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Hoi An Named Among Asia’s Best Lantern Festival Destinations

Lantern festivals are among Asia’s most distinctive cultural highlights, celebrated for their historical roots and rich artistry. These events not only embody the traditions and communal spirit of each country but also enhance the region’s tourism appeal through their captivating visual displays. For travelers, they offer moments that blend culture, beauty, and emotion, creating memories as unforgettable as any live performance.

According to Agoda’s recent list of Asia’s must-visit lantern festivals in 2025, Hoi An stands out as one of the region’s most enchanting destinations. Every full moon, the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An comes alive along the Thu Bon River as hundreds of colorful lanterns are released into the night, illuminating the historic streets and waterways. This monthly event has become an iconic image of Vietnam, drawing visitors from around the world who capture and share its serene beauty across social media.

Beyond Hoi An, several other notable lantern festivals across Asia add color and meaning to the travel calendar. In August 2025, the Nara Tokae Festival in Japan’s historic city of Nara will once again light up ancient temple grounds with thousands of softly glowing paper lanterns. Around the same time, Japan’s nationwide Obon Festival honors ancestors through candlelit ceremonies and traditional dances, bringing communities together in reverence and celebration.

In October, the Mid-Autumn Festival will take place throughout Asia, but cities such as Beijing and Shanghai in China are particularly famous for their grand-scale celebrations. Visitors can witness streets lined with ornate lanterns, vibrant parades, and family gatherings steeped in centuries-old customs.

November marks the return of the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thousands of locals and tourists gather to release floating lanterns into the sky and small krathongs into rivers, symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings. The scene of countless glowing lights drifting upward is one of the most photographed and cherished spectacles in Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, the festive season culminates with the Giant Lantern Festival during Christmas. The event showcases massive, intricately designed lanterns that reflect the country’s joyful holiday spirit and artistic creativity, turning the city into a dazzling wonderland.

Across the region, these festivals illuminate not only the night sky but also the cultural soul of Asia, offering travelers an immersive journey through heritage, art, and human connection.