Hoi An Lantern Festival

When: Monthly on the full moon, so dates move with the lunar calendar and the main activity takes place after sunset.

Where: In the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam, concentrated along the Thu Bon River and around the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Cost: Free to wander and watch; small charges apply if you buy or release lanterns and candles from street vendors.

Don’t miss: Floating candlelit lanterns on the river, traditional music in the old town and the softly illuminated streets and bridge.

The monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam is a community ritual held on the night of each full moon, when residents and shopkeepers dress the old town with colorful silk lanterns and many electric lights are dimmed so the lantern glow dominates.

After dusk the atmosphere becomes peaceful and ceremonial: people buy small floating lanterns and candles from riverside stalls, release them with written wishes onto the Thu Bon River, and listen to live traditional music and occasional folk performances clustered around the ancient market area and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

The event happens every full moon, so exact dates vary year to year according to the lunar calendar; in most months the festival evening falls on a single night after sunset.

On festival nights activity ramps up as daylight fades - vendors set out lanterns and offerings in the early evening and the river and streets are busiest between sunset and the later evening hours, when lanterns are launched and public performances occur.

The nearest international airport is Da Nang International Airport in Vietnam; it is roughly a 30 - 45 minute drive by car or shuttle to Hoi An depending on traffic. From Da Nang International Airport take a taxi, prebooked transfer or airport shuttle to the town, and plan to arrive at least a day early and book accommodation well before a full-moon night.

• When attending the Hoi An, Vietnam Lantern Festival bring cash for lanterns, candles and small purchases as many riverside vendors prefer cash.

• Buy a floating river lantern from a reputable vendor, light it on the river and avoid releasing homemade sky lanterns or anything with plastic.

• Expect narrow cobbled streets and large crowds after sunset; wear sturdy shoes and keep a small torch or phone light for steps.

• Bring mosquito repellent and a light waterproof layer - evening humidity rises and sudden tropical showers are possible.

• Keep valuables secure near the river and consider booking a riverside table or guided lantern/photo tour in advance for a guaranteed view.