Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026: Dates, Guide & What to Expect

Hoi An on a full-moon night feels unreal. The Old Town goes dim, lanterns take over, and the Thu Bon River turns into a slow-moving ribbon of candlelight. I’ve been to Hoi An twice and somehow managed to miss the official Lantern Festival both times, once by a day — which is exactly why I’m obsessed with helping you time it right. Below you’ll find the 2026 dates in a clean table, plus the best spots to stand, what time to arrive, and a simple plan so you’re not wandering around hungry in a crowd wondering what happens next.

Hoi An Festival Dates for 2026 (Full Moon Nights)

All festivals are held on the 14th day of the lunar calendar (Full Moon nights), when Hoi An is bathed in lantern light and festivities begin around sunset, lasting until about 9–10 PM

Hoi An’s lantern night is tied to the lunar calendar (14th lunar day). Dates online can differ depending on whether a site uses ‘full moon’ vs ‘lunar day’—if you’re booking flights around one specific night, confirm with your hotel in Hoi An the week you arrive

Keep in mind that while the festival is officially one night, the town is buzzing with lanterns, music, and activities in the evenings around the full moon too. If you’re in town the night before or after, you’ll still catch plenty of magic.

Best Time of Year to Experience the Lantern Festival

Technically, you can catch the Hoi An Lantern Festival every single month, since it happens on the 14th day of the lunar calendar. But some months definitely stand out more than others.

• January & February (Tet / Lunar New Year) – These are the biggest festivals of the year, with extra celebrations, traditional performances, and the whole town buzzing. It’s magical but also the most crowded and expensive time.
• March to May – Warm, dry, and not as hectic as the Tet holidays. The weather is lovely for exploring Hoi An during the day, then relaxing at the festival by night.
• June to August – Peak tourist season, so expect crowds. The good news? It’s hot and sunny, perfect for combining the festival with Hoi An’s beaches.
• September to November – Generally considered the best all-round months for Hoi An. Temperatures are cooler, and you’ll often find fewer tourists once the summer rush ends.
• October & November – Be aware this is rainy season, and flooding does occasionally happen in Hoi An. If the river rises, some festival activities may be affected.
• December – Cooler weather, a festive atmosphere, and fewer visitors — a calm way to end the year.

My take: March to May or September is the sweet spot. The weather’s good, the crowds aren’t overwhelming, and the lanterns feel even more magical when you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other travellers.

What Happens During the Lantern Festival

From sunset, Hoi An’s Old Town becomes pedestrian-only, and the atmosphere shifts completely. Motorbikes disappear, electric lights dim, and the streets glow with thousands of colourful lanterns strung across shops and homes.

Down by the river, locals sell paper lanterns with candles inside, which you can float along the Thu Bon River. Traditionally, this is done as a spiritual offering — to honour ancestors, bring luck, and make wishes for the future. For visitors, it’s a mix of cultural ritual and pure enchantment.

Add to that the sound of traditional music, performances in the streets, and even a few lion dances, and you’ve got a night that feels both festive and deeply rooted in Vietnamese tradition. It’s crowded, yes, but it’s also atmospheric in a way that photos never quite capture.

Festival night timeline :

• 4:30–5:30pm: arrive + early dinner (skip the 7pm hunger meltdown)
• 5:30–6:30pm: first wander + photos before it’s shoulder-to-shoulder
• 6:30–8:30pm: river lantern moment + bridge views
• 8:30–9:30pm: night market and dessert
• After 9pm: crowds thin, it gets prettier

Best Places to See the Lantern Festival

The festival spreads across the Old Town, but some spots are better than others for soaking it all in.

• Thu Bon River – The heart of the action. Here you’ll find boats, lantern sellers, and the most atmospheric scenes. It’s busy, but if you want that iconic view of lanterns floating on the water, this is where you’ll find it.
• An Hoi Bridge – Connecting the Old Town with An Hoi Islet, this bridge is a favourite vantage point. Expect a crush of people but unbeatable views.
• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) – An icon of Hoi An, it’s lit beautifully at night and makes for a postcard-perfect backdrop.
• Rooftop cafés and restaurants – If crowds aren’t your thing, grab a seat with a view. Watching the festival unfold with a cold beer or iced coffee in hand is pretty special.

Tips for Experiencing the Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is stunning, but it’s also incredibly popular. A few tips will help you enjoy it to the fullest:

• Buying lanterns – Small paper lanterns cost around 10,000–20,000 VND (less than $1). Buy them from locals and help support the community.
• Boat rides – A ride on the river among the lanterns is magical, but expect to wait and negotiate a price. Expect around 100k–200k VND per boat depending on time/crowds; agree the price before you get in
• Be respectful – For locals, lanterns carry spiritual meaning. Don’t treat it purely as a photo-op.
• Stay safe – The riverside gets packed. Keep valuables close and watch your step near the water.

Insider Tip: If you’re up for a little adventure, hop on a traditional boat. It’s a fantastic way to get up close to the lanterns on the river. Just be ready to haggle a bit for a good price; 100,000 VND (about $4) is pretty standard.

Festival Survival Tips (Quick-Glance)

✨ Arrive early – By 5–6 pm, the Old Town starts filling up fast.
✨ Carry small notes – Easier for buying lanterns (10,000–20,000 VND) or snacks.
✨ Pick your spot – Decide if you want riverside chaos, a rooftop view, or a boat ride.
✨ Dress light & comfy – Central Vietnam evenings can still be humid.
✨ Watch your step – Cobblestones + low light + crowds = easy trip hazards.
✨ Embrace the crowds – Solitude isn’t happening here, so lean into the buzz.
✨ Stay late if you can – After 9 pm the crowds thin, and the lanterns are even dreamier.

Lantern Festival Etiquette

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just a photo-op — it’s a tradition rooted in spirituality and community. A few simple do’s and don’ts will help you experience it respectfully:

• Do buy lanterns from locals – It’s a small cost for you, but it supports families who’ve been part of the festival for generations.
• Do light your lantern with care – Traditionally, people make a wish or prayer before setting it on the river.
• Don’t litter – Use the biodegradable lanterns provided, and avoid plastic. Once your lantern burns out, it will be collected from the river.
• Don’t block the bridges – Everyone wants a good photo, but standing in the middle of a crossing clogs the flow.
• Do bargain politely – Hoi An has a culture of haggling, but remember a few extra dong makes a big difference to locals.
• Don’t push at the riverfront – It’s tempting to jostle for space, but patience goes a long way (and keeps everyone safe).

A little courtesy goes a long way — follow these simple tips and you’ll enjoy the magic of the Lantern Festival the way it’s meant to be experienced.

Hoi An Lanterns Beyond the Festival

Even if you miss the official Lantern Festival (like I did), Hoi An is never without its glow. Lanterns are part of the city’s identity, and you’ll see them strung up every evening.

• Hoi An Night Market – Held nightly on Nguyen Hoang Street, it’s lined with lantern stalls and glowing photo ops.
• Lantern shops – Wander the streets and you’ll find lantern makers crafting everything from delicate silk lanterns to oversized statement pieces. Many shops will even pack one up for you to take home.
• Lantern-making workshops – Fancy making your own? Several workshops around town let you create a lantern as a souvenir — a brilliant hands-on activity.

So, while the festival is the peak, lanterns are woven into Hoi An life every single night

Photography & Social Media Tips

If you’re heading to Hoi An Lantern Festival with a camera (and let’s be honest, who isn’t), here’s how to nail the shots:

• Golden hour – Arrive just before sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Reflections – Lanterns glowing on the river look incredible in long-exposure shots.
• Include the crowds – Don’t stress about finding empty corners. The bustle of people is part of the atmosphere.
• Lantern shops – Those colourful walls of lanterns in shops are Insta-famous for a reason. Just be polite if it’s a working store.

Where to Stay in Hoi An for the Lantern Festival

If your trip is built around the Lantern Festival, location matters. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Stay in the Old Town – You’ll be in the middle of the action, able to walk straight out into the festival. Downside: it gets noisy and crowded.
• Riverside hotels – Many hotels and guesthouses along the river offer balconies with views of the lanterns on the water. Perfect for enjoying the festival from a calmer perch.
• Boutique hotels outside the centre – If crowds aren’t your vibe, stay just outside Old Town. You’ll enjoy peace and quiet, with the festival only a short walk or bike ride away.

Hotels in Hoi An book out quickly during festival nights, so if you’re planning a trip, book early.

Practical Information

• Cost – Free to wander and enjoy. Lanterns cost a small amount; boat rides extra.
• Timing – Starts at sunset and winds down around 10–11 pm.
• Getting there – Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport. The closest is Da Nang (45 minutes away by taxi, Grab, or shuttle).
• Crowds – Thousands of visitors attend each month. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder walking in the Old Town.
• Accessibility – The Old Town has uneven stone streets and stairs, which can be tricky to navigate in crowds.

Other Festivals in Hoi An

The Lantern Festival may be the showstopper, but Hoi An has plenty of other cultural celebrations worth knowing about. Unlike the monthly lantern nights, these happen just once a year — so if your trip doesn’t match up with the lanterns, you might still catch something special.

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) – January/February
  The biggest holiday in Vietnam. Expect dragon dances, fireworks, and families visiting temples. Hoi An’s already magical atmosphere gets turned up a notch, though keep in mind many shops and restaurants close for a few days.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) – September/October
  A family-friendly festival with lion dances, colourful lantern parades, and plenty of mooncakes. Kids carrying lanterns through the streets make this one of the most photogenic times to be in town.
• Hoi An International Food Festival – Spring (dates vary)
  A newer addition to the calendar, this event brings chefs from around the world to Hoi An. If you love Vietnamese food (and honestly, who doesn’t?), it’s a tasty way to explore both local and international flavours.
• Tet Nguyen Tieu (First Full Moon of the Lunar Year) – January/February
  Different from the monthly lantern festivals, this night is considered especially auspicious. Temples overflow with offerings, and locals pray for luck and prosperity.
• Whale Festival (Cau Ngu) – April (varies by fishing village)
  A deeply traditional festival where coastal communities honour the whale god, believed to protect fishermen. Villages near Hoi An celebrate with processions, ceremonies, and boat races.
• Hoi An New Year’s Eve (Western calendar) – December 31
  Lanterns, music, and a street-party vibe take over the Old Town. Not quite as spiritual as Tet, but still a brilliant night if you’re in town for the holidays.

My take: The Lantern Festival is easier to plan for since it happens every month, but if you happen to be in Hoi An during Tet or the Mid-Autumn Festival, you’re in for an even bigger cultural experience.

🍽 Where to Eat in a Hurry

Quick bites, local favourites, and flavours you’ll crave long after you’ve left.

• Bánh Mì Phượng – Anthony Bourdain-approved and stacked with flavour — expect queues and worth every second.
• Cao Lầu Không Gian Xanh – Hoi An’s signature noodles in a shady garden setting.
• Reaching Out Teahouse – Delicate teas, and the perfect pause from the bustle outside.

Suggested Lantern Festival Experiences

• Lantern-Making Workshop
  Get hands-on with Hoi An’s iconic craft. Learn to make your own silk-and-bamboo lantern, guided by a local artisan—and take your glowing creation home.
• Lantern-Making Class + Hotel Pick-Up
  Craft in comfort. Perfect for a seamless cultural experience—this class includes expert instruction and hotel pick-up, so all you do is arrive and make.
• Evening Boat Ride with Floating Lantern
  Drift under the glow. A peaceful 15–20 min ride on the Hoai/Thu Bon River, complete with your own floating lantern—tender, tranquil, and picture-perfect. Book your place early.
• Boat Ride + Night Market Private Tour
  Lanterns plus local flavour. Glide the river, launch your lantern, then wander the night market—all with your own private guide to show you the hidden gems.
• Basket Boat + Lantern-Making + Cooking Class
  Culture in a day. This multi‑activity tour takes you from a traditional basket boat ride through rural scenery, to a hands-on lantern workshop—and caps it off with a cooking class you’ll taste with pride.

FAQs about Hoi An Lantern Festival

When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar calendar each month, which usually coincides with the full moon. That means there are 12 lantern nights every year.

What time does the Lantern Festival start and finish?
Festivities begin around sunset, typically from 6pm. The Old Town stays lively until about 9–10pm, after which the crowds thin and the atmosphere becomes calmer.

Is the Lantern Festival free to attend?
Yes. You can wander the Old Town, enjoy the lanterns, and soak up the atmosphere without paying anything. Lanterns and boat rides on the river cost a small additional fee.

Do I need tickets or a tour?
No tickets are required — you can simply turn up and explore on your own. Tours are optional and mainly useful if you want a guided experience, a boat ride included, or hotel transfers.

Is the Lantern Festival held every night?
No. The full festival only happens once a month on the lunar calendar. However, lanterns are lit around Hoi An every evening, especially near the night market, so you’ll still see plenty of glow on non-festival nights.

What’s the difference between the Lantern Festival and the Hoi An Night Market?
The night market runs every evening and features lantern stalls, souvenirs, and street food. During the Lantern Festival, the entire Old Town participates — electric lights are dimmed, streets become pedestrian-only, and lanterns fill the river.

Is it worth visiting if I’m staying in Da Nang?
Yes. Hoi An is around 45 minutes from Da Nang, making it easy to visit for the evening. Just plan your transport back in advance, as taxis and Grab can be busy after the festival.

How crowded does it get?
Very. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder walking near the river and bridges between 6:30–8:30pm. Arriving early or staying later in the evening makes a big difference.

Can flooding affect the Lantern Festival?
During the rainy season (especially October and November), the river can rise and some activities may be limited. Lanterns still light the town, but floating lanterns and boat rides may be paused for safety.

Hoi An has a way of stopping you in your tracks, and the Lantern Festival takes that feeling to another level. Watching the Old Town slip into darkness as thousands of lanterns light up the river is pure magic — the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’ve left. I may have missed the festival on my visits, but the glow of Hoi An at night was enough to make me fall in love with the place. Next time, I’ll be timing my trip with the full moon — and I’d suggest you do the same.

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