The Lantern Festival is a distinctive feature of Hoi An that attracts the attention of tourists and residents alike. The festival aims to honor the unique tourism products of Hoi An.
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Understanding the Lantern Festival in Hoi An
When did the Lantern Festival in Hoi An begin?
When visiting the ancient town of Hoi An, tourists are familiar with the sight of lanterns hanging along the streets. Around the 16th century, Hoi An was a bustling trading port where many Chinese and Japanese merchants frequented for trade. They brought along lanterns to hang in front of their shops.
Later on, this culture was adopted by the local people, who began hanging lanterns in front of their homes to bring good luck. Around 1988, the local government decided to organize the lantern festival on the full moon days each month. The Lantern Festival in Hoi An, also known as the Lantern Festival or Lantern Flower Festival, is the most anticipated event for both locals and tourists.
What is the significance of the Lantern Festival in Hoi An?
The Lantern Festival in the ancient town of Hoi An is an activity that preserves the indigenous cultural beauty of the local people. Lanterns also symbolize peace and good luck for every household. At some tourist spots in Hoi An, visitors also enjoy participating in releasing floating lanterns – glittering candles released onto the Hoai River symbolizing wishes and prayers for good things and happiness in life.
The time of the lantern festival in Hoi An 2024
To fully experience the beauty and vibrant atmosphere of the lantern festival in Hoi An, visitors can come here on the 14th day of the lunar month, especially on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. During the festival in Hoi An, all houses and shops turn off their lights, and people hang lanterns to create a sparkling, beautiful space.
Here are the specific dates for the lantern festival in Hoi An in 2024:
- January 24th, 2024
- February 23rd, 2024
- March 23rd, 2024
- April 22nd, 2024
- May 21st, 2024
- June 19th, 2024
- July 19th, 2024
- August 17th, 2024
- September 16th, 2024
- October 16th, 2024
- November 14th, 2024
- December 14th, 2024
Additionally, there is the International Lantern Festival in Hoi An, December 2024 – Creative City.
Where to buy Hoi An lanterns? How much do they cost?
Hoi An lanterns come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. Tourists visiting here often choose lanterns as souvenirs. Visitors can visit some famous lantern shops in Hoi An such as:
- Viet Lantern Workshop: 57 Ba Trieu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Huynh Van Ba Lantern Workshop: 15A Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Ha Linh Lantern Workshop: 72 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
In addition to large manufacturing workshops, you can also buy lanterns along streets such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Tran Phu… Lantern prices typically range from 15,000 to 150,000 VND per lantern, depending on size, color, and design. You can also request custom-designed lanterns, which usually have higher prices.
What makes participating in the Hoi An lantern festival appealing?
Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the ancient town
If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang and Hoi An, consider the timing and schedule to join the lantern festival in Hoi An. During these days, from around 5 to 10 pm daily, traffic stops, shops close, families turn off their lights, and the entire neighborhood is filled with the colors of thousands of radiant lanterns and the shimmering, mystical light of the full moon. The romantic beauty of the ancient town creates a sense of excitement and tranquility for visitors. This is also the perfect time to capture some incredibly beautiful “Instagrammable” moments.
Experience releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River
Within the framework of the festival, the activity most anticipated by tourists is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River in Hoi An. According to local beliefs and culture, each floating lantern symbolizes prayers for health, blessings, and the dispelling of worries and sorrows. Visitors can buy floating lanterns for as little as 5,000 VND each along the riverbanks. Afterwards, you’ll be guided to participate in the Hoi An lantern festival with many other exciting experiences.
The Hoai River – the venue for releasing floating lanterns activities
Witness remarkable artistic performances
If you visit Hoi An during the festival season, you’ll undoubtedly find the activities here fascinating. In addition to hanging lanterns and releasing floating lanterns, tourists can also enjoy various artistic performances such as lion dances, traditional folk dances, or participate in traditional games like tug-of-war, chess, or singing folk songs.
Indulge in Hoi An’s culinary culture
Culinary experiences are always a highlight of travel for many people when visiting a new destination. In Hoi An, you can enjoy a variety of delicious local specialties such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, and “mót” water. Hoi An’s specialties are sold at affordable prices, and you can taste them at roadside stalls or famous restaurants along the streets of Hoi An.
What should you pay attention to when participating in the Hoi An lantern festival?
The lantern festival in Hoi An is held every month, with the busiest time being during the Mid-Autumn Festival. To make your visit to Quang Nam Province more convenient, here are some things to keep in mind:
- During the festival, the streets of the ancient town are crowded with visitors. It’s advisable to arrive early to find a good spot with the best panoramic view.
- Hoi An at night is beautiful and enchanting, but there may not be enough light for you to capture clear photos. Therefore, consider bringing some additional lighting equipment if you want to take pictures.
- The most lively and grand festival atmosphere is usually during the lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- During the festival, vehicles are not allowed to circulate, so it’s recommended to wear simple shoes or sandals for comfortable walking.
The Hoi An lantern festival is not only a unique cultural activity of the local people but also one of the tourist attractions that attracts many participants. Through experiences during the festival, tourists will gain a deeper understanding of the beauty in the daily lives of the people in the ancient town, enjoy themselves to the fullest, and cherish beautiful memories with family and friends. The lantern festival will surely help you have a memorable trip, so don’t hesitate to plan your exploration journey with your loved ones!