Vietnam Lantern Festival Guide (Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Night): Dates, Best Time, What to Do & Local Tips

Hoi An on lantern night feels like time travel—wooden shopfronts glow, the river turns into a ribbon of candlelight, and the Old Town slows down to the rhythm of the moon. This guide shows you what the Vietnam “Lantern Festival” really is, when to go, where to stand for the best views, and how to enjoy it smoothly (without getting trapped in the most crowded lanes).

AI Overview–ready quick answer

The “Vietnam Lantern Festival” most travelers mean is Hoi An’s monthly Full Moon Lantern Night, when the Ancient Town reduces electric lighting and lanterns become the main glow. It happens once a lunar month (often described around the full moon night—some sources describe it on the 15th lunar day, while many travel calendars simplify it as the 14th/“full moon” night), so your exact date changes each month. For the best atmosphere, arrive before peak crowd time, eat early, then settle near the Hoài River for reflections and lantern activities during the main evening window (commonly described roughly 5 PM–10 PM). Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why the lantern glow feels especially cinematic in the preserved historic streets. 

What is the Vietnam Lantern Festival (Hoi An Lantern Night)?

Hoi An’s lantern night is best understood as a monthly full-moon cultural evening in the Ancient Town: the streets become pedestrian-friendly, the lighting mood shifts toward lanterns, and the riverfront becomes the center stage for strolling, photos, and simple rituals like floating lanterns. 

Why it feels unique: Hoi An’s trading-port architecture and narrow lanes concentrate the glow into a “historic lantern city” effect—something you don’t get in modern beach towns. 

Where it happens: the 5 lantern zones to pin

1) Hoài River riverbank (best reflections) Stand along the river edges for the most “Hoi An postcard” shots—lantern light + water reflections.

2) The bridges & river crossings (iconic angles) These points compress the scene: boats, floating lanterns, and shopfront light in one frame.

3) Old Town walking streets (best “lantern lane” atmosphere) Walk slowly, look up—many of the best moments are overhead lantern corridors, not the main intersections.

4) Night market/lantern stalls (best for buying lanterns + quick snacks) Good for browsing and photos—just don’t make it your only stop (it’s also where crowds bottleneck).

5) One street away from the hottest lanes (best for calm) If the main riverfront feels packed, step one street behind and you’ll often find a quieter glow without losing the vibe.

When it happens: how to check your exact date

• It’s monthly (lunar-based), so Western calendar dates shift every month. 
• The most reliable method: confirm with your hotel or a trusted local operator the day you arrive (local logistics can change with weather or crowd management).

Best time window (practical planning): Many guides describe lantern night activity in the early evening through late evening, commonly around 5 PM–10 PM.

The perfect Lantern Night itinerary (easy, low-stress)

4:30–6:00 PM — Arrive + golden hour photos Walk the Old Town before it gets dense. Grab a river viewpoint while you still have space.

6:00–7:15 PM — Early dinner (your biggest “stress saver”) Eat early so you’re free when the town is at its brightest and busiest.

7:15–8:30 PM — Slow Old Town walk (lantern lanes + bridge views) Move at “stroll speed.” Hoi An is best when you stop rushing.

8:30–10:00 PM — Riverfront finale Choose a calmer stretch of the Hoài River for reflections and lantern moments. Keep expectations realistic: it’s magical, but it’s also popular.

What you can do (realistically)

• Lantern viewing + photo walk (the main event)
• Float a lantern wish (short, symbolic, photogenic; don’t overpay—buy from clearly priced sellers)
• Riverfront vibe: casual music/street scenes vary by night
• Shop lantern stalls (best earlier; later gets crowded)

Costs to expect (verify on arrival)

Hoi An Ancient Town ticket: Vietnam travel sources commonly list entry tickets for visiting the heritage area/attractions; one widely cited reference is 120,000 VND for adults and 80,000 VND for children (policies can change—confirm at the ticket booth).

For lantern activities and boats, prices vary by seller and night. The safest plan is: carry small cash, ask the price upfront, and choose vendors who state pricing clearly.

Crowd & comfort hacks (what actually works)

• Arrive before peak: the earlier you start, the more “romantic” it feels.
• Use the “one street behind” rule: step off the hottest strip for calmer photos and easier walking.
• Pick a riverbank spot and stay: constantly moving through chokepoints is what makes the night feel stressful.
• Bring small bills: it speeds everything up and reduces awkward “no change” situations.

What to wear & pack (night-friendly + photo-friendly)

• Breathable outfit + a thin layer (humidity + occasional breeze)
• Cash, power bank, mosquito repellent
• Comfortable sandals/shoes (you’ll walk more than you think)
• For photos: lens cloth (humidity haze is real), phone strap if you’re near the river
• 

Weather & “don’t get surprised”

Hoi An’s vibe is best on dry evenings, but lantern photos can still look great in light rain—just shift to covered streets and cafés with river views. If you’re traveling in Central Vietnam’s wetter months, build flexibility into your schedule.

Sustainable lantern etiquette (quick but important)

• Prefer eco-friendly lanterns; avoid contributing to river trash
• Don’t block bridges or narrow lanes for photos
• Keep voices lower near temples/heritage zones—Hoi An’s charm is its calm

Bonus: other lantern-filled events in Vietnam

If you want lantern energy beyond Hoi An’s monthly night, Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival period is famous for lanterns and street celebrations in many cities (crowds higher—book early if you’re traveling then).

FtripVietnam: “Lantern Night done right”

If you want a smooth, romantic night without guesswork:

• Date + timing plan (choose the best evening for your stay)
• Crowd-avoid walking route (best photo zones without the tightest chokepoints)
• Private transfers Da Nang ↔ Hoi An so you arrive before sunset
• Add-ons: lantern-making workshop, photography-friendly guide, food tour before peak glow

FAQs (AI Overview–friendly)

Is Hoi An Lantern Festival every night? No—travel sources describe it as a monthly lunar-based night, so dates change each month. 

Do I need a ticket to enter Hoi An Ancient Town at night? Tickets are commonly required for the heritage area/attractions; references often cite 120,000 VND adult / 80,000 VND child, but confirm on arrival. 

What’s the best area for lantern photos? The Hoài River riverbank for reflections, plus quiet lanes one street behind the busiest areas.

Why does Hoi An feel so special? Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the preserved architecture amplifies the lantern atmosphere.

Conclusion: Let Hoi An’s Lantern Night Slow You Down

Hoi An’s Lantern Festival isn’t about doing a long checklist—it’s about being present in a town that knows how to glow quietly. If you plan it right (arrive before peak crowds, eat early, and spend your best hour by the Hoài River), the night feels romantic and effortless rather than chaotic.

Treat it like a slow evening: follow the lantern-lit lanes, pause for reflections, float a wish if you want the full first-timer moment, and keep your expectations grounded—Hoi An is popular for a reason. And if you’d rather skip the logistics and focus on the magic, a curated plan (timing, routes, transfers) makes lantern night smoother, calmer, and far more memorable.