Introduction
Hoi An lantern market is a renowned tourist attraction for tourists traveling to the old town. The market has colorful lanterns of various shapes and pattern decoration. Thus, it creates a romantic space when you stroll around the lantern market Hoi An.
The article of Culture Pham Travel will introduce you to more about the lantern market in Hoi An. Let’s explore the shimmering lantern world in Hoi An old town together!
The Lantern Market’s Location
Hoi An lantern market is located at No.3 Nguyen Hoang street, An Hoi, Hoi An. The market is beside the Thu Bon River and very close to Hoi An night market.
Furthermore, you can explore the An Hoi Bridge nearby. It is so great when you can enjoy the beauty of gorgeous lanterns and admire the ancient town with the cool wind from the riverside here.
You may be interested in our Hoi An Lantern Making Tour, Hoi An City Tour 1 Day, Da Nang to Vinpearl Land By Car, or Hoi An Walking Tour By Night.
How To Get To The Lantern Market Hoi An?
If you want to get to Lantern Market Hoi An, you must cross An Hoi Bridge. Many ways lead to the An Hoi Bridge. The quickest path, however, is to start from Hoi An ancient quarter in the north and go follow Bach Dang street to reach the bridge.
Ideal Time To Visit
The lantern market Hoi An has no regulations on opening and closing times, so you can come here at any time of the day. However, Hoi An lantern market in the evening will be much more beautiful than during the day.
In particular, on the fourteenth day of the lunar month and on the annual Mid-Autumn Festival (15th lunar August). Hoi An people often hold an extremely bustling lantern festival on Nguyen Phuc Chu street with shimmering light from delicate lanterns.
The History Of Hoi An Lanterns
The history of these lanterns dates back to the 16th century when Hoi An was a bustling port town for trade.
Hoi An is where Chinese and Japanese merchants come to exchange and trade. During their journey away from home, Cantonese people in China brought lanterns and hung them in front of their houses. Hence, the lanterns will help ease their nostalgia for their homeland.
Over time, this habit was applied by a part of the residents and became a cultural beauty that is maintained to this day. However, many elderly people in Hoi An assert that the current Hoi An Vietnam lanterns are a very unique feature thought up by Hoi An people.
In the past, lanterns were mainly made of large lanterns, revolving lanterns. Nevertheless, the lanterns were originally made to decorate the ships and houses of wealthy merchants. After that, the people themselves learned and started making lanterns, mainly for home decoration.”
It is known that Xa Duong was the ancestor of Hoi An lantern antique making. He specializes in handicrafts such as revolving lanterns, Qilin heads, etc. And the person who contributed a shimmering, fanciful Hoi An at night is artisan Huynh Van Ba.
Mr. Ba was a pioneer in restoring the shape of the lanterns, since then, the lantern has a model made from a bamboo frame and covered with cloth as it is today. The lanterns were often made from silk, bamboo, and wood, and adorned with intricate designs and patterns.
Besides, he used to be invited repeatedly by the Japanese government to teach Japanese people how to make Vietnamese lanterns.
Up to now, the lanterns making handicraft still retains value and becomes a feature of Hoi An old town. In addition, it also plays an important role in promoting Hoi An tourism development.
What To Do At Hoi An Lantern Market?
Take Beautiful Photos
When comes to Hoi An lantern market, it is impossible not to stop and take beautiful photos. Thanks to that, you can save an impressive moment when coming to Hoi An ancient town.
You can wear clothing in vintage or bohemian style, or rent an Áo Dài and combine it with conical hats, sedge hats, paper fans, etc. Plus, pose with colorful lanterns to make the photo more beautiful and charming.
Enjoy Hoi An Food
When traveling to Hoi An and staying overnight here, you can enjoy the cuisine at the restaurants and stalls along the Hoai River, right next to lantern street.
Also, you can try the delicious dishes at the Hoi An night market and the lantern market Hoi An with many delicious dishes. Those dishes are potato cake, Cao Lau noodles, Korean smoke ice cream, grilled rice paper cake, etc.
Discover Hoi An Lantern’s Meaning
The meaning of Hoi An lanterns is expressed as shine. Quang Nam people consider the light as a symbol of people. Therefore, when offering lanterns at the shrine, it also means putting yourself under the protection of deities.
Besides, the lanterns of Hoi An are also a symbol of peace, good luck will come to every home. Plus, lanterns also have meaning through colors, for example, red lanterns symbolize luck and prosperity.
In addition, Hoi An lantern is also a symbol of cultural interference between Vietnam, China, and Japan.
Experience Hoi An Culture With Lantern Festival
Hoi An Lantern Festival is usually held on the 14th day of the lunar calendar every month. It is the most beautiful on the full moon night of the Mid-Autumn Festival or Tet Holiday. This festival is also known as the Flower Lantern Festival. It is one of the top things to do in Hoi An.
On the day of the festival, all vehicles will stop moving. Most importantly, the Hoi An people will turn off the lights and hang colorful lanterns with various shapes.
The festival creates a fanciful and shimmering lantern street stretching all over the streets and alleys. This shimmering scene will surely attract you from the first time you arrive.
The lantern festival in Hoi An ancient town is an activity to preserve the beauty of the indigenous culture of the people. Moreover, the lanterns are also a symbol of peace, good luck will come to every home.
Additionally, the most awaited activity by tourists is dropping flower lanterns on the Hoai River by lantern boat. According to the concept and culture of the Hoi An people, each lantern is a prayer for health, and good things, and dispels all sorrow and suffering.
Visitors here can buy lanterns along the banks of the Hoai River. After that, you will be guided to participate in Hoi An lantern festival with many other exciting experiences. Besides, you can enjoy many specialties of Hoi An at the Hoi An lantern market, such as Quang noodles, chicken rice, Phuong bread, etc.
View more about Hoi An lantern festival:
Tourist Attractions Nearby The Lantern Market
The Hoi An lantern market is also near the Hoi An night market, so you can go there to buy some souvenirs or enjoy Hoi An cuisine.
Besides the ideal Hoi An Lantern Street check-in point, visitors can explore many famous places near the lantern market. There are the Japanese covered bridge, Mu pagoda, Ong pagoda, Old Town coffee shop, Lantern street at VinWonders Nam Hoi An, etc.
Conclusion
On the whole, Hoi An lantern market is truly a valuable place to visit and explore the beauty of Hoi An. We just provided you with information about the lantern market in Hoi An. Culture Pham Travel hopes this article is helpful for your Hoi An city tour.
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