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26/01/2023
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The splendid light of Hoi An lantern festival (Source: Collected)
One of the experiences that tourists to Hoi An should not miss out on is to join Hoi An lantern festival. The lanterns in brilliant colors not only symbolize luck and happiness but also create a calm and picturesque space for tourists to take striking photos.
1. About Hoi An lantern festival Vietnam
Hoi An is a city with hundreds of years of history. Lanterns have gradually become an indispensable part of this ancient town during its development. Thus, Hoi An lantern festival is a way to celebrate the local traditions.
1.1. When was the festival first held?
Tourists to Hoi An can always find colorful lanterns hung around the old streets. Back in the 16th – 17th centuries, Hoi An was a busy and prosperous trading port town, where many Chinese and Japanese regularly dropped by to do their business. Lanterns were one of the things they brought to this place.
Gradually, the custom of hanging lanterns in front of the doors was acquired by local people and practiced until today. Hanging lanterns in front of the house is a way to attract good fortune. Around 1988, local authorities decided to hold Hoi An full moon lantern festivals on a monthly basis. This is one of the most anticipated occasions of Hoi An for both tourists and locals.
Lanterns have long been a characteristic feature of Hoi An’s culture (Source: Collected)
1.2. How meaningful is the festival to Hoi An culture?
The lantern festival in Hoi An Ancient Town is an activity aimed at conserving the local culture of this land. Lanterns are a symbol of peace and luck. In some touristy areas of Hoi An, people can even release floating lanterns into Hoai River. The glistening candles drifting along the river hold the people’s wishes and prayers for prosperity and happiness in life.
2. When is Hoi An lantern festival held?
Hoi An is always glistening during the lantern festival (Source: Collected)
To be able to enjoy the full beauty and get immersed in the fascinating atmosphere of Hoi An lantern festival, tourists should visit the ancient town on the 14th day of every lunar month, especially during the time of the mid-autumn festival. What’s special is that all houses, restaurants, and shops in Hoi An will switch off their lights throughout the festival. At the same time, thousands of lanterns of all shapes and colors are lit up. Altogether, they create a twinkling and magical space in the ancient town.
3. What to do at Vietnam Hoi An lantern festival?
Hoi An lantern festival includes many activities for tourists to enjoy.
3.1. Immerse yourself in the poetic scenery of the ancient town
Be immersed in thousands of lanterns is an unparalleled experience (Source: Collected)
From 5 pm to 10 pm on the days of Hoi An lantern festival, all vehicles are not allowed to enter the venue. Electric lights are turned off, and all the streets are flooded with the gleaming light from thousands of lanterns and the full moon. In the poetic atmosphere of Hoi An, the charming lanterns can be found in all corners, from the doorsteps to the river. They give tourists a calm and pleasant feeling. This is also the perfect time for selfies and photography.
3.2. Release lanterns on Hoai River
Releasing lanterns into the river brings you peaceful moments to contemplate and relax (Source: Collected)
During Hoi An lantern festival, many tourists enjoy releasing lanterns on Hoai River. According to local belief, each floating lantern on the river represents a wish for health and luck. Tourists can buy a lantern for 5,000 VND from vendors along both sides of the river. Detailed instructions for releasing lanterns into the river will be given to tourists.
3.3. Admire the unique traditional art performances
Bai choi singing in the streets of Hoi An (Source: Collected)
In the festive season, Hoi An never lacks captivating events. Besides lighting up lanterns, tourists to Hoi An can also admire traditional art performances, such as lion dance, folk dance, and bai choi singing, or play folk games like tug of war and Vietnamese chess.
3.4. Enjoy plenty of delectable foods of Hoi An
Hoi An is the land of delectable specialty dishes (Source: Collected)
A trip will never be complete if tourists fail to explore the local cuisine, and Hoi An street food is no exception. This ancient town boasts a wide range of specialty dishes, including local noodles like cao lau, mi Quang, mot tea among others. Hoi An’s cuisine is offered by both street vendors and well-known restaurants at quite reasonable prices.
>>> Explore many other things to do in Hoi An to fill your trip with fun!
4. Tips to have the best experience at Hoi An lantern festival
Hoi An lantern festival is an ideal time for taking photos (Source: Collected)
Hoi An lantern festival is held monthly, and it often attracts large crowds in the middle of autumn. In order to have the most enjoyable experience of the festival, visitors should keep the following notes in mind:
- During the time of the festival, a huge number of tourists flock to Hoi An, so you should arrive at the festival early to find a good place for the best views.
- Hoi An by night is twinkling and fancifully beautiful. However, there may not be enough light for taking photos. Therefore, you should bring some lighting equipment for your cameras.
- The most bustling and splendid lantern festivals in Hoi An take place in the first lunar month and the middle of autumn.
- During the time of the festival, all vehicles are now allowed. Therefore, tourists should wear shoes that are most comfortable for walking.
Japanese Bridge Hoi An (Source: Collected)
As an ancient town with diverse cultural features, Hoi An boasts a series of historical attractions to explore, such as Japanese Bridge Hoi An, Quan Cong Temple, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Hoi An Night Market, etc.
While exploring the rich traditional culture of Hoi An, tourists may also want to see some modern aspects of this land. VinWonders Nam Hoi An, one of the largest amusement parks in Central Vietnam, is a top choice. This amusement park weaves traditional stories into modern games that will bring unique experiences for visitors.
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here
VinWonders Nam Hoi An
Hoi An lantern festival is a colorful event that celebrates the local culture and attracts a large number of tourists. By experiencing the festival, tourists will understand more about the local life and enjoy many unforgettable moments with friends and family. The festival will certainly make your trip to Hoi An worthwhile.
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here
