Lantern Festival Hoi An 2026: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Nestled in the heart of central Vietnam, the ancient town of Hội An transforms each month into something magical when the full moon rises in lantern festival Vietnam). The famed Lantern Festival Hoi An (also known as the Full Moon Lantern Festival) is a shimmering celebration of light, tradition and spiritual renewal.

In this guide—brought to you by Sun Getaways Travel—you’ll discover the 2026 schedule, timing, best viewing spots, cultural significance, travel tips and how to make the most of your experience. Let us help you plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss this unforgettable event.

What is the Lantern Festival Hoi An?

The Lantern Festival Hoi An is rooted in ancient customs and has evolved into a monthly cultural spectacle.

1. The festival occurs on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the moon is at or near its fullest.
2. Locally, it is also called the “Full Moon Festival”/”Full Moon Lantern Festival Vietnam” reflecting its timing and spiritual dimension.
3. What makes Hoi An unique is that the entire historic Old Town area goes dark—electric lights are turned off—and the streets, riverbanks and bridges glow only from lanterns and candles.
4. Visitors and locals alike release floating lanterns on the Hoài River (a branch of the Thu Bồn River) as an act of making wishes for good fortune, health and happiness.
5. The event also ties into ancestor worship and Buddhist full-moon rituals—honoring the past, embracing the present and symbolically lighting the way forward.

With each lantern you release in Lantern Festival Hoi An, you become part of a long-standing tradition: one that blends heritage with spectacle, quiet reflection with vibrant visuals. Let us arrange your perfect evening in Hoi An, including Lantern Festival—just inquire below for tailored assistance.

2026 Dates to Mark in Your Calendar

Here are the expected festival dates for 2026 in Hoi An:

*Note: The lunar calendar shifts, so these Gregorian dates should be treated as approximations—always verify closer to travel.
If you’d like us at Sun Getaways Travel to organise your stay and trip around one of these nights, we’d be delighted to assist.

Lantern Festival Hoi An: Timing & Where Happens

When to arrive

1. The festival atmosphere builds as daylight fades—visitors recommend arriving around 6:30pm-7:00pm in the Old Town to soak in the ambiance before the main event begins.
2. The key lantern-lighting moment happens around 8pm, when the electricity gets switched off and lanterns become the primary light source.
3. The festivities often wind down around 10pm though the glow may linger—before that, you’ll want to secure vantage points and enjoy the energy.

Where in Hoi An

1. The core of the event lies within the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town: narrow streets, riverside walkways, and the bridges spanning the Hoài River.
2. Key spots include the riverside along the Hoài River, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge area, the An Hội Bridge zone, and the streets of Nguyen Thai Hoc, Le Loi and others.
3. On the night itself, motorised vehicles are often prohibited from parts of the Old Town, making the area more pedestrian-friendly and atmospheric.

What to Expect & Things to Do in Lantern Festival Hoi An

Wandering the Streets

As dusk approaches, the streets of Hoi An glow with silk lanterns of countless colours, shapes and sizes. Shops, homes and restaurants all participate, making the whole town feel like a living work of art. If you are interested in the craftsmanship, you can learn more about Vietnamese Traditional Lantern Making.
Walk the lanes slowly: each bend reveals new lantern displays, reflected river lights and hidden corners perfect for photos.

Releasing Floating Lanterns

One of the signature experiences: purchasing a small floating lantern and releasing it onto the river with a wish or intention. The gentle drift of candlelit lanterns on the water is deeply symbolic and visually stunning.
For a more tranquil experience, consider taking a small boat (sampan) ride on the river. You’ll get better vantage and avoid the densest crowds.

Traditional Performances & Cultural Activities

The festival isn’t just lanterns—expect folk music, “Bài Chòi” (a Vietnamese musical game), poetry readings, lion dances in some months and bustling Vietnamese Night Markets.
Observe local rituals too: families visiting shrines, burning offerings for ancestors, preparing small altars of fruit and incense—offering a meaningful glimpse into Vietnamese spiritual life.

Night Market & Local Cuisine

The streets near the river fill with food stalls, night-markets, local snacks and souvenirs. Taste specialties like Cao Lầu noodles, grilled rice paper, sweet mung-bean desserts and more. For more delights, check out our guide to Vietnamese Street Food.
While you wander, contact us via WhatsApp reserve dinner at a riverside restaurant so you can enjoy the festivities with a drink and no fuss—ask us about our dinner-plus-festival package.

Lantern Festival Hoi An: Tips & Insider Hacks

1. Arrive early: by 6.30pm you’ll avoid the worst of the crush, get a good photo spot and enjoy the pre-festival atmosphere.
2. Stay overnight in town: Since you’ll want to stay past sunset and the event winds down post 10pm, staying in or near the Old Town gives you maximum convenience and avoids late-night transport stress. If you’re interested in exploring the evening atmosphere further, you can find a guide to Hoi An Nightlife options.
3. Choose the right date: The bigger the moon and the fuller the crowd, the more magical. The first full moon lantern festival Vietnam after Lunar New Year is often the most spectacular. The festival’s concept is closely related to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.
4. Comfortable shoes & respect: The streets are cobbled; you’ll walk a lot. Also remember this is a cultural event—dress modestly, respect local custom, and dispose of candles/lanterns properly.
5. Camera/settings: Use a wrist strap for your camera/phone because you’ll be near water and crowds. The lighting is low—consider using wide-aperture or high-ISO settings if you’re photographing.
6. Avoid the crowds if needed: If you prefer a quieter experience, attend on a less-busy full-moon night rather than major holidays, or book a river boat ride to get away from the riverbank crowd.
7. Budget & lantern cost: You’ll find vendors selling floating lanterns for modest cost—having some cash helps. Learn more about Money in Viet Nam to prepare. Consider asking your guide for local vendor recommendations.
8. Weather check: Hoi An is in central Vietnam; weather can shift. The dry season (February to August) is best for comfortable evenings. For more on weather planning, see our Best Time to Visit Vietnam Month by Month Guide.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Lantern Festival Hoi An

1. It’s not just another photo-op—this festival immerses you in Vietnamese Culture, heritage and community, under a full moon and the gentle glow of lanterns.
2. The visuals are astounding: lanterns reflected on water, narrow alleys glowing, the ancient town freed from electric lights for a night.
3. For couples, solo travellers, families: the atmosphere is magical and memorable.
4. If you time it right, the memory stays long after the lanterns fade.

Sample Evening Itinerary

Here’s a suggested timeline to maximise your visit, not only Lantern Festival Hoi An but also whole beauty of Hoi An:

1. 5:30pm: Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town, check in to your hotel/guesthouse.
2. 6:30pm: Take a gentle stroll, enjoy dinner or drinks by the riverside—soak in the anticipation. You can explore a Hoi An Walking Tour to familiarize yourself with the area.
3. 7:30pm: Grab a vantage spot along the Hoài River or near the Japanese Covered Bridge.
4. 8:00pm: Festival begins—electric lights go off; lanterns take over. Buy a floating lantern, make your wish, release it into the river.
5. 8:30-9:30pm: Explore the night market, snack on street food, enjoy folk performances.
6. 9:30-10:00pm: As the peak activity winds down, enjoy a final walk under the lantern glow.
7. After 10:00pm: Head back to your hotel or find a quiet café for a nightcap.

If you’d like us to build and book this itinerary for you — including hotel, ferry/boat ride, dinner and guided experience — just contact Sun Getaways Travel (WhatsApp) and we’ll take care of every detail.

Practical Travel Logistics

1. Getting there: Hoi An is about 20 minutes from Đà Nẵng by taxi from the airport. Arrange transfers in advance to ensure timely arrival before festival night.
2. Accommodation: Choose a hotel inside or very near the ancient town to maximise convenience for the festival evening. Booking early is wise, as festival nights fill up.
3. Transport: On festival nights, parts of the town may be closed to vehicles—walking is easiest. Avoid bringing large luggage into the old quarter at night.
4. Money: Many street vendors accept cash only. Bring Vietnamese đồng and carry small bills for ease.
5. Safety: While Lantern Festival Hoi An is generally safe, the riverside and darkened streets warrant typical precautions—watch your belongings, especially camera gear near the water.
6. Language: While many locals speak tourist-level English, having a guide or interpreter can enrich your experience.
7. Weather & flood risk: Although the dry season is preferred, Hoi An is subject to seasonal rains and occasional flooding—check forecasts in advance.

Sustainability & Respecting the Event

This festival is deeply rooted in local culture and community—so as visitors we should attend responsibly:

1. Use eco-friendly lanterns where possible.
2. Avoid damaging or littering the riverbanks.
3. Respect local rituals: burning offerings, ancestor remembrance, quiet reflection.
4. Support local artisans: buy real handmade lanterns rather than cheap mass-produced ones.
5. Be culturally sensitive: dress modestly, seek permission if photographing local religious rituals, and follow guidance if boat rides are offered.

Final Thoughts: Lantern Festival Hoi An

The Lantern Festival Hoi An or Full Moon lantern festival Vietnam is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting experiences—a luminous fusion of tradition, culture and pure visual magic. Whether you’re photographing the lanterns, releasing a wish onto the Hoài River or simply wandering the candle-lit lanes of the ancient town, it leaves a lasting imprint.

If you’re considering your 2026 travel plans, why not make the Hoi An lantern festival night the highlight? Reach out to Sun Getaways Travel now and we’ll design your tailor-made journey to Hoi An—so you arrive at exactly the right time, feel completely supported and leave with memories to last a lifetime.