Hoian lantern festival is an event held every full moon, attracting many tourists to visit and enjoy. There are a lot of colorful lanterns which are lit and covered on the streets and in the water. This lantern festival is a celebration of Vietnamese culture and a wonderful experience for travellers visiting Hoian town. 

When & Where is the lantern festival held? 

Hoian lantern festival is known as the Full Moon lantern festival and is a traditional event held in Hoian, Vietnam. Each on the 14th day of every lunar month when the fullest and brightest fullest moon. 

At this time, the electric lights and street lights are turned off. You will see thousands of vibrant lanterns which shine. The lanterns are made of silk and paper with a variety of shapes and sizes and stunning designs. 

Tourists take a photo with lantern in Hoian

Tourists have the opportunity to release floating lanterns on the Thu Bon river. You can buy small lanterns from local people, after making a wish and release them onto the river. You will see the stunning scenery spectacle as the lanterns float downstream and bring good luck for people. 

The bustle atmosphere of Hoian lantern festival

Besides, you also enjoy some cultural performances, traditional games or rituals at the local temples. Hoian town becomes a vibrant more, welcomed many tourists. Hoian lantern festival both celebrates the beauty of the full moon and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Hoian, which is recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO with unique architecture and ancient charm.

The girl enjoy the lantern festival in Hoian ancient town

The time of this lantern festival Hoian in 2025:

• January: Jan 13th 2025
• February: Feb 11th, 2025
• March: Mar 13th, 2025
• April: April 11th, 2025
• May: May 11th, 2025
• June: June 9th, 2025
• July: July 8th, 2025
• August: Aug 7th, 2025
• October: Oct 5th, 2025
• November: Nov 3rd, 2025
• December: Dec 3rd, 2025

What to do in Hoian lantern festival? 

Seeing the stunning beauty of Hoian at night

If you come here at Hoian lantern festival, you can admire the stunning scenery of Hoian. You can walk around and enjoy the cool and fresh atmosphere of the town's celebration to admire the hanging lanterns. 

In contrast to the tranquil beauty of Hoi An during the day, the town on the festival night brings a different beautiful coat, creating a mind-blowing scenery. 

Explore the lantern festival by sampan

Enjoy a lot of traditional games

Strolling around the ancient town, tourists don't pass up traditional games such as board games, folk performances, or live music. You can listen to some beautiful folk singing from local instruments like bamboo flutes, fiddles, drums. 

Besides, Bai Choi is a well-known game that you see in this festival. This game combines music, poetry and acting. 

Bai Choi is one of the intangible heritage list in 2017. So, during the Hoian lantern festival, you can take part in many games such as music and poetry recitals. 

In addition, the players can draw cards between all the singing. 

Release lanterns on the Hoai river

Buying and releasing a lantern is one of the interesting things to do when you explore Hoian lantern festivals. Visitors can buy paper flower lanterns and release them in Hoai river. 

The lanterns are made of colorful paper, meticulously cut. The price of a lantern is about 5000 VND/each. You can go on sampan travel along the river, both admire the beautiful scenery and release lanterns on the water. 

Release the lantern on the Hoai river

With local people, each lantern represents a wish for happiness, good fortune. The majestic scenery by floating lanterns create a sparkling cover of a stretch of river. 

Tips for traveling to Hoian lanterns festival

• Seeking a good place to admire the beautiful view due to its large number of tourists flock to Hoian lanterns festival. 
• Should bring some equipment such as a camera, mobile to snap pictures. 
• Wear shoes for walking. 
• The best time to visit Hoian lantern festival is the first full moon of the lunar new year. 
• Book a 1 day Hoian tour to make lanterns from local people. 
• Rent a car in Hoian with a driver to explore Hoian lantern festival. 

Hoian lantern festival is the biggest festival in ancient town, attracting a large number of tourists. Visitor can find local life and enjoy interesting moments with friends and family. Don't forget to enjoy this lantern festival when you come to Hoian. 

See more:

Top Things To Do In Hoian, Vietnam