Hoi An tops list of lantern festivals across Asia for tourists

According to travel platform Agoda, these lantern festivals are must-see destinations for travelers who want to immerse themselves in culture and festivals filled with brilliant lights.

The Lantern Festival has long been a tourist favorite, offering a unique blend of tradition, art, and community spirit. For those who have been in awe of this year’s previous festivals, such as China’s Spring Lantern Festival or Taiwan’s Pingxi Lantern Festival, the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to see more lantern magic in the coming months.

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Photo source: Agoda

Monthly: Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam

The Hoi An Lantern Festival transforms this charming riverside town into a dazzling wonderland every full moon night. Visitors can expect the streets to be bathed in the warm glow of colorful lanterns, while the Thu Bon River sparkles with floating lights. This monthly celebration is a tribute to Vietnam’s rich heritage, offering visitors the chance to release their own lanterns and make a wish. The festival’s intimate atmosphere and timeless beauty make it a must-see destination for those seeking a peaceful yet magical experience.

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Photo: MIA

Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar month and the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival (the night of the 14th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in early October of the solar calendar) is always the most beautiful and sparkling of the year. During this festival, all the electric lights from the old houses and shops here are turned off, and vehicles are not allowed to enter the streets in the festival area.

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Photo: MIA

In addition, a series of lanterns with a full range of colorful colors will be hung by Hoi An people in front of their houses and everywhere along each street, creating a shimmering, magical scene that captivates anyone who has the opportunity to admire it.

August: Nara Tokae Lantern Festival and Obon Festival, Japan

August in Japan is a double treat for lantern lovers. The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival lights up the historic city of Nara with thousands of candle-lit paper lanterns, creating a charming illumination among ancient temples and deer-filled parks. Meanwhile, the nationwide Obon Festival honors ancestors with floating lanterns and traditional dances. Together, these festivals offer a harmonious blend of reflection, celebration, and cultural immersion.

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Photo: Jw-webmagazine

October: Mid-Autumn Festival, China

Like in Vietnam, China’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 14th night of the 8th lunar month, a time of family reunions and full moon celebrations. Lantern displays take center stage, with intricate designs ranging from mythical creatures to modern art. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai host grand celebrations, but smaller towns also offer a more intimate charm. Mooncakes, storytelling and lantern parades make this festival a feast for the senses and the soul.

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Photo: TST tourism

November: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals are a spectacular display of light and water. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, while krathongs (decorative baskets) are floated on the river. This dual festival symbolizes letting go of bad luck and welcoming good luck. The sight of the glowing lanterns floating into the night sky is a memory that will linger long after the festival is over.

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Photo: BestPrice

December: Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines

The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, is a dazzling display of craftsmanship and community spirit. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando showcases giant, intricately designed lanterns that light up the night sky in a myriad of colors. The festival is a testament to Filipino creativity and a joyful way to celebrate the holiday season.

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