On this special night, thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, floating paper lanterns are released on the Thu Bon River, and the town immerses itself in a peaceful, candlelit ambiance. Whether you’re a traveler looking for cultural experiences, a photographer seeking breathtaking moments, or a couple in search of a romantic getaway, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is a must-visit event.
What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
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During the festival, locals and tourists gather to:
- Release floating lanterns (Hoa Đăng) on the Thu Bon River to make wishes.
- Turn off all electric lights in the Old Town, allowing the lanterns to shine in their full glory.
- Participate in traditional music, dance, and games.
- Enjoy local street food and cultural performances.
When Is the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025?
Date: Wednesday, 12th February 2025.Time: From sunset to around 10:00 PM.
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
Other Lantern Festival Dates in 2025
If you miss the February 12, 2025 festival, don't worry! The Hoi An Lantern Festival happens every full moon night. Here are other dates:- March 14, 2025
- April 12, 2025
- May 11, 2025
- June 10, 2025
- July 9, 2025
- August 8, 2025
- September 7, 2025
- October 6, 2025
- November 5, 2025
- December 4, 2025
What is the Best Time to Visit Lantern Festival?
February to August is the preferred time to visit the Hoi An Lantern Festival, and more so is recommended during February. As February is the first full moon of the lunar new year, the Hoi An Lantern Festival celebrations are the biggest and most exclusive during this time.Where Is The Festival Celebrated?
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Highlights of the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025
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1. Floating Lanterns on the Thu Bon River
The most breathtaking sight of the festival is the floating of paper lanterns on the river. People light a candle inside the lantern, make a wish, and release it onto the water. The river becomes a sea of glowing lanterns, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.2. Traditional Street Performances
Hoi An’s streets come alive with cultural performances, including:- Folk music played with traditional Vietnamese instruments.
- Lion and dragon dances symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
- Calligraphy demonstrations, where artists write meaningful Vietnamese phrases for visitors.
3. Turning Off Electric Lights
For one night, the Old Town of Hoi An switches off all electric lights, allowing the warm glow of lanterns to take over. The ancient architecture of Hoi An, combined with the lantern-lit streets, creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.4. Traditional Games and Fortune Telling
Visitors can participate in:- Bài Chòi (Vietnamese Bingo) – A traditional game played with singing and storytelling.
- Cau Đối (Riddle Guessing) – A fun game where players solve poetic riddles.
- Fortune Telling – Meet local fortune tellers who read palms and predict futures.
5. Vietnamese Street Food Delights
No festival in Vietnam is complete without food! The Hoi An Lantern Festival is the perfect place to try authentic Vietnamese street food, including:- Cao Lầu – A local noodle dish with pork, greens, and crispy crackers.
- Banh Mi – A crispy baguette sandwich filled with meats and vegetables.
- White Rose Dumplings – Delicate shrimp dumplings shaped like roses.
- Hoi An Mango Cake – A sticky rice cake filled with mung bean and coconut.
6. Exploring the Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks, is beautifully decorated with lanterns during the festival. This bridge symbolizes luck and prosperity and is a great spot for photography.What to Eat At the Festival? - Street Food
Plenty of street food stalls comprising Japanese and Chinese-influenced cuisine and other international foods are set up for the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
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Pop-Food
1. Banh Bao - Steamed rice dumplings with mushrooms and pork
2. Banh Dap - Steamed rice pancakes, rice crackers and anchovy sauce
3. Banh Xaoi - Mango cake
4. Xi Ma - Pudding made out of black sesame
Hoi An Lantern Festival Traditions
Sampan Boat Ride
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Prices: VND 10,000 (negotiate as much as possible)
Bai Choi
Bai Choi is a gripping folk game of Central Vietnam comprising poetry, music, acting, literature, and painting. With complex card-drawing and singing rules of the game, Bai Choi is said to have originated among the peasants in the Quang region. Bai Choi Songs Bai Choi's songs mostly revolve around themes of everyday life, work, patriotism, and love for the community. Performed during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, Boi Choi's performances add to the lively festive atmosphere and offer a peek into the Vietnamese culture.
Traveller Tips
1. A great photo opportunity, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is generally crowded.2. Cau An Hoi Bridge Japanese Covered Bridge, or even sampan rides are recommended for beautiful photos of the candlelit water.
3. Keep photography equipment and belongings close and safe, and ensure nothing falls into the river.
4. Lantern prices are negotiable as sellers are known to quote higher figures, with one costing around VND 5000.
5. Make sure you pack quality walking shoes as vehicles are banned in the old town area during the Lantern Festival, and you may have to walk quite a bit.
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