Releasing Lanterns in Hoi An: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

The flower lantern release activity mainly takes place on the Hoai River, right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. This romantic river flows through the World Cultural Heritage area, stretching about 1km from An Hoi Bridge to Cam Nam Bridge. Visitors can buy lanterns and release them directly from the riverbanks or rent a boat to move out into the middle of the river and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Popular boat boarding points are located along both riverbanks, especially near An Hoi Bridge, where there are 6 ticket booths and docks managed by the Hoai River Tourist Management Board. If you walk along Bach Dang or Thoai Ngoc Hau streets, you will easily find stalls selling flower lanterns and boat services.

For a perfect lantern releasing experience in Hoi An, you should choose the dry season from March to September. During this time, the weather in Da Nang is pleasant, clear, and has little rain, allowing you to comfortably stroll around and release lanterns without worrying about getting wet. This is also peak tourist season, offering a more vibrant atmosphere. If you want to combine your visit with major festivals, prioritize the Lunar New Year (Lantern Festival/Nguyen Tieu), Vu Lan (15th day of the 7th lunar month), or the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the ancient town is more magical than ever with thousands of lanterns. Avoid the rainy season from October to February, as the river level may rise and the weather gets colder.

The Hoi An flower lantern festival takes place monthly on the 1st, 14th, and 15th days of the lunar calendar, reaching its peak vibrant state on the 14th (the full moon day). On these days, from around 6:00 PM, the electric lights in the ancient town are turned off, making way for the magical glow of lanterns on the Hoai River. The activity lasts until about 10:00 PM, with hundreds of tourists taking part. However, due to high tourist demand, you can now release lanterns daily from 5:00 PM, though the atmosphere may not match full moon nights. To check the exact schedule, follow the lunar calendar or reliable travel websites.

The cost of releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An is quite affordable and flexible depending on how you participate. A flower lantern usually costs between 5,000 and 10,000 VND, sold along the riverbanks. If you rent a boat to release lanterns in the middle of the river:

• Small boat (1-3 people): Around 170,000 VND/boat.
• Large boat (4-5 people): Around 220,000 VND/boat.
• Combo ticket (boat + lantern): From 140,000 VND/person.
• Shared boat ride: 50,000 - 170,000 VND/person (depending on service). 

Ticket prices are set by the Tourism Management Board, so buy them at official counters to avoid overcharging. Note that prices may vary slightly during peak season. 

Releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An is not just a recreational activity, but also carries deep spiritual meaning originating from Buddhism since 1998. Each lantern represents a prayer for peace, good fortune, wealth, and health for oneself and family. To follow the custom properly:

• Buy a flower lantern from the stalls along the river.
• Move to the middle of the river by boat (wear a safety life jacket).
• Light the candle inside the lantern, hold it for a moment to make a silent wish (e.g., praying for peace or expressing filial piety during Vu Lan).
• Gently place the lantern onto the water, letting it drift with the river current, carrying your hopes away.

Avoid releasing lanterns carelessly to preserve the environment; local authorities will collect the lanterns after the candles burn out.

Releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An at night brings a magical feeling as if stepping into a fairytale world. As night falls and the ancient town turns off its electric lights, the Hoai River comes alive with thousands of floating lanterns, reflecting against ancient houses and vibrant lights. You can take a boat ride on the river, listen to traditional Bai Choi folk singing, and savor local specialties like cao lau or Mi Quang along the banks. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic, especially on full moon nights, where despite the bustling crowds, the poetic charm remains. This is a great opportunity to take check-in photos and create unforgettable memories with friends or loved ones.

If it is your first time releasing lanterns in Hoi An, keep these tips in mind to avoid feeling unprepared:

• Preparation: Bring small cash to buy lanterns and boat tickets. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes as you may walk a lot.
• Safety: Always wear a life jacket on the boat, even though the river is calm. Avoid pushing and crowding during peak hours (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM).
• Environment: Release lanterns properly and do not throw trash into the river. Lanterns will be collected to prevent pollution.
• Timing: Arrive early from 5:00 PM to buy tickets easily and avoid crowds. If you go after 8:00 PM, the atmosphere will be quieter.
• Combine activities: Combine with a stroll through Nguyen Hoang Night Market, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, or enjoy local food to enrich your trip.
• Transportation: From Da Nang, it takes 45-60 minutes by bus or taxi. Inside the ancient town, walking or renting a bicycle is ideal.

Releasing lanterns in Hoi An is not simply a "must-try" tourist activity in the ancient town, but a multi-layered meaningful experience where people slow down, listen to themselves, and connect with cultural values that have endured for generations. The moment the flower lantern leaves your hands and drifts along the Hoai River is also when you send off silent prayers, making your heart lighter and your trip more complete. We hope that with the detailed information in this article, you have enough guidance to experience Hoi An lantern releasing properly, beautifully, and meaningfully—avoiding unnecessary confusion while helping to preserve local cultural beauty. Whether you visit Hoi An for the first time or return many times, the moment the shimmering lights reflect on the water always retains a unique, gentle, profound, and unforgettable charm.