If you’ve ever wanted to truly feel the spirit of an Asian Lunar New Year, Hoi An during Tet is the perfect place to begin. As the most important holiday in Vietnam, Tet transforms this ancient town into a glowing, living celebration of light, culture, and tradition.
Each year, just days before Lunar New Year’s Eve, Hoi An hosts its most anticipated event — the Tet Lantern Festival. For seven magical nights, the 500-meter stretch from An Hoi Bridge to Hoai River Square is illuminated by hundreds of handcrafted lanterns created by nearly 50 local lantern workshops. As dusk falls, the town slowly lights up, welcoming both locals and visitors into a scene that feels timeless and unforgettable.
Figure 1. Lia Hoi An silk lantern lighted streets of a Mall Center up.
When the Whole Town Glows
Lanterns have always been part of Hoi An’s soul. On ordinary nights, they quietly decorate ancient houses and narrow streets. But during Tet, the entire town shines. Colorful silk and paper lanterns of every shape and size are hung from doorways, balconies, and trees, while others gently float along the Hoai River.
Walking through the old town during these evenings brings a rare sense of tranquility and happiness. The warm lantern light reflects off yellow walls and tiled roofs, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels both festive and deeply calming. It’s a once-a-year moment when Hoi An reveals its most enchanting side.
Figure 2. A warm corner by white lanterns from LiA Hoi An, the customers were guided to make and brought them to home
More Than Lanterns: A Celebration of Culture
Tet in Hoi An is not only about beautiful lights. The festival also features a wide range of traditional Vietnamese cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy boat racing on the Hoai River, calligraphy displays, bonsai exhibitions, folk performances, and other artistic events that reflect Vietnam’s long-standing heritage.
At the same time, the town bursts into color with fresh flowers everywhere. Major streets such as Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Hue, and Hoang Dieu are transformed into vibrant flower displays, creating an atmosphere full of excitement, hope, and renewal — the true spirit of Vietnamese Tet.
Figure 3. The dragon symbols for power and luck thing in Luna New Year
Join the Traditions, Not Just Observe Them
As spring arrives, Hoi An becomes livelier than ever. Traditional contests and hands-on activities invite visitors to actively take part in Tet celebrations. From making traditional Tet cakes and Vietnamese dishes to exploring parallel sentences and festive customs, both locals and international guests can experience Tet in an authentic and meaningful way.
These moments offer more than entertainment — they provide a genuine connection to Vietnamese culture, allowing visitors to understand the values, history, and warmth behind the celebration.
Figure 4. A corner of Lia Hoi An Store
Explore Tet with Cultural & Heritage Tours
During the Lunar New Year season, Exotic Voyages also introduces special cultural and heritage tours to Hoi An and other destinations across Vietnam. These tours combine sightseeing with spiritual and cultural exploration, giving travelers the opportunity to join Tet activities, experience local traditions, and witness Vietnam’s New Year celebrations from a deeper perspective.
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Contact for booking lantern making class/custom leather/wholesales (recommend add FIRST15 coupon in add to cart to get a discount of 15%)
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +84 775 060 743
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