Events & Festivals
Hoi An Lantern Street – The Most Magical Night
When the sun sets over the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, Hoi An lantern street transforms into a river of light — thousands of handmade silk lanterns glowing above the narrow lanes, their colours mirrored on the yellow heritage walls and the calm Hoai River. It is, quite simply, one of the most magical night experiences in all of Vietnam.
For centuries, the people of Hoi An have hung lanterns outside their homes as a symbol of luck, happiness and prosperity. That simple custom grew into a world-famous tradition, and today the glowing lanes draw travellers from every corner of the globe. Whether you wander on foot or rent a motorbike or e-bike to hop between them, exploring the lantern streets after dark is the highlight of any trip to central Vietnam.
Below is your complete, up-to-date guide to the four most beautiful lantern streets, the monthly Full-Moon Lantern Festival, boat rides on the Hoai River, and every practical detail — prices, timing and local tips — you need to plan the perfect evening.
1. Nguyen Hoang Night Market — The Lantern Heart of Hoi An
Just across the river from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, on An Hoi islet, the Nguyen Hoang Night Market is the busiest and most photogenic lantern lane in town. Around 50 stalls line the street, selling handmade silk lanterns in every colour, souvenirs, street snacks and the famous grilled treats of Hoi An. It is the beating heart of the city’s nightlife and the best single spot to feel the magic of Hoi An lantern street for the first time.
Come here to buy a floating flower lantern (from 5,000–10,000₫), release it onto the Hoai River for good luck, and photograph the glowing rainbow of silk from An Hoi Bridge. For a quieter shot of the same view, walk to the middle of the bridge just after dusk. Read our full Hoi An Old Town ticket guide before you go.
2. Tran Phu Street — The Cultural Heritage Lane
Tran Phu is the oldest and most historic street in the Ancient Town, lined with centuries-old assembly halls and merchant houses such as the Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall and the beautifully preserved Old House of Tan Ky. After dark, warm lantern light washes over the ochre-yellow façades, giving the whole lane a nostalgic, almost cinematic glow.
Don’t miss Faifo Coffee for a rooftop view over the sea of tiled roofs and lanterns, or Mót Hoi An at 150 Tran Phu for its signature herbal iced tea and lotus-decorated storefront — one of the most Instagrammed corners in the city.
3. Nguyen Thai Hoc Street — A Colorful Shopping Lane
Running parallel to Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc blends vintage charm with a modern creative buzz. Tailor shops, silk boutiques, art galleries and cafés line both sides of the street, all glowing under strings of lanterns. It is perfect for a slow evening stroll, souvenir shopping and vibrant photos without the density of the night market crowd.
Pause at Cargo Club or Hoi An Roastery for excellent desserts and coffee with a riverside view — an ideal midway break on your lantern-street walk.
4. Bach Dang Street — Peaceful Along the Hoai River
Following the riverbank, Bach Dang is the most romantic of the lantern streets. Here the lanterns of the wooden boats reflect on the water while music drifts across from An Hoi. Rent a small rowing boat, float a paper lantern, or simply sit on the low wall and watch the Hoai River (a branch of the Thu Bon) shimmer. This is the classic postcard view of Hoi An — and the best photo spot faces the Japanese Bridge around 7:00–7:30 PM.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival (Full-Moon Nights) & 2026 Dates
Once a month, on the 14th day of the lunar month — the eve of the full moon — Hoi An hosts its legendary Full-Moon Lantern Festival. For a few magical hours the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights and traffic is closed, so the 500-year-old streets glow with nothing but silk lanterns and candlelit flowers drifting down the river. Locals release lotus-shaped paper lanterns to make wishes, and the whole town feels like a living painting. Entry to the festival itself is free (the standard Old Town ticket still applies to the heritage sites).
The celebration is rooted in Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage, where the full moon marks a moment of peace and remembrance. Here are the Hoi An Lantern Festival dates for 2026 so you can time your visit:
Tip: Lantern-festival nights are busy. Arrive by 5:30–6:00 PM to enjoy the golden hour and grab a boat before they fill up. A lantern boat ride is the best way to see the illuminated town from the water.
Lantern Boat Ride & Floating Flower Lanterns
No visit to the lantern streets is complete without gliding along the Hoai River on a hand-rowed wooden boat, lanterns swaying above you and candle-flowers glowing on the water. You can buy tickets at the official booths along both riverbanks; the most convenient is just beside An Hoi Bridge. Standard rates are around 170,000₫ for 1–3 people and 220,000₫ for 4–5 people for roughly a 20-minute ride, with paper flower lanterns costing 5,000–10,000₫ each to release.
Agree the price and duration with your boatman before stepping in, and ask them to pause opposite the Japanese Bridge for the best photo. For a serene daytime alternative, the hand-woven basket boats in nearby Cam Thanh coconut village run from about 150,000₫ for two people.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An Lantern Street
- Every evening, 6:30–9:00 PM — the lanterns are fully lit and the air is cooler for walking and photography.
- Full-Moon Festival night (14th lunar day) — the most atmospheric of all, when electric lights go dark and only lanterns and candles glow.
- Dry season (roughly February–August) — the most reliable weather for a dry, breezy evening by the river.
- Golden hour, 5:30–6:30 PM — arrive early for warm light on the yellow walls before the crowds build.
Cafés & Food Stops Near the Lantern Streets
Pair your walk with a rooftop coffee or a riverside dessert. These local favourites all sit right on the lantern streets:
| Place | Location | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Faifo Coffee | 130 Tran Phu | Rooftop with the best sunset & rooftop-lantern view |
| Mót Hoi An | 150 Tran Phu | Signature herbal iced tea, iconic photo spot |
| Cargo Club | 109 Nguyen Thai Hoc | Great desserts & riverside dining |
| Hoi An Roastery | Tran Phu / riverside | Reliable specialty coffee, cosy break |
| Lantern Coffee | 103 Tran Phu | Lantern-framed views, relaxed vibe |
Getting Around & Travel Tips
The Ancient Town core is pedestrian-only in the evening, so the smartest plan is to ride to the edge of the old town, park, and explore the lantern streets on foot. A motorbike, electric scooter, e-bike or bicycle gives you the freedom to arrive whenever you like and combine the lanterns with the beach or countryside earlier in the day.
- Park near Phan Chau Trinh or Nguyen Cong Tru streets (parking 5,000–10,000₫), then walk in.
- Bring a light raincoat in the rainy months (September–December).
- Wear an áo dài or bright outfit — it looks stunning against the lantern backdrop.
- Carry small cash for boats, lanterns and street food; many stalls are cash-only.
- Keep valuables secure and watch your step on the uneven riverside cobbles.
Costs at a Glance (2026 Prices)
| Item | Typical price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Old Town entrance ticket (international visitor) | 120,000₫ — valid 24h, covers 5 heritage sites |
| Lantern boat ride (1–3 people) | from 170,000₫ (4–5 people: 220,000₫) |
| Floating paper flower lantern | 5,000–10,000₫ each |
| Motorbike / e-bike rental | from 90,000₫ / day |
| Motorbike parking near the Old Town | 5,000–10,000₫ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hoi An lantern street?
The lantern streets are inside the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. The main lanes are Nguyen Hoang Night Market on An Hoi islet, plus Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang along the Hoai River.
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival in 2026?
It falls on the 14th day of each lunar month. In 2026 the dates are 2 Jan, 1 Feb, 2 Mar, 1 Apr, 30 Apr, 30 May, 28 Jun, 27 Jul, 26 Aug, 24 Sep, 23 Oct, 22 Nov and 22 Dec.
How much is a lantern boat ride in Hoi An?
Around 170,000₫ for 1–3 people or 220,000₫ for 4–5 people for a roughly 20-minute ride. Floating paper flower lanterns cost 5,000–10,000₫ each.
Do I need a ticket to walk the lantern streets?
Walking the streets is free. The 120,000₫ Old Town ticket is only required to enter the heritage houses and assembly halls, and it is valid for 24 hours.
What is the best time to see the lanterns?
Any evening from about 6:30–9:00 PM. The full-moon festival night (14th lunar day) is the most magical, when the town switches off its electric lights.
How do I get around the lantern streets?
The old-town core is pedestrian-only at night, so ride a motorbike, e-bike or bicycle to the edge, park near Phan Chau Trinh, then explore on foot. Anh Khoa offers free hotel delivery across Hoi An.
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Hoi An lantern street is more than a photo opportunity — it is a living symbol of peace, culture and light. Every lantern carries a wish, and every reflection on the river tells a story. When night falls, wander slowly through the glowing lanes, breathe in the calm, and let the timeless beauty of the Ancient Town stay with you long after you leave.
Planning to explore Hoi An and beyond? Rent a motorbike in Hoi An from Anh Khoa — 300+ well-maintained bikes, free hotel delivery and 24/7 road assistance — and see everything the city has to offer, day and night.
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