The Lanterns of Hoi An: Magic Symbol of the City of Lights

Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An, in Quang Nam province, is one of the most enchanting cities in Vietnam.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it captivates travelers from all over the world with its preserved architecture, refined cuisine, and above all with its traditional lanterns that illuminate every alley as night falls.

The History of Hoi An’s Lanterns

No one knows exactly when the first lanterns appeared in Hoi An. But most inhabitants agree that they were born during the period when the city was an important trading port, between the 15th and 19th centuries, welcoming Chinese and Japanese merchants.

These cultural exchanges would have inspired the art of colored lanterns, a harmonious fusion of Asian symbolism and Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Originally, lanterns served to illuminate homes and attract good fortune — a tradition still alive today.

The Meaning of Lanterns

For the people of Hoi An, hanging a lantern in front of one’s home is not just a decoration:
it is a symbol of luck, happiness, health, and prosperity.
Each color has a particular meaning:

• Red: luck and joy
• Yellow: wealth and happiness
• Green: serenity and balance
• Blue: hope and longevity
• Purple: love and faithfulness.

These soft lights create a fairy-tale atmosphere that has made Hoi An famous throughout the world.

A Recognized Traditional Craft

The lanterns of Hoi An are handmade by local artisans according to knowledge passed down through generations.
The materials used are natural: bamboo for the structure, silk for the covering.
Today, some lanterns also use rice paper, nylon, or cardboard to adapt to modern tastes and export.

There is a wide variety of shapes and sizes: lotus, diamond, pear, star, oval, cylinder, etc.
The most popular among visitors are the collapsible lanterns, easy to pack into a suitcase.

Good news: there are more than 30 artisan workshops in Hoi An. Visitors can make their own lantern and return home with a unique souvenir.

Some recommended workshops:

• Lifestart Foundation – 14 Nguyen Thai Hoc
• Long Vy Lanterns – 6 Phan Chu Trinh
• Lantern Market – Nguyen Hoang Street

Average price: from 70,000 VND (approximately 3 euros).

The Hoi An Lantern Festival

Every 14th day of the lunar month, during the full moon, Hoi An almost completely turns off its lights to make room for the glow of thousands of colored lanterns.
It is the most magical moment of the city.

Inhabitants replace electric lamps with silk lanterns, which they hang in front of their homes, shops, or on bridges.

> Visitors can let lanterns float on the Thu Bon River, a symbolic gesture to attract luck and peace.
Each lantern contains a candle and a wish.

Tip: attend the festival between 6 PM and 9 PM to enjoy the ideal light and traditional music.
Romantic suggestion: take a sampan ride on the river to admire the reflections of the lanterns on the water.

Tips for Enjoying the Lanterns in Hoi An

• The best time to see the lanterns: every evening at sunset, and even more so during the full moon.
• For photos: head to the Japanese Bridge or the Nguyen Hoang night market.
• Buy a small handmade lantern as an authentic souvenir to support local artisans.

The Lanterns, Eternal Emblem of Hoi An

Today, the lanterns of Hoi An are not only a local craft, but also the symbol of the entire city.
They represent the warmth, peace, and inner light of the Vietnamese people.

Impossible to leave the city without a photo beneath these multicolored floating lights, which make Hoi An one of the most poetic places in Asia.