What is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An lantern festival is held monthly when the moon is fullest and brightest – an auspicious and sacred time in Buddhist cultures as it is believed that the Buddha was both born and obtained enlightenment at the full moon.
From around 8 pm all possible lights are switched off in the Old Town and the lanterns glow in all their glory.
Locals gather to float lanterns down the river with wishes of love, happiness and prosperity and food stalls sell mouth-watering local treats. The Old Town of Hoi An is completely pedestrianized, which adds to the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
