When night falls over Vietnam, a different kind of magic awakens — one that glows, dances, and floats gently into the sky. Across the country, festivals of lights and lanterns are not only breathtaking visual spectacles but also cultural rituals that reflect Vietnam’s deep-rooted spirituality, sense of community, and artistic heritage. For travelers seeking more than just sightseeing, these luminous celebrations offer an unforgettable way to experience Vietnam after dark.

Hội An Lantern Festival: Timeless Beauty by the River

Located on the central coast, Hội An is perhaps Vietnam’s most iconic destination when it comes to lanterns. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient town hosts a monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, during which electric lights are turned off and the Old Town glows in the soft light of colorful lanterns.

During the festival, visitors can:

• Stroll through lantern-lit streets, where traditional music echoes and historic houses radiate warmth and nostalgia.

• Release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bồn River, each carrying a personal wish for peace and prosperity.

• Enjoy cultural performances, such as folk games, bài chòi singing, and calligraphy demonstrations.

• Sample delicious street food, from cao lầu noodles to grilled corn and sweet lotus tea.

This monthly tradition not only enchants travelers but also preserves ancient Vietnamese beliefs in harmony between nature, humanity, and the cosmos.

Sky Lantern Festivals in the Northern Highlands: Spiritual Flights of Light

In the mountainous Northwest, ethnic communities celebrate their most important cultural events with sky lantern rituals. Notable among them are:

• Khau Vai Love Market (Hà Giang): Held annually in late April or early May, this unique festival celebrates love and reunion. Couples and visitors release sky lanterns bearing wishes for future happiness and enduring affection.

• Lũng Cú Sky Lantern Night: In Vietnam’s northernmost village, locals release lanterns during harvest festivals and mid-autumn celebrations. The lanterns float into the starry mountain skies, carrying prayers to ancestors and spirits.

These experiences often include:

• Shamanic ceremonies, panpipe music, and traditional dances, unique to ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Tay, and Dao.

• Homestay visits, where travelers can engage with local families, share meals, and participate in rituals firsthand.

Watching hundreds of glowing lanterns rise against the dark backdrop of the mountains is a deeply moving and unforgettable moment.

Hue Festival of Lights: Royal Elegance Illuminated

As the former imperial capital, Hue offers one of Vietnam’s most graceful and poetic festivals of light, particularly during the biennial Hue Festival. Here, history and artistry converge in a spectacle of light, music, and performance.

Festival highlights include:

• Illuminated palaces, temples, and citadels, lit in golden hues.

• Nighttime dragon boat parades along the Perfume River, with floating lanterns and live music.

• Reenactments of royal rituals, áo dài fashion shows, and poetry recitals by candlelight.

Hue’s lantern events allow visitors to journey back in time while enjoying the refined elegance of Vietnam’s royal heritage.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City: Lanterns in the Heart of the City

Even Vietnam’s bustling urban centers embrace the spirit of lantern festivals during key cultural celebrations.

Tet (Lunar New Year)

• Streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 are adorned with red and gold lanterns symbolizing luck and prosperity.

• Visitors can enjoy night markets, firework displays, and traditional Tet foods like bánh chưng and pickled vegetables.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

• Children parade through neighborhoods with colorful star lanterns, drums, and lion costumes.

• Streets fill with stalls selling mooncakes, handcrafted toys, and decorative lanterns.

• Families gather to share stories, enjoy tea, and celebrate the harvest moon.

These urban festivals are ideal for families, solo travelers, and photographers looking to experience Vietnamese culture in a vibrant, energetic setting.

Hidden Gems: Lantern Events Off the Beaten Path

In addition to the major celebrations, Vietnam offers many lesser-known lantern festivals that are rich in local flavor:

• Ba Thien Hau Pagoda Festival (Ho Chi Minh City): Celebrated by the Chinese-Vietnamese community, this event features temple ceremonies and lantern processions honoring the sea goddess Mazu.

• Đà Lạt Flower & Light Festival: Though known for its blooms, this highland city also dazzles with artistic light installations and romantic lantern displays around Xuan Hương Lake.

• Temple fairs in Ninh Bình: Lanterns float down ancient rivers, accompanied by traditional music and even water puppet shows.

These smaller-scale events offer a deeper connection to Vietnam’s regional diversity and cultural richness.

Why You Should Experience Vietnam’s Lantern Festivals

Vietnam’s festivals of lights and lanterns are not merely decorative — they are meaningful expressions of:

• Hope and spiritual connection

• Artistic craftsmanship and tradition

• Community and cultural pride

Whether floating a wish down the river in Hội An or watching lanterns rise over misty highlands, every festival offers a profound sense of wonder and connection.

Plan Your Visit

• Best time to visit: Lunar New Year (Jan–Feb), Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept–Oct), and full moon nights year-round.

• Where to go: Hội An, Hue, Hà Giang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and lesser-known towns like Đà Lạt and Ninh Bình.

• Travel tips: Bring a low-light camera, book early for local homestays, and join night tours for guided cultural experiences.

Let the light guide your journey — and discover the soul of Vietnam beneath the lantern-lit sky.