Go early evening for photos before the densest crowds.