Hoi An, an ancient town gracefully situated along the poetic Hoai River, always holds a special allure for visitors with its antique and serene beauty during the day. However, as night falls, Hoi An dons a new guise, becoming more vibrant and magical than ever. Amidst this enchanting atmosphere, the experience of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River becomes an unmissable activity, offering romantic and profoundly meaningful moments. If you are seeking a unique and memorable experience in Hoi An, join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the journey of releasing lanterns, from the cultural stories hidden behind this ritual to the secrets for a perfect evening by the Hoai River.
Hoi An Lantern Festival: Origin and Cultural Significance
Releasing lanterns is not merely a tourist activity but also a beautiful traditional cultural feature of Hoi An, deeply rooted in the history and spiritual life of the local people. Traditionally, the lantern festival is held on the full moon days (14th and 15th of the lunar month) every month, especially during Tet Nguyen Tieu and the Vu Lan Festival in July. On these days, the ancient town of Hoi An becomes more radiant than ever with thousands of colorful lanterns lit up, and locals and tourists flock to the banks of the Hoai River to release lanterns, praying for peace, luck, and good things.
The origin of the lantern festival in Hoi An is believed to stem from the custom of releasing lanterns on the river by the Chinese and Japanese, communities that once lived and traded bustlingly in Hoi An from the 16th-17th centuries. These small lanterns, made from paper and bamboo, carrying flickering candlelight, drift gently on the water, symbolizing purity, peace, and aspirations for a bright future.
Today, to serve the increasing tourism demand, lantern releasing has become popular and is organized nightly on the Hoai River. Nevertheless, the cultural value and spiritual significance of this ritual are still cherished and preserved by the people of Hoi An. Each lantern released into the Hoai River is not just a personal wish but also a connection between humans and nature, between the past and the present, creating a unique cultural space imbued with Hoi An’s identity.
Boats waiting for tourists to release lanterns
The Beauty of the Hoai River at Night and Lantern Light
The Hoai River, a gentle river flowing through the ancient town of Hoi An, inherently possesses poetic and lyrical beauty. But as night falls, this river becomes even more captivating. Under the shimmering lantern light from the ancient houses along both banks, the surface of the Hoai River seems gilded, reflecting magical colors. In that tranquil space, the lantern lights bobbing on the river further enhance the romantic and mystical beauty of Hoi An at night.
Sitting on a boat, gently gliding along the Hoai River, you will admire a stunning night scene of Hoi An, a harmony between light and shadow, between the sound of oars splashing water and the silence of the space. The small lanterns, each carrying a wish, create a shimmering, magical river of light, stretching from An Hoi Bridge to Cam Nam Bridge.
This scene not only captivates people with its outward beauty but also with the feeling of peace and relaxation it brings. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the moment of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River is an opportunity for you to slow down, listen to your inner voice, and feel the simple, peaceful beauty of life.
Guide to Experiencing Lantern Releasing on the Hoai River
To have a complete and memorable lantern releasing experience on the Hoai River, you can refer to the detailed guide below:
Ticket Prices and How to Buy Tickets
Tickets for boat rides to release lanterns on the Hoai River are managed and sold by the Hoai River – Hoi An Tourism Management Board. You can easily buy tickets directly at ticket counters located along both banks of the river, near the An Hoi Bridge area and Hoi An night market. The ticket counters are usually designed to be eye-catching with unique lanterns, making them easy to recognize.
Easy-to-find ticket counters with unique lanterns
Reference boat ticket prices:
- Small boat (1-3 guests): 150,000 VND/boat
- Large boat (4-5 guests): 200,000 VND/boat
The above ticket prices do not include lanterns. You can buy lanterns from street vendors on the riverbank at very affordable prices, from only 5,000 – 10,000 VND/lantern.
Notes when buying tickets:
- No need to book tickets in advance, you can buy tickets directly at the counter.
- There are many ticket counters along the riverbank, but the area near An Hoi Bridge is usually the most convenient location to board the boat.
- Ask clearly about ticket prices and included services before purchasing.
Ideal Time to Release Lanterns
Lantern releasing activities take place every night on the Hoai River, but the ideal time to experience it is in the evening, when the ancient town lights up and the atmosphere becomes cool and pleasant. Especially on full moon days or major festivals, the lantern releasing space will become more bustling and vibrant than ever.
If you want to experience a quieter and more romantic space, you can choose to release lanterns on regular evenings. No matter the time, the beauty of the Hoai River at night and the lantern lights will still captivate you.
Boat Experience and the Moment of Releasing Lanterns
When you board the boat, you will be equipped with a life jacket to ensure safety throughout the journey. Each boat is usually decorated with 2 colorful lanterns, both creating highlights and helping boats easily recognize each other on the river.
Boat ticket for lantern releasing for 2 to 3 guests
As the boat gently departs, you will begin your journey to explore the beauty of the Hoai River at night. From the middle of the river, you can admire the panoramic view of the ancient town shimmering under the lantern lights, completely different from the hustle and bustle on the pedestrian streets. The space on the Hoai River is quieter and more peaceful, allowing you to fully enjoy the simple and ancient beauty of Hoi An.
After about 10 minutes of moving, the boat will reach a suitable location to release lanterns. The boat driver will prepare a lighter for you to light the candle for the lantern. Before releasing the lantern into the river, take a moment to wish for good things for yourself and your loved ones. The moment the small light bobs along the water, carrying dreams and hopes, will surely be an unforgettable memory in your Hoi An trip.
Boating on the Hoai River, an experience you can hardly find anywhere else
Releasing lanterns is a meaningful activity and brings an enjoyable experience for you
Photo Tips for Beautiful Lantern Releasing Photos
The lantern releasing experience on the Hoai River is a great opportunity for you to capture memorable moments and create shimmering, magical photos. Here are a few tips to help you get the best photos:
Taking Photos on the Boat
When sitting on the boat, you can take advantage of the shimmering light of lanterns and lanterns to create unique portraits or landscape photos. Try shooting against the light to highlight the lantern light and your silhouette against the magical Hoai River backdrop.
Taking Photos from An Hoi Bridge
After finishing the lantern releasing journey, don’t rush to leave. Go up to An Hoi Bridge to admire the panoramic view of the Hoai River at night and take stunning panoramic photos. From the bridge, you can capture a long stretch of the river shimmering with lantern lights and ancient houses along both banks. An Hoi Bridge is also a symbol of Hoi An, a great backdrop for your souvenir photos.
Taking photos on An Hoi Bridge
Taking photos with Hoi An symbols
Spiritual Meaning and Wishes Sent with Lanterns
Releasing lanterns is not just a recreational activity but also carries deep spiritual meaning. Each lantern released into the Hoai River is a prayer, a wish sent to the good things in life. People believe that the light of the lanterns will dispel misfortunes, bringing peace, luck, and happiness to themselves and their families.
When releasing lanterns, you can send your dreams and hopes into that small light. It could be a wish for health, love, work, or simply a desire for a peaceful and happy life. Whatever your wish, the moment of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River will be a meaningful spiritual experience, helping you feel relaxed and lighter.
Releasing Lanterns and Protecting the Hoai River Environment
In the context of strong tourism development, environmental protection is always a top priority. Hoi An is no exception. To ensure that lantern releasing activities do not negatively affect the Hoai River environment, environmental protection measures have been implemented.
After the lanterns burn out, the lantern frames will be collected and brought ashore for processing. Thanks to this, the Hoai River always maintains its poetic and pristine beauty. You can completely enjoy the lantern releasing activity without worrying about environmental pollution.
Conclusion
The experience of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River is an unmissable activity when visiting Hoi An. Not only is it a fun tourist activity, but lantern releasing is also a beautiful traditional cultural feature, offering romantic, meaningful moments and unforgettable memories. Come to Hoi An and experience this magical shimmering moment for yourself, to feel the beauty of the ancient town at night and send good wishes along the poetic Hoai River. Surely, this will be a memorable part of your journey to explore Vietnam.