Discover the Art of Hoi An lanterns

Located along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An old town is a city that attracts visitors with its historical charm, vibrant culture and especially its beautiful lantern festival. When thinking of Hoi An, one of the most iconic images is the sight of countless lanterns lighting up the sky, creating a tapestry of enchanting colors and lights.

Hoi An lanterns are closely linked to the identity of the ancient town. Whether you are strolling through the ancient streets or participating in the lantern festival, the light of these handmade lanterns leaves a lasting impression. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, lanterns are also an essential part of Hoi An’s history, culture and community life, making them an indispensable part of the soul of the ancient town.

In this article, Hoi An taxi will take you on a journey to discover the charming world of Hoi An lanterns. From their historical origins and cultural significance to the best places to see them, the traditional craftsmanship behind their creation and the exciting experience of the Lantern Festival. Prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of Hoi An lanterns and discover why they remain one of Vietnam’s most cherished symbols.

1. History and Meaning of Hoi An Lanterns

Hoi an lanterns is not simply a decoration, but also an inseparable part of the spiritual and cultural life of the people of the ancient town.

1.1. Historical Origin:

The appearance of hoi an lanterns is closely linked to the formation and development of Hoi An trading port in the 16th-17th centuries. During this period, Hoi An was one of the bustling international trading centers, a gathering place for many merchants from different countries, especially China and Japan.

Merchant ships from the North brought traditional paper lanterns with many different designs and colors. Initially, these lanterns were mainly used for lighting and decoration in Chinatowns. Over time, local people gradually absorbed and learned lantern making techniques and created lanterns with Hoi An’s own unique mark.

The obvious difference lies in the materials and designs. While Chinese lanterns usually have round or cylindrical bamboo frames and are covered with paper, Hoi An lanterns are more diverse in shape (round, oval, garlic-shaped, hexagonal…) and are covered with soft silk. Silk material not only creates a shiny, soft beauty but also helps the lamp to be more durable and has better light diffusion ability.

1.2. Cultural and Spiritual Meaning:

According to the concept of Hoi An people, Hoi An lanterns not only bring light but also symbolize luck, peace and happiness. The colors of lanterns also have their own meanings:

Red: Symbolizes luck, joy and positive energy.
Yellow: Symbolizes wealth, prosperity and bright knowledge.
Blue: Represents peace, hope and development.
White: Symbolizes purity, clarity and beginnings.
Purple: Represents romance, loyalty and steadfastness.

On festival occasions, especially the full moon night (Nguyen Tieu Festival) and the full moon night of July (Vu Lan Festival), the whole ancient town of Hoi An is lit by thousands of colorful Hoi An lanterns. The magical shimmering light not only creates a romantic, ancient space but also an opportunity for people to pray for a peaceful, happy new year and to remember their ancestors.

Today, Hoi An Lantern is not only a unique handicraft product but also an indispensable part of the travel experience in Hoi An. Visitors can easily see lanterns of all sizes and designs hanging along the streets, in restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. We become a beautiful backdrop for commemorative photos and a meaningful souvenir.

Private car gives visitors a private space, you can be proactive about the time and location of pick-up, no need to wait or follow a fixed schedule. Hoi An taxi with a team of professional and experienced drivers. Some routes that Hoi An has are:

Da Nang airport to Hoi An by private car

Hoi An to Hue by private car via Hai Van Pass

Hoi An to Lang Co Hue

2. The most beautiful places to see Hoi An lanterns

To admire the beauty of the spiritual lung of Hoi An Lanterns, visitors should not miss the following places:

Hoi An old town at night: This is where the most lanterns are concentrated, especially along Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang streets and Nguyen Hoang Night Market area, the light creates a magical and romantic scene.

Hoai River: In the evening, visitors can stroll along the banks of the Hoai River and relax with small flower lanterns on the water and experience releasing flower lanterns.

Hoi An Night Market: Not only a place to shop for souvenirs and street food, Hoi An Night Market is also a great place to see lanterns. Hundreds of lanterns of all shapes and sizes are displayed, creating a brilliant space.
Hoi An Japanese Bridge: has been a symbol of Hoi An for more than four centuries, connecting the two main roads of Hoi An and facing the peaceful Thu Bon River. During the day, the bridge shines with its nostalgic beauty. At night, this magnificent bridge becomes even more beautiful thanks to the many beautiful lanterns around it. Here, you can witness the beautiful view of Hoi An Ancient Town lit up by lanterns.

Ancient Assembly Halls: Assembly halls such as the Cantonese Assembly Hall and the Fujian Assembly Hall are not only important historical and cultural relics, but also display many traditional lanterns with unique architecture.

3. Experience and Discover the Lantern Making Tradition in Hoi An

To gain a deeper understanding of the value of hoi an lanterns, visitors can participate in traditional lantern making experiences. This is a great opportunity to explore the meticulous manual process and the ingenuity of skilled craftsmen.

In Hoi An, there are many lantern making shops open to visitors and instructions on how to make lanterns. Visitors will:

Learn about the history and significance of lanterns: Listen to interesting stories about the origin and role of lanterns in the cultural life of Hoi An people.
Observe the process of making Hoi An lanterns: Witness the meticulous steps from shaving bamboo to make the frame, cutting and sewing silk fabric, drawing patterns until completing a complete lantern.
Make a lantern yourself: Under the enthusiastic guidance of artisans, visitors will experience each step of making lanterns, from choosing the bamboo frame, stretching silk fabric to decorating according to
personal preferences. This will definitely be a meaningful and unique gift to bring back.
Interact and chat with artisans: Listen to their passion and dedication to traditional lantern making.

Some places to make lanterns in Hoi An:

Hoi An lanterns shop: 90 Hung Vuong, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi A
Kim Ngan lanterns: 22 August 18, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An
Phuoc Dong lanterns: 67 Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa, Minh An Ward
Thang Loi shop: 92 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An Ward

4. Enjoy the Hoi An Lanterns Festival on your trip

If you have the opportunity to come to Hoi An on the lunar full moon days, especially the Full Moon of January and the Full Moon of July, visitors will be immersed in the brilliant lantern festival atmosphere. On these nights, mechanical means of transport are banned from storing information in the old town area, so that people can walk, admire the scenery and participate in the active cultural communication system.

The Hoi An Lanterns Festival is a unique cultural event with many attractive activities:

Lighting the lanterns: Thousands of lanterns are lit up simultaneously, creating a magical and spiritual scene.
Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River: Visitors can buy small and pretty flower lanterns and release them into the river, sending good wishes.
Traditional cultural activities: Enjoy folk art performances such as Bai Choi singing, lion dance, folk games… Street food:
Explore and enjoy Hoi An specialties at food stalls located along the streets.

Hoi An lanterns are not only a traditional craft village but also a typical cultural symbol of Hoi An ancient town. Visitors should take the time to explore and feel the sparkling beauty of Hoi An Lanterns on their journey to discover Hoi An, which will definitely bring you unforgettable memories.

Hoian Ancient town, Things to do, Travel Guide