TrekUnity
When
September
Attendance
thousands each full moon
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
On every full moon, the UNESCO-listed old town of Hoi An, Vietnam switches off its electric lights and glows instead with thousands of colorful silk lanterns, as locals and visitors release small candle-lit paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River in a serene, wish-filled ritual, amid traditional music, games, and food.
Magical year-round, the Lantern Festival is grandest at the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it makes one of Southeast Asia's most romantic and atmospheric experiences, set among Hoi An's ancient merchant houses and tailor shops.
Want to go? Turn Hoi An Lantern Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Every full moon (grandest at Mid-Autumn, Sept/Oct)
Admission
Old-town entry ticket · floating lanterns sold by vendors
Parking
The old town is pedestrian-only during the festival — walk or bicycle.
Nearest airport
Da Nang International (DAD) — ~45 min
Typical weather
Warm, humid central-Vietnam climate — 80s °F; September/October can bring rain, so pack a layer.
Official website
Location
Hoi An, Vietnam
Where to stay
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Riverside resort near the old town.
Little Riverside Hoi An
Boutique riverside hotel.
Old-town homestays
Charming stays steps from the lanterns.
Where to eat & drink
Cao lầu
Hoi An's signature noodle dish, found nowhere else.
White rose dumplings & banh mi
Local specialties and famous Vietnamese sandwiches.
Riverside food stalls
Street eats along the Thu Bon.
Nearby attractions
Hoi An Ancient Town
The lantern-lit UNESCO old quarter.
Japanese Covered Bridge
The town's iconic 400-year-old bridge.
An Bang Beach
A relaxed beach a short ride away.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + old town
- •Fly into DAD
- •Afternoon: tailor shops + Japanese Bridge
- •Evening: cao lầu dinner
2Lantern night
- •Day: An Bang Beach or a cooking class
- •Evening: release a lantern on the river
3Da Nang + depart
- •Morning: Marble Mountains near Da Nang
- •Head to DAD
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Time your visit to a full moon for the full experience.
- Get fitted for custom clothes at Hoi An's famous tailors.
- Take a night boat ride to see the lanterns from the water.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
It happens every full moon, and is grandest at the Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October), in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Can you release a lantern?
Yes — vendors sell small candle-lit paper lanterns to float on the Thu Bon River.
How do you get there?
Fly into Da Nang and transfer ~45 minutes to Hoi An.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hoi An Lantern Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.