Amidst this romantic nightly spectacle, the tradition of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River becomes an unforgettable experience—part poetic, part spiritual, and beautifully simple. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Hoi An.
In the heart of Hoi An's ancient town, the lantern festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant traditional celebration. As the electric lights are turned off, thousands of glittering lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a magical, dreamlike scene that feels like stepping into a fairy tale from the past.
The main festival area in 2025 is concentrated along Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Phuc Chu streets within the Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam province. This is a pedestrian-only zone, so you can park your motorbike or car in a nearby lot and stroll leisurely into the center.
Connecting Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets, the Japanese Covered Bridge (also known as Lai Vien Kieu) is an icon of Hoi An with over 400 years of history. Its unique wooden architecture, yin-yang tiled roof, and the warm light of the lanterns at both ends make for a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime photo op.
Whether you’re on the riverbank or in one of the traditional wooden boats on the Hoai River, you'll fully appreciate the beauty of the floating lantern festival. Hundreds of lanterns drift gently on the calm water, reflecting the moonlight and the cheerful laughter of tourists—a moment both peaceful and radiant that you'll want to remember forever.
The lantern festival isn't just a beautiful sight; it's a living cultural experience you can be a part of.
When the electricity goes out, the light from the lanterns transforms the entire ancient town into a vibrant oil painting. You can:
As night falls, the Hoai River becomes a haven of light and wishes. Visitors can easily buy floating lanterns for just 5,000 - 10,000 VND from street vendors or shops and set them adrift on the calm water, sending out hopes and wishes for good luck. The best place to release them is along the Hoai River, where the sparkling light blends with the moonlight to create a magical and unforgettable scene.
Amidst the glittering atmosphere of the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a wooden boat trip on the Hoai River will transport you back to the slow pace of the ancient town.
You can choose a small, hand-rowed boat for 30,000 - 50,000 VND per person for a relaxing 20-minute ride on the water, or a larger cruise for 600,000 VND per person to watch the "Hoi An Memories" show and explore more of the town. The ideal time to take a boat is in the evening, when the vibrant lantern lights reflect on the water, creating a romantic and nostalgic feeling.
During the festival night, you'll encounter traditional performances such as lion dances, folk music, and Bài Chòi singing—sounds and sights that are distinctly Quảng Nam.
From Cao Lau and Mi Quang noodles to Banh Bao and Banh Vac dumplings... all are available at the street-side eateries. This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food while immersing yourself in the bustling crowds.
See more: Eating like a local in Hoi An: 10 best dishes & where to try
Combine your trip with a visit to a craft village like Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, or experience making your own lantern at Hoi An Silk Village for 35,000 - 50,000 VND per session.
When attending the Hoi An Lantern Festival, remember that the ancient town is a pedestrian-only area, so vehicles are not allowed. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes to explore the streets easily.
During the festival, all electric lights are turned off to let the magical glow of the lanterns take over. You may want to bring a small flashlight or use your phone's light to help you navigate safely in darker areas.
After a night of being immersed in the traditional festival, what could be better than returning to a peaceful haven in the countryside of Cam Thanh, where moodhoian is nestled among lush coconut groves?
Surrounded by nature, moodhoian offers a resort experience secluded from the hustle and bustle, yet is only minutes away from the ancient town. It’s the perfect stop for international travelers and culture lovers who want to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site while enjoying a leisurely, relaxing vacation.
After a long day of exploring, you can unwind at moodhoian's Epiphany Spa, where essential oil therapies, traditional massages, and gentle sounds will soothe your muscles and restore balance to your body.
Let moodhoian be the gentle pause in your Hoi An journey—a place to slow down and reconnect with yourself.