Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An: A Complete Guide to Vietnam’s Most Magical Celebration
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An glows with lanterns, music, and tradition, which is one of Vietnam’s most magical cultural events. It’s a must-see for travelers seeking beauty, heritage, and unforgettable moments.
Before You Go: What to Know & When to Visit
The Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival takes place annually on the 14th and 15th days of the 8th lunar month, typically falling in September on the Gregorian calendar. At its core, the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of family, harvest, and childhood joy. Historically, it marks the end of the rice-growing season and a time to give thanks for abundance. The full moon, round and bright, symbolizes unity and harmony.
Mooncakes, lanterns, laughter—family bonds shine bright this Mid-Autumn night
Children play a central role in the festival. Traditionally, it’s seen as a day to honor children and show parental love, hence the abundance of toys, lanterns, and treats catered to the little ones.
Folklore also plays a big role. The legend of Chu Cuoi, a man who flew to the moon with a magical banyan tree, is often retold through plays, songs, and lantern shapes.
Arriving and Exploring the Ancient Town
Start your Mid-Autumn adventure by wandering through the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Every alley is adorned with colorful silk lanterns-red, yellow, and blue-swaying gently in the breeze. Moving on Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thai Hoc Street offer a feast of local handicrafts, particularly the traditional hand-painted lanterns Hoi An is famous for.
Colorful lanterns, flowers, and culture light up Hoi An streets.
The incredible destinations as Phuc Kien Assembly Hall or Quan Thang Old House for a glimpse of classic Vietnamese architecture. Around you, children rehearse lion dance routines in full costume, giggling and drumming as they prepare for the evening spectacle.
Street vendors begin setting up their stalls, and the scent of grilled skewers and sweet sesame snacks fills the air. Small parades with kids carrying star-shaped lanterns begin to weave through the streets, offering a preview of the evening’s enchantment.
Cultural Performances & Local Festivities Begin
By late afternoon, the town transforms into a cultural playground. Traditional Vietnamese games take center stage in community courtyards and small squares. Locals and visitors alike join in Bai Choi, a folk singing game that blends music, poetry, and bingo-like gameplay. Other fun pastimes like blindfolded pot-breaking and tug-of-war are especially popular with children and families.
Vietnamese Folk music begins to echo through the streets. Performers in ao dai and traditional garb sing soulful ballads about love, harvests, and family values. These cultural showcases highlight Vietnamese Mid-Autumn games and help preserve traditions passed down through generations.
Traditional melodies and attire bring Vietnamese heritage to life beautifully.
You’ll also spot children wearing painted masks-tigers, rabbits, and the legendary Cuoi-parading in groups, each holding a lantern in shapes of stars, carp fish, or even cartoon characters. Locals gather to watch, cheer, and take photos, turning this moment into a shared community celebration.
For travelers interested in authentic Hoi An street festivals, this is the perfect time to engage with locals, learn about Vietnam’s heritage, and become part of the vibrant rhythm of the town
Lantern Release on the Hoai River
As the sun dips below the horizon, the scene turns breathtaking. The Hoai River becomes the centerpiece of the celebration, aglow with thousands of lanterns floating on the water’s surface. Locals and tourists alike line up along the banks and ancient bridges, holding small paper lanterns containing candles and a personal wish.
Floating your own lantern down the river is a must-do experience. For just a few thousand VND, vendors provide beautifully folded lotus-shaped lanterns. After lighting the candle, kneel by the river, make a wish, and gently set it afloat. The effect is spellbinding-a slow-moving stream of golden orbs under the moonlight, symbolizing hopes for peace, prosperity, and love.
Colorful lanterns glow, drawing joyful crowds into Hoi An’s magic
This is also the perfect time for photography. The golden hour combined with lantern lights creates ethereal photo opportunities. Capture the reflections of the Hoi An lantern festival or step into a riverside boat tour for an immersive experience.
Bridges like An Hoi Bridge become popular gathering spots, and nearby cafes offer views over the glowing river. Whether you’re watching from above or participating below, the is a moment of pure serenity and communal connection.
Lion & Unicorn Dances
As darkness fully sets in, the streets come alive with the thunder of drums and the flash of costumes. The lion and unicorn dances-a highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An-begin to unfold in alleyways, main squares, and even spontaneously in front of shopfronts.
The performers, typically groups of young men from local dance troupes, wear brightly colored lion heads with expressive eyes and fluffy tails. They leap and tumble through the streets, accompanied by loud percussion and cheers from onlookers. The lion symbolizes good fortune and wards off evil spirits, making its dance both spiritual and entertaining.
Lion dance roars with energy, color, and festive Vietnamese spirit.
One key figure you’ll see is Ong Dia (the Earth God), a jovial character with a round belly and fan. He dances playfully, interacting with children and inviting laughter. These performances often move from one corner to another, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the show.
Whether you’re catching a scheduled performance or stumbling upon a pop-up routine, the lion dance in Hoi An brings joy, adrenaline, and cultural richness to your evening experience.
Night Market & Street Food Tour
No celebration in Vietnam is complete without food, and the Hoi An night market during Mid-Autumn is a paradise for foodies. Begin your tasting tour with mooncakes-the festival’s signature treat. You’ll find traditional varieties with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, as well as modern spins featuring chocolate, green tea, or durian.
Continue your walk down Nguyen Hoang Street, where street vendors offer sizzling Cao lau noodles, crispy white rose dumplings, and fragrant grilled pork skewers. Wash it all down with a glass of sugarcane juice or Vietnamese iced coffee.
Night market buzzes with life, laughter, lights, and culture.
Beyond the food, the market is a great place to shop for handmade lanterns, bamboo crafts, and souvenirs. It’s vibrant, colorful, and alive with energy.
Whether you’re snacking as you shop or settling into a riverside table, the street food in Hoi An elevates the festival from beautiful to deliciously unforgettable.
Where to Stay & Travel Tips
During the festival, accommodations in and near Hoi An Ancient Town fill up quickly. For the best experience, book early-boutique hotels and charming homestays in the Old Town offer front-row seats to the celebrations.
If you’re seeking quieter nights, opt for lodgings a bit further out with bike rentals available. Hoi An is a pedestrian-friendly city, but walking or cycling is the best way to navigate during the festival when car traffic is restricted.
Insider tips:
- For the best views of lantern releases, grab a seat at riverside cafes or stand near the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An.
- Be respectful during traditional ceremonies-avoid loud talking and dress modestly.
- Wear comfortable footwear and stay hydrated; the tropical climate can be intense even at night.
- Follow this Hoi An travel guide and you’ll be set to enjoy every magical moment of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Plan to visit Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An
There are many reasons to visit Vietnam, but few experiences match the sheer beauty and cultural richness of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An. From lantern-lit streets to joyful parades, delicious street food to meaningful traditions – it’s a multisensory journey into Vietnam’s soul.
Whether you’re snapping that perfect riverside photo, making a wish with a glowing lantern, or simply watching kids dance with stars in their hands, every moment becomes a memory.
For families, photographers, and cultural explorers, this festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plan your next Vietnam trip around this magical celebration, and let Hoi An light your way.
