Once a month, Hoi An's Ancient Town switches off every electric light and lets the glow of the full moon and thousands of lanterns take over the city's lighting. This centuries-old tradition is one of the main reasons travelers deliberately time their Vietnam trip around one of these festival nights.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival in late 2026 falls on October 23, November 22, and December 22, following Vietnam's lunar calendar, which marks the full moon on the 14th day of each lunar month. It's a great moment to book Flights to Da Nang, the nearest gateway into Hoi An.

The festival is held every month on the night of the 14th day of the lunar calendar, exactly one day before the full moon. For the October-December 2026 period, the dates fall on October 23, November 22, and December 22.

The full moon is considered a sacred time in the Buddhist calendar, believed to mark both the birth and the enlightenment of the Buddha. From there, the tradition of lighting lanterns during the full moon grew into a local custom symbolizing peace, good fortune, and family reunion, as locals believe the spirits of their ancestors return home to bless the living.

This tradition dates back to the late 16th century, when Hoi An was still a bustling trading port. Merchants from China and Japan brought the custom of hanging lanterns as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and direction, which then spread throughout the town.

In 2023, the Full Moon Festival in Hoi An was officially recognized as one of Vietnam's national intangible cultural heritages, cementing its place as one of the most important cultural traditions in the Ancient Town of Hoi An, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Ancient Town transforms completely once festival night arrives, with a few signature moments that stand out as the main draw.

From around 5 PM to 10 PM, motor vehicles are banned from the streets, and every house, restaurant, and cafe in the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights. The entire area is lit only by the full moon and thousands of colorful silk lanterns, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

Locals and tourists gather along the Thu Bon River to release flower lanterns (hoa dang) as a symbol of letting go of the past and sending out wishes for peace and happiness. Dozens of glowing lanterns drifting on the river under the moonlight is the most iconic moment of the festival.

Throughout festival night, various performances such as dragon dances, lion dances, and traditional music take place across different corners of the Ancient Town, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The busiest time for releasing lanterns is usually between 7 PM and 9 PM. Arriving before this window helps you secure a good spot along the riverbank before the crowds peak.

To make the most of the festival experience, here are a few practical things worth keeping in mind.

October and November are Hoi An's wettest months, and the Ancient Town can occasionally flood during heavy rain. The October 23 and November 22 dates are still beautiful to visit when the weather cooperates, but some activities may be limited if the river level is high. It's best to check the weather forecast as your visit date approaches.

Since motor vehicles are banned during the festival, staying close to the Ancient Town will make getting around much easier. Book a Hotel in Hoi An well in advance, especially since festival nights tend to be busier than usual.

Many street vendors sell small paper lanterns that you can release into the river yourself. It's a simple way to take part in the tradition while bringing home a memory of Hoi An.

Hoi An doesn't have its own airport, so the nearest gateway is Da Nang Airport. Plan for around a 45-minute to one-hour drive from Da Nang to Hoi An, and try to arrive before late afternoon to avoid getting caught in traffic ahead of the festival's start.

Since motor vehicles are banned during the festival, staying close to the Ancient Town will make getting around much easier.

The Signature Hoi An is located right next to the Ancient Town, making it the most practical choice for walking straight into the heart of the lantern celebration without needing any transportation.

La An Old Town Hotel is located in Minh An, not far from the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Market, a good option if you want a slightly quieter atmosphere while still staying close to the festival area.

Hoi An Historic Hotel is located very close to the Ancient Town, making it easy to enjoy the lantern atmosphere without a long journey once the festival winds down.

Still not sure where to stay? Check the full list of hotels in Hoi An on Traveloka and find accommodation that fits your budget and travel style.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just a light show, it's a centuries-old tradition still carefully preserved by the people of Hoi An today. An Ancient Town gone dark from electric light yet glowing with lanterns and moonlight is hard to find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

If your Vietnam trip happens to line up with one of these three dates, set aside one evening to experience the magical atmosphere of the Hoi An Lantern Festival firsthand.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's #1 travel app, trusted by millions of users to plan trips to destinations including Vietnam. Book Flights to Da Nang, then find a Hotel in Hoi An close to the Ancient Town so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere more easily.

Round out your trip with Activities in Hoi An, like a Japanese Covered Bridge tour, a basket boat ride along the river, or a visit to My Son Sanctuary outside the festival schedule. Enjoy flexible payment with Traveloka PayLater or local payment methods like bank transfer, GoPay, and other digital wallets, anytime through the app available on Google Play Store and App Store.