Full guide: Hoi An Lanterns, tailors and beaches
Hoi An is my favourite city in all of Vietnam and is sometimes known as the City of Lanterns Vietnam. It’s the most photogenic, the most instagrammable and comes with the best atmosphere.
our picture perfect content is going to be banging! It’s a magical city and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to visit the famous Hoi An lanterns festival.
You will 100% be enchanted by mesmerizing lanterns, bespoke tailoring, and soak up the sun on stunning beaches. The Hoi An tailors are equally incredible, and it’s worth stopping by the Hoi An beaches too.
Hoi An sits within the Quang Nam province and is just 45 minutes away from Da Nang and Da Nang International Airport. In this blog post, I’ll share with you the best things to do in Hoi An (including the silk Hoi An lantern making classes) that will make your trip unforgettable.
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Quick Mini Guide To the hoi An Lanterns
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to the Hoi An Lanterns.
Lantern Festival – when?
- 17 August 2024
- 16 September 2024
- 16 October 2024
- 14 November 2024
- 14 December 2024
Where to stay
There are 100 beautiful places to stay in Hoi an, I recommend The Grand Sunrise Palace (it’s AMAZING – thousands of 5* reviews to go with it) or The Charm. If you want to be by the beach, then head to Palm Garden Beach Resort.
Da Nang is about 45 minutes away and you can book an Uber.
Don’t miss…
Best time to go
November-April. It gets very hot from May onwards. To avoid the crowds, explore during the weekdays.
Stay connected
Buy an eSim with Airalo to get mobile data abroad! Life saver. Use code A&M3 for $3 off your first order.
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam travel blogs:
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Things to do in Hoi An: lanterns, tailors and beaches
Look no further for the top things to do in Hoi An, my favourite city in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This gorgeous UNESCO world heritage listed cities is one of the top places that is a must visit in Central Vietnam when completing your Vietnam Travels and of course, seeing the Hoi An lanterns are a total vibe.
You might hear it called Nam Hoi An, which is the Vietnamese term. This is your full Hoi An travel guide on things to do – make sure you see the Lanterns in Hoi An Vietnam.
Have a browse through these photos of Hoi An Vietnam to get a feel for the place.
Everything you need to know about the lanterns of Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Vietnam, for good reason. It’s super famous for the silk lanterns and lantern festivals, and you’ll want to visit too!
Admire the incredible Hoi An lanterns
The Vietnam lanterns are something else. Take a stroll through the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An Old Town and witness the picturesque glow of Vietnamese lanterns.
Visit the lanterns shops right by the markets, so you’ll need to be in town at night to see everything lit up. Take a bit of time to look at the intricate designs and vibrant colours of each silk lantern, it’s pretty cool. Have you even been to Vietnam if you haven’t snapped a picture in front of a Hoi An lantern?
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Lantern Festival, you’re in for a visual feast of colourful lanterns. Expect to feel like you’re in a Disney movie. Be sure to ask for a lantern in Vietnamese: đèn lồng.
The Hoi An lantern festival is a monthly celebration that takes place during the evening of the 14th day of the lunar month, coinciding with the fullest and brightest phase of the moon. The festivities typically begin at 6pm until 10pm.
Sometimes, it’s called the Full Moon Festival or the Lantern Festival Vietnam. Experience the city come alive with traditional lanterns, traditional music, and dance performances.
Release a lantern on the river for good luck and make a wish as it floats away.
There’s a feel good vibe here too; you’ll be supporting the locals by purchasing little candles. I bought my small lanterns from an elderly lady who has been selling them for years in Hoi An. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to buy lanterns too.
Dates for the Hoi An Lantern Festival
If you can, try to make it for the Lantern Festival in Hoi An – it’s unforgettable. The dates for the full moon lantern festival/lantern festival in Hoi An in 2024 are:
The dates for the full moon lantern festival in 2024 are:
- 24 January 2024
- 23 February 2024
- 23 March 2024
- 22 April 2024
- 21 May 2021
- 19 June 2024
- 19 July 2024
- 17 August 2024
- 16 September 2024
- 16 October 2024
- 14 November 2024
- 14 December 2024
Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 Dates:
- January 13th, 2025
- February 11th, 2025
- March 13th, 2025
- April 11th, 2025
- May 11th, 2025
- June 9th, 2025
- July 8th, 2025
- August 7th, 2025
- September 5th, 2025
- October 5th, 2025
- November 3rd, 2025
- December 3rd, 2025
Are there Lanterns every day in Hoi An?
Yes! There are Vietnamese lanterns for sale everywhere! Head straight to the night market on An Hoi island in the centre of town (cross over Hoai River via the Japanese Covered bridge). You’ll see lots of lanterns before here, but keep making your way for the real spectacle.
Loads of market sellers set up their stalls so you can take pictures with their silk lanterns. The silk Hoi An lanterns are the best.
If you want a photo here, then you’ll need to pay 10VND (around 33p or 42 cents). Best money ever spent, in my opinion, to see all the lanterns.
Learn about the cultural significance of lanterns in Vietnamese tradition and the meanings behind their different symbols.
What’s the cultural significance of lanterns in Vietnamese culture?
The silk lanterns are a big deal!
In the Buddhist calendar, the full moon holds great significance, as it is believed that Buddha was both born and attained enlightenment during this celestial phase.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place monthly, honouring the sacred full moon.
Enjoy a Night Time Lantern Boat Ride
You might lose your mind at how pretty the boat rides like I did. It’s so pretty. Some people call it the Lanterns River, but officially it is a boat ride along the Thu Bon River.
I felt a bit like Rapunzel from Tangled. But don’t worry, the lanterns are eco friendly and not lit by fire; they wont fly away and risk setting homes alight.
Take a romantic boat ride along the Thu Bon River for around £5 / $6,50 and marvel at the Hoi An lanterns illuminating the water.
Feel the serene ambiance as you glide through the lantern filled river, creating a magical experience. Hoi An lanterns for the win!
Take a craftsy workshop: Learn Art of Lantern Making
Lantern craft is an art that you should indulge in. Join a lantern-making workshop or a ‘how to make Tanglung’! The Hoi An lanterns are utterly iconic so you’ve got to leave with a great souvenir.
Craft your own lantern masterpiece using traditional techniques and lantern materials. Gain insight into the craftsmanship behind lantern making and appreciate the intricate process, including manipulating a lunar lantern frame.
It’s also the perfect activity to do after the Vietnam Lantern Festival. You’ll create something so beautiful from something so complex. You’ll be able to keep your homemade lantern and add it to your home decor; the perfect souvenir item from your trip to Hoi An: the famous Hoi An lantern!
Explore the Charming Hoi An Old Town
Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Hoi An Old Town. The yellow buildings are some of the most photogenic you’ll ever see! The iconic Hoi An lanterns are everywhere!
It’s not Hoi An unless you’ve photographed and snapped away at the Hoi An lanterns.
Admire the well-preserved Ancient Town; the architecture, ancient houses, and historic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese.
Hoi An Tailors: bespoke clothing
Hoi An is mega famous for its skilled tailors and silk fabrics. I found it hard to not buy everything in sight. Have custom-made clothing created to fit your style and measurements. You can buy a dress, suit or bikini, whatever you’re after, someone will be able to make it. From suits and dresses to traditional ao dai, the options are endless. Don’t forget to bring your design ideas or be inspired by the tailor’s expertise. There’s also plenty of off-the-rack options which are super unique and they have very reasonable prices too.
You’ll find exquisite, quality silks everywhere you go, but particularly on Tran Phu street or Tran Hung Dao, one of the main streets in Hoi An. This is where you’ll find custom made outfits in the cloth shops here. Have a look at some of the tailor shops below:
Bao Khanh silk
Duy Hieu Street
Bebe Tailor
Yaly Couture
Dong Silk
Lana Tailor
Bao Khanh Silk Ta
The Tailoring process is pretty quick, with clothes being made with a quick one day turnaround.
Basket Boats
You will definitely want to try one of the basket boat tours – it’s very fun and it’s a nice way to support locals and their industry! The artwork is also incredible and worth admiring.
Basket boats continue to symbolize independence for fishermen, just as they did when they were initially crafted. Numerous fishermen are obliged to work for extensive fishing vessels that often take them away from family and loved ones for extended periods. A basket boat allows fishermen to have their own freedom and autonomy, enabling them to work independently and sustain their livelihood.
Hoi An beaches: where to go
It’s worth stopping by one of Hoi An’s beautiful golden sandy beaches. It’s the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town; it does get very hot during the day and it can get draining pretty quickly! Hoi An does have some of the most beautiful beaches, so it’s worth an afternoon here.
- An Bang Beach: Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, An Bang Beach is a favourite among both locals and tourists. Relax under the shade of palm trees, enjoy beachside dining, and indulge in water sports activities. So this might be the best beach in Hoi An.
- Cua Dai Beach: Just a short distance from Hoi An’s Old Town, Cua Dai Beach offers a serene and picturesque setting. With its long stretch of golden sand, gentle waves, and tranquil atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.
- Hidden Beach (Bai Da): Tucked away from the crowds, Hidden Beach lives up to its name. Accessible by boat, this secluded beach offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking tranquillity and privacy.
- Ha My Beach: This beach sits between An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach. Ha My Beach is worth a visit. With its golden sandy shoreline, calm waters, and stunning views, it is a peaceful escape from the hot and dusty city of Hoi An.
- Tam Thanh Beach: Situated in Tam Thanh village, a short drive from Hoi An, this beach offers a unique experience. It is known for its vibrant art scene, with colourful murals adorning the fishing village. Enjoy the beach’s laid-back ambiance while immersing yourself in the local culture.
- Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands): Although not technically in Hoi An, the nearby Cham Islands are worth a visit for their white sandy beaches and abundant marine life. Take a boat trip to these islands and explore their stunning coral reefs through snorkelling or diving.
- Thanh Ha Beach: Located on Thanh Ha Island, this beach is super peaceful and secluded. With its soft sand, clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
- Non Nuoc Beach: This is just a short distance from Hoi An. Non Nuoc Beach is known for its beauty and cleanliness. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxing beach day.
- Binh Minh Beach: Another gorgeous beach with sun loungers and restaurants everywhere you look, there’s plenty on the menu for you to choose from.
TIP: There’s plenty of resort hotels for you to choose if you want to stay on the beach. Check out Palm Garden Beach Resort.
Explore the Rural Countryside
Rent a bicycle or hop on a scooter and explore the countryside surrounding Hoi An.
Pedal through picturesque rice fields, visit local villages, and witness the traditional way of life.
Capture stunning photos of the serene landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of rural Vietnam.
Make the most of The Foodie Scene
Despite many people saying that the Banh Mi Sandwich originated in Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City), I see numerous people saying that Hoi An is the Banh Mi capital of Vietnam. Dont minss out! Try some of the delicious and complex flavours of Hoi An’s many eateries. Try local specialties like Cao Lau, a noodle dish unique to Hoi An, and of course the Banh Mi, a famous Vietnamese sandwich.
Don’t forget to sip on a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or try one of their famous smoothies on the Thu Bon riverside. It might also be worth trying out the famous Bim Bim New Zealand Coffee that’s popular in these parts.
Take a Day Trip to the Marble Mountainsn
Just a short drive from Hoi An, visit the Marble Mountains for breath taking views of both Hoi An, Da Nang and the beautiful coastline. It’s also great if you want a peaceful and spiritual experience. Explore the caves, climb to the mountain peaks, and enjoy panoramic views.
My only recommendation is 1) not going at midday as it does get very hot and 2) don’t stay too long after sunset as it’ll get dark quickly and you might find it difficult with the uneven footing to clamber down.
There are lots of hidden pagodas, shrines tucked away in caves and rich history that you’ll be able to explore whilst you’re here.
How to get to Hoi An
Travelling from Da Nang
If you’re looking to travel to Hoi An from Da Nang, there are plenty of options. You can book plenty of buses from Da Nang, alternatively, you can order a taxi or book a ride with Grab, which is like Uber. It cost around £10.
From Hanoi, Halong, Nha Trang or Ninh Binh – You’ll be able to book a train or a bus fair easily for cheap prices, from £10+ per person return. For other places like Phu Quoc you’ll need to get there by air.
Arriving by Air
We flew to Da Nang International Airport from Ho Chi Minh City. Danang International airport is just a 45 minute ride away from the centre of Da Nang, it’s super quick and convenient. Da Nang is the closest airport with international flights, so whether you’re coming from Hong Kong or New Zealand, it’s a fairly easy and accessible trip.
That’s it! I hope you enjoy Hoi An as much as I did.
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
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