Full Moon Hoi An Festival 2023

Hoi An used to be one of the key trading port in Vietnam, it is now becoming a rustic and tranquil town where you can explore the traditional architecture. It is not only famous for beautiful sceneries and natural atmosphere, it is also well-known for its most lovely souvenir – lanterns. Coming to Hoi An, you will have a chance to see the sparkling old town nights in the brilliant lantern festival, especially on the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This has become a feature that takes place monthly of Hoi An and attracts many tourists whenever they have the opportunity to visit Hoi An.

(Full Moon Hoi An Festival 2023)

Full Moon Hoi An Festival is held in the ancient town on the 14th of each lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. On this day, Hoi An residents will turn off the lights and hang colorful lanterns lighting the entire of old town. In Mid-Autumn Festival, Hoi An ancient town seems to be more brighter and more sparkling than usual in red, soft yellow, … radiating from lanterns from all over the small and beautiful alleys.

Where is the Full Moon Hoi An Festival celebrated?

The festival usually starts from around 6pm (when it gets dark) until 9-10pm and takes place in the busiest, most crowded part of the riverside section between Japanese and An Hoi bridges with many interesting activities, attracting a lot of domestic and foreign visitors.

How is the Full Moon Hoi An Festival celebrated?

One of the interesting activites that takes place during the festival is the activity of dropping the Flower garlands and coloured lanterns on the Hoai River to bring good luck, peace and happiness. The lanterns are often sold along the banks of the river for only VND 5,000 – VND 10,000 per item.

(Full Moon Hoi An Festival 2020)

You can also rent a sampan boat and travel on the Hoai River floating in the space of the sparkling light of the flower like a fanciful picture. Hundreds of sparkling handmade lights illuminate an entire river and contain wishes from all over.

(Full Moon Hoi An Festival 2023)

There are often performances held along the river with music and poetry readings. The local people will play board games outside their homes while others gather for Bai Choi – a musical version of bingo, where there are many local games.

The street food stalls pop up all along the river selling delicious vegetarian food and classic pork dishes. It’s a great time to try tasty moon cakes (pastries filled with sweet red bean paste) and shop at the busy night markets.

The full moon is also a time to honour deceased relatives and ancestors. The local families will also visit shrines and present offerings of flowers, food and candles as well as fake money bills in exchange for prosperity.

When is the Full Moon Festival celebrated?

Full Moon Hoi An Festival dates in 2020 and 2021

In 2020:  January 8th, February 7th, March 7th, April 6th, May 6th, June 5th, July 4th, August 3rd, September 1st, September 30th, October 30th, November 28th , December 27th

In 2021:  January 26th, February 25th, March 26th, April 25th, May 25th, June 23rd, July 23rd, August 21st, September 20th, October 19th, November 18th,  December 17th

Useful Tips

To have an amazing trip to Full Moon Hoi An Festival,you should follow these tips:

– Prepare a wrist strap to use for your camera and attach your phone to a lanyard – if you don’t want these items accidentally lose or drop in the water as you’re taking photographs close to the river

– Buy handmade lanterns at a local shop for a cost of around 50 cents – Use your negotiation skill!

– You should arrive to Full Moon Hoi An Festival early to get a good spot – it’s a popular event with locals and tourists so it’s quite crowded

– If you would like to avoid the crowds, take a sampan ride on the river –  this is an opportunity to take stunning pictures of lanterns on the water’s surface.

– Wear sturdy shoes – All vehicles will be banned in old town area during the festival, so make sure that you wear a high-quality pair of walking shoes because you will have to walk a lot.

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