Hoi An Lantern Festival Guide 2025: Schedule & Location

When the lights of Hoi An fade, the Old Town lights up with thousands of glowing lanterns. The Hoai River reflects them like drifting stars, creating a calm and timeless scene. If you want to experience one of Vietnam’s most magical cultural nights, here is your complete guide to the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025-where heritage, light, and tradition come together.

And to help you plan your visit with ease, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa will walk you through everything you need to know before joining this magical event.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025-2026 Schedule

• Festival Location: The Hoi An lantern festival location covers the Hoai River, An Hoi Bridge, and the Japanese Covered Bridge – the core Hoi An lantern festival area and the heart of the celebration.
• Location Map: You can check the official Hoi An lantern festival location map at local tourism centers or Old Town information booths for easy navigation.
• Start Time: Lanterns are lit from 6 PM, with the most magical moments between 7-9 PM, according to the official Hoi An lantern festival hours and Hoi An lantern festival start time.
• Tickets: You can purchase Hoi An lantern festival tickets directly at the riverbank for boat rides or floating flower lanterns. Prices vary depending on the experience.

When Is Hoi An Lantern Festival Celebrated?

The Vietnam Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly cultural event held on the 14th day of every lunar month. This tradition has deep roots in Hoi An lantern festival history, honoring light, peace, and wishes for good fortune.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 Dates

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 Dates

If you’re visiting during August, you can also experience the vibrant Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival.

How Often Is the Hoi An Lantern Festival Held?

The event takes place once every month-the Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly celebration that transforms the Old Town into a world of warm candlelight.

The best months to visit are February-May and August-October, when evenings are cool, clear, and perfect for photos.

For more detailed climate insights, check the full guide to Hoi An weather by month.

How to Get to Hoi An from Da Nang for the Festival

Hoi An Lantern Festival location takes around 45 minutes to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An by taxi, private car, or shuttle. Roads are smooth and easy to navigate. Arriving before the Hoi An lantern festival start time ensures you can explore the Old Town at a relaxed pace.

Hoi An Lantern Festival Activities

During the festival, parts of the Old Town switch off electric lights to let lanterns illuminate the streets. Locals and visitors light candles, place them into paper lanterns, and float them on the Hoai River-one of the signature Hoi An lantern festival activities. Nearby, you’ll find folk music, traditional games, and cultural performances showing what happens at Hoi An lantern festival.

Things to Do During the Hoi An Lantern Festival – A Plan for You

Lantern-Lit Street Walks

Wander through glowing alleys and admire the charm of the Hoi An Ancient Town lantern festival, where heritage homes and lanterns blend into a peaceful nightscape.

Float a Lantern

Release a small lantern on the Hoai River, make a wish, and enjoy a moment of calm-a highlight among things to do in Hoi An lantern festival.

Live Music & Performances

Listen to folk songs, watch traditional dances, and enjoy cultural shows staged throughout the Hoi An lantern festival area.

Night Markets & Local Food

Shop handmade crafts and taste local dishes like cao lau, white rose dumplings, and grilled skewers-an essential part of where to go for Hoi An lantern festival.

If you love browsing local crafts and street eats, explore more at the Hoi An Market

Is the Hoi An Lantern Festival Worth It?

Yes- Hoi An Lantern Festival event is one of the most unique cultural nights in Vietnam. The combination of candlelit lanterns, quiet river reflections, and traditional performances makes the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 unforgettable. When lights fade and lanterns take over, the Old Town feels like a living painting. If you want to experience the emotional heart of Hoi An, this night is a must.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Hoi An Lantern Festival

• Arrive before 6 PM to get a good viewing spot.
• Bring small cash for lanterns, snacks, and local crafts.
• Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Avoid plastic lanterns and keep quiet around temples.
• For the best view, stand along the riverbank opposite An Hoi Bridge.

These simple tips ensure you enjoy the Hoi An old town lantern festival at its most magical.

Stay Close to the Festival at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Just 1.2 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa offers a calm, green retreat after the glowing energy of the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025. With complimentary bicycles, your journey to and from the festival is effortless and scenic. Surrounded by tropical gardens and refined colonial charm, the resort is designed for travelers who want to unwind, reconnect, and breathe easier.

La Siesta offers luxury green-retreat accommodations in Hoi An and serves travelers seeking reconnection with family, partners, nature, and themselves. The resort provides a serene environment that helps guests escape city stress with thoughtful, all-inclusive onsite services – and is proudly recognised as one of the Top 3 Worldwide Best Hotels in 2024 by TripAdvisor.

Escape the crowds, reconnect with what matters, and let La Siesta’s peaceful glow welcome you home. Book your getaway today.