The Hoi An Lantern Festival has had a deep impression on visitors around the world. It is a time when the ancient town becomes resplendent under the lights and bustling with good wishes on the night of the full moon.

I. Origin and Significance of the Hoi An Lantern Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival has long been a meaningful activity, carrying the traditional cultural and spiritual beauty of the Hoi An people in particular and Vietnam in general. It is preserved as a custom representing the ancient and serene Hoi An over the years.

The lantern festival began in 1998 and has its origins in Buddhism. Today, this activity has attracted many tourists and has become a unique cultural feature of the place.

Originally, this was a traditional festival of the Chinese in Hoi An to honor their saints and ancestors. The Lantern Festival marks the harmonious combination of South Asian and Western cultures, and it has become a symbol of the diversity and creativity of the people of Hoi An.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a cultural and spiritual beauty with great spiritual significance for tourists and locals. Releasing lanterns carries the hope of wealth, health, and peace for oneself and family. When looking at the lanterns floating along the Hoai River, you will have more hope that your wishes can come true.

II. The Hoi An Lantern Festival - A Hallmark of Hoi An's Cultural Heritage

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a dazzling spectacle on the Hoai River. When the electric lights go out, the entire Old Town of Hoi An becomes even more magical with the shimmering light of lanterns and floating lanterns on the water.

1. Time and Location

• Time: 1st, 14th, and 15th (lunar calendar) of each month and every Saturday
• Location: Hoai River (a branch of Thu Bon River, Hoi An, Quang Nam)

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th and 15th day of the lunar month, also known as the full moon day, and every Saturday.

 On these days, the streets of Hoi An come alive with hundreds of high-hanging lanterns. On the Hoai River, visitors can release their small, colorful lanterns into the water, creating a romantic scene.

If you want to experience the most beautiful Hoi An Lantern Festival, you should come during the dry season, from March to September. This is when the weather in Hoi An is most pleasant, with few clouds and no rain.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the Hoai River, which lies peacefully in the heart of the Old Town. This is also the river associated with many of the daily activities and Vietnamese culture of the locals.

The Hoai River is usually calm and peaceful, but on full moon nights, it becomes more bustling and poetic as hundreds of visitors come to send their wishes with brightly lit lanterns.

2. Best Spot for Lantern Releasing

To participate in the Hoi An Lantern Festival, you must first buy a few lanterns. Then, you have two options for releasing your lanterns:

• Along the Hoai Riverbank: Some visitors who are afraid to get on the river or sit in a boat can choose to sit on the riverbank and lean down to release their lanterns. However, you should choose areas with steps that are close to the water to ensure safety.

• Sitting on a boat to release lanterns: When sitting on a boat, you will hear touching stories from the boatmen. Admire the view of the old town on both sides of the river and gently release the lanterns into the water, breathing in the fresh air and gently releasing the lanterns into the water.

The lanterns are sold in abundance near the Hoai River. You can buy one, two, three, or more as you wish. Then, light the lantern and let it float down the river. Don't forget to write your wish on the lantern and make a sincere wish.

III. Activities during the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Before participating in the Lantern Festival, visitors can stroll through the streets and admire the brightly colored lanterns.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers many exciting activities that attract a large number of visitors, including:

1. Lantern Releasing

The lantern release ceremony is the main activity of the festival. On the night of the full moon every month, the people of Hoi An and tourists will gather to release lanterns on the Hoai River. The sparkling, colorful lanterns floating on the river create an extremely poetic and magical atmosphere.

2. Boat Cruise on the Hoai River

In addition to releasing lanterns, visitors can also take boat trips on the Hoai River. For a ticket price of between 100,000 and 150,000 VND per person, visitors will experience the feeling of releasing lanterns from the middle of the river and admire the Ancient Town from a very different perspective.

The boats gently glide on the water, carrying the light of the lanterns, creating an unforgettable beautiful picture in the hearts of each visitor.

3. Folk Art Performance Program

Folk art performances and games are an indispensable part of the festival. During this program, art troupes will perform traditional dances, songs, musical instruments, bai choi playing... and cultural and culinary activities are also organized within the framework of the festival.

Hoi An tourists can participate in activities such as painting, making lanterns, and taking souvenir photos with Hoi An amidst the sparkling lights.

4. Cultural Delights and Riverside Cuisine

In the ancient, poetic space, the flavor and simple presentation of Hoi An dishes such as chicken rice, Quang noodles, Cao Lau, grilled pork vermicelli, and grilled banana pudding..., as if bringing visitors back in time to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of a golden age and experience the unique traditional Vietnamese culture.

IV. Tips for Experiencing the Hoi An Lantern Festival

Key points for a safe and enjoyable Hoi An Lantern Festival:

• During the festival, the Ancient Town's electricity and streetlights are turned off to enhance the lantern's beauty on the Hoai River. Exercise caution when admiring the lanterns from the riverside.
• The festival begins early, with lanterns lit around 6 pm. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, avoid traffic congestion, and not miss important ceremonies.
• Bring a good camera to capture the stunning night views of the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
• Expect to walk a lot as vehicles are prohibited in the Old Town except bicycles. Wear comfortable shoes for easy navigation.

V. Conclusion

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a profound embodiment of Hoi An's spirit. The festival's enchanting glow serves as a beacon, beckoning visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Hoi An, a place where tradition and modernity intertwine, creating an unforgettable tapestry of cultural richness.

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