When we decided to go to Vietnam the first thing we did was to make a reservation for the Lantern Festival in the ancient town of Hội An. We knew we wanted to be in the beautiful, well-preserved town on the night of the full moon in February to witness the monthly Lantern Festival.
We had read about the festival and we wanted to have that magical experience be part of our Vietnam adventure. We found that the town of 120,000 was a better choice for us than the nearby much larger city of Da Nang.
Hội An was largely spared from the intense bombing and fighting during the Vietnam War that affected other areas of Vietnam, including Da Nang. This is one reason why its historic buildings remain intact, making it one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Southeast Asia today.
Hội An, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe.
As ships became larger and increased silt in the river blocked access to Hội An, it declined as a major trading port in favor of nearby Da Nang.
This mix of foreign influences and the traditional ways is still visible in the town’s architecture, food, and people. I quickly decided to put Hội An into my top 10 of the most photogenic cities I have visited in my travels. 
The Ancient Town area is the heart of Hội An and it is filled with yellow-walled shop houses, wooden bridges, and narrow alleyways.
Hội An has a lively market area and numerous tailor shops making high quality bespoke suits and beautifully crafted gowns. And as everywhere we went in Vietnam there are tons of coffee shops, restaurants, and delicious street food.
After a day of wandering through Hội An’s ancient streets, dodging motorbikes, and indulging in a bowl of cao lau (beef noodle soup), and scarfing down Bahn Mi sandwiches made by Madam Khanh (The Bahn Mi Queen), we were ready for something special.
So after a rest, off we went to see Hội An by night and catch the legendary Lantern Festival and see the town glow under a sky full of light. Every shop, every bridge, every tiny alley is lit up like something out of a dream. You can’t help but stop and take it all in.
The Magic of Floating Lanterns
As the sun sets boats begin to troll the Thu Bon River with their own colorful lanterns lighting up the water. Hawkers on the river banks corral patrons to the boats for 20 minute rides while other vendors sell the paper lanterns with candles attached to the bottom.
Vendors sell lit and unlit paper lanterns for a little over a dollar a piece.
The tradition of floating paper lanterns down the Thu Bon River is a deeply symbolic act rooted in Vietnamese spiritual and cultural traditions.
Once you have your paper lantern you get on a boat for a 20 minute ride and light and launch your lantern.
Setting a lantern floating upon the water is said to bring good luck and prosperity and is often accompanied by making a wish.
It is also a way of honoring ancestors and paying respects as the lanterns are seen as a way to guide spirits and honor deceased loved ones, following Buddhist traditions of remembrance.
If you don’t want to get on a boat they have special poles with baskets to lower your lantern into the water.
Lastly the setting of the floating lanterns is seen as a way of letting go of your worries as the floating lanterns represents releasing negative energy, and leaving troubles behind.
We happily paid our minimal fee and joined in the tradition. It’s a simple yet mesmerizing ritual, and as hundreds of these glowing orbs float away, the river becomes a sea of flickering light.
Frog was just one of the many exotic foods that were being sold on the street.
If there’s one thing you can count on in Vietnam, it’s amazing street food, and the Lantern Festival is no exception. Vendors serve up grilled meats on skewers, sticky rice cakes, and sweet sesame snacks.
Planning Your Visit
The festival happens on the full moon of every lunar month, so if you’re in Vietnam, plan accordingly. To be honest the lantern lighting happens every night but it goes into overdrive when the full moon hits.
It’s best to arrive early to explore the town before the crowds settle in. And if you want the best view of the lanterns on the river, consider joining in the fun and taking a small wooden boat out onto the water—it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts
Hội An’s Lantern Festival isn’t just about the lights; it’s about the atmosphere, the tradition, and the sense of connection you feel as you release a lantern with a quiet wish. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the night fades and the last lantern disappears downstream.
When we decided to go to Vietnam the first thing we did was to make a reservation for the Lantern Festival in the ancient town of Hội An. We knew we wanted to be in the beautiful, well-preserved town on the night of the full moon in February to witness the monthly Lantern Festival.
We had read about the festival and we wanted to have that magical experience be part of our Vietnam adventure. We found that the town of 120,000 was a better choice for us than the nearby much larger city of Da Nang.
Hội An, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe.
As ships became larger and increased silt in the river blocked access to Hội An, it declined as a major trading port in favor of nearby Da Nang.
This mix of foreign influences and the traditional ways is still visible in the town’s architecture, food, and people. I quickly decided to put Hội An into my top 10 of the most photogenic cities I have visited in my travels. 
The Ancient Town area is the heart of Hội An and it is filled with yellow-walled shop houses, wooden bridges, and narrow alleyways.
So interesting and informative!! Fantastic pictures as usual!! Thanks 😊