What the festival is
The lantern festival, locally tied to the full-moon observance, is the night Hoi An is most itself. The old town dims its electric lighting and the streets, shops and boats glow with silk and paper lanterns instead. Locals release small floating candles onto the Thu Bon River, and traditional music and games appear along the riverfront.
The 2026 dates
Because it follows the lunar calendar, the festival lands on a different Gregorian date each month, always on the 14th lunar day. As a rule of thumb it is the evening before each full moon. If your trip does not line up with it, the regular nightly lantern displays are still beautiful, just without the full blackout.
How to enjoy it
Come early. The riverfront and the An Hoi bridge are packed within an hour of sunset. Buy a floating candle from a riverside vendor, and consider a short evening food and lantern walk from $39 so you are moving with a guide rather than fighting the crowd. To make a souvenir, the lantern-making class from $15 is a calm, hands-on hour earlier in the day.
Make your own lantern
Fold a silk lantern to carry home, then see the old town light up after dark.
Frequently asked questions
It is held on the 14th day of each lunar month, the eve of the full moon. That means it happens every month, not just once a year. Check a lunar calendar for the exact Gregorian date during your trip.
Walking the old town during the festival requires the standard 120,000 VND old town ticket. Releasing a floating lantern on the river costs a small amount from the vendors, usually around 10,000 to 20,000 VND.
The Thu Bon riverfront and the An Hoi pedestrian bridge have the densest displays and the boats with floating candles. Arrive before sunset to claim a good spot, as it fills quickly after dark.
