Hoi An Lanterns

March 7, 2014 at 12:43 am • Posted in architecture, Art, Inspiration, Vietnam by Yve

On the coast of central Vietnam you’ll find a town canopied by vibrant, hanging lights of every size and color. Where the sidewalks are teeming with congenial bodies radiating out happy feelings and the sense of relaxed enjoyment never leaves your side. Only having visited Hanoi in 2009, we were left with the question; “Why didn’t we know about this place before?!” There were, and are, so many reasons why Hoi An completely enraptured us. Though the most iconic (and maybe coolest) feature that makes the town so unique and captures everyone’s attention are the lanterns.

Walking down the streets at night is more fun than daytime!

Made out of bamboo and silk, they hang across almost every street setting the night aglow. Year round you’ll be able to bare witness of this extraordinary display, yet coinciding with the full moon, is the lantern festival that’s held on the 14th day of every lunar month. On this day, the town kicks it up a notch by lighting even more lanterns and putting on traditional shows of dancing, singing, and other such games! Houses and shops also hang up a lantern outside their own entrances to join in on the celebrations. The festival is a time for the locals to honor their ancestors and wish for a year of peace and prosperity.

As for you, it doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting for the food, a history lesson on how the town has evolved over time, or just because you heard you needed to check it out. You will all no doubt be mystified by the magic and caught up in the spiritualness of Hoi An just as we, along with all the other ardent travelers before you were.

in the centre of town you’ll find streets all lined with lantern vendors

Lanterns in foreground, fishing net in background!

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Yve

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Kristin Pastoriza / March 7, 2014 at 6:52 am /

Beautiful Yve!
- Yve / March 13, 2014 at 6:50 am /
  
  Thank you! put this on your list to come one day & see the magic for yourself as it is so fairytale-like in person!
Vanessa / March 7, 2014 at 9:27 am /

Such gorgeous colors.
Terry Aufranc / March 7, 2014 at 11:20 am /

OK. TELL ME HOW MANY LANTERNS YOU ARE TAKING HOME WITH YOU. I CAN SEE THE COURTYARD FILLED WITH LIGHT FROM A COLORFUL ARRAY OF LANTERNS.
- Lisa / March 7, 2014 at 5:24 pm /
  
  Hi Mom! I think we bought 7 …each person got to pick one out They actually have a lantern making class which I REALLY wanted to do but we opted for touring with a photographer instead…post coming xoxo!