Hôi An Lanterns: A Cultural Symbol of Vietnam

When the sun sets over Hôi An, the city illuminates in a different way. Hundreds of colorful lanterns float in the air or along the canals, suspended from balconies, hanging from trees, or gently gliding on the water. These traditional lamps are not just stunning decorations: they embody the poetic spirit, local craftsmanship, and the serene soul of the ancient city. They accompany the nights, prayers, festivals… and memories.

Origin and History of Hôi An Lanterns

The history of Hôi An lanterns dates back several centuries, to when the city was a thriving commercial port, open to merchants from China, Japan, and other regions of Asia. These exchanges left a lasting imprint on local craftsmanship, particularly on the art of lantern-making.

The first lanterns introduced to Hôi An were inspired by Chinese design, brought by families of Hokkien merchants. They served to light homes and temples, but also to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, or celebrate family events. Over time, Japanese and Vietnamese influences enriched the shapes, colors, and uses, giving rise to a unique tradition that belonged to Hôi An alone.

In Hôi An, the ancestral art of lantern-making has endured for hundreds of years, weaving light and tradition into the heart of the city.

During major traditional festivals, particularly during Tết (Lunar New Year) or full moon nights, lanterns held a central place. They symbolized peace, prosperity, inner light, and harmony within families. This spiritual role remains very much present today, especially during full moon evenings, when lanterns float on the river like silent wishes. Thus, Hôi An lanterns are not simply decorative objects: they contain a piece of history, beliefs, and shared beauty.

The Art of Traditional Craftsmanship

Hôi An lanterns are the fruit of artisanal knowledge carefully transmitted from generation to generation. Each lantern is made by hand, according to techniques that combine precision, patience, and love for detail.

The structure is generally made of bamboo, lightweight and flexible, which forms the lantern’s frame. It is then covered with silk, fabric, or sometimes traditional paper, carefully stretched and decorated. The colors are vibrant and often symbolic: red for good fortune, yellow for prosperity, blue for serenity…

This precious know-how continues to be passed down in small family workshops.

This meticulous work is still carried out today in small family workshops scattered throughout the ancient city or in surrounding villages. Many of these workshops gladly open their doors to visitors: you can watch artisans at work and even participate in creating your own lantern — a fun and authentic activity that allows you to take home a unique object, made by your own hands. These workshops are not simply production facilities: they are living spaces where a tradition perpetuates itself with simplicity and elegance.

When and Where to Admire the Lanterns?

In Hôi An, lanterns are part of the daily landscape. Every evening, the ancient city illuminates with thousands of lights suspended from balconies, trees, or along the quiet little streets that line the Thu Bôn River. Since the historic center is reserved for pedestrians at certain times, the calm that reigns there further accentuates this enchanted, almost unreal atmosphere.

But it is during full moon nights that Hôi An reveals all its magic. On these evenings, the residents turn off the artificial lights to make room only for the glow of lanterns. You hear traditional songs echoing in the distance, footsteps slow, silhouettes dressed in Ao Dai are outlined in the little streets. The riverbanks become a living theater, conducive to contemplation and poetic walks.

Lantern Festival

The culminating moment of this tradition is the Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 14th day of each lunar month. Starting at 8:00 PM, all the electric lights of the ancient city are turned off: only the glow of lanterns sparkles in the night. On the banks of the Hoài River, visitors can enjoy concerts of traditional music, participate in popular games, taste local street food, and admire the silent ballet of floating lanterns.

These small colored candles, inserted into paper shells, float gently on the Thu Bồn River. This ancestral ritual, simple and moving, allows each person to express a wish before releasing the lantern onto the water. You can purchase them from local vendors at a modest price (between 10,000 and 30,000 VND). Each color has a specific meaning:

• Red for good fortune and love
• Yellow for prosperity
• Blue for peace
• Green for hope
• White for purity and remembrance

Lanterns can be released from docks or, for an even more intimate experience, from a traditional boat. This moment, at once spiritual and poetic, is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences to have during a stay in Hôi An.

Buying or Creating Your Own Lantern in Hôi An

To extend the experience beyond a simple walk, there is nothing better than taking home a lantern made in Hôi An. A symbol of the city’s craftsmanship, it represents a memory that is at once decorative, symbolic, and rich in meaning.

Hôi An, renowned for the beauty of its colorful lanterns

Lanterns can be found in numerous craft shops throughout the ancient city, particularly along Nguyên Thai Hoc, Tân Phu streets, or near the Japanese Bridge. The models vary depending on materials, sizes, and patterns: some are foldable to make transport easier, others are covered with silk, hand-embroidered, or decorated with traditional symbols.

Create your own lantern in Hôi An

For a more personal experience, several artisanal workshops offer visitors the opportunity to create their own lantern. Guided by local artisans, these studios allow you to learn the various stages of production: the bamboo frame, fabric application, assembly, and decoration. It is a fun and accessible activity for all, ideal for families or groups of friends.

Prices generally range from 250,000 to 400,000 VND (approximately 10–16 euros) depending on duration and level of customization. Some workshops also include a tea tasting or small snacks to make the experience even more convivial. In addition to being a beautiful souvenir, creating your own lantern allows you to understand the finesse and patience required by this traditional art. It is also an authentic way to support local craftsmanship, taking home a unique object made with your own hands.

A cultural symbol of Vietnam, Hôi An lanterns combine visual beauty and living heritage with elegance. Created in respect of an artisanal tradition passed down from generation to generation, they bear witness to ancestral knowledge and the passion of artisans in the region. Every evening, their multicolored glow transforms the ancient city into a fairy-tale painting, offering travelers a unique immersion in the heart of Vietnamese traditions. The magic of this nighttime spectacle makes Hôi An lanterns a jewel of cultural tourism in Vietnam, capable of illuminating not only the streets of the city but also the hearts of those who behold them.
This experience, at once intimate and universal, continues to enchant each new generation of travelers seeking authenticity. And you, will you let the magic of Hôi An lanterns win over your senses and guide your steps on your next journey to Vietnam?