Full-Moon Night in Hoi An — When Time Stands Still

On the 14th night of each lunar month, Hoi An Ancient Town performs a special ritual: all electric lights are extinguished, replaced by the warm, shimmering glow of thousands of silk lanterns in every colour, hanging from every eave and alley. The Hoi An Lantern Festival has endured for centuries and is the living soul of this World Heritage site.

History and Significance

Hoi An's lanterns trace their origins to the 16th–17th centuries, when the town was Southeast Asia's busiest trading port, where Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese merchants converged. Lanterns were lit to guide merchant ships and pray for prosperity. Today, the lantern festival is how Hoi An people honour their ancestors, pray for their families, and share joy with visitors from around the world.

Festival Activities

Traditional performing arts: The full-moon night brings artisans performing traditional music, classical drama, hat boi singing, and dragon lion dances on stages throughout the ancient streets. This is a rare chance to experience intangible cultural heritage being kept alive from generation to generation.

Releasing flower lanterns: From Bach Dang wharf, visitors buy paper-and-wax lanterns, write wishes on them, and set them adrift on the Hoai River. Hundreds of glowing lanterns floating on the dark water create a magical, unforgettable spectacle.

Night market and street food: Along the riverbank, street food stalls overflow with flavour — freshly baked Hoi An banh mi, tri-colour dessert soup, sizzling Hoi An pancakes, Quang-style noodles... It is also the occasion to buy handmade lanterns, artisan crafts, and unique souvenirs.

Eco Lodge Experience Package

Eco Lodge runs a special lantern tour on full-moon nights each month: electric cart transfers from the hotel to the ancient town, two complimentary floating lanterns, and a local guide throughout the evening. Register at reception at least one day in advance.