The Lantern Festival in Hoi An: the dates of the full-moon nights in 2026, prices for lanterns and boats, the 120,000-dong old-town ticket, the best time and the photo spot.
When the sun sets in Hoi An the town seems to exhale and light up: thousands of silk lanterns of every colour flare above the narrow streets of the old quarter, boats with little lights sway on the Thu Bon River, and tiny paper boats with candles float on the water — this is people making wishes. On one night of the month all this happens ten times brighter: Hoi An holds the Full Moon Lantern Festival, and it is perhaps the most beautiful evening you can spend in Vietnam.
What the lantern night is
The festival in Hoi An is called “Dem Ram Pho Co” — the full-moon night in the old quarter. It is held every month on the fourteenth night of the lunar calendar. On this evening electric lighting in the old quarter is dimmed, and lanterns become the main sources of light. Traditional music sounds along the river, and locals and tourists float candles in paper lanterns on the water and make wishes for health, luck, peace and success in business.
Dates and time
In 2026 the lantern nights fall on 2 January, 1 February, 2 March, 1 April, 30 April, 30 May, 28 June, 27 July, 26 August, 24 September, 23 October, 22 November and 22 December. The festive evening lasts roughly from 17:30 to 22:00, and the peak of lantern launching falls between 19:00 and 21:00. Dates for the following years are determined by the lunar calendar, so before booking tickets and a hotel it is worth checking them against a current table.
Tickets and prices
A ticket to the old town costs 120,000 dong for foreigners and 80,000 for Vietnamese. It gives entry to five sites of your choice — old houses, an assembly hall, museums and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. But for the festival itself a ticket is not needed: walking the streets, looking at the lanterns and floating them on the river is free. Paper and silk lanterns with a candle are sold on Bach Dang embankment and by the An Hoi bridge for 20–40 thousand dong. Boats cost about 170 thousand for one to three passengers and 220 thousand for four to five, the ride lasts about 20 minutes.
How to spend the evening
Come by half past five or six: at that time it is still the golden hour, you can calmly take a boat and find a good spot for photos. Start with a walk around the old town while it is not yet dark, then choose dinner at one of the cafés on the embankment — Vietnamese cao lau and “white rose” dumplings (banh bao vac) are signature dishes here. Just before the peak go down to the water, buy a lantern, make a wish and launch it. The bridge is best photographed from the south bank, on the An Hoi side: from there both the bridge and the lights are better seen.
Hoi An is not only lanterns
The town is known as the capital of tailors: in a couple of days suits, dresses and shirts are made to measure here, and workshops on every corner offer their services. If you decide to order, allow at least two to three days and several fittings, compare fabric and seams in different workshops and don’t agree to “everything will be ready in two hours”. By day it is worth taking a bicycle and riding to the rice fields and beaches not far from the town, and in the evening returning to the old quarter.
Practical tips
On the night of the festival the town is crowded, so arrive early and book accommodation in advance. Take small banknotes: at the festival most vendors don’t accept cards. Shoes should be comfortable: there are often many people on the streets of the old quarter. Watch your bag and phone in the crowd — as anywhere tourists gather. The most beautiful spot for a shot is the An Hoi bridge at sunset and right after.
FAQ
When is the nearest lantern festival? In 2026 — 23 October, 22 November and 22 December.
Do I need an old-town ticket for the festival? No: the 120,000-dong ticket is needed only for entry to historic houses and museums, the festival itself and lantern launching are free.
How much does a boat cost? About 170 thousand dong for 1–3 people and 220 thousand for 4–5 people for a 20-minute ride.
What time is it best to come? By 17:30–18:00, to catch the golden hour and take a boat before the rush of people.
Where is it best to photograph the bridge from? From the south bank, on the An Hoi side.
Prices, festival dates and schedule may change — check current information before the trip.
