Hoi An Glows with Lanterns at Night
Hoi An’s allure lies not only in its well-preserved architecture but also in its strong association with colorful lanterns. The Hoi An lantern is an emblem of this old town in the evening. With many lanterns along the streets, Hoi An is more gorgeous when the dark comes.
As the sun sets over Hoi An, a magical transformation takes place, and the city comes alive with a unique charm that is hard to resist. Hoi An’s association with lanterns dates back centuries. Nowadays, these lanterns still play an important role in Hoi An culture and tradition.
At the beginning, hanging lanterns outside homes and businesses in Hoi An is for the purpose of outlining their house and business. In the past, lanterns were used to guide boats along the Thu Bon River and light up the narrow alleyways for pedestrians.
Hoi An lanterns shine brightly at nightToday, the lantern represents the luck, happiness, and hope of local people. When nightfall, you will be surprised because of the colorful of many kinds of lanterns everywhere in Hoi An. Strolling along the streets with lights of lanterns and admiring the beauty of the Thu Bon River will be an interesting experience for you.
11 Best Things To Do In Hoi An At Night
Stroll around Ancient Town at night
The first thing to do in Hoi An at night is to stroll around Ancient Town. This is one of the best ways for you to experience the nighttime charm of Hoi An. During this time, you will see the old house featured in Hoi An. The vibrant atmosphere of the night market also makes you feel more executed.
Remember to visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. This is an emblem of Hoi An’s cultural and traditional diversity. You can take our private car from Danang Airport to Hoi An to save time and be comfortable. With this service, you can arrive at Hoi An and discover this beautiful town at night.
Walk around Hoi An at nightShop at Hoi An night market
Hoi An night market is a shopaholic’s paradise. The market has all things you can think of, such as local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Bargaining is encouraged, so hone your negotiation skills and take home some unique mementos of your Hoi An adventure.
Address: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
Nguyen Hoang night marketDiscover street foods paradise
Hoi An’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its lantern-lit streets. This old town has many kinds of delectable food for you to taste at night. . Try “Cao Lau,” a traditional Hoi An noodle dish made with local herbs and served with slices of succulent pork. Savor the famous “Mi Quang” or “Banh Mi” which are featured dishes in Hoi An.
Additionally, seafood lovers can also taste fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid,… at an affordable price. With fresh ingredients and specific recipes, these foods will leave you craving and enjoying.
There are countless dishes for visitors to choose fromAddress: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
Watch the sunset from a Rooftop Cafe
The beauty of Hoi An is not only the colorful light of lanterns but also the old architecture of the house. You can come to cafe shops along Hoi An streets at the list we mentioned below. The wind and breathtaking scenery make it perfect for you to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
As you unwind with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie, the warm hues of the setting sun cast a magical glow on the surroundings. Capture the picturesque scenery on your camera, and the memories of this serene moment will last a lifetime.
A high view from Faifo CoffeeYou can visit:
Faifo coffee
- Address: 130 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:30
92 Station Cafe
- Address: 92Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 19:30
Walk along the river
The Thu Bon River is an emblem of Hoi An. As night falls, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, where colorful boats adorned with lanterns gently glide on the water’s surface. Strolling along the Thu Bon River and enjoying the fresh air will make you feel relaxed right away.
Moreover, the reflections of the colorful lanterns on the water create a beautiful scenery. All of this will put your back the beauty of one upon time.
Take a boat trip and release a paper lantern
Participate in an enchanting ritual that dates back centuries – taking a boat trip along the Thu Bon River and releasing a paper lantern into the water. Local people believed this tradition brought good fortune and happiness for them.
Release a paper lantern on Hoai RiverAs you release the lantern into the gentle current, make a wish and watch it drift away, carrying your dreams and hopes downstream. The sight of numerous lanterns adorning the river creates an ethereal atmosphere, making it a truly magical experience.
Enjoy local draft of Bia Hoi and live music
Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s vibrant nightlife by visiting a local draft that offers Bia Hoi, a refreshing and inexpensive Vietnamese draft beer. Pull up a chair and join the locals in enjoying beer, perfect for the tropical climate.
Enjoy local draft of Bia Hoi and live musicYou will also get to hear live music performances by talented local musicians at this pub. The vibrant atmosphere and the soulful tunes will have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet in no time. During this time, you can join in conversations with friendly locals or other travelers without bothering about anything. This may make some new friends on your trip. So, the below list is for you.
You can visit:
The Curve Hoi An
- Address: 98 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 23:00
Guitar Hawaii Coffee Bar Restaurant Hoi An
- Address: 120/3 Tran Nhan Tong, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 20:00 – 23:30
Play Bai Choi
Bai Choi is not only just a card game; it’s also an interactive and engaging way to experience Vietnamese culture and tradition. You can gather with the local people and visitors to play this traditional game. This traditional game combines many elements, such as music, singing, acting, and chance.
The traditional game, often experienced in the cultural settings of Hoi An World Heritage, involves a deck of cards with different symbols representing characters from folktales. A “dao” (dealer) draws cards and sings folk songs related to the characters on the cards. The players then match the songs to the cards they hold, adding an element of competition and excitement.
Play Bai ChoiTake a walk on the memory lane with Hoi An Memories Show
If you love live performances that reappear the tradition of Hoi An, you can’t miss the Hoi An Memories Show. This grand open-air spectacle is set against the backdrop of Hoi An’s beautiful countryside, elaborate costumes, and stunning visual effects. Furthermore, this show has over 500 performers, not to mention the staff behind the show.
Ao Dai show at Hoi An impression Theme ParkThe show takes you on a mesmerizing journey through Hoi An’s history. The performer will depict this old town rise from a bustling trade port to a commercial center. The performance captures the essence of Hoi An’s traditions, folklore, and historical events in a breathtaking display of artistry and creativity.
Enjoy the Hoi An Lantern Festival (if lucky)
If your visit coincides with the Hoi An Lantern Festival, prepare to be dazzled by the city’s transformation into an ethereal wonderland. Held on the 14th day of every lunar month, the Lantern Festival illuminates Hoi An with thousands of colorful lanterns.
Hoi An is brilliant in the lantern festivalAs dusk descends, the streets become pedestrian-only zones, and the electric lights are switched off, allowing the soft glow of lanterns to bathe the town in a warm radiance. Boats adorned with lanterns drift along the river, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.
The festival has many activities, such as traditional games, cultural performances,… With this festival, you will learn more about the tradition and culture of Hoi An. Furthermore, you can also purchase the lanterns to release into the river. This activity is believed to bring blessings and good fortune for you and your family.
Watch water puppet show
The last thing to do in Hoi An at night you must experience is watching the Water Puppet Show. With this show, you not only admire the interesting show but also learn more about the legend and Vietnamese traditional heritage.
When the curtains rise, you will see the puppets emerge on the water and relate the Vietnamese legends and historical stories. The stories will be in Vietnamese, but you don’t worry about that. Because the performances are so easy to understand through images of the puppets.
Water puppet showAdditionally, you can join our Hoi An City Tour with us. With this tour, our guide will take you to visit many places and taste delicious dishes in the local restaurants of this city. Then, you can learn more about the history of the place you visit and the legends of Hoi An from a knowledgeable tour guide.
With the vibrant atmosphere in the evening, you’ll have many things to do in Hoi An at night. Strolling along the Thu Bon River, discovering the night market, or admiring the sunset from a rooftop cafe in Hoi An… will be the best things you can’t miss when you come to Hoi An. These experiences will make your trip more interesting and unforgettable. So, why don’t you come to Hoi An and experience many interesting things with us?
