The image of releasing lanterns in Hoi An has become familiar to visitors each time they come here. The colorful lanterns, sparkling and floating along the flow of the Hoai River, truly leave a profound impression on the hearts of distant guests. This activity becomes livelier and more attractive on the full moon day and the first day of each month. So, what is its significance? DanangPrivateCar.com’s will help you explain.
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Release lanterns in Hoi An – a unique activity of the ancient town
During the daytime, Hoi An tourism attracts visitors with its ancient streets, old houses, small alleys, and characteristic yellow walls. However, when night falls, the place becomes romantic with vibrant lanterns illuminating the streets. In addition to other attractions such as Bài Chòi singing and boat rides on the river, the most distinctive and appealing activity is releasing lanterns on the Hoai River.
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This activity has been organized in Hoi An since 1998 and has become a distinctive cultural feature as well as a traditional festival of the ancient town, attracting many visitors to experience it. Each lantern carries the wishes and desires of the person releasing it, hoping for the best things in life. Therefore, the locals have preserved and cherished this tradition for generations.
Visitors to Hoi An will immerse themselves in the recreated scene of a 400-year-old ancient town and have the opportunity to release beautiful lanterns onto the water, wishing for themselves and their families.
Read more: Where is Hoi An Ancient Town and what makes it so attractive to visitors?
Time and location of the lantern festival in Hoi An
Where does the lantern festival take place?
The lantern festival in Hoi An is held on the Hoai River, a gentle river nestled in the heart of the ancient town. This river is also associated with many cultural and local activities and often appears in Google search results related to Hoi An.
The Hoai River is usually calm and peaceful during the day, but when night falls, especially on full moon nights or the first day of the lunar month, it becomes lively and bustling. Hundreds of visitors gather here to release their wishes with small, beautiful, and radiant lanterns.
Read more: Latest updated ticket prices for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town in 2023
Timing of lantern release in Hoi An
The lantern festival is held on the 14th, 15th, and the first day of each lunar month. On these days, the streets of Hoi An become enchanting and mystical with hundreds of lanterns of various shapes and colors hanging high. On the Hoai River, the image of floating lanterns creates an extremely romantic scene.
However, as tourism develops and the number of visitors to the ancient town increases day by day, the frequency of lantern releases in Hoi An has also increased. Almost every night, lanterns are released to meet the needs of tourists, although in smaller quantities.
Hoi An Lantern Festival 2023 – 2024: Immerse yourself in the traditional beauty of the old town
The meaning of releasing lanterns in Hoi An on the full moon and the first day of the month
Releasing lanterns – a traditional beauty of Hoi An
The lantern releasing festival in Hoi An has long been a meaningful activity, a traditional cultural and spiritual beauty not only for the people of Hoi An but also for the Vietnamese people. It has been preserved as a custom representing the ancient and serene land throughout the years. Moreover, the lanterns with simple designs made from simple and humble materials by skilled hands of the locals. This makes the activity even more distinctive and meaningful.
Releasing lanterns carries great spiritual significance
In addition to the traditional cultural beauty, releasing lanterns also holds a deep spiritual value for both locals and foreign visitors. Not only domestic tourists but also international friends find it fascinating.
According to folklore, lanterns are lit to honor spiritual and cultural values. Releasing lanterns is believed to bring health and prosperity to everyone. The act of releasing lanterns signifies kindling hope for a future filled with luck and peace for oneself and one’s family.
How to participate in the lantern releasing experience in Hoi An?
For those who have visited Hoi An but have never participated in releasing lanterns on the Hoai River, it would be a waste. Although not unfamiliar, it will surely leave you with unforgettable emotions. This experience does not require much cost, and you don’t need to prepare lanterns at home. You just need to buy small lanterns for a price ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 VND each to participate.
Lanterns are sold by the elderly and children along the riverside of the Hoai River. You can buy one or two, or as many as you like. Then, light them up and let them float along the water while making a wish for yourself. The scene on the Hoai River at that time will be vibrant and captivating.
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Which location in Hoi An is the most ideal for releasing lanterns?
To release lanterns on the Hoai River, you can choose one of the following two methods:
Sitting along the banks of the Hoai River and releasing lanterns
As you walk along the Hoai River, you will see many people interested in this activity. Some people may prefer to sit on the riverbank and gently release the lanterns, especially if they are hesitant to go on a boat or are afraid of water. You can choose any spot along the riverbank that you like, but the best positions are the steps leading down to the river. These spots are close to the water and safe.
Taking a boat on the Hoai River and releasing lanterns:
If you enjoy the sensation of being on the water, you can confidently rent a boat from the locals and sit in the middle of the river to release the lanterns, adding an extra exciting experience. While on the boat, you will have the opportunity to listen to emotionally rich stories from the boatmen, breathe in the fresh air, admire the scenery of the ancient town on both sides of the river, and gently place the lanterns in the water. It’s an incredible experience.
To rent a boat, you can simply go to Bach Dang dock, where you will find many boats available for you to choose from. You can rent an entire boat for 1-2 people or share a boat with 3-4 people, for example. The rental price is around 50,000 VND per trip.
Experience for tourists participating in lantern releasing in Hoi An
Releasing lanterns is an exciting experience that almost everyone wants to participate in when visiting Hoi An’s ancient town. However, if it’s your first time encountering this activity, there are some things you should keep in mind:
- Before joining the lantern festival, tourists can take a stroll through the ancient town. The lantern releasing usually takes place in the evening, around 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM when it gets dark and the atmosphere becomes more enchanting.
- It is advisable to visit during the dry season, from March to September. The weather in Hoi An during this time is pleasant, with fewer clouds and minimal rainfall, providing a favorable environment for the experience.
- If you cannot arrange your visit on the full moon or the first day of the month, you can also consider going on a Saturday, which is a popular time for lantern releasing on the Hoai River. Other days are also possible, but it may not be as crowded and lively.
- When releasing the lantern into the water, remember to do it slowly and gently since these lanterns are made of paper and can easily get wet. If they get wet, they may extinguish, and your wishes may not be fully realized.
Apart from releasing lanterns in Hoi An, what other experiences are there for tourists?
The ancient town of Hoi An offers more than just releasing lanterns. After experiencing this activity, you will definitely have plenty of time left. During this time, you can enjoy many other interesting things that visitors usually love when they come here, including:
Watching Bai Choi performances
It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to listen to traditional Bai Choi singing here. Bai Choi is a form of folk art and a distinctive game in Central Vietnam, which later developed into a form of musical theater. It is not only considered the spiritual food of the people of Hoi An but also a unique artistic heritage passed down from our ancestors.
Previously, Bai Choi performances only took place on Saturdays, but nowadays, to serve tourists, they are available almost every evening. Around 8 PM, the Bai Choi stage near the Hoai River bridge becomes bustling, and people usually gather to listen to melodious tunes and participate in various exciting prize-winning games.
Strolling through the lantern-lit streets
It can be said that lanterns are a “specialty” of Hoi An, with various colors, shapes, and sizes. They appear throughout the streets and shops, and wherever you go, you will see them. In the quiet evening atmosphere, thousands of lanterns are lit, creating a radiant glow that makes this place truly enchanting. You will feel a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Moreover, you can freely take plenty of “Instagram-worthy” photos, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Exploring the Hoi An Night Market
At night, Hoi An becomes lively with the bustling activities of the night market. When visiting the night market, tourists can not only observe the local people’s lives and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere but also easily purchase souvenirs or unique specialties of the ancient town, such as pottery, to he (toy figurines), and more.
Indulging in delicious dishes around the ancient town
Another thing that perhaps all tourists love when visiting the ancient town is enjoying the local cuisine here. There are countless delicious and enticing dishes such as Cao Lau, My Quang, Com Ga Banh Uot Thit Nuong, Banh Xeo, Banh Beo, Bun Thit Nuong, Che, Banh Vac, which will make your taste buds crave for more. The prices of these dishes are also affordable, not too expensive. Stop by a local restaurant or a street food stall to indulge yourself.
Furthermore, if you have more time, you can participate in various other traditional folk games such as blindfolded pot breaking or blindfolded cart smashing. These activities may be simple but they pique the interest of many tourists.
Releasing lanterns in Hoi An may not be a new or modern activity, but it never fails to attract tourists. Some people release lanterns just for fun, while others release lanterns and make wishes. If you want to experience the shimmering and mystical atmosphere of the ancient town, then come here on the next available occasion to participate in this exciting and meaningful activity!
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