A Complete Guide to Hoi An Ancient Town Night & Monthly 14th Lunar Day Lantern Festival
A Heritage Moonlit Night Carrying Us Back to a Golden Past
Initiated in 1998, the Ancient Town Night Festival has become a unique cultural and tourism product of Hoi An. Under the bright full moon and the shimmering candlelight cast from centuries-old wooden windows, the ancient town emerges tranquil, deep, and poetic, resembling a living ink wash painting in real life.
Top 3 Unmissable Experiences During the Ancient Town Night Festival
1. Admire the Hoai River Glowing With Floating Flower Lanterns
- Thousands of delicate paper flower lanterns carrying shimmering candles float and blanket the surface of the Hoai River, creating a magical sea of light.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Folk Bai Choi Singing Arena
- At the open area near the Hoai River intersection, the beats of drum calls and the witty folk chants of the game hosts attract hundreds of enthusiastic visitors holding bamboo playing cards, waiting to win prizes.
3. Savor Street Food From Full Moon Mobile Vendor Poles
- Sit beside a small sidewalk vendor pole to enjoy a warm bowl of corn sweet soup (che bap), a cup of black sesame sweet soup (xi ma phu), a plate of Cao Lau, or a crispy stuffed banh mi under warm yellow lanterns.
Summary Table of Activities for the 14th Lunar Day Night Festival
| Experience Activity | Location | Operating Hours | Participation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Light blackout & Lantern lighting | All streets within the inner old town | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free stroll |
| 2. Traditional Bai Choi singing performance | An Hoi Bridge flower garden by the river | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | 20,000 VND / playing card |
| 3. Wooden boat ride & Lantern release | Bach Dang river pier | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 150,000 VND / boat (1-3 guests) |
| 4. Pot-breaking & Folk games | Chau Thuong Van Street | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Free |
Notes When Joining the Crowded Ancient Town Night Festival
On the 14th lunar night, crowds of tourists flock to the old town, so you should carefully secure your personal belongings, phones, wallets, and keep an eye on young children when walking near the edge of the Hoai River.
💡 ✨ Hand-Picked Travel Guides in Da Nang & Hoi An:
- Uncover hidden charms and local secrets in Hoi An Silk Village: Mulberry Farming & Weaving
- Explore cultural attractions with our detailed review of Exploring Hoi An Silk Village: Weaving Tour
- Official travel information: Quang Nam Tourism Promotion Information Portal ↗
Comfortable Chauffeured Car Service for Your Visit
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1When does the Hoi An Ancient Town Night Festival take place each month?
The Ancient Town Night Festival takes place regularly on the 14th day of every lunar month (the night before the full moon) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM across all walking streets in central Hoi An.
2What is the most special feature of the Ancient Town Night Festival?
The entire old town simultaneously turns off neon electric lights and modern sound devices, illuminating only with candles, oil lamps, and colorful silk lanterns. Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited, restoring a pristine, tranquil atmosphere.
3What folk activities take place during the Ancient Town Night Festival?
Vibrant folk games: Bai Choi singing by the Hoai River, blindfolded pot-breaking, sidewalk Chinese chess, classic Tuong performances, floating paper flower lanterns, and enjoying street food from mobile vendor poles.
4How much does it cost to attend the Ancient Town Night Festival?
Visitors can freely stroll around to sightsee without an entrance ticket. You only pay if you buy flower lanterns (5,000 VND - 10,000 VND (~$0.20 - $0.40 USD)), play Bai Choi (20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD)/card), or rent a wooden boat on the Hoai River (170,000 VND (~$7 USD)/boat).
5What time should you arrive at the old town on the full moon night to get a good sightseeing spot?
You should arrive around 4:30 PM to catch the sunset, and choose a high-floor balcony cafe or a riverside eatery along Bach Dang Street before the crowds pour in at 6:30 PM.
6What attire is best suited for strolling through the Ancient Town Night Festival?
Traditional ao dai, Vietnamese historical costumes (co phuc), or white/bright-colored dresses will reflect the brilliant lantern light and yield stunning commemorative photos.
7What is the all-inclusive flat rate to book a private car with driver or Da Nang airport transfer for 'Hoi An Lantern Festival & Full Moon Night Guide' with no advance deposit?
For Hoi An Lantern Festival, the most relevant Sun Travel private car route is Da Nang Airport to Hoi An (30 km, 45 mins): 4-seat car 280,000 VND (~$11 USD), 7-seat SUV 330,000 VND (~$13 USD), 16-seat van 500,000 VND (~$20 USD) — all-inclusive one-way fares covering tolls and parking with no peak-hour surcharge. Door-to-door pickup at the time you choose, ideal for Ancient Town Night Festival and Hoi An Lantern Festival; book via WhatsApp +84 384 833 444 and pay after the ride.
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