Quick answer: the Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the night of the full moon. Electric lights in the old town are dimmed, silk lanterns glow along the streets and locals and visitors float candle lanterns on the Thu Bon River for luck.
Why Hoi An glows
Hoi An was a major trading port for centuries, and its lantern tradition reflects Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Today the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the full-moon festival is a celebration of ancestors, community and good fortune.
How to make the most of lantern night
- Arrive in the old town before sunset to see the lanterns come on.
- Take a small boat ride on the river and release a paper lantern.
- Look out for traditional games, music and poetry readings in the streets.
- Stay in or near the old town so you can walk back late.
Best months to visit
February to April offers warm, dry weather and comfortable temperatures. October and November can bring heavy rain to central Vietnam, so a well-planned itinerary with flexible days matters.
Travel with Gallivanta
Lotus to Lanterns: Vietnam & Cambodia
Lotus to Lanterns, our all-inclusive women-only tour of Vietnam and Cambodia hosted by Bridgette, includes three nights in Hoi An with coconut boats, rice paddies and lantern-lit evenings in the old town.
View the tour