Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026: Complete Guide to the Mid-Autumn Full Moon Night
On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month each year, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a golden paradise of silk lanterns, candlelit Hoai River, lion dances, and mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu) is one of Vietnam's most photogenic events and Hoi An is the undisputed best place in the country to experience it. Here is your complete insider guide.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination at the World Travel Awards.
Japanese Covered Bridge
A blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles.
Mooncakes (Banh Trung Thu)
The perfect pairing of mooncakes and tea.
Mid-Autumn Festival Night
The magical light from the lanterns illuminates the entire ancient town.
Festival Quick Summary
In This Travel Guide
1. How to Get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
Hoi An does not have its own airport. Most visitors fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and transfer 30 km south to Hoi An Ancient Town. Here are your main transfer options:
| Transport Mode | Travel Time | Approx. Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle Van (9-Seater) | 35 – 45 min | $4 – $7 USD | Picks up from Da Nang hotels. Most affordable option. |
| Private Car Transfer | 30 min | $12 – $20 USD | Direct from airport door. Best for families with luggage. |
| Grab / Taxi App | 30 – 35 min | $8 – $14 USD | Use Grab app for transparent metered pricing. |
| Local Bus (Route 1) | 55 – 75 min | $0.60 USD | Budget backpacker option. Multiple stops, may be crowded. |
Book Shuttle Van: Da Nang ➔ Hoi An
Compare shuttle vans, private transfers, and combo tours including festival access on 12Go Asia.
2. What Happens on Mid-Autumn Festival Night
On festival night, Hoi An Ancient Town becomes vehicle free from 5:00 PM onward. Every lantern in every shop and home is lit simultaneously at dusk, creating a jaw-dropping cascade of amber, red, and golden light reflecting off the Hoai River. Here's what unfolds hour by hour:
Lantern Market & Paper Craft Stalls Open
Ancient Town streets fill with vendors selling handmade silk lanterns in every shape — lotus flowers, fish, stars. Buy your floating river lantern now before prices triple after dark.
Dusk — Ancient Town Lantern Light-Up
As the sun sets, thousands of silk lanterns across the Ancient Town are lit simultaneously. The Japanese Covered Bridge, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and Bach Dang riverside glow in magical golden light.
Lion Dances & Dragon Processions
Traditional lion dance troupes parade through the streets with drumbeats and firecrackers. Position yourself on upper balconies of riverside restaurants for the best elevated view.
Hoai River Candle Boat & Lantern Floats
The Hoai River becomes a mirror of floating candles and wish lanterns. Board a rowing sampan for $2–$5 and float through the lantern-lit river for 20 minutes. Pure magic from the water level.
3. Ancient Town Navigation Tips
Best Spots to Stand
Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (main lantern alley), Bach Dang Riverside (river views), and Japanese Covered Bridge (iconic photo spot). All within 5 minutes walking distance.
Arrive Before 5 PM
Roads into the Ancient Town are closed to vehicles from 5 PM onward. Arrive early to walk the streets before the peak crowd arrives. After 7 PM, it becomes shoulder-to-shoulder in the main areas.
4. Hoai River Boat Ride & Floating Lantern Release
The candle-lit sampan boat ride on the Hoai River is the most memorable experience of the Lantern Festival. Small rowing boats depart from Bach Dang Street riverside docks from dusk onward. Here is what you need to know:
5. Festival Food & Traditional Mooncakes
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich food culture — here are the must-try culinary experiences:
Mooncakes (Banh Trung Thu)
Buy traditional mooncakes from local bakeries on Tran Hung Dao Street. Classic fillings: lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, green bean paste, and mixed fruit. $1–$3 per cake.
Hoi An Must-Try Dishes
Cao Lau (thick rice noodles unique to Hoi An), White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac), and Quang Noodles (Mi Quang). All available at the Central Market food stalls.
Hoi An Memories Show
The nightly Hoi An Memories performance at the outdoor 3,000-seat theater near the river is a spectacular cultural show about Hoi An's history. Book on Klook for the best seats.
Festival Evening Drinks
Rooftop bars along Bach Dang Street offer festival-view cocktails from $3–$6 each. Best spots: Cargo Club Rooftop, Nu Eatery Bar. Reserve ahead for festival night.
Book Da Nang ➔ Hoi An Transfers & Festival Tours
Secure your shuttle van transfers from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An on 12Go Asia, and book the famous Hoi An Memories cultural show tickets on Klook before they sell out.
* Affiliate links — see our Affiliate Disclosure.