The Hoi An Lantern Festival is celebrated once a month on the full moon, and most significantly on the first full moon of the lunar new year. On these days the pretty little town of Hoi An Vietnam cuts the electricity and is lit by candles and lanterns alone.
The Lantern Festival Hoi An is a very popular event for both domestic and international visitors and the town is typically packed full of tourists so be prepared for crowds. You can float paper lanterns in the river, either from the shore or while enjoying a gentle boat ride.
The old town of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in addition to turning off the electric lights, the area is pedestrianised for most of the evening adding to the ambience.
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
While the Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival happens monthly, the biggest celebrations are the first full moon of the lunar new year which typically falls in February. In 2025 the Lunar New Year falls on 29th January so the first full moon of the lunar year will be Tuesday 11th February.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates in 2024 and 2025
The remaining dates for the full moon lantern festival Hoi An in 2024 are:
- 16 September 2024
- 16 October 2024
- 14 November 2024
- 14 December 2024
Looking forward to 2025 the Hoi An lantern festival falls on the following dates:
- 13 January 2025
- 11 February 2025 (the largest celebration, on the first full moon of the lunar new year)
- 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
Lion dances through the streets of Hoi An ancient town on the full moon
What to Expect at the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The festival is an assault on the senses with colourful lights, drums and crowds. Chinese lions dance their way through the crowds as parades make their way between different temples. People take boat rides in the river, and float small paper lanterns in the water. Shops sell countless souvenir paper lanterns and food stalls line the streets. You will find most shops and food outlets on the southern riverbank opposite the old town itself. The whole town has a lively and festive atmosphere.
Most of the celebrations are focused around the iconic covered bridge and An Hoi Bridge that connects the ancient town to the river island.
What Time of Year is Best to Visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from around February to August. Temperatures are cooler earlier in the year and rise to 40 degrees or more around May. The town does suffer from flooding most years, this can happen any time during the rainy season but most often in October or November.
How to Get to Hoi An Vietnam?
Hoi An is a small town located around 20 minutes south of Da Nang in central Vietnam. Da Nang can be reached by international airport with many flight connections around the region. You can then take a taxi directly from the airport to your accommodation in Hoi An. Large cruise ships also dock at Da Nang port and often make a day trip to Hoi An, but the crowds start to thin in the evening as the day trippers return. Alternatively, you can get from Da Lat to Hoi An or even if you are planning a trip around Vietnam you can get from Hanoi to Hoi An.
Da Nang boasts attractions of its own and is also worth a stop. A little further north you will the famous Hai Van Pass, Hue city and the DMZ that divided North and South Vietnam before reunification. The whole region is well worth a visit.
Read more about Joe & Amber’s visit to the Hoi An Lantern Festival in the article Dodging Tourists in Hoi An Ancient Town.
