Lighting Up the Ancient Town: The Complete Guide to the 2026 Hoi An Lantern Festival

Janet2

2026-02-05

The Hoi An Lantern Festival: Let the Ancient Town Light Up Your Journey

When night falls, tiny specks of light begin to glow in front of every home, eventually converging into a river of light reflecting off the Thu Bon River. This isn't a fairy tale; it is the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a magical event held once a month in Vietnam's Hoi An Ancient Town.

This traditional festival is more than just a visual feast; it is a microcosm of Vietnamese culture, history, and belief. It allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the romance of a bygone era. This 2026 Hoi An Lantern Festival Guide will take you through the secrets of this spectacular event. We will explore its history, provide the complete 2026 schedule, share photography tips, and recommend the best food, accommodation, and transport options. Whether you are a photographer, a culture seeker, or a traveler looking for romance, this article is your perfect blueprint for planning a trip to Hoi An.

1. History & Meaning: More Than Just Lights

What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The festival is not an annual event but takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month (the full moon). This tradition stems from Hoi An's history as a bustling international trading port, combining Chinese customs of praying for good fortune with local Vietnamese culture.

On the night of the festival, the Ancient Town switches off all electric lights. The streets are illuminated solely by candles, silk lanterns, and moonlight. This not only recreates the atmosphere of the port's golden age (17th–19th centuries) but also serves as a deep cultural experience. For locals, it is a significant time to pray for peace and luck.

Must-Do Activities During the Festival:

A Sea of Lanterns: Homes, shops, and alleyways are adorned with colorful lanterns, transforming the town into a dreamscape.
Releasing Floating Lanterns: Release a paper flower lantern onto the Thu Bon River while making a wish. Watching the lights drift downstream symbolizes sending your prayers out to the world.
Traditional Performances: Enjoy ancient music forms like Ca trù (ceremonial singing) and Nhã nhạc (royal court music), along with folk games and dances.

2. 2026 Hoi An Lantern Festival Dates

The festival usually falls on the 14th day of the lunar month (occasionally the 15th). Below are the expected dates for 2026.

(Note: These are based on the lunar calendar; please verify with local sources or your hotel before your trip.)

Month	Date
Jan	23 (Thursday)
Feb	12 (Wednesday)
Mar	13 (Thursday)
Apr	12 (Saturday)
May	11 (Sunday)
Jun	10 (Tuesday)
Jul	9 (Wednesday)
Aug	8 (Friday)
Sep	6 (Saturday) (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Oct	6 (Monday)
Nov	4 (Tuesday)
Dec	4 (Thursday)

📌 Travel Tip:
The festivals coinciding with the Lunar New Year (Feb 12) and Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 6) are the grandest and most lively, but also the most crowded. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere to appreciate the ancient architecture, consider visiting during other months.

3. Photography Guide: Capturing the Magic

The Lantern Festival is a paradise for photographers. Don't miss these angles:

Best Shooting Spots:

Thu Bon Riverbank: The best spot to capture the reflection of lanterns on the water and the boats.
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu): The interplay of lanterns and the bridge's silhouette creates the iconic Hoi An shot.
Alleyways: Venture into small alleys for human-interest shots that feel more authentic and intimate.

Pro Tips:

Use a Tripod: Essential for long-exposure shots to capture the light trails of floating lanterns.
Silhouettes: Use the backlight of the lanterns to create moody silhouettes of people.
Rainy Days: If it rains, use the wet pavement reflections to create a poetic, cinematic vibe.

4. Where to Stay, How to Go & What to Eat

Accommodation

Inside the Ancient Town: Convenient for soaking up the festival vibes, but rates are higher.
Surrounding Areas: A 10-15 minute walk or ride away. These areas are quieter and more affordable.

Transportation

Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD). The drive to Hoi An takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Getting There: Options include Taxis, Grab (App), or Shuttle Buses.
- Recommendation: For a stress-free arrival, book a Private Airport Transfer via Lanytrip. No hauling luggage or worrying about scams—just a direct ride to your hotel.
During the Festival: Vehicles are banned inside the Ancient Town. Walking or cycling is the best way to explore.

Must-Eat Local Delicacies

White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Vạc): Translucent dough filled with shrimp or pork, shaped like a rose. Unique to Hoi An.
Cao Lau (Mì Cao Lầu): Hoi An's signature noodle dish featuring chewy noodles (made with lye water), BBQ pork, bean sprouts, and herbs.
Fried Wonton (Hoành Thánh Chiên): Crispy golden wontons topped with a sweet and sour sauce—a classic street snack.
Mi Quang (Mì Quảng): A Central Vietnamese staple. Noodles with a small amount of rich turmeric broth, topped with meat, herbs, and rice crackers.

5. Exploring Beyond the Lights

Hoi An and its surroundings offer surprises beyond the Lantern Festival.

Classic Ancient Town Sights

Sa Huynh Culture Museum: Houses artifacts dating back 2,000 years.
Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien): A grand Chinese hall dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.
Phung Hung Old House: An 18th-century merchant house blending Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture.

Nature & Leisure

An Bang Beach: A quiet beach perfect for swimming and seafood feasts.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Take a ride in a traditional Basket Boat through the water coconut palms and experience the life of local fishermen.

World Heritage Nearby

My Son Sanctuary: A 1-hour drive away. These ancient Cham temple ruins are often called Vietnam's "Little Angkor Wat."

Conclusion: Bring the Magic of Hoi An Home

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a night of pure enchantment. As thousands of lanterns illuminate the old town and candlelit wishes drift down the river, you will feel an indescribable sense of peace and romance. It is not just a visual spectacle, but a deep dialogue with Vietnam's history and culture. We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect trip. Whether it's the glowing night of the festival or a sunny day exploring the beaches, Hoi An promises an unforgettable experience.

Start your preparations now—the glowing Ancient Town awaits!

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us through the following channels:

Taiwan Customer Service

LINE: Add @Lanytrip (don't forget the @)
Provides real-time support in Chinese / English to help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Vietnam Customer Service

WhatsApp: +84333708807
After entering Vietnam, customer service mainly communicates via WhatsApp.
We recommend downloading and registering WhatsApp before departure for easier communication.

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