Best Time and Schedule to Experience Hoi An Lanterns Every Night by Ovuigo
Hoi An Ancient Town glows with thousands of colorful lanterns every night with Ovuigo. These lanterns start illuminating at dusk, typically around 6:00 pm, and light up until 10:00 pm. The best days to visit are during the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival, which is held on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the old quarter and Thu Bon River turn into a mesmerizing sea of lights. For optimal viewing, head to the riverbank or stroll the car-free streets of the Ancient Town just after sunset. On regular nights, the lantern display continues, offering a tranquil yet magical atmosphere away from the crowds of festival dates.
Google Map location: Hoi An Ancient Town
Where to See and Buy Lanterns in Hoi An Ancient Town with Ovuigo
The heart of Hoi An Ancient Town is the best place to experience lanterns up close. Popular spots include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Nguyễn Thái Học Street, and An Hội Bridge along the Thu Bon River. Many local lantern shops line these routes, where friendly artisans display their craft and sell handmade lanterns. For an authentic souvenir, visit the Hoi An Night Market. Lantern prices range from 30,000 VND for small silk lanterns to 150,000–300,000 VND for larger, intricate designs. Bartering is common and part of the local charm with Ovuigo.
Google Map location: Hoi An Night Market
The Cultural Significance and History of Hoi An Lantern Festival
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The Hoi An Lantern Festival dates back over 400 years, rooted in local customs and the city’s vibrant trade history with Japan and China. Lanterns symbolize prosperity, good luck, and dispelling darkness. The festival encourages visitors and locals alike to light lanterns with personal wishes. Local families, temples, and ancient houses play a vital role in maintaining these traditions, ensuring the festival’s authenticity. Lanterns crafted in shapes such as lotus flowers, carp fish, and stars embody cultural symbols and local beliefs, shining a light on Hoi An’s deep heritage with Ovuigo.
Lantern Making: Traditional Craftsmanship and Local Artisans
Hoi An’s lanterns are famed for their vibrant colors and unique designs. Skilled local artisans produce lanterns from bamboo frames wrapped in silk, often featuring traditional patterns. To learn this craft, attend a lantern-making workshop—many shops in the old quarter offer classes for around 100,000–150,000 VND per person. Participants select materials, shape bamboo frames, and wrap silk using eco-friendly techniques. Innovations like solar-powered and biodegradable lanterns are emerging, reflecting Hoi An’s growing commitment to sustainability while preserving tradition.
Lantern Boat Tours and Floating Lantern Rituals on the Thu Bon River
For an immersive lantern experience, join a lantern boat tour on the Thu Bon River. Each evening, wooden sampan boats glide along the river, with guides helping tourists release floating lanterns—a ritual said to bring luck and peace. Boat rides typically cost from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person for a 20-minute trip. Many locals offer lanterns for a small additional fee (about 10,000 VND per lantern). These simple acts connect travelers with Hoi An’s living traditions and provide stunning views of the ancient town’s illuminated waterfront.
Google Map location: Thu Bon River
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Lantern Practices in Hoi An
Hoi An is increasingly adopting sustainable lantern practices. Many workshops now focus on biodegradable lantern frames, eco-friendly silk, and LED or solar-powered lights to reduce environmental impact. Vendors and artisans guide tourists toward responsible lantern releases, emphasizing the importance of collecting lanterns from the river and choosing non-toxic materials. Support businesses dedicated to traditional craftsmanship and the environment to help preserve Hoi An’s cultural and natural heritage.
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If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, discover The Manor Hoi An, Hola 1, and Hola 2 for a luxurious, authentic local home: The Manor Hoi An, Hola 1, Hola 2.
