1. Hoi An lantern - an iconic symbol of the ancient town

Hoi An Ancient Town still maintains its unique beauty that can be found in every corner. Visitors can enjoy the warm welcome from the locals, the natural scenery, stunning beaches, architecture, and fine cuisine here. From the 1980s to the present, Hoi An has grown to be a popular tourist destination, with Hoi An lanterns being a highlight of this mesmerizing town.

Hoi An Vietnam lanterns light up the ancient town

1.1. The significance of Hoi An lanterns

Lanterns are a common product of traditional craft villages throughout Vietnam, especially in Hoi An. Hoi An lanterns can be found in restaurants, festivals, and homes, mainly during the traditional Tet Holiday or Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hoi An lanterns symbolize "shining." Quang Nam’s people consider light as a symbol of humans. Therefore, offering lanterns at a shrine also means praying for the gods' protection. 

In addition, Hoi An lanterns have different meanings depending on their hue. For instance, red lanterns represent fortune and wealth.

Hoi An - the city of lanterns (Source: Collected)

Hoi An lanterns come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Each lantern is meticulously handcrafted, showing the local artisans' great care for this traditional product.

1.2. Places to see the most brilliant lanterns in Hoi An

• Nguyen Phuc Chu Street

In Hoi An, there is a pedestrian street named Nguyen Phuc Chu, situated next to the famous Nguyen Hoang Night Market and Hoi An Park on the south bank of Hoai River. It is also considered as Hoi An Lantern Street. Here, visitors are drawn by the entrancing lights that sparkle at night, which represent the city's distinctive cultural charm.

Hoi An Lantern Street is always crowded, shimmering, and most stunning at night. This location regularly hosts lantern festivals filled with dazzling lights on the 14th day of every lunar month and in the Mid-Autumn Festival.

With its vibrant lanterns, Hoi An Lantern Street is a poetic tourist attraction (Source: Collected) 

• Hoi An night market

Travelers can go to Nguyen Hoang Street to purchase Hoi An lanterns at the night market here. This street stands out with rows of eye-catching colorful lights in the stores at the market entrance. There is a wide range of lanterns, which you can try to bargain to get at better prices. In addition, there are plenty of other gifts and souvenirs to choose from at this lantern market Hoi An.

Tourists having a fantastic time at Hoi An night market (Source: Collected)

• Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Japanese Bridge has been a symbol of Hoi An for more than four centuries, connecting the two major streets of Hoi An and overlooking the peaceful Thu Bon River. As a national historical and cultural relic, the bridge is a fantastic location for taking photos. It shines out with its nostalgic beauty in the daytime. The magnificent bridge gets even more beautiful at night thanks to the many beautiful lanterns around. Here, you can witness the marvelous sight of Hoi An Ancient Town glowing with the lanterns.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An (Source: Collected)