What to See at the Hoi An Lantern Festival (Full Moon)
The Lantern Festival
The full moon lantern festival in Hoi An showcases the city at its most picturesque. It’s an incredibly popular festival, held in the old town on both sides of the river. The main attraction of the night is when the old town’s lights go out, leaving thousands of colorful lanterns to illuminate the city.
Thus, not only do the streets of the old town sparkle, but the waterways are also lit by traditional small floating paper lanterns, drifting down the Thu Bon River – it’s simply beautiful.
Tourists and locals of all ages gather to make it the most lively evening of the month in the city. Taking place on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, on the full moon of each month, the festival begins at dusk and continues until about 10 pm. There are games, performers, musical concerts, shows, night markets, and restaurants, all in party mode, complementing the main attraction, the lanterns.
If you’re looking for tranquility, another night might be a better option. However, it’s an experience worth having.
The History of Lanterns in Hoi An
Lanterns are the visual symbol of the old town of Hoi An. Introduced in the 16th century by the Chinese and Japanese, lanterns were believed to bring good fortune to your home. A healthy competition ensued and spread throughout the city, creating the colorful feast for the eyes that we enjoy today. It seems the lanterns also did their job; today, Hoi An is beautiful and thriving, bustling with activities and adorned with over 10,000 colorful silk lanterns.
Lantern making was abandoned during the war but resurfaced vigorously in the 1990s. In 1998, Hoi An decided to combine the tradition of full moon rituals with hanging lanterns, creating the festival as we know it today. The full moon lantern festival now attracts thousands of people each month, both Vietnamese and tourists.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates
2024
- September 16, 2024
- October 16, 2024
- November 14, 2024
- December 14, 2024
2025
- 13 January 2025
- 11 February 2025
- 13 March 2025
- 11 April 2025
- 11 May 2025
- 9 June 2025
- 8 July 2025
- 7 August 2025
- 5 September 2025
- 5 October 2025
- 3 November 2025
- 3 December 2025
The Full Moon Tradition
Before it was the festival of lanterns, it was also a religious celebration.
A certain form of moon worship is found in most ancient religions. Many believe that their religion is linked to the different phases of the moon. Here in Vietnam, traditions are strongly influenced by Buddhism; which also holds the full moon in high regard.
It is believed that many significant events in the life of Buddha took place at the time of the full moon, particularly his birth and enlightenment. These are the traditions that this festival in Hoi An embraces.
That night, you will see Vietnamese honoring their ancestors. It is widely accepted that the deceased still need the same possessions as the living. That evening, do not be surprised to see 1,000,000 VND (40 €) bills being burned (don’t worry, they are fake!), paper houses, paper mobile phones, and many other things… as well as small altars carrying offerings of fruits and flowers for their ancestors.
What Time Does the Lantern Festival Start?
I recommend that you go downtown by 6:30 PM. This is the best time to enjoy the lantern festival. If you arrive earlier, it may still be daylight, which is not ideal.
Most shops close around 10 PM, so you will have 3 and a half hours to enjoy the festival.
What to See at the Lantern Festival
Currently, more and more activities are taking place every day, not just during the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
1. Streets Lit by Lanterns
One of the unique features of the Lantern Festival is that the businesses in the old town, as well as the public lighting, turn off their lights to make way solely for the lighting of lanterns and candles. This creates a magical spectacle.
This atmosphere also provides a unique sensation, as if one were traveling back several centuries.
When I arrived in Hoi An in 2012, it was even stricter: the shops were only allowed candles and nothing else. Nowadays, the shops often keep just one light on.
2. Boat Ride
A boat ride is a must-do activity in Hoi An, especially during the full moon, where you get a different view of the old town. It is easy to find a boat; often, it is not even necessary to look. A reasonable price for a 30-minute ride is from 150,000 to 200,000 VND. Currently, rates are regulated by the city, so you will not pay more.
During the boat ride, you can light a paper lantern (costing between 5,000 VND and 10,000 VND) and set it afloat on the water while making wishes. This experience is a must for tourists.
Note that the Lantern Festival attracts a lot of people and you will not be alone on the river… but for me, it remains one of the activities not to be missed during the full moon.
3. Local Sellers of Paper Lanterns with a Candle
At the port of Hoi An, you will find sellers of paper lanterns (often children and elderly people). This is not specific to the Lantern Festival. As previously mentioned, you can combine this activity with a boat ride.
The paper lantern is sold for between 5,000 VND and 10,000 VND, and you can then use a stick to lower it into the water.
Locals pray for themselves and their loved ones, concerning health, work, money, and more. In Buddhist festivals, people pray for the wandering souls waiting to be reborn.
4. Visiting the Pagodas of the Old Town
As previously mentioned, the Lantern Festival is also a Buddhist celebration. This means that Vietnamese people go to pagodas to pray. On this occasion, entry to the pagodas in the old town is free, allowing you to visit them without a ticket.
The atmosphere in the pagodas during the festival is incredibly lively. Frankly, I recommend visiting one of the old town’s pagodas if you have the chance to be in Hoi An during the festival.
5. Breaking the Clay Pot Game
Similar to the piñata, this Vietnamese folk game also involves breaking clay pots. According to the rules, you are blindfolded and use a stick to hit the pots hanging in front of you. Having participated in this game several times, I have only won occasionally.
However, since you cannot see, it is not easy to approach the pots and break one. You must listen to the instructions from the people around you to be able to do it. Only one stick strike is allowed, and the money in the broken pot is the reward. Guaranteed laughter.
In Hoi An, you can play this game at Karzik Park. The cost is 10,000 VND per person.
6. Playing Bai Choi (Listed as UNESCO Heritage)
Bai Choi is a Vietnamese folk game recognized as UNESCO heritage. It combines bingo and singing and is easily accessible to tourists, even those who do not speak Vietnamese. In Hoi An, one should head near the An Hoi Bridge, where you will find bamboo huts arranged around a small courtyard. This is where local artists come to play Bai Choi.
Without going into too much detail, you purchase a card that contains three symbols. Expect to pay 20,000 VND per card.
The singer performs a traditional song and, at a certain point, a specific word is pronounced. If this word appears on your card, you earn a point. Like in bingo, you need all three symbols to win.
This game is not specific to the Lantern Festival, but it is worth trying at least once during your stay in Hoi An.
7. Learning Folk Songs
Near the Japanese Covered Bridge, classes are organized to teach traditional songs to young children as part of the Lantern Festival.
Although it may be difficult to understand the lyrics if you do not speak Vietnamese, the tone, instruments, and emotion transcend linguistic barriers. It is an excellent opportunity to explore a facet of local culture that is rarely visible at other times or in other places.
8. Calligraphy and Crafts
Calligraphy is particularly popular for decorating homes during the New Year festival. These works also hold great importance during holidays. At the full moon, some calligraphers set up a mat on the sidewalk to create artistic works on paper.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to see artisans at work, crafting items such as bamboo root statues or lanterns.
9. Chess Players
It’s impossible to conclude this article on the Lantern Festival without mentioning the chess players.
In front of some old town houses and during the Full Moon, it is possible to see chess players dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire playing chess. If you are a photographer, this is one of the best shots you can capture during the Full Moon.
They are only there during the Lantern Festival.
