At night, visitors will see lots of water lanterns floating on the river in the Hoi An Old Town, bringing such beautiful scenery. Local people release them to commemorate ancestors, and make wishes for themselves and beloved persons. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything that you need to know about water lanterns in Hoi An at night.
You may also like: Hoi An Monthly Lantern Festival
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Hoi An Water Lanterns
– Vietnamese name: den hoa dang (meaning ‘flower lantern’)
– Other name(s): Hoi An floating lanterns, Hoi An floating candles, Hoi An river lanterns, Hoi An river lights, Hoi An lanterns on river
– Where to find: along the Hoai River, Hoi An Old Town, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Best time(s) to release: evening (better on 1st day and 14th-15th days in Vietnamese lunar calendar)
– Price: 10,000 VND/lantern
– Related to: Buddhism, full moon tradition, ancestor worship tradi
Hoai River (Hoi An River) on Map
Origin of Water Lanterns in Hoi An
The water lantern originated from India in southern Asia. Later, it spread to other parts of the continent, such as Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia,…) and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) due to the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism. In central Vietnam, local culture at Hoi An is influenced by both of these religions thanks to its special history. Before the 14th century, Cham people accepted Hinduism and built lots of towers/temples to worship Hindu gods, such as My Son Sanctuary. in the 15th century onwards, Vietnamese people who received Buddhism, came and settled down in the town.
In Hoi An, releasing water lanterns are a part of many religious festivals and sacrifices, especially in Buddhism-related celebrations and commemorations. There are Nguyen Tieu festival (on the 14th-15th days of the first lunar month), the Mid-Autumn festival (on the 14th-15th days of the first lunar month), Tet or Vietnamese lunar new year festival, the Buddha birthday (on the 14th-15th days of the 4th lunar month), the Parents day (on the 14th-15th days of the 7th lunar month). For that reason, water lanterns are a familiar image for locals.
Influenced by Buddhism, water lanterns at Hoi An are made in the shape of a lotus, one of the holy flowers in this religion. The lotus symbolizes purity, overcoming adversity, and rebirth. In addition, due to the shape, locals have called it ‘flower lantern’.
‘Lotus’ water lanterns might be seen more regularly since the Lantern festival was held in 1999 (when Hoi An became a Unesco world heritage). This festival takes place on full moon night, particularly on the 14th day of every month in the Vietnamese lunar calendar.
Significance & Best Time to Release Water Lanterns
In Buddhist festivals, people release water lanterns on the river to pray for a peaceful and prosperous country, a safe and happy life for people, and to commemorate dead people.
On the 1st day (new moon) day, 14th and 15th days (full moon) of each lunar month, local people will release lanterns on the river, to pray for good health, peacefulness, good business, good fortune, and anything they wish. Beside that, they also go to temples and pagodas to pray. Of course, these days are the best times to release ‘wishin lanterns’.
If possible, visitors should go to Hoi An on the above holy days to visit and release wishing lanterns to make them become reality. In common days, it’s not wrong to do the same but from a local perspective, the action is not really ‘well-witnessed’ by the Buddha or Heaven and Earth.
Where to Buy Water Lanterns in Hoi An?
Hoi An style water lanterns are made of paper, folded and cut in a form of lotus flower. Local people use a small candle to stick one piece of hard paper as a base. While floating, the base keeps the candle standing and increases the weight of the whole lantern (to avoid waves and wind). If the wind is strong, the water lantern can be burnt by candle flame.
To buy water lanterns to release, visitors just need to walk along the Hoai River within the Hoi An Old Town, and meet vendors. They are mainly on Bach Dang street, Nguyen Phuc Chu street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa street, the Hoi An Night Market, and especially, near booths where boat ride tickets are sold.
Water lanterns have different colors but a similar shape (depicting lotus flower). Depending on personal preference, visitors can choose their favourite one(s). However, there is no difference in significance between red, yellow, orange,… and blue lanterns. The most important thing, from a local perspective, is the sincerity of releasers to the Buddha or Heaven and Earth.
The price is 10,000 VND/lantern, including the candle. Buyers can use the lighter of vendors for free to light the candle and then release it. If buy a large number of lanterns, local vendors can have a discount. Of course, only cash is possible to pay at these street businesses.
In boats, people also have water lanterns for sale. So, if like to have a boat ride in Hoi An at night, visitors don’t have to go anywhere to buy them.
Vendors selling water lanterns, mostly women and old people, become one of favourite subjects for photographers and photograph lovers in Hoi An. Additionally, to travel responsibly, we suggest buying lanterns from old women to improve their income and refusing buying lanterns from children. In Vietnam, children are protected and don’t have to go to streets to sell things for tourists.
Ways to Release Water Lanterns in Hoi An
There are two ways to release water lanterns in the Hoi An Old Town: releasing from river banks, and releasing from a boat (hand rowing sampan or motorized river cruise). The cheapest way is without a boat, but the best experience is with a boat.
In the heart of the Old Town, the Hoai River flows between a street (named Bach Dang) and a promenade to the north of Nguyen Phuc Chu street. After getting one water lantern from street vendors, visitors can go to embankment stairs, sit down, and then drop it to the river. To let it float further, use the hands to push the water! In the rainy season when water level is higher, it’s just needed to go to wateredge, sit down and then release. In some days within the dry season, the river becomes smaller, and visitors find it more difficult to find good spots to release. Between the north bank and south bank of the Hoai River, the north bank (Bach Dang street) is easier because it’s not too high from the water surface.
To safely drop water lanterns to the river, visitors should borrow a stick with a small basket from vendors. Firstly, put the lantern into the basket (make sure the candle is lit already) and then slowly bring it to the water. Use this way for your kids! Sure, it’s free.
Hand rowing sampans are known as ‘lantern boats’ because each boat has two lanterns. During the night, visitors can find them along the Hoai River. Most boats dock along Bach Dang street (from An Hoi Bridge to Le Loi St) and along the park to the north of Nguyen Phuc Chu St. One lantern boat can carry 5 persons maximum at the same time. To get a ride, visitors need to go to ticket booths along the river to buy tickets and then queue up for the turn. For 15 minutes, the price is 150,000 VND for group of 1 to 3 people, and 200,000 VND for group of 4 and 5 people. Water lantern to release is excluded. See more information & details
Taking a laid-back sampan boat ride to enjoy the amazing townscape and release water lanterns, is one of the best things to do in Hoi An at night.
Motorized boats are known as ‘river cruises’. They can carry up to 10-12 passengers each trip, and dock along the Bach Dang street/quay, from Le Loi St to the Hoi An Central Market. To release lanterns, we suggest going to the Moonlight Bridge, a golden-colored bridge with a special design that is inspired by the full moon. It’s a perfect backdrop for beautiful photos, no matter with or without lighting lanterns. Visitors will use a stick with a small basket to bring the lantern to the river (for safety reasons). See more information & details
Many visitors worry about litter on the Hoai River after hundreds of water lanterns are released at night. According to local authorities, paid sanitation workers will pick up burnt lanterns and other trash every morning to keep the river clean and not smelly.
Other Information about Hoi An’s Water Lanterns
– For the best photos with water lanterns or while releasing lanterns, visitors should wear Vietnamese traditional long dress (called ao dai). See more information & details
– Visitors should check the weather forecast in advance before visiting Hoi An and release lanterns on the river here.
– If don’t like crowds, visitors should buy a ticket for a lantern boat ride early in the night. In the full moon lantern festival or weekends, it’s more crowded.
– One of the best spots to see floating lanterns on the river by the Old Town, is from the top of An Hoi Bridge.
– From the top of the Moonlight Bridge, visitors can see lots of floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River that are dropped by cruise passengers.
– There are many other interesting things to do in Hoi An at night, such as night markets, playing folk games, watching amazing live shows and performances,… (see the full list)
– It’s better to experience Hoi An Old Town at night with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) to book.
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit in Hoi An Old Town
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Water Lanterns in Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about water lanterns in Hoi An:
