Hoi An Lantern Festival: A Monthly Guide for International Visitors

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, with the Old Town as the main stage. The event is especially lively during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but every month brings its own atmosphere. Dates shift each month, so check a lunar calendar or local listings before booking your trip.

From dusk until around 10 pm, Hoi An’s Old Town becomes pedestrian-only and glows with thousands of silk lanterns. Locals and visitors release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, enjoy folk music performances, and sample street food from vendors lining the streets. The festival is family-friendly, but expect large crowds, particularly near the river and main squares.

Book accommodation well in advance, as hotels and guesthouses fill quickly during festival nights. Arrive early (before sunset) for the best views and to secure a good spot for photos. Weather can affect the experience—rain is common from September to December, so bring an umbrella or poncho. For a quieter experience, explore the side streets away from the main riverfront.

Hoi An is about 30 km from Da Nang International Airport, with taxi or shuttle transfers taking 45–60 minutes. During the festival, Old Town streets are closed to motor vehicles; walking and cycling are the best ways to get around. Lantern rentals and boat rides are available along the river, usually costing 50,000–100,000 VND per boat.