The short answer
Lantern Boats and Full Moon Festival: what visitors should know first
Yes, for one evening. Take a short lantern boat ride at dusk on any night, or time your visit for the 14th night of the lunar month for the festival. Agree the price first, wear a life vest and expect crowds.
History and context
The story behind Lantern Boats and Full Moon Festival
Wikipedia says the Hoi An Full Moon Festival has been held since 1998 on the 14th night of each lunar month, from 5 to 10 pm.
Useful facts
Lantern Boats and Full Moon Festival facts at a glance
- Location
- Thu Bon riverfront and Old Town
- Experience type
- Evening river ride and monthly festival
- Style
- Lanterns, music, folk games
- Best time
- Dusk; festival on the 14th night of the lunar month
- Price signal
- Boat rides from about 200,000 dong; check
Why it matters
Why Lantern Boats and Full Moon Festival is worth your time
Lanterns are the image most people have of Hoi An, and this is how they are used. A lantern on the water is a small ritual of the town's, shared with visitors, and the Full Moon Festival turns the same idea into a monthly street event.
The festival is also a rare case where a tourist event is built around the heritage setting. With vehicles banned and electric lights off, the Old Town looks more like its earlier self than at any other time, which explains why people plan trips around the lunar calendar.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Release a lantern
Float a paper lantern from a small boat.
- 02
Dark streets
On festival night electric lights go off and lanterns glow.
- 03
Folk games
Music and games fill the Old Town streets.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
On any evening, walk to the riverfront near the Old Town and negotiate a boat ride. Agree the price, the length and the route before you step in. A short ride lets you float a paper lantern and see the lit-up riverbank from the water.
If you are here on the 14th night of the lunar month, go to the Old Town after 5 pm. Wikipedia says the festival has run since 1998, from about 5 to 10 pm, with households and shops switching off electric lights, vehicles kept out of the streets and activities including music, folk games and lantern displays. Arrive early, because the streets fill.
Bring a light jacket for the river, carry cash for small purchases and keep your valuables close. If crowds trouble you, watch from a riverside cafe rather than joining the streets.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Agree the price first
- Wear a life vest
- Arrive early on festival night
- Keep valuables close
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Thu Bon riverfront, Old Town
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Best time
- Dusk onwards; the festival runs on the 14th night of each lunar month
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Flat riverside paths, but boats need a step down and the evenings are crowded. Take a hand from the boatman, wear a life vest and avoid pushing through the crowd.
- Tickets and access
- Boat rides are paid; Wikivoyage lists prices from about 200,000 dong for a short private ride, and lantern-release rides from about $6, but rates vary. The festival streets are free. Haggle and insist on life vests.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Lantern Boats and Full Moon Festival
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Flat riverside paths, but boats need a step down and the evenings are crowded. Take a hand from the boatman, wear a life vest and avoid pushing through the crowd.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When is the Full Moon Festival?
On the 14th night of each lunar month, from about 5 to 10 pm, per Wikipedia. Check the lunar calendar for your dates.
How much is a lantern boat?
Wikivoyage lists short private rides from about 200,000 dong and lantern-release rides from about $6. Prices vary, so agree first.
Is it suitable for older visitors?
The walk is flat, but boarding needs a step and the streets are crowded on festival night. Take your time and sit out the crush.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.