Hoi An, an ancient town in Quang Nam province, is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, with lantern making being the most prominent. As you stroll through the town, you’ll find vibrant lanterns adorning every street, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable atmosphere. For those fascinated by lanterns and eager to learn more about this cherished tradition, the Hoi An Lantern Festival—held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar—offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the town’s unique cultural heritage.
I. History of Hoi An Festival
As you may know, the full moon holds special significance in Vietnamese traditions. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An was a bustling trade port, attracting merchants from all over the world. Among them were Japanese traders, who often hung colorful lanterns in front of their homes. Over time, the local people adopted this practice, creating their own lanterns to hang as a symbol of good luck.
This tradition has endured through the centuries. In 1998, local authorities in Hoi An formalized the practice by organizing monthly lantern festivals during the full moon. Today, the festival has become a popular event, drawing both Vietnamese and international tourists to the town to celebrate.
II. Highlights of Hoi An Lantern Festival
As the name suggests, lanterns take center stage during the festival. Colorful lanterns, each with a candle inside, are placed on the river as a way of praying for good health, peace, and fortune. During this time, the city minimizes electricity usage, allowing the lanterns to light up the ancient town of Hoi An, creating a stunning and serene atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.
With vehicles and bicycles banned from the area, visitors can stroll freely through the streets, fully immersed in the festive spirit. Along the riverbanks, you’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional performances, including bamboo flute music, fiddles, poetry readings, and even participate in the local game of Bai Choi.
The river is also lined with food stalls, offering a perfect opportunity to sample delicious local dishes and try tasty mooncakes. For those interested in local religious practices, visiting the shrines is a chance to see locals making offerings of food, flowers, and candles to the gods.
III. What to See and Do at Hoi An Lantern Festival?
1. Dropping Lanterns from a Boat
Releasing lanterns from the shore is a popular activity among tourists, but the experience is even more magical when done from a boat. Simply head to Bach Dang Wharf, where you’ll find boatmen ready to take you on a river journey to release your lanterns. Along the way, they’ll share captivating stories about this historic town, making the experience even more unforgettable.
2. Watch Bai Choi Performance
Bai Choi is a vibrant folk game from this region of Vietnam that blends music, acting, painting, poetry, and literature. Originating from local peasants long ago, the game features a unique set of rules that combine folk singing with card drawing. The songs performed in Bai Choi reflect the lives and work of farmers, while also expressing their patriotism and the strong sense of community. If you visit the festival, be sure to join in or watch this captivating folk game to fully experience the lively and spirited atmosphere.
3. Visiting a Temple
The full moon is a time when pagodas and temples in Hoi An are especially busy, as locals gather to honor their ancestors, offering incense, flowers, and fruits. These temples are easily recognizable, with a distinctive style that reflects strong Chinese architectural influences. For VND 120,000, you can purchase a single ticket that grants access to all the temples, historic houses, and museums in the ancient town. During the Lantern Festival, Quan Cong Pagoda is the most popular temple to visit, where many local visitors come to pray for good fortune and happiness.
4. Take Photos of Lantern View
The festival offers plenty of opportunities for great photos, so be sure to bring a good camera to capture the unforgettable moments. The Hoai River, illuminated by lanterns, is a particularly scenic spot for photography. Additionally, other iconic locations like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Cantonese Assembly Hall provide stunning backdrops, all glowing under the vibrant, multi-colored lanterns.
IV. Tips on Visiting the Festival
The largest Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, making it the perfect time to experience the event at its most vibrant. As this is a highly anticipated celebration, both locals and tourists flock to the riverbanks, so it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
For the best night photos, be sure to bring quality camera equipment. Just remember to keep your gear and personal belongings close to you, and take care not to let anything fall into the water. Since vehicles are restricted, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable, durable shoes as you may need to walk a fair distance.
Lastly, don’t miss the chance to buy a beautiful handmade lantern, which can be purchased for around $0.50.
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