As night falls, the romantic Hoai River in Hoi An illuminates with thousands of shimmering flower lanterns. Each lantern is not only a brilliant highlight but also holds wishes and hopes for a bright future. The experience of releasing flower lanterns is not limited to Hoi An; it’s a unique cultural beauty found in many other locations across Vietnam. Join “Travel Around the World” to discover the wonderful destinations where you can immerse yourself in this magical atmosphere.
Discovering the Flower Lantern Festival in Hoi An
Hoi An, with its ancient and romantic beauty, has long been an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and unique cultural experiences. Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River is one of its most distinctive highlights, especially on full moon nights.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The flower lantern festival in Hoi An originates from Buddhist rituals, starting in 1998. Initially, it was a small part of local religious activities during major festivals like the first full moon of the year, the fourth full moon, and especially Vu Lan (the seventh full moon) for filial piety. Over time, the festival has evolved into a major cultural event, attracting a large number of tourists. Today, releasing flower lanterns is not only spiritually significant but also a cultural symbol of Hoi An, contributing to promoting the image of the ancient town to international friends.
Small lanterns being released into the Hoai River during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, creating a magical and sparkling atmosphere of light in the night.
Festival Location
The Hoi An flower lantern festival is held right in the heart of the ancient town, on the gentle Hoai River, a branch of the Thu Bon River. This river is not only a cultural symbol closely tied to the lives of the people but also possesses poetic, peaceful beauty. The picturesque scenery on both banks of the river further enhances its charm, especially when night falls and the shimmering flower lanterns blanket the water.
Flower lanterns floating on the Hoai River in Hoi An, illuminating the ancient town at night.
Spiritual Meaning of Releasing Flower Lanterns
According to folk beliefs, “hoa đăng” means “flower lamp.” The flower lantern festival is an opportunity to light up lanterns decorated like flowers, honoring spiritual, cultural, and moral values. Flower lanterns are often released on rivers during major festivals with the desire to pray for national peace, prosperity, harmony between âm and dương, and to bring good beginnings full of hope.
In Buddhism, flower lanterns symbolize the light of wisdom and enlightenment. The light from flower lanterns is seen as a guiding path, helping to eliminate grievances, hatred, and leading people to liberation from suffering.
Close-up of flower lanterns on the water, representing spiritual and cultural values in Hoi An.
Ideal Time to Participate in the Festival
Unlike some other localities that only organize flower lantern releases on certain days, Hoi An holds this activity more regularly. The flower lantern festival takes place every month on the 1st, 14th, and 15th days of the lunar calendar. The best time to participate is from March to September, when the weather is dry, with little rain, very favorable for outdoor activities.
Tourists releasing flower lanterns into the Hoai River in Hoi An on a clear night.
The ancient town becomes bustling from around 4:00 PM on festival days. By 6:00 PM, the electric lights in the ancient town are turned off, giving way to the shimmering light from lanterns and flower lanterns, creating a romantic and sacred atmosphere. This is the perfect time for you to release lanterns and send your wishes.
Guide to Releasing Flower Lanterns in Hoi An
Buying Flower Lanterns
When you get closer to the Hoai River area, you will easily find stalls selling flower lanterns of all colors. Flower lanterns here are meticulously handcrafted by local people. The price of each lantern is very affordable, only about 5,000 VND.
Stalls selling colorful handmade flower lanterns along the Hoai River in Hoi An.
How to Release Lanterns
You can release lanterns from the banks of the Hoai River or rent a boat to release lanterns in the middle of the river. Renting a boat is an exciting experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the romantic space with the shimmering light of hundreds of flower lanterns.
People releasing flower lanterns from a boat on the Hoai River.
Wishes and Prayers
When releasing lanterns, send your prayers for health, fortune, and peace to your family, yourself, and the community. The light from the lanterns, like lotus flowers blooming on the water, symbolizes purity and kindness.
A hand releasing a flower lantern into the river, symbolizing sending wishes and prayers.
Important Notes
- Time: The festival takes place on the 1st, 14th, and 15th days of the lunar month, and every Saturday evening. The best time to visit is from March to September.
- Environmental hygiene: Choose to buy lanterns made from environmentally friendly materials to minimize negative impacts on the Hoai River.
- Attire: Wear comfortable, light clothing. If you want to take photos, you can choose traditional costumes to immerse yourself in the cultural space of Hoi An.
Other cultural activities
In addition to releasing flower lanterns, you can experience other cultural activities such as:
- Listening to Bai Choi singing: A unique folk art form of Central Vietnam.
- Visiting historical sites: Assembly halls, ancient houses, pagodas, etc.
- Enjoying local cuisine: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Bao Banh Vac, etc.
Other Flower Lantern Release Locations in Vietnam
Besides Hoi An, you can also experience releasing flower lanterns in many other locations across Vietnam:
- Hue: Releasing lanterns on the Perfume River during Buddha’s Birthday and Hue Festival.
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi): On major holidays, people often release flower lanterns on Hoan Kiem Lake to pray for luck and peace.
- Large pagodas: Many pagodas across the country organize flower lantern release ceremonies during Buddhist holidays.
Conclusion
Experiencing the release of flower lanterns in Vietnam, especially in Hoi An, is a memorable cultural and spiritual journey. It is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a magical space, send good wishes, and find peace in your soul. Do not miss the opportunity to discover this unique cultural beauty during your trip to Vietnam. Let the flower lanterns guide you, bringing you unforgettable experiences and beautiful memories of the country and people of Vietnam.
Luxury resort and golf course near Hoi An, Vietnam.
To make your trip even more complete, you can choose to stay at Hoiana Resort & Golf, a luxury resort near Hoi An, where you can enjoy world-class accommodation and many attractive amenities.