When is Hoi An Lantern Festival and how do I attend?

It’s not a festival — it’s monthly

The word “festival” is misleading. Hoi An’s Lantern Festival happens every full moon night — 12 times per year. Locals call it “đêm rằm” (full moon night) and have observed it for generations.

On these nights:

• Motor traffic is banned from the old town (5pm to 10pm)
• Electric streetlights are dimmed or turned off
• Silk lanterns glow in every shopfront
• The Thu Bồn River reflects orange, red, and gold light

2026 Lantern Festival schedule

Times vary by season: 5pm–10pm in dry months, may end earlier during flood season.

What actually happens

Before 5pm

The old town operates normally. Shops are open, traffic flows, electric lights are on. Arrive early if you want to visit heritage sites before the crowds.

5pm–10pm: Festival hours

• Traffic ban: Motorbikes and cars are redirected around the old town perimeter. Pedestrians have the streets.
• Lights dim: Shopkeepers turn off electric lights and hang silk lanterns instead.
• River lanterns: Vendors sell paper lanterns (30,000–50,000 VND) with a small candle inside. You light the candle, make a wish, and release it on the Thu Bồn River.
• Live music: Traditional nhạc tài tử (amateur music) performances at certain corners — free, tip appreciated.
• Food stalls: Street vendors sell bánh tráng nướng, chè, and other snacks along Nguyễn Thái Học and Trần Phú.

After 10pm

Electric lights come back on. Traffic resumes. The festival ends.

Where to release lanterns

Popular spots along the Thu Bồn River:

1. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street — opposite the old town, lined with lantern vendors
2. Near the Japanese Bridge — iconic backdrop, very crowded
3. Bach Đằng waterfront — long stretch, easier to find space

The lanterns are biodegradable paper with a small candle. Vendors sell them for 30,000–50,000 VND. You can haggle if buying multiple.

Should you visit on full moon night?

Yes, if:

• You want the iconic lantern-lit photos
• You don’t mind crowds
• You’re okay with slower movement (walking only)

No, if:

• You prefer quiet exploration
• You want to maximize heritage site visits (too crowded)
• You’re on a tight schedule

Alternative: Visit the night before or after full moon. The old town still glows with lanterns, but with 30% fewer crowds.

Entrance fee reality

The old town ticket (120,000 VND) is still required for:

• Japanese Covered Bridge
• Assembly Halls (Phúc Kiến, Quảng Đông, etc.)
• Museum of History and Culture
• Traditional theaters

Not required for:

• Walking the streets
• Shopping at markets
• Eating at restaurants
• Releasing lanterns on the river

Tickets are checked at heritage site entrances, not street corners.

Related

• Hoi An city guide
• When does Hoi An flood?