Hoi An Ancient Town when the vehicle lights go out: lanterns replace street lights

By day, Hoi An's Ancient Town is a bustling tourist spot — motorbikes zip through the streets, horns honking, the air tinged with exhaust fumes. But after 7:00 PM every day, motorbikes and cars are banned from entering the old town. Colorful fabric lanterns — red, yellow, green, purple — are lit up all along Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang streets.

The feeling at that moment: you're walking through a 300-year-old town, with no sound of traffic, only the sound of your footsteps, lanterns glimmering overhead, and the delightful aroma wafting from dozens of roadside restaurants. On the 14th day of the lunar month every month is the "Old Quarter Full Moon Night" — electric lights are completely turned off, leaving only lanterns and candles.

Things to do: stroll along the Thu Bon River, release flower lanterns (20,000 VND each), eat Phuong banh mi, and drink egg coffee on the 2nd floor overlooking the street. 30 km from Da Nang — take a Grab taxi for 300,000 VND one way, or book a half-day tour for 550,000 VND.

🎫 Old Quarter ticket: 120,000 VND (covers 5 ancient houses) · 🌕 Full Moon Night: the 14th of the lunar month, every month · Please check the schedule in advance