With the dazzling beauty of Hoi An Lantern Street, this area has captured the attention of many tourists, both domestic and international, with lanterns illuminating the entire sky every evening, creating a unique and romantic scene. Let’s explore the distinctive beauty of Hoi An Lantern Street together with DanangPrivateCar.com.
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Overview of Hoi An Lantern Street
- Location: Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An City, Quang Nam, Vietnam
In ancient times, Hoi An was considered one of the most bustling international trading ports and a stopping point for merchants from various parts of the world. It was often likened to a maritime hub along the “Silk Road” and served as a melting pot of different cultures. Hoi An lanterns also originated from this era. With a history spanning over 400 years, these lanterns incorporate the essence of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese cultures, making them irresistibly captivating.
When you visit Hoi An Lantern Street, you will hear the stories of dedicated artisans who craft these lanterns. Additionally, you can take pictures and check in with exquisite, colorful lanterns hung throughout the streets.
How to get to Hoi An Lantern Street
From the northern part of the Old Town, you can walk along Bach Dang Street along the Hoai River, cross the An Hoi Bridge to Nguyen Phuc Chu Street on the southern bank, and you will see a corner of the river illuminated by lanterns.
Additionally, if you are in Da Nang, you can book a car rental service from Da Nang to Hoi An through VnCarRentals.com. With our car rental service in Da Nang, we will help you reach Hoi An quickly, offering door-to-door service, professional drivers with years of experience serving international guests, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as possible.
The Historical Ups and Downs of Hoi An Lanterns
Many believe that the origins of Hoi An lanterns can be traced back to people with surnames like Thai, La, Chau, who came from Guangdong, China, in search of a better life. During their long journey, bringing lanterns and hanging them on their doorways helped ease their homesickness for their homeland. Over time, this practice was adopted by a portion of the local residents and evolved into a beautiful cultural tradition that has been preserved to this day.
Over the centuries, Hoi An lanterns have become more refined and beautiful. Lantern-making has also become a distinctive feature of the Old Town and a highlight of Hoi An tourism, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
It is known that the “pioneer” of lantern craftsmanship in Hoi An was a man named Xa Duong, who specialized in creating handicrafts such as parade lanterns and lion dance heads. The person responsible for reviving the enchanting and radiant Hoi An of the night was the artisan Huynh Van Ba. He played a pioneering role in redesigning the lanterns, and the lanterns we see today have a frame made of bamboo and are covered with fabric. Huynh Van Ba was also invited by the Japanese government on several occasions to instruct how to make lanterns in Vietnam.
The Best Time to Check-In at Hoi An Lantern Street
Hoi An Lantern Street is always bustling, dazzling with lights, and looks its best at night. Particularly, on the 14th day of the lunar calendar each month and during the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, this place typically hosts lively lantern festivals, and it’s filled with the radiance of exquisite lanterns.
During these times, all businesses, restaurants, and households will turn off their electric lights. The people of Hoi An hang various lanterns of different shapes and colors in front of their homes, making the entire neighborhood become even more enchanting and dreamlike.
When you visit the Old Town of Hoi An during these occasions, you’ll undoubtedly be mesmerized by the sparkling red, yellow, and green lights adorning the narrow streets. This is also a perfect time for travelers to capture memorable photos and seize the magical moments.
Furthermore, if you can’t make it to Hoi An Lantern Street during the festival times, checking in during the daytime is still wonderful and enjoyable.
Exploring Hoi An Lantern Street
Check-In at Hoi An Lantern Street
Once you’ve arrived at Hoi An Lantern Street, you definitely can’t resist stopping and taking some impressive photos to capture the memorable moments when visiting Hoi An Ancient Town. You can quickly buy a Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) or a bohemian outfit along with a conical hat, straw hat, fan, and strike a pose next to the radiant lanterns to elevate your photos to a higher level.
Understanding the Significance of Hoi An Lanterns
When traveling to Hoi An, tourists immediately think of the vibrant streets adorned with colorful lanterns hung throughout the town. It can be said that this is a very familiar image for visitors each time they visit Hoi An Ancient Town.
The significance of lanterns is the idea of radiance, and the people of Quang Nam province consider light as an important symbol for humanity. Moreover, lanterns are also associated with good luck and prosperity.
Furthermore, Hoi An’s lanterns are a symbol of cultural convergence between Vietnam, China, and Japan. Some believe that the lanterns appearing in Hoi An are due to people with surnames like Chau, Thai, La, who came from Fukien, Chiu Chow, and Guangdong to seek their livelihood. It was during their journeys abroad that they brought lanterns as a symbol of their longing for their homeland.
Discovering the Traditional Lantern-Making Craft
To create an eye-catching Hoi An lantern, artisans need experience, skillful hands, creativity, and meticulousness in each step of lantern making.
The process of creating a colorful Hoi An lantern typically involves three basic steps:
- Step 1: Use bamboo strips to shape the frame and connect them with rope.
- Step 2: Cut the fabric to the lantern’s size, apply adhesive, and wrap it around the frame. Then, use scissors to remove any excess fabric.
- Step 3: Decorate the lantern with various patterns and designs to make it unique and distinct.
To produce a high-quality lantern, artisans must be very selective when choosing materials. For example, the bamboo used for the frame should be mature and free of mold; the fabric covering the lantern should be silk or satin, and the choice of fabric color is crucial as it affects the lantern’s light.
Participating in Lantern Festivals
Lantern festivals are often held on the 14th day of the lunar calendar or during Tet (Lunar New Year). During the festival season, tourists can engage in various enjoyable activities, such as releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River, witnessing outstanding artistic performances, and taking part in traditional games.
Enjoying Hoi An’s Nighttime Cuisine
When visiting Hoi An and staying overnight, tourists not only immerse themselves in the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of Hoi An’s streets but also get to savor the unique Hoi An cuisine.
You can easily dine at riverside eateries along the Hoai River next to Lantern Street or explore the night market in the Lantern Street area, where you can indulge in delicious dishes like Mot Hoi An, Phuong bread, banh xeo, sweet potato cake, cao lau,..
Famous Locations Near Hoi An Lantern Street
When you visit Hoi An, apart from experiencing Lantern Street, you can also explore and check-in at other historically rich and picturesque places in Hoi An.
Certainly, here’s a more detailed description of some famous locations near Hoi An Lantern Street:
- Hoi An Night Market: The Hoi An Night Market is a vibrant and bustling place that comes to life after dark. It’s a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the local culture and shop for souvenirs. You’ll find a wide range of items, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and local street food vendors serving up delicious Vietnamese dishes.
- Ong Pagoda: This temple, also known as Ong Bon Pagoda, is a Chinese-style temple located in the heart of Hoi An. It’s a serene and beautifully adorned place of worship dedicated to Ong Bon, the guardian of happiness and virtue. The intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit spot.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall : Hoi An is renowned for its assembly halls, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is one of the most impressive. This historic assembly hall is dedicated to the Fujian community and showcases intricate craftsmanship with detailed carvings, sculptures, and a tranquil courtyard.
- Hoai River: The Hoai River, with its charming waterfront, is an essential part of Hoi An’s picturesque landscape. Taking a boat ride on the Hoai River is a lovely way to appreciate the town’s beauty, especially in the evening when the lanterns are lit and the river shimmers with their reflections.
- Yellow Alley: The Yellow Alley, also known as “Hem 9,” is a hidden gem in Hoi An. This narrow alley is lined with charming yellow-painted buildings and offers a glimpse into Hoi An’s quieter and more authentic side. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and some beautiful photos.
Elegantly simple yet exuding charm and sophistication, Hoi An Lantern Street is a renowned tourist attractions in Hoi An. It serves as a focal point that brings together the essence of the local culture and its people. DanangPrivateCar.com is confident that Hoi An Lantern Street will be an outstanding highlight in your journey of exploring Hoi An.
[…] Hoi An’s Lantern Street has become a famous check-in spot. Most tourists visiting Hoi An come to this street to admire and take photos, especially young travelers. […]