Magical Nights in Hoi An, Vietnam
- devanandpaul
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hoi An, an ancient port city in Vietnam, feels as if it is untouched by time. During the day, its ochre-coloured buildings whisper stories of centuries-old trade and culture. But as night falls, the city transforms—silk lanterns, hanging above alleyways and doorways and across shopfronts, flicker to life, casting a warm glow that turns the streets into a magic world.
The lanterns glow like stars caught on Earth. And the air hums with a lively blend of colours, sounds, and scents, drawing travellers from near and far.
Lanterns have been a part of Hoi An’s identity since the 16th century, when Japanese merchants introduced them as gifts to the thriving city. Over time, these delicate orbs of light became more than just decorations; they became symbols of luck and prosperity, woven into the fabric of local tradition. Today, they are the soul of Hoi An, casting their golden glow upon the town’s timeworn streets and tile-roofed houses.
At the heart of the city’s night market, the senses come alive. Stalls overflow with treasures—silk scarves embroidered with intricate patterns, handcrafted jewellery that glints in the lantern light, and paper lanterns in every hue imaginable. Vendors call out to passing visitors, their voices a mix of persuasion and playful challenge. Bargaining is an art here, a ritual in which a smile, a counteroffer, and a nod of agreement seal each deal. And travellers leave with keepsakes, carrying a piece of Hoi An with them.
The air is rich with the aroma of sizzling meats and fragrant herbs emanating from bustling stalls, drawing people towards BBQ skewers, crispy banh xeo pancakes, and steaming bowls of cao lau noodles. Adventurous eaters try BBQ frog legs, and those with a sweet tooth indulge in mango cakes and delicate crêpes. Even drinks become part of the experience—small bar carts offer colourful cocktails and ice-cold beer for a perfect night out.
By the Thu Bon River, the lively hum of the city softens, replaced by the gentle lapping of water against wooden boats. Here, tradition takes on a mystical form. Lantern boats, softly illuminated, drift along the river, offering an ethereal ride through shimmering reflections. Many visitors participate in an age-old ritual—lighting paper lanterns and setting them afloat, making silent wishes as the lights disappear downstream. This beauty comes at a cost, however; the fragile lanterns eventually sink, polluting the river. Today, many choose instead to admire from a distance and let the lanterns’ shimmering reflections carry their dreams into the night.
Japanese Covered Bridge, a footbridge built by Japanese merchants in the late 16th century, is a proud reminder of the town’s past. As dusk falls, its silhouette is mirrored in the still waters below, and its curved roof, adorned with intricate carvings, stands elegantly against the night sky. Softly glowing lanterns on the bridge and delicate paper lanterns floating gently on the water enhance the magic of the scene.
For those seeking a break from the bustling market, the town offers quieter alternatives. You can visit spas, impregnated with soothing scents of essential oils, to unwind. Or you can embark on guided night tours, wandering through shadowed alleys as storytellers unveil the history hidden behind wooden doors and centuries-old façades.
And there is the Lantern Festival—a night when Hoi An transcends its own beauty. Every month, on the 14th day of the lunar cycle, the town dims its modern lights, allowing the delicate light from lanterns to take centre stage. Streets are bathed in golden hues, and the river transforms into a floating sea of wishes, carrying silent hopes towards the unknown. A night of remembrance, the festival is a tribute to ancestors, celebrating heritage.
As the market begins to wind down around 10:00 p.m., the town’s energy shifts. Some retire to quiet cafés, sipping Vietnamese coffee as they reflect on the night’s magic. Others seek out riverside bars, where live music spills into the streets, carrying the merriment well into the wee hours.
No matter how the night ends, one thing is certain—Hoi An leaves an imprint on the soul. Whether through the aroma of grilled delicacies, the glow of lantern-lit streets, or the laughter shared over a well-bargained trinket, the town lingers in one’s memory long after the last lantern fades into the dark.
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Another brilliant post from Dev Anand Paul. Hard to say whether Hoi An is more charming or this blog on Hoi An !