BlogSome destinations are pleasant by day. Others reveal their true character only after sunset. Hoi An undeniably belongs to the latter. As daylight fades behind ochre walls and moss-covered roofs, thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets, casting a warm glow that transforms the ancient town into a scene of quiet enchantment.
In Hoi An, lanterns are not merely decorative. They represent generations of craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and a gentle pace of life that still flows along the banks of the Thu Bon River.
An Evening Among the Lanterns
My first night in Hoi An began with an unhurried stroll through the Old Town. Wooden shutters closed for the evening, cafés replaced daylight with candlelight, and lanterns gradually brightened above shopfronts and balconies. Crimson, gold, and sapphire hues shimmered on the river’s surface, turning quiet streets into something almost painterly.
There were no glaring billboards or rushing crowds—just soft reflections, the gentle rhythm of boats, and footsteps echoing on ancient stone. It felt less like tourism and more like stepping softly into another era.
The Story Behind the Glow
Lanterns have shaped Hoi An’s identity since the 16th and 17th centuries, when the town thrived as an international trading port. Merchants from East Asia brought architectural styles and spiritual customs that blended seamlessly into local life.
Over time, lanterns came to symbolize harmony, prosperity, and protection. Many families still hang them at their doors, believing the light invites good fortune and balance into the home.
Wandering the Old Town After Sunset
When evening arrives, motor traffic retreats from the historic center, leaving the streets ideal for wandering. Areas along Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc become corridors of soft color. Bridges glow gently overhead, inner courtyards shine from within, and tailor boutiques and tea houses feel more intimate beneath silk lanterns.
It is during these hours that Hoi An feels most authentic—calm, luminous, and deeply atmospheric.
The Full Moon Lantern Festival
Each month, during the full moon, the town hosts its Lantern Festival. Electric lights are dimmed, allowing lanterns and candles to define the night. Residents and visitors gather along the riverbanks to release floating paper lanterns, each carrying a personal wish.
Watching hundreds of tiny lights drift across the water creates a quiet, reflective moment—simple yet profoundly moving.
Drifting Along the River
A short boat ride on the Thu Bon River offers another perspective. From the water, the lantern-lit Old Town appears softer and almost dreamlike. Small wooden boats move slowly as lights shimmer above and in reflection below. It is an experience that invites stillness rather than spectacle.
Handmade Traditions
During daylight hours, workshops around Hoi An open their doors to visitors curious about lantern-making. Crafted from bamboo frames and silk fabric, each piece is shaped and assembled by skilled artisans.
Taking one home is more than purchasing a souvenir—it is carrying a fragment of local heritage.
When to Visit
While Hoi An is charming year-round, the months from February to April and September to November often offer mild weather and clearer skies. Planning your trip around the full moon enhances the experience, but even an ordinary evening walk can feel extraordinary.
Why the Lanterns Linger in Memory
Travelers rarely remember Hoi An for a single monument. Instead, they recall a mood: amber light on ancient walls, quiet conversations by the river, the unhurried rhythm of nightfall.
Hoi An does not seek to dazzle. It gently encourages you to pause, observe, and feel. And long after you leave Vietnam, that soft lantern glow seems to travel with you.
