Hoi An Lantern Festival – A Cultural Festival Not To Be Missed In Vietnam
1. Overview:
When mentioning the ancient town of Hoi An, in addition to the mossy tiled roofs and the poetic Hoai River, visitors cannot miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival—the most famous lantern festival in Vietnam. This event is not only a tourist highlight but also has long-standing cultural values, attracting millions of international and domestic tourists every year.
So what is special about the Hoi An lantern festival? Let’s find out the details with Asia Luxury Travel in the article below.
2. Lịch sử hình thành lễ hội đèn lồng Hội An
The Hoi An Lantern Festival was born in the 16th-17th centuries, associated with the prosperous development of the Hoi An trading port. Lanterns, initially just decorative items, gradually became cultural symbols, representing warmth, luck, and peace.
In 1988, the local government decided to organize the Hoi An Lantern Festival on the full moon nights of every month, also known as the lantern festival, to preserve the unique cultural features that create a deep impression of the ancient town of Hoi An in the hearts of domestic and foreign tourists. At that time, the entire ancient town turned off all electric lights, giving way to thousands of sparkling lanterns, creating a magical and poetic scene.
Hoi An Lantern Festival: Traditional beauty of the ancient town. (Source: internet)
3. Hoi An Lantern Festival time
Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month every month, especially brilliant on the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is an opportunity for locals and tourists to admire the ancient town wearing an ancient and magical appearance under the colorful lanterns.
From around 6pm to10pm, the festival begins to bustle with cultural activities, music, and unique folk games. On the Hoai River, floating lanterns carry wishes for peace, creating an unforgettable romantic atmosphere for anyone who sets foot in Hoi An.
- Location: Hoi An ancient town, along the Hoai River and main streets.
4. Experiences Not to Be Missed at Hoi An Lantern Festival
4.1. Admire and capture the sparkling moments of the ancient town.
During the festival night, Hoi An ancient town turns into a magical picture with thousands of lanterns hanging along the streets and alleys. The light reflected on the ancient yellow walls creates a nostalgic and romantic scene.
This is also the ideal time for visitors to capture the most beautiful photos, from the bright small alleys and the boat docks on the Hoai River to the street-side cafes, all of which become great backdrops for unforgettable memories.
Drifting on the Hoai River to admire the wonderful beauty of the Hoi An lantern festival (Source: internet)
4.2. Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River
One of the most popular experiences at the Hoi An Lantern Festival is releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. Each flower lantern symbolizes a prayer for health, happiness, and peace.
Visitors can choose to participate in the lantern-releasing activity by sitting on a boat or standing along the riverbank. If you choose a boat, you will hear interesting stories from the boatman and admire the ancient beauty of Hoi An from the river. The feeling of relaxation and tranquility amidst the bright candlelight is an unforgettable experience.
- Price of flower lanterns: From 1 to 2 USD/boat.
- Boat service: About 5 – 10 USD/trip/20 minutes.
Tourists release flower lanterns on the Hoai River. (Source: internet)
4.3. Enjoying Traditional Vietnamese Performances
Within the framework of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy many types of unique traditional art performances. One of the outstanding activities is Bài Chòi singing, a folk art form combining music, poetry, and acting, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Bài Chòi performances often take place along the streets, attracting enthusiastic participation from both locals and tourists.
In addition, lion dances and martial arts performances also attract visitors. In addition, visitors can also participate in folk games such as tug-of-war and chess, creating a vibrant and cohesive atmosphere during the festival.
Bài chòi – a unique cultural feature not to be missed in Hoi An ancient town (Source: internet)
4.4. Learn about the traditional lantern-making craft in Hoi An
Participating in the Hoi An Lantern Festival, visitors not only admire the sparkling old town but also have the opportunity to learn about the lantern-making craft—a cultural symbol associated with Hoi An for more than 400 years. From bamboo frames and silk fabrics to sophisticated motifs, each lantern is created with the ingenuity and dedication of the craftsman.
You can visit famous workshops such as Thanh Truc, Huynh Van Ba, or Ha Linh in the old town to observe the making process and buy meaningful handmade lanterns. This is both an interesting cultural experience and a way to preserve memories when leaving Hoi An.
The sophisticated, sparkling beauty of traditional Hoi An lanterns. (Source: internet)
4.5. Enjoy Hoi An cuisine.
The festival is not only a sparkling light but also a culinary paradise. Visitors can enjoy diverse cuisine along the old town, such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, Banh Bao-Banh Vac, Chicken Rice, Banh Xeo, and Banh Mi Phuong, or walking with a glass of Mot water in hand will help you feel more clearly the typical flavor of this land. With prices from 0.76 USD to 3.79 USD/dish.
Mot Water, a specialty of Hoi An. (Source: internet)
4.6. Explore Hoi An Night Market.
Exploring Hoi An Night Market is an experience not to be missed when participating in the lantern festival. The most prominent is Nguyen Hoang Night Market, located on Nguyen Hoang Street, opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge, with a length of about 500 meters and more than 50 diverse stalls.
Here, visitors can find many exquisite handicraft products such as brocade bags, figurines, bracelets, clothes, handbags, and ceramics, most of which are handmade with traditional motifs such as conical hats, lanterns, and ao dai. The lively, bustling atmosphere lasts until late at night.
5. Experience attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival
5.1. Choosing the right time
If you want to participate in the festival, come to Hoi An on the 14th day of the lunar month every month. International tourists often choose the full moon of January, August, and December—the biggest occasions of the year.
5.2. Accommodation
- Cheap hotels: From 15 to 25 USD/night.
- Riverside hotels, nice view: 40 – 70 USD/night.
- Luxury resorts: Over 100 USD/night.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a suitable hotel. You should book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
5.3. Notes when participating in the festival
Prepare small cash to buy lanterns and snacks.
You should walk or rent a bicycle to avoid traffic jams.
Keep clean; do not throw trash into the river.
6. Why should you join Hoi An Lantern Festival?
Joining the Hoi An Lantern Festival is an experience that any tourist should not miss when visiting the ancient town.
Unique cultural experience: On the full moon night, the entire ancient town of Hoi An will turn off all the electric lights; instead, thousands of colorful lanterns will light up the streets. This is a rare occasion for you to fully experience the shimmering, quiet space and the strong heritage of Hoi An.
Romantic and peaceful atmosphere: With warm yellow light reflecting on the surface of the Hoai River, the festival creates a poetic scene, especially suitable for couples or families looking for moments of bonding. Releasing flower lanterns for good luck also brings an emotional and meaningful experience.
International event: Hoi An Lantern Festival is increasingly attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. The intersection of many cultures creates a vibrant and diverse atmosphere while still preserving Vietnamese traditions. This is a great opportunity for you to both explore local culture and connect with international friends.
7. Suggested 1-day itinerary at Hoi An Lantern Festival
Morning: Visit the old town, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Hoi An Museum.
Lunch: Enjoy Cao Lau and Hoi An Bread.
Afternoon: Shop at Hoi An market, relax at a riverside cafe.
Evening: Participate in the lantern festival, release flower lanterns, and admire the sparkling old town.
Hoi An Bridge Pagoda: Unique architecture carrying the soul of the ancient town. (Source: internet)
8. Conclusion
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a unique cultural event, where the ancient town lights up in thousands of colorful lanterns. Not only does it have traditional values, but the festival also recreates a shimmering, magical beauty that makes visitors feel like they are living in a fairy tale space.
Asia Luxury Travel believes that this will be an unforgettable experience for you, your family, and your friends when visiting Hoi An. Make plans today to fully enjoy the romantic and colorful atmosphere of this famous lantern festival!
9. Contact :
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