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In Vietnam, Hoi An's Monthly Lantern Festival Is a Magical Tradition

Located halfway along the coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is famous for its delicious food, excellent tailors and one of Vietnam's most historic old quarters, dating back to the 15th century and marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And beyond its innate appeal, there's another feature which invariably enchants visitors. Every month on the 14rh day of the lunar month and the night of the full moon, people turn off their electric lights and the traditional Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, turns this ancient precinct into a shimmering, magical wonderland thanks to scores of colorful lanterns of myriad types, shapes, and sizes.

The festival usually starts around 6 pm, when it starts to get dark and lasts until 9 to 10 pm, with its epicenter on the bank of the Thu Bồn River between the Japanese Bridge and An Hoi Bridge, an area which becomes filled with crowds and activities that attract locals as well as visitors.

Another interesting activity is release of hundreds of handmade flower-shaped lantern on the Hoai Cau River; they're are usually sold along the banks for only 5,000-10,000 dong (just a few Euro or US cents) each. .

You can also rent a boat and float out on the river amid the beautiful flickering lanterns.

The festival also includes many exciting activities such as lion dances, martial arts displays, folkloric games, street food, street art, and other performances.