Experiencing the Hoi An Lantern Festival – A Night of Magic and Moonlight!

Hoi An, a captivating city on Vietnam’s central coast, transforms into a wonderland of shimmering lights during its monthly lantern festival. It gives you a chance to stroll through a historical town, its streets adorned with colourful lanterns, casting a magical glow under the full moon. Here’s more on what you need to know!

A Town Steeped in History

The heart of the festival lies in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exceptionally well-preserved gem which lies close to Anantara Hoi An Resort, offers a glimpse into the past when it was a hub for trade from the 15th to 19th centuries. As you wander its alleys and streets, you will come across traditional shophouses, intimate shrines, art galleries, museums, and cafes featuring a captivating blend of architectural styles.

The Enchantment of the Full Moon

The Hoi An Lantern Festival unfolds on the 14th day of each lunar month, aligning with the time that the moon is at its brightest, casting an ethereal glow on the town below. As the dates vary on the Western calendar, plan your trip accordingly to witness this enthralling festival, one of the most rewarding things to do in Hoi An. Many visitors arrive early, enjoying the sunset and delectable local cuisine before the dazzling lanterns take centre stage!

The Transformation Begins

As dusk approaches on the festival day, the transformation begins. Around 5 pm, vehicles are temporarily stopped, while as the night approaches, houses, cafes and restaurants, extinguish their electric lights. This creates the perfect setting for the countless shimmering lanterns and the gentle glow of the full moon to shine bright. Locals also pay homage to their ancestors with beautifully adorned altars with fragrant incense, flowers, fruits, and candles outside their homes.

Key Things to Do

Explore the town on foot and visit attractions like the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Along your enchanting walk, you will encounter locals engaged in friendly board games and captivating folk performances, while traditional folk songs, poetry recitals, and the rhythmic beats of local instruments also fill the air.

Head towards the riverbank to purchase paper flower lanterns and set them afloat on the Hoai River, a symbolic act believed to bring good fortune. Consider a traditional boat ride for a unique perspective of the illuminated town. Don’t miss the chance to savour the city’s renowned street food as well, from banh mi to white rose dumplings and more!

Long Chu Festival – Royal Barge

Long Chu Festival

                                          Long Chu Festival I Image Source

Vietnam is one of the touristy destinations that has sprung up in popularity in the recent years. There are plenty of attractions and activities in Vietnam that keep the tourist occupied. If you prefer to stay away from the city a perfect getaway would be to stay at a Hoi An River Resort.Even though a small town , one of the key attractions in Hoi An is the festival that takes place. Long Chu Festival is the highlight of tourist activity in the town. Long Chu festival is of high cultural and religious importance. It is celebrated to welcome the new season and to bid farewell to the previous one on the 15th day of lunar January and July.The climate remains uncertain in this period due to the transition. If the sound of this festival excites you and you plan on visiting the town , a hotel that is located in the close proximity to where the festival takes place is Anantara Hoi An Resort.

The period is also considered to be a month for the outbreak of diseases such as plagues in the fishing village.The name of the festival in the native language translates to Royal Barge which was a medium of transport for the king back in the day. It takes the shape of a dragon.

The festival’s prime focus is to chase away the ghosts and demons and protect the villagers from epidemics that may affect the villagers. The rituals are performed by priests and religious doctors known as “Shamans”. The ritual typically involves burning incense sticks and putting of amulets in the ghost adobe. The whole community chants songs and prayers as the ritual progresses. One of the important parts of the rituals is considered to be the casting of spells on the ghosts that bring about these alignments. It is believed the ghosts are then warded off by throwing them away into the river.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+