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When Does Vietnam Celebrate the Lantern Festival?

Vietnam's lantern festivals are not a single event on a single date. They are a living, recurring tradition woven into the country's lunar calendar. This recurring event blends Buddhist traditions with vibrant cultural performances, making it one of Vietnam’s most iconic experiences.

What Is the Lantern Festival in Vietnam?

Vietnam has several lantern-related festivals and full moon celebrations throughout the year. The best-known event for international visitors is the monthly lantern festival in Hoi An. 

The Vietnamese lantern festival, often called “Full Moon Festival” (Rằm), is rooted in Buddhist traditions and lunar calendar customs. The most famous version takes place in Hoi An Ancient Town, where electric lights are dimmed, and thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets.

Vietnam Lantern Festival dates

Most lantern festivals are based on the lunar calendar, as compared to fixed-date festivals. There are three Lantern Festivals that you need to get familiar with:

Monthly Full Moon Lantern Events (Hội An)
Dates: The 14th day of every lunar month
It is centered in Hoi An Ancient Town and is the experience most travelers picture when they search for "lantern festival Vietnam."

The Annual Tết Nguyên Tiêu (Lantern Festival)
Date: January or February
Locations: Nationwide, with major celebrations in Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City (Chợ Lớn), Vĩnh Long, and Trà Vinh

Tết Trung Thu (Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival)
This is a once-a-year national celebration falling on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in late September or early October.

Best Places to Experience Lantern Festivals in Vietnam

1. Hoi An – The Most Iconic Lantern Festival

Hoi An Ancient Town is the heart of lantern culture in Vietnam.
Highlights:

  • The lanterns of silk in all colors light up the streets.
  • Visitors release floating lanterns onto the Hoài River during the evening celebrations.
  • Music and performances on the streets.
  • Evening market of local products and food.
  • Peak season: Full moon nights and monthly.

2. Hanoi -Traditional and Cultural Celebrations

Lantern festivals in Hanoi are intimately connected with family traditions.
Highlights:

  • Kids participate in lantern parades during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
  • Lanterns are found in decorative streets such as Hang Ma.
  • Performances in culture and folk games.

3. Ho Chi Minh City -Modern Celebrations

Ho Chi Minh City is a modern, vibrant twist.
Highlights:

  • Chinatown (District 5) Lanterns.
  • Festal street food and lion dances.
  • Lantern decorations and festive displays along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

About Hoi An Lantern Festival

Is the Hoi An lantern festival free to attend?
Yes. There is no general admission fee to walk through the festival and enjoy the atmosphere. Visitors pay only for optional items:

  • Floating lanterns (VND 10,000–20,000)
  • Boat rides (VND 150,000–200,000 per boat)
  • Food and souvenirs
  • Entry tickets to Ancient Town heritage sites (old houses, museums, assembly halls) are separate and cost approximately VND 120,000.

How long does the festival last each month?
The main atmosphere runs from around 5 PM to 10 PM, with the electric lights going off around 7:30 PM and the peak lantern activity on the river between 8 PM and 9:30 PM.

Can you see floating lanterns outside of the festival dates?
Yes — lantern boat rides are available on the Hoài River every night, not only on full moon nights. However, the festival experience — with the town's lights completely off and the full moon overhead — is exclusive to the designated dates.

Is the lantern festival suitable for children?
Yes. The festival is family-friendly, and the experience of floating a lantern on the river is meaningful for visitors of all ages. On busier nights, arriving early and staying close to the riverbank makes navigating with children easier.

What is the difference between the Hoi An lantern festival and Tết Trung Thu?
The Hoi An Full Moon Festival is a monthly local tradition centered on the ancient town's lantern heritage. Tết Trung Thu is a national annual festival with roots in children's celebrations, harvest thanksgiving, and family reunion — observed across all of Vietnam with mooncakes, lion dances, and lantern parades.

What to Expect at a Vietnam Lantern Festival?

Lantern-lighting rituals often represent hope, peace, and good fortune.
Lanterns: Lanterns Wishes floating down rivers.
Conventional performances: Music, dance, and folk art.
Street food experiences and local seasonal treats
Traditional art and craft: This is particularly true of Hoi An.

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