Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026: Complete Guide to Vietnam’s Magical Full Moon Night

The Hoi An Lantern Festival transforms this UNESCO World Heritage Old Town into a mesmerising spectacle every full moon. Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, this Vietnamese cultural festival sees electric lights replaced by thousands of handmade lanterns illuminating ancient streets and the Thu Bon River. Whether planning night photography, seeking authentic cultural experiences, or exploring things to do in Hoi An at night, this monthly celebration offers magical moments with lantern releases, traditional music, and vibrant night markets. This guide covers festival dates, photography spots, and essential travel tips for 2026.

What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An full moon festival is a monthly cultural tradition where the Old Town turns off electric lights and illuminates streets with colourful silk and paper lanterns. Locals honour ancestors, make wishes, and release floating lanterns on the Hoai River. The festival features traditional Bài Chòi music, folk games, and bustling night markets, creating an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese heritage. This sacred ritual of remembrance keeps Hoi An’s cultural identity alive across generations.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 Dates: Lunar Calendar Schedule

Month	Festival Date 2026
January	13 January
February	11th February
March	13 March
April	11th April
May	11 May
June	9th June
July	9th July
August	7th August
September	6th September
October	5th October
November	4th November
December	3rd December

Best Time to Visit Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026

Post-Tết Festivals: Biggest Crowds & Performances

The first full moon after Tết (February-March) draws the biggest crowds with spectacular performances. Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance.

Ideal Weather Months: February to April

February through April offer dry conditions and comfortable temperatures. Avoid October-December when flooding can affect low-lying areas.

Crowd Strategy: Regular Full Moon Nights

Regular full moon nights (May-November, excluding post-Tết) provide authentic experiences with manageable crowds.

Evening Schedule of Hoi An Lantern Festival

• 17:00-18:00: Vendors set up lantern stalls and performers prepare. Arrive now to secure prime viewing spots.

• 18:00-18:30: Electric lights turn off across Old Town. Lanterns illuminate, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

• 18:30-20:30: Peak festival time with lantern releases, traditional music performances, folk games, and street food at maximum energy.

• 20:30-22:00: Night markets continue as crowds thin, ideal for relaxed photography and riverside walks.

Note: Activities include floating lantern releases on Thu Bon River, Bài Chòi music performances, folk games, riverside dining, and night market shopping for handicrafts.

How to Get to Hoi An Lantern Festival from Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport is just a 45-minute drive from Hoi An Old town. 

Transport Method	Cost (VND)	Duration
Taxi	350,000-550,000	45 min
Grab (ride-hailing)	280,000-450,000	45 min
Hotel Transfer	450,000-700,000	45 min
Shared Shuttle	230,000-350,000	60 min

Note: Pre-book return transportation, post-event taxi waits exceed 45 minutes during peak crowds.

Where to Stay for Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026

Hoi An Old Town:

Walking distance to the festival with immediate access to events. Book 2-3 months ahead for full moon nights. Boutique hotels cost 800,000-2,500,000 VND per night.

An Bang/Cua Dai Beach:

Beach access with a quieter atmosphere and 10-minute taxi rides to Old Town. Great for families. Resorts cost 1,200,000-3,500,000 VND nightly.

Da Nang City:

Airport proximity with budget options and modern amenities. Best for late arrivals with a 45-minute commute. Hotels cost 500,000-2,000,000 VND per night.

Best Photography Spots & Tips for Hoi An Lantern Festival

• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): Iconic landmark offering wide-angle crowd shots and lantern reflections. Arrive 90 minutes before sunset.

• An Hoi Bridge & Bach Dang Riverfront: Perfect for capturing floating lanterns on water during blue hour (18:30-19:15).

• Sampan Boat Rides: Water-level perspective for unique angles. Book through hotels or verified platforms (300,000-500,000 VND per 30-minute ride).

• Tran Phu & Nguyen Thai Hoc Streets: Intimate shots with fewer crowds, ideal for portrait photography and lantern close-ups.

Hoi An Lantern Festival Cost Breakdown 2026

Paper Lanterns: 20,000-50,000 VND

Silk Lanterns: 80,000-200,000 VND

Sampan Boat Ride: 300,000-500,000 VND

Street Food: 30,000-100,000 VND

Guided Tours: 700,000-1,500,000 VND

Note: Festival admission is FREE to walk the streets and experience the atmosphere.

Safety & Cultural Etiquette at Hoi An Lantern Festival

Safety Guidelines: 

• Secure valuables against pickpockets in crowded areas. 
• Supervise children near riverbanks and bridges. 
• Check weather forecasts; October-December brings flooding risks.
• Save hotel emergency contacts and local hospital numbers.

Respectful Participation:

• Dress modestly near temples. 
• Ask permission before photographing locals. 
• Purchase biodegradable lanterns to reduce river pollution. 
• Support local artisans using sustainable materials. 
• Observe temple offerings respectfully; this is a sacred tradition.

Bottom Line: Why You Must Visit Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026

The Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 offers an unforgettable blend of Vietnamese cultural heritage, stunning photography opportunities, and authentic night experiences. Plan your visit around the lunar calendar’s 14th day, book accommodations early for post-Tết celebrations, and arrive before sunset to maximise your experience. Whether releasing floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River, capturing long-exposure photographs, or exploring traditional night markets, this monthly festival showcases why Hoi An remains one of Vietnam’s most magical destinations. Check official dates, respect local traditions, and prepare for a night where ancient customs illuminate modern travel memories. Customise your next Hoi An tour packages from Pickyourtrail for an authentic experience.

FAQs: Hoi An Lantern Festival 

Q: Is the Hoi An Lantern Festival worth visiting?

A: Absolutely. The Hoi An full moon festival offers authentic cultural immersion with stunning visuals. It’s consistently ranked among Vietnam’s top cultural experiences, combining traditional performances, lantern releases, and vibrant night markets in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

Q: Can I visit the Hoi An Lantern Festival with kids?

A: Yes, it’s family-friendly. Arrive early for dinner, choose less crowded side streets for lantern releases, and supervise children near water. The festival runs 3-4 hours, manageable for most ages.

Q: Do I need tickets for the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

A: No. Walking the streets and experiencing the festival atmosphere is completely free. You only pay for optional activities like lanterns (20,000-200,000 VND), sampan rides (300,000-500,000 VND), or food.

Q: What’s the difference between paper and silk lanterns?

A: Paper lanterns (20,000-50,000 VND) are affordable, single-use floating lanterns. Silk lanterns (80,000-200,000 VND) are handcrafted, durable souvenirs. For river releases, choose biodegradable paper options.

Q: How do I avoid crowds at Hoi An Lantern Festival?

A: Visit during regular full moon nights (avoid post-Tết in February). Arrive 90 minutes before sunset, explore side streets like Tran Phu, or book rooftop dining. Crowds peak 19:00-20:30, thin after 21:00.