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If you’ve seen photos of Hoi An, chances are they featured colourful lanterns lighting up the night. The city is famous for them, so much that it’s often called the city of lanterns. Whether you visit during the full moon festival or on a regular night, you’ll see thousands of them hanging above the streets or floating on the river.
But how much of it is authentic tradition, and how much has turned into a tourist attraction? After spending two days in Hoi An, here’s my opinion.
Where the tradition comes from
Lanterns were first introduced by Chinese people who settled in Hoi An centuries ago. Over time, they became an essential part of local culture, symbolising luck, happiness and prosperity.
In Hoi An, there are nine traditional shapes of lanterns, each with its own meaning, and bright colours are favoured over dark ones. Paper lanterns are often cut into the shape of lotus flowers – a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Vietnamese culture.
When tradition meets tourism
Old Town at night
Lanterns are everywhere in and around the Old Town. Pedestrian streets are covered in them, especially around shops, cafés and restaurants. The area is very busy, and the crowds make it difficult to explore peacefully. You’ll be surrounded by people trying to capture that perfect shot – it feels like it’s all about taking photos rather than soaking up the atmosphere.
Near the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street, visitors can pay a small fee to take photos inside colourful lantern shops.
Hoi An’s lanterns are undeniably beautiful, but they’ve become part of a highly commercialised scene. Hoi An Night Market has over 50 stalls targeting tourists with food and souvenirs. Cyclos circle endlessly through the Old Town, their riders ringing bells to clear paths for tourists sitting back and snapping photos. It’s lively, and not at all serene.
Boat tour on the river
Most visitors want to release a paper lantern on the river. These floating lanterns, often lotus-shaped, are said to bring good luck and happiness.
While it sounds romantic and is often described as a magical experience, in reality, it’s more about taking photos and selfies than enjoying a peaceful, spiritual moment. I found some boats so overloaded with colourful lanterns that they looked out of place with Hoi An’s rustic charm. The more traditional boats looked much better closer to the bridge.
We were told that the lanterns are collected and reused, and that a barrier under one of the bridges prevents them from drifting away. Still, we didn’t see anyone collecting them, so hopefully that’s happening behind the scenes – otherwise, tourists might be unintentionally adding waste to the river every night.
The Lantern Festival
Every month, on the night of the full moon, Hoi An celebrates what’s known as the Lantern Festival. It’s not a separate event but rather a slightly enhanced version of a regular evening. I read that street lights are dimmed, locals play folk games, and traditional performances take place around the Old Town.
Many travellers plan their visit around the festival, expecting something unique, but in reality, it seems mostly the same – just much busier. You can see lanterns in Hoi An every night, so don’t worry if your trip itinerary doesn’t coincide with the full moon.
A few tips to enjoy the experience
- If you want to avoid the crowd, visit before sunset (around 5 pm) and come back out after 8.30 pm, as many day-trippers would have already left.
- During the peak time (6.30 pm to 8 pm), find a bar or restaurant with a river view to admire the lanterns from a distance and take your time.
- Bring small cash for lanterns and street food.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Book your ticket in advance if you want a smooth experience without having to worry about payment.
- If you choose not to purchase a ticket at the official desk, compare the different types of boats – some are quieter, others have a noisy motor or bright lights, which might not be the best experience. Don’t accept the first price; it often drops quickly if you walk away. Make sure you agree on the duration and route before boarding, and confirm it is just for your group.
Make your own lantern
I really enjoyed joining a lantern-making workshop. You can choose the shape and colour of your frame, wrap it in silk, and bring it home as a souvenir.
Hoi An’s artisans have cleverly designed a way for the lanterns to fold down flat, which makes them easy to pack in your luggage. It’s a perfect souvenir – light, colourful, and truly unique to Hoi An.
Taking part in a workshop is also a lovely way to support local craftspeople and learn more about the tradition behind all those glowing lights.
So, is it worth it?
Lanterns are a big part of what makes Hoi An so photogenic. Seeing them reflected in the river is still a lovely sight, but don’t expect a deeply authentic or spiritual experience. If you go knowing it’s more about photography than tradition, you’ll enjoy it.
I wouldn’t go to Hoi An only for the lanterns. I actually found the city more interesting during the day, with its mix of cultures and fascinating history.
It’s also worth noting that lanterns aren’t unique to Hoi An. You may come across them elsewhere in Vietnam – we saw them in Hanoi and Hoa Lu Old Town, on a smaller and quieter scale. We actually preferred our experience in Hoa Lu. Still, Hoi An remains the most famous place to see them glowing at night.
Where is Hoi An?
Hoi An is located on Vietnam’s central coast, about 30 km south of Da Nang. The easiest way to reach it is by flying into Da Nang International Airport, then taking a 45-minute taxi or shuttle.
