Hoi An’s Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Tet Trung Thu – Vietnam’s beloved Mid-Autumn Festival – is a magical celebration of family, gratitude, and togetherness. In Hoi An, the Moon Festival transforms the ancient town into a glowing dream of lanterns, lion dances, and mooncake delights.
Whether you’re drawn by tradition or simply chasing beauty, Mid-Autumn in Hội An is an unforgettable blend of culture, community, and charm. In this blog, La Siesta Resort invites you to discover everything you need to know about this magical festival..
When is the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025?
In 2025, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Monday, October 6 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month). For the full experience, plan to be in Hoi An from October 5-7, when the town is alive with riverside lanterns, music, and joyful celebrations.
The Different Stories of Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival
Agricultural Origins
Tet Trung Thu has deep roots in Vietnam’s agricultural past. Villagers once gathered to honor the harvest, offer thanks to ancestors, and share fruit and cakes beneath the full moon. Today, that spirit of gratitude and community still infuses every part of the celebration.
Lunar Symbolism & Reunion
The full moon represents wholeness and reunion. For many Vietnamese families, this is a time to come together, light lanterns, enjoy mooncakes, and reflect on shared memories and dreams. It’s a moment of stillness, gratitude, and warmth.
Chu Cuoi and Hang Nga
The legend of Chu Cuoi and Hang Nga captures the imagination of every child. These folklore figures are said to live on the moon, inspiring many of the lantern shapes and children’s parades. Their story brings a sense of wonder to the Mid-Autumn sky.
Why is Mid-Autumn Festival Important?
More than just a traditional Vietnamese festival, Tet Trung Thu is a cultural bridge between past and present. It celebrates childhood joy, family love, and the beauty of Vietnam’s moonlit autumn. It’s both intimate and communal-a chance to reconnect with what matters most.
How is the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated?
Families prepare altars with fruits and mooncakes, children carry handmade lanterns, and towns burst to life with lion dances and folk music. Festive markets sell traditional toys, while artisans and bakers fill the air with scent and color.
What to Do in Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Stroll through streets lit by lanterns
As dusk settles, Hoi An’s Ancient Town glows with thousands of silk lanterns. The streets take on a dreamlike aura, inviting you to slow down, breathe in the magic, and let your senses be soothed by gentle light and quiet wonder.
Take a boat ride and release lanterns on the Hoai River
Float along the serene Hoài River and take part in a cherished tradition: releasing your own lantern into the water, each flicker carrying a hope or wish into the night. It’s a peaceful, intimate ritual beneath the glow of the full moon.
Watch lion dances, music, and cultural performances
From energetic lion dances to traditional music and folk storytelling, the town comes alive with cultural spirit. Catch performances at public squares and along riverside stages-each one a celebration of Vietnamese heritage.
Immerse in lantern-making and mooncake crafting
Join local artisans to shape colorful lanterns or craft your own mooncake. These hands-on experiences offer a meaningful connection to Hoi An’s creative soul and a chance to carry home more than souvenirs: real memories.
Savor mooncakes, teas, and festive treats
Taste the essence of Tet Trung Thu in every bite. From traditional mooncakes filled with lotus seed or green tea to seasonal fruits and sweet teas, the flavors are rich with tradition and made to be shared.
Visit lantern streets and market areas
Wander through vibrant market lanes filled with glowing lanterns, handmade toys, and festive melodies. These areas are perfect for capturing the atmosphere of Mid-Autumn-both on camera and in your heart.
Enjoy the slow life during your stay
If you’re staying at La Siesta Resort this festive season, simply being here and embracing the peaceful atmosphere is a beautiful way to unwind. Spend your evening dining at The Temple Restaurant, where you can choose outdoor seating or relax at our swing table beside the pool. Or light a traditional Mid-Autumn lantern and wander through the garden-sharing stories and laughter with family and friends, or enjoying a quiet moment just for yourself. And if you ever feel like talking, don’t hesitate to connect with our La Siesta team-always here for you on this meaningful day.
Tips for Tourists to Join as a Local in Mid-Autumn Festival
- Book your Hoi An resort stay early, as Mid-Autumn is a popular time.
- Explore the night markets to choose your own handcrafted lantern.
- Sample fresh mooncakes from local bakeries.
- Join lantern-boat releases on the Thu Bon River and respect local customs by observing family altars with care.
And above all, let yourself slow down and savor every moment under the lantern-lit sky.
Stay and Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Let your Mid-Autumn journey begin at La Siesta Hoi An – a luxury green retreat where serenity meets tradition. Nestled in lush tropical gardens and tranquil pools, our resort offers more than comfort: it offers reconnection. Whether you’re here with loved ones or seeking peace for yourself, La Siesta surrounds you with beauty and calm.
Our elegant suites, authentic Vietnamese dining, and all-inclusive services help you enjoy the magic of Hoi An without worry. Recognized as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 3 Worldwide Best Hotels in 2024, La Siesta is more than a stay-it’s your sanctuary.
Escape the noise, reconnect with what matters, and let La Siesta’s serene green retreat in Hoi An welcome you home. Book your getaway today.
