The ancient town'sHoi Anhighlight, the "Lantern Festival," is held once a month on the full-moon night of the 14th (sometimes the 15th) of the lunar calendar. Only on this night does the Old Quarterturn off all its electric lights,and the town is illuminated by nothing but candles, silk lanterns, and moonlight. On the Thu Bon River, floating lanterns carrying wishes drift by, spreading a magical scene.
2026年は、6月28日・7月27日・8月26日・9月24日（中秋節で最も賑わう）・10月23日・11月22日・12月22日などに開催。旧市街は車両通行止めとなり、徒歩や自転車での散策が推奨されます。
"The town's lights go out" only on full-moon nights
The greatest feature of the Lantern Festival is the staging in which the Old Quarter's electric lights are turned off. The townscape, usually adorned with electric decorations, is on this night wrapped in nothing but candles, countless silk lanterns, and moonlight. The yellow-walled townhouses and the lantern glow reflect on the river's surface, and Hoi An's characteristic atmosphere reaches its peak.
Floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River and traditional performing arts
On festival nights, floating paper lotus lanterns on the Thu Bon River to make a wish is the custom. Lanterns line the lanes and townhouses, and traditional songs and folk dances are performed. Because the Old Quarter is closed to vehicles, you can take your time savoring the town of light on foot.
2026 Lantern Festival calendar
| Month | 2026 dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June | June 28 | — |
| July | 7月27日 | — |
| August | 8月26日 | — |
| September | 9月24日 | Mid-Autumn Festival, the busiest |
| October | 10月23日 | — |
| November | 11月22日 | — |
| December | 12月22日 | — |
* Because dates are based on the lunar calendar, they may shift slightly depending on the month. If you want to avoid the crowds, months other than the Mid-Autumn Festival are the ones to aim for.
Summary: aim for the magical experience that comes once a month
A trip to Hoi An is a whole level richer when you align your dates with the full-moon Lantern Festival. Walking through the ancient town with its lights out, amid candles and moonlight: with the 2026 calendar in hand, be sure to work that night into your plans.
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