Hoi An Ancient Town hosts lantern festival on 23 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 04:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Hoi An Ancient Town hosts the Hoi An Lantern Festival on 23 October 2026, bringing the monthly 14th-lunar-day celebration to the historic centre of Hoi An, Vietnam. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the evening is built around its streets, riverfront and surviving historic buildings.
Lantern festival returns to Hoi An on 23 October
The October festival falls on Friday 23 October 2026, the 14th day of the ninth lunar month. The date appears in the 2026 calendar published by Vietnam Tourism, which lists the monthly celebration and its Gregorian dates.
During the festival, electric lighting in the old town is switched off and the streets are illuminated by coloured lanterns. Paper lanterns are released on the river, while traditional cultural activities take place around the historic centre. The festival is linked to Hoi An traditions of honouring ancestors on the full moon.
The evening also changes how the centre is used. Motorbikes are excluded from the old town during the festival period, while access to some areas requires a ticket. The lanterns therefore form part of a wider pedestrian setting rather than a single performance venue.
How the lantern night fits the historic town
The town stands on Vietnam's central coast beside the Thu Bon River. Its ancient quarter contains pedestrianised streets and buildings dating back around 400 years, according to Vietnam Tourism. The riverfront and the old streets give the festival its setting, connecting the lighting change with the physical fabric of the heritage site.
The local heritage authority describes the recurring event as a reenactment of Hoi An life in the early twentieth century. Its programme includes community music groups, traditional poetry, folk games, bai choi singing and traditional instrumental performances. The authority says the event is held on the 14th night of each lunar month and is intended to support the preservation of local cultural heritage.
That regular calendar gives 23 October a specific place in the town's 2026 programme. The date is not an anniversary calculation: it is the October night listed for the full moon lantern festival, with the next listed night falling on 22 November 2026.
Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on 23 October 2026 in Hoi An Ancient Town, during the 14th night of the ninth lunar month.
- Electric street lighting is switched off during the evening, paper lanterns are released on the river, and motorbikes are excluded from the old town during the festival period.
- Hoi An is on Vietnam's central coast. Da Nang International Airport is the nearest air gateway, with taxis and app-based car services connecting the airport and the town.
- The central quarter is pedestrianised and contains historic streets, riverfront areas and buildings dating back around 400 years, so comfortable walking footwear is appropriate.
- Vietnamese is the official language and the national currency is the Vietnamese dong.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Hoi An Ancient Town
When does the Hoi An Lantern Festival take place?
The October celebration takes place on 23 October 2026, the 14th day of the ninth lunar month.
What happens during the festival at Hoi An Ancient Town?
Electric lights are switched off, lanterns illuminate the streets and paper lanterns are released on the river. Motorbikes are excluded from the old town during the evening period.
Where is Hoi An Ancient Town and how do you get there?
The historic centre is in Hoi An on Vietnam's central coast. Da Nang International Airport is the nearest air gateway, with taxis and app-based car services available for the onward journey.
