Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026: Full-Moon Dates and How to Enjoy Every Glowing Night

Once a month, Hoi An switches off its electric lights and the Ancient Town glows by candle and silk instead. The Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 — held on the eve of every full moon — is one of the most magical experiences in Vietnam, with twelve glowing nights to choose from across the year. Here are all the dates and how to enjoy each one.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 dates

In 2026 the festival falls on: January 2, February 1, March 2, April 1, May 30, June 28, July 27, August 26, September 24, October 23, November 22 and December 22. It takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest. The next glowing night is June 28, 2026 — just around the corner.

What to expect on the night

Motorbikes are cleared from the core of the Old Town at around 5:30 pm and the electric lights go dark from roughly 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Thousands of colourful lanterns take over, while the candle-float release on the Thu Bon River peaks between about 7:00 and 9:00 pm. Most visitors arrive around 6:30–7:00 pm to soak up the atmosphere before the main event, with cultural shows, folk games and temple ceremonies filling the streets.

Two nights stand out in 2026: March 2 (Nguyen Tieu, the first full moon of the lunar year) and September 24 (the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival) — the biggest and most atmospheric of all.

How to get there without the parking headache

Because the centre closes to vehicles in the evening, the smart move is to ride in early, park at the edge of the Old Town and walk in. A motorbike rental in Hoi An gives you that flexibility — beat the crowds, arrive on your own schedule and head home whenever you like, long after the tour groups have gone.

Staying near An Bang Beach or out of the centre? An electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com is a quiet, easy way to glide into town for the lanterns and back again under the moon.

Tips for the best Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 night

A few simple choices make the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 even better. Arrive before dusk to watch the lanterns switch on over the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, then find a quiet spot along the Thu Bon River for the boat-and-candle ritual. Cash is handy for floating-lantern sellers, comfortable shoes help on the crowded lanes, and a little patience goes a long way once the streets fill up.

If you can, visit on a weekday full moon rather than a weekend — the crowds thin out and photos are far easier. Staying a few nights also means you are not rushing back, so you can wander the back-lanes long after the day-trippers have left.

FAQ

When is the next Hoi An Lantern Festival in 2026?

The next full-moon lantern night is June 28, 2026, followed by July 27 and August 26. The festival runs once a month throughout the year.

How do you get to the Hoi An Lantern Festival?

Ride in early and park at the edge of the Ancient Town, since the centre closes to vehicles in the evening. A rented motorbike, scooter or bicycle is the most flexible option.

What time does the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 begin?

The Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026 comes alive after sunset, roughly from 6pm, when the town’s electric lights dim and the silk lanterns and river candles take over until late evening.

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.